The newly-opened Radisson Blu Mall of America (MOA) which is directly connected to over 500 shops and restaurants in one of the world’s biggest shopping malls, features stunning interiors by British designer Graven Images. The design was inspired by its unique retail environment, the character and history of its location in Bloomington, Minnesota and the European design influence, integral to its parent brand’s DNA. Retail therapy
The Radisson Blu MOA greets shoppers with the feature Krion wall, produced by Porcelanosa, which forms the backdrop to the entire first and second floor lobby spaces. Bespoke individual panels have been modelled into a massive multi-faceted sculptural installation which references a cool, pristine shopping bag concealing the restaurants and shops from the lobby so they become little treats waiting to be discovered. Nest hanging loungers from Dedon (contact Leisure Plan in the Directory for more details) are suspended 40ft from the lobby ceiling and hover just above the first floor lobby, inviting exploration.
Flanked by an escalator, a quirky lift and staircase, the unconventional two-level lobby provides a seamless navigation upon arrival, leading guests to not only to Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, but to a state-of-the-art fitness centre, 26,300 square feet of meeting and event space, and 500 guest rooms.
A tiny series of windows puncture the façade at high level on either side of the hotel entrance courtyard, a further nod to its location close to one of the biggest shopping malls in the world. Designer Jim Hamilton was staggered when he learnt that the official number of annual visitors to the Mall of America is estimated at 40 million a year. “It made me think of fireflies”, he explains, “with their use of bioluminescence to attract mates or prey. When it turns from day to night, the second floor lobby lighting artificially illuminates the tiny windows to the street, bringing the fireflies to life.”
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