Shopping is not enough

– Design is a fundament of creating a unique space – says Robert Pełka, Marro founder and CEO. – It’s often confused with good looking gadgets but it can play a much more significant role. If we say that space, furniture or objects are well designed, we mean to say that they meet our needs and demands. That’s why good understanding of a target group is the key for creating a modern shopping centre.

Zones for working or studying were created on the basis of a strategy adopted by Galeria Hetmańska. For children there are interactive playgrounds incorporating esthetic education. – Most elements were inspired by fauna and flora of Białystok and its neighbouring areas. They are a theme of games and “kids play” zones. Older children can enjoy multimedia tables with games – says Katarzyna Jeske-Jonkisz from Design+, who is the author of the project.

Not only “kids play” zones were inspired by Białystok’s tradition and culture – similar themes are visible in other paerts of the shopping centre. Architects also took the wellbeing of animals into consideration – there are water-filled bowls and specialy designed kennels for dogs providing refuge from the sun.

The Hetmańska project proves that when you want to increase the attractiveness of a space, design is more than just a whim. On the contrary: the need to be in an esthetic, harmonious and friendly environment is a common, universal need.