The Avenues

Situated on the outskirts of Kuwait City, The Avenues is the country’s premier shopping destination and by far the largest mall in the country. Conceptually, NORR’s design for this massive center takes its cues from the region’s natural landscape. The undulating lines recall sand dunes while the buildings are inspired by the rock forms that populate the desert landscape.

Dramatically cantilevered overhangs suggest clouds moving across the desert sky and provide much-needed shade for outdoor cafes. At the concept phase, instead of starting with retail floor space, NORR focused on public areas and landscaping first, with a goal of creating an environment like no other. We designed wide public walkways, gardens and water features that temper the desert atmosphere. The ambience we created is as much of a draw as the shopping and dining. The Avenues has transformed what was once an industrial sector of the city into a thriving mixed-use community where people choose to congregate.