New retail dimensions
Plaza del Mar
Client
Location
Category
Visuals
Video
Furniture
Deutsche Bank DWS
Marbella, Spain
Retail
Utopic
Cabana
Missana, Sancal & MIDJ
Plaza del Mar:
Project report
Plaza del Mar redefines the urban landscape by transforming a traditional shopping center into an integrated, experiential hub that harmonizes architecture, materiality, and vibrant community energy.
With a meticulous approach to spatial analysis and innovative design, the project elevates the connection between the seafront and the city, inviting visitors into a dynamic dialogue of light, texture, and movement. This visionary concept not only revitalizes public spaces but also forges a tangible link between local heritage and modern urban aspirations.

– Marbella, Málaga


Unified Vision, Authentic Connection
An exciting experience
The contemporary retail model no longer offers a prescriptive offer, but allows shoppers to co-construct experiences, which requires interaction between the sector and its customers. The new model asks shopping centers to actively participate in the creation of their content, the selection of their opeators, their dispaly and communication.
Unfolding the Urban Canvas
This project articulates a new narrative where architecture serves as a canvas for urban life. It reconnects the historical essence of Plaza del Mar with a forward-thinking vision, crafting spaces that embrace both tradition and innovation. The design narrative emerges through layered spatial experiences that invite users to engage with the city’s pulse.
Crafting a Sense of Belonging
At its core, the project is a celebration of identity and material authenticity. Carefully selected textures and finishes speak to the local culture while introducing modern elements that transform everyday experiences. The interplay of light, form, and materiality creates spaces that foster community, comfort, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Experiencing the Unexpected
The design transcends mere functionality, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in an environment where art and architecture converge. By orchestrating spatial narratives that reflect both local heritage and contemporary aesthetics, Plaza del Mar becomes a stage for cultural expression and vibrant urban experiences. This approach redefines how public spaces engage and inspire their communities.
The promenade captures a fluid interplay of glass and natural materials that frame the seafront with elegance.
Soft lighting and shadow create an inviting atmosphere along the urban passage, emphasizing continuity between interior and exterior spaces.
The design accentuates a human-scale experience that seamlessly integrates the bustling public realm with refined architectural detail.
The terrace render showcases a harmonious layering of textures that evoke warmth and intimacy in an open-air setting.
Bold material contrasts and refined detailing create a sense of depth, inviting visitors to linger and explore.
A delicate balance of transparency and solidity establishes the terrace as a dynamic extension of the interior experience.
Donde el comercio se
siente como tu patio,
la plaza cercana, el
café con el vecino
Where retail feels
like your backyard,
the nearby plaza, the
cup of coffee with
the neighbor