Shopping is one of Europe’s first interior shopping centers ever built. This mid-century gem is hidden away in the cold northern parts of Sweden. It was designed by famous British-Swedish architect Ralph Erskine and built in 1955. Erskine wanted to create something that would be enjoyable for everyone all year round, not being dependent on the current (and sometimes harsh) weather conditions.

The shopping centre was to become a natural meeting point for everyone in the city and to offer both entertainment, dining and plenty of merchandise and goods for all the family. It was nick named “a city within the city”. The unique floor plan of the shopping center features multiple levels that are offset to each other by half a level and all connected by numerous staircases and escalators – creating a maze that can be a bit confusing to navigate for first comers. The huge concrete pillars and walkways supporting the construction makes it a look a bit cold but at the same time very clean and easy on the eyes. This type of design was very popular throughout the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s – especially in northern Europe.

Shopping also featured a unique cinema in its inner lower parts. Nicknamed “The Grotto“, it was built to resemble a massive cave with its egg-shaped layout and raw concrete walls. It was however forced to close down in 1988 when a big multiplex cinema opened nearby.

The mall is still around today, although with a updated design and the housing of the typical anchor stores found in every mall nowadays. C’est la vie.

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