designboom's top ten most viewed mixed use commercial buildings of 2011

using expansive shapes and architectural forms to contain multiple functions, this year’s top ten most viewed mixed-use commercial buildings of 2011, is filled with today’s top contemporary architects. ranging in size, location and materials, each project consists of its own unique program specific to the needs of the space. as major components to the urban fabric these structures are seen as gateways to revitalizing and connecting the community.

1. ‘orange cube’ by jakob + macfarlane

this commercial and cultural complex was designed as part of an urban planning project to replenish the docks of lyon, france. the external skin is punctured with a pixelated pattern to resemble the trailing droplets, playing off the fluid movement of the adjacent river.

lyon, france image © roland halbe

2. ‘decameron’ by studio mk27

receiving the world’s best shopping building award from the 2011 world architecture festival, this retail store with offices is composed of two vibrantly stacked shipping containers. large sliding opaque doors open to a courtyard garden which transitions the visitors from the public space to the inner showroom.

são paulo, brazil image © pedro vannucchi

3. ‘roca london gallery’ by zaha hadid

comprised of gallery spaces, lounge areas, a bar and meeting rooms the 1110m2 gallery space for the high-end bathroom brand will host a variety of activities and functions. located close to chelsea, harbor in london, england, the building’s form took into consideration the roca brand, the power of erosion and the movement of water.

london, england image © luke hayes

4. ‘rehabilitation of the ronchamp site’ by renzo piano

positioned adjacent to le corbusier’s notre dame du haut chapel in ronchamp, france, this gatehouse and convent for a small community of international poor clares provides facilities for a ticket office, gift shop, meeting room and administrative spaces to the monumental landmark.

ronchamp, france image © michel denancé

5. ‘m-clinic’ by kubota architect atelier

this three-story eye clinic and guesthouse is situated on the border line between the city’s urban and suburban context. divided into two volumes, the building features a transparent box where the top floor accommodates the lodge and the unit beneath it contains the reception and waiting area.

hiroshima, japan photographer: hiroshi ueda

6. ‘galleria centercity department store’ by UNstudio

recognizing the current tendencies in asia where places of retail also serve as a highly social space, this multi-storey department store focuses on providing a memorable experience for the shoppers by treating the communal space as a point of cultural exchange.

cheonan, south korea photograph by kim yong-kwan

7. ‘mclaren production centre’ by foster + partners

the future production facility for the mclaren’s MP4-12C high-performance sports car, is a 34,500m2 assembly plant located in the outskirts of london. surrounded by a racetrack the buildings is connected to the existing technology center via an underground walkway which exhibits interactive installations.

8. ‘centro niemeyer’ by oscar niemeyer

this cultural project aims to serve as an international reference point in the production of artistic content. the center consists of multiple pavilions that contain a 1000-seat auditorium, museum, cinema, meeting areas and conference halls where the expansive public plaza connecting all the structures will host a number of entertainment and cultural activities.

9. ‘hall and house’ by fuminori nousaku architects

built for a dance instructor, this residence is composed of a large light-filled studio and small private residence. a series of windows open on to both the dance hall and the corridors, allowing natural light to enter the home from multiple directions.

10. ‘namchabawa visitor center’ by standardarchitecture

located near the yaluntzangpu river and set alongside the road connecting the last zhibai village within the yaluntzangpu grand canyon, the 1500m2 building offers details of the 7,782 meter tallmount namchabawa. the center carves itself into the steep slopes provides information about the area’s attractions, reception, information hall, public restrooms, supply store, internet bar, medical center, locker room, meeting rooms and offices allowing the facility to serve as a town center for the villagers and a supply base for hikers.

linzhi, tibet image courtesy of standardarchitecture