DLF Galleria

The design of DLF Galleria is evocative of a charming shopping hub in a quaint Mediterranean village. Its clay tile roof, archetypal fenestrations, pale pastel exterior hues, arched entranceway; retrained detailing and decorative grills adorning the terrace fashion the Mediterranean style. Galleria belongs to the genre of shopping centres that were pervasive before air-conditioned malls. The success of the development lies in it effective use of common spaces. The development, located in DLF Phase IV in Gurgaon, comprises a low-slung shopping arcade hitched to a high-rise office building. Galleria is defiantly distinctive amongst the concrete, steel and glass bevy of buildings designed in the DLF complex. It targets the small and middle segments of shop owners and businessmen rather than the usual multinational clientele. Appropriately, the complex has a rustic expression and creates a more approachable and friendly ambiance. The intention is clearly not to overwhelm but invite. The 2-storey high structure that accommodates the shopping arcade comprises four independent blocks connected by bridges surrounding a central courtyard. The shopping arcade facade also has adequate areas to display billboards. Its sloping red roofs with overhanging eaves overlook a piazza-like quadrangle with seating, greenery and a water body reminiscent of a Roman fountain. The ground and 1st floor house a non air-conditioned shopping mall while the 2nd floor space has been used to accommodate restaurants with open terraces. The ornamental wrought iron grills and the arched bridges add to the Mediterranean feel. A curved bridge links the shopping area to the 14-storey office building next to it. The highrise office complex is crowned with pitched roofs echoing the rustic appearance of the shopping mall. The design of the office block is also a definite deviation from the now standard open office plan demanded by larger businesses. Its design has customised floor plan to suit the smaller entrepreneur.