# Sci-Fi Retail Centers The L’atoll Angers Shopping Mall is Inspired by the Future By Jana Pijak | Published 2012-09-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latoll-angers References: [frameweb](http://www.frameweb.com/news/l--atoll-angers-by-antonio-virga-architecte-and-aavp-architecture) & [antoniovirgaarchitecte](http://www.antoniovirgaarchitecte.com/) The L’atoll Angers retail center is located in the heart of the French town. Designed by Antonio Virga Architecte and AAVP Architecture firm, this [futuristic structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lucas-museum-of-narrative-arts) is more reminiscent of a sci-fi space station rather than a shopping mall. The structure's atypical design is luxe and futuristic, shaped in an [elliptical curve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unbounded-sanctuary) that travels across a vast natural landscape. From its perforated aluminum facade to its pearly white glow that is back-lit, the building is designed to be a getaway for city shoppers. The L’atoll Angers retail center was designed with sustainability in mind with a focus on renewable energy sources, ecologically responsible materials and natural lighting. The building is also home to sophisticated waste management and heating/cooling systems. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Futuristic Architecture:** There is a growing trend in designing retail centers with unique, futuristic structures that resemble sci-fi spaceships or stations, providing an immersive and captivating shopping experience. - **Sustainable Design:** Retail centers are increasingly being designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating features such as renewable energy sources, ecologically responsible materials, and efficient waste management systems. - **Integrated Technology:** Retail centers are exploring the integration of advanced technologies to enhance the shopping experience, such as smart lighting systems, interactive displays, and personalized recommendations based on customer data. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture and Design:** The trend of designing retail centers with futuristic and sustainable structures presents opportunities for architects and designers to create innovative and visually stunning spaces that attract and engage shoppers. - **Renewable Energy:** The focus on renewable energy sources in retail center design opens up opportunities for the renewable energy industry to provide innovative and efficient solutions for powering these large-scale structures. - **Smart Retail Technology:** The integration of advanced technologies in retail centers creates opportunities for technology companies to develop and provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance the overall shopping experience and drive sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zen-Like Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenlike-shopping-mall.md) - [Balanced Retail Atmosphere](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capitamall-skyview.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Shoe Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-nodaleto-shoe-store.md) - [Algae Lit Retail Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-hainan.md) - [Galactic-Themed Sci-Fi Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-cloud.md) - [Rippled Glass Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanwha-galleria.md) - [Glass Facade Shopping Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harajuku-quest.md) - [Elegant Grocery Shopping Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superhub.md) - [Futuristic Retail Kinetic Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-kinetic-display.md)