Breathtaking Shopping Mall Aquariums Are Enhancing Future Retail
For over three decades, International Concept Management (ICM) has led the design and construction of some of the world’s most iconic shopping mall aquariums. By blending innovation, architectural excellence, and sustainability, ICM reimagines retail spaces, turning shopping malls into must-visit destinations filled with mesmerizing underwater worlds.
Why Shopping Mall Aquariums Are More Than Just Displays
Shopping mall aquariums are more than just decorative installations—they’re immersive experiences that enhance both the architectural grandeur of a space and the visitor’s overall journey. These aquariums attract guests who may not otherwise visit a mall, offering them a reason to linger and explore.
Projects like the Aviapark Mall Aquarium and Aqua Dream Casablanca exemplify this, as their sheer scale and beauty elevate the status of the malls they inhabit. In each case, ICM’s design and construction don’t just focus on aesthetic appeal but also create environments that educate, inspire, and entertain shoppers. The presence of a shopping mall aquarium turns the mall from a commercial hub into a destination for family-friendly leisure, combining shopping with unforgettable experiences.
Aviapark Mall Aquarium: Moscow’s Record-Breaking Cylindrical Marvel
At the heart of Aviapark Mall, one of Europe’s largest shopping centers, stands the tallest cylindrical shopping mall aquarium in the world, designed and built by ICM. This 23-meter-high structure holds 170,000 liters of saltwater, showcasing 800 fish across 45 species. The aquarium not only serves as a visual centerpiece but also draws thousands of visitors who come specifically to witness this breathtaking shopping mall aquarium.
The construction of such a massive aquarium posed significant challenges, including the need to carefully fuse together multiple acrylic panels to create a seamless, cylindrical structure. This feat of engineering is a true testament to ICM’s expertise and ability to merge artistic vision with structural integrity.
Scheels Sports Aquariums and Bass Pro Shops: Redefining Retail with Immersive Marine Life
ICM’s collaboration with Scheels Sporting Goods has led to nine unique shopping mall aquariums in their stores across the U.S., all designed and built by ICM. These aquariums go beyond the traditional shopping experience, drawing visitors in and transforming the environment into a peaceful, engaging space where nature meets commerce. The visual appeal of these aquariums makes Scheels stores more than just places to shop—they become destinations.
Similarly, ICM designed and built the aquariums for Bass Pro Shops, a leading American retailer specializing in fishing and outdoor gear. This showcases how aquariums in shopping malls can enhance the retail environment. The aquariums serve as educational and entertainment features that align with Bass Pro Shops’ focus on nature and outdoor activities, providing visitors with an immersive experience that complements the brand.
By combining the excitement of sports and outdoor adventures with the calming presence of aquatic life, ICM helps these retailers create unforgettable shopping journeys, blending entertainment with retail.
Sincere Starlight Aquarium: A Colossal Marine Attraction in Chongqing, China
The Sincere Starlight Aquarium, designed and built by ICM, at Chongqing Starlight 68 Mall is another of ICM’s large-scale shopping mall aquarium projects. Designed by the renowned architectural firm ADEAS, the mall features a 13.6-meter diameter cylindrical aquarium holding nearly 1 million liters of saltwater. This aquarium serves as a bold entrance feature for the shopping center. It captivates visitors with its vast marine ecosystem, drawing both shoppers and tourists to explore the wonders within this shopping mall aquarium.
Aqua Dream Casablanca: Morocco’s Shopping Wonderland
Located within Morocco Mall—designed by the Italian architectural firm Design International—the Aqua Dream Aquarium, designed and built by ICM, is a stunning example of how shopping mall aquariums can draw international visitors. This massive aquarium, housing over 3,000 marine creatures including sharks, rays, and tropical fish, creates a unique shopping environment where the mall itself becomes a world-class attraction.
A standout feature of the Aqua Dream Casablanca is its panoramic elevator that ascends through the center of the tank, allowing visitors to cross the aquarium from within. This immersive experience surrounds guests with marine life, enhancing the overall visit. The 1-million-liter tank stands 13.4 meters in diameter and 9.3 meters in height, making it one of the largest cylindrical aquariums in the world. Its scale and beauty reflect ICM’s commitment to blending innovative design with ecological consciousness.
Kauno Megos Aquarium: The Pride of Lithuania
Standing tall within Kauno Megos Mall, the largest mall aquarium in the Baltic region is an impressive shopping mall aquarium designed and built by ICM. Measuring 10 meters in height and 4 meters in width, the aquarium contains 170,000 liters of water and houses over 45 species of fish, including Caribbean sharks. This striking feature attracts both locals and tourists, turning Kauno Megos Mall into a leading destination in Lithuania.
Oceania Mall Aquarium: Russia’s Panoramic Immersive Experience
At Oceania Mall, ICM designed and built a visually stunning shopping mall aquarium featuring a 24-meter-high cylindrical tank with a panoramic elevator passing through its center. This immersive experience allows visitors to be surrounded by marine life as they ascend through the tank, creating a one-of-a-kind attraction that makes Oceania Mall stand out in Russia.
The aquarium required significant technical expertise to construct, including the use of Russia’s largest crane to lift and position the pieces. Housing 50 species of marine life, the Oceania Mall Aquarium is a testament to ICM’s ability to blend awe-inspiring architecture with marine conservation.
Design and Construction Challenges in Large-Scale Shopping Mall Aquariums
The design and construction of large-scale shopping mall aquariums like those at Aviapark Mall and Oceania Mall present numerous technical challenges. These massive structures must withstand immense water pressure and provide safe environments for marine life while maintaining visual transparency and aesthetic appeal.
In the case of Aviapark, ICM overcame the challenge of seamlessly fusing several acrylic panels to create the world’s tallest cylindrical aquarium. Such feats are possible only through meticulous coordination between ICM and the mall’s architects, ensuring that the aquarium integrates seamlessly into the overall architectural vision. These projects demonstrate ICM’s expertise in engineering and highlight the importance of collaboration for the success of these complex endeavors.
The Role of Shopping Mall Aquariums in Enhancing Mall Visitor Experience
The addition of shopping mall aquariums, such as those designed and built by ICM in Scheels stores and Bass Pro Shops, significantly enhances the visitor experience. These aquariums create immersive environments where retail and entertainment converge, encouraging shoppers to stay longer and engage more deeply with the space.
For malls, these attractions help increase foot traffic, create memorable experiences, and foster a sense of wonder that keeps visitors returning. By providing an engaging and family-friendly atmosphere, ICM’s aquariums transform shopping malls into destinations.
Environmental and Conservation Efforts Behind Shopping Mall Aquariums
ICM places a strong emphasis on ensuring that its shopping mall aquariums are not only visually spectacular but also environmentally responsible. From the advanced filtration systems used in aquariums like Aviapark to the careful selection of marine species in Aqua Dream Casablanca, ICM balances the allure of aquatic displays with a commitment to sustainability.
These shopping mall aquariums educate the public about marine conservation while offering unforgettable experiences, making them both a visual and ecological success. ICM also leads the way in commercial aquariums, ensuring that every project prioritizes conservation efforts while delivering captivating aquatic displays.
Conclusion
ICM’s ability to design and build some of the world’s most impressive shopping mall aquariums has transformed retail spaces globally. By combining technology, sustainability, and immersive experiences, ICM’s aquariums offer shoppers a unique blend of entertainment and education, turning malls into destinations in their own right. The success of these projects underscores the importance of close collaboration between ICM and the architects of the malls, ensuring that every aquarium not only complements but enhances the architectural vision of the retail space.