# Sliding Glass Roofs This Environmentally Friendly Shopping Center is Illuminated by Natural Light By Ell Smith | Published 2017-07-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/environmentally-friendly-shopping-center References: [architectureanddesign.au](http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/product-in-focus/retractable-roofs-bringing-the-great-outdoors-indo) & [alumicor](http://www.alumicor.com/en/products/category/sliding-mall-doors/) This mall facility features large retractable glass panels that let in natural light, serving as an example of [environmentally friendly shopping center design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-shop). Large facilities like shopping malls aren't known for their environmentally friendly, or visually pleasing designs, however 'Libart', a Turkish company doesn't think it has to be that way. Functioning under the motto "“indoor comfort, outdoor freedom,” this company is designing shopping centers that let in [natural light and air circulation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-con-lucarna) during beautiful days, while blocking out the harsher elements on less desirable days. The complex can essentially turn into a simulated outdoor space thanks to Libart's architectural designs which bring the natural elements of the outdoors, inside. The structures are comprised of [sliding glass roofs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helsinki-design-and-architecture-museum), complete with LED panels to flood the interior with a natural illumination. These sliding glass panels drastically reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Natural Illumination Trend:** The use of sliding glass roofs to allow natural illumination in large facilities like shopping centers. - **Green Building Trend:** The trend of environmentally friendly building designs, such as this shopping center utilizing natural light to reduce energy consumption. - **Indoor-outdoor Transformation Trend:** The trend of creating an indoor-outdoor experience in large facilities by incorporating elements of the outdoors through architectural design. ### Who This Affects Most - **Shopping Center Industry:** The shopping center industry can adopt sliding glass roofs for eco-friendly shopping center design that utilizes natural light and air circulation. - **Architecture & Design Industry:** The architecture and design industry can offer more green designs that incorporate natural elements to provide energy-efficient buildings. - **Construction Industry:** The construction industry can explore the trend of indoor-outdoor transformation to create more functional and sustainable structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Balanced Retail Atmosphere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capitamall-skyview.md) - [Zen-Like Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenlike-shopping-mall.md) - [Draped Plant-Design Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calwer-passage.md) - [Energy Efficient Mall Redesigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylight-galleria.md) - [Glass Facade Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harajuku-quest.md) - [Dynamic Mall Rooftop Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skybowl.md) - [Rippled Glass Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanwha-galleria.md) - [Glass Pavilion Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro2.md) - [Retail Design Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d142.md)