DDG Awarded Planning and Design Architecture for China's Largest Mall

BALTIMORE, Jan. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore-based planning, architecture, graphics and design firm Development Design Group Inc. (DDG) has been awarded the position of planner and design architect for the retail centerpiece of the landmark Tianjin City Culture Center Development, soon to become the largest mall in China.

Located just 20 minutes outside of Beijing's central business district, the project represents the vision of developer Tianjin Lecheng Real Estate Co., Ltd. DDG's contribution to the project, the 4-million-square-foot (372,000-square-meter) seven-level retail component, will be part of an overall 9-million-square-foot (836-square-meter) commercial and cultural destination in Tianjin City, China near Beijing.

In addition to the retail focal point, which will become the single largest shopping center building in China, the larger Culture Center Development also features a Grand Theater and Opera House, Art Museum, Grand Library, Youth Education Museum, and a Natural History Museum. A connection to four city subway lines runs beneath the site, and a recently completed high-speed connection direct to downtown Beijing will facilitate convenient access for the city's 22 million residents.

"We are thrilled that our creative vision for a genre-defying retail concept is moving forward," said Ahsin Rasheed of DDG. "We look forward to working alongside some of our profession's most forward-thinking and creative visionaries. The opportunity to be part of this celebrated assemblage of award-winning architects and designers is a real honor, and to do so on behalf of such a complex and ambitious project will make our work that much more inspired and fulfilling."

To view a digital release with a high-resolution photo, click here: http://bit.ly/grand-china

About DDG:

Development Design Group Inc. is a leading international architecture, planning, graphics and design firm with a history of creating high-profile, high-quality environments around the world. The company's vast portfolio includes exciting new mixed use and retail destinations; first-class hotel, leisure, and resort facilities; unique office and residential designs; offering a range of elements and activities. For more information, please visit www.ddg-usa.com.

SOURCE Development Design Group Inc.