A defining view of Mall of Khyber, featuring its sculpted glass façade and vertical towers rising over a 35-kanal urban site in Peshawar.
Front-angle perspective illustrating the dialogue between glass and concrete volumes that define Mall of Khyber’s identity.
CLIENT

Mr. Abbas Afridi

Project Type

Mix-use

LOCATION

Peshawar Ring Road, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Covered Area

Undefined

Status

Design phase

Tags
Architecture design - Interior design - Structure design - Electrical design - Plumbing design - Site Supervision

Mall of Khyber – Where Heritage Meets Modern Retail Design

Located in the historic heart of Peshawar, the Mall of Khyber redefines what a contemporary retail and lifestyle destination can be in Pakistan. Designed by Primarc Studio, the project seamlessly bridges tradition and innovation, creating a commercial environment that celebrates local identity while embracing the sophistication of global design standards.

The architecture of Mall of Khyber is not only about form and function; rather, it focuses on place-making — crafting an experience that reflects the character, craftsmanship, and cultural depth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moreover, from its polished atriums to its intimate, heritage-inspired bazaar, the project captures the ongoing evolution of Peshawar — a city where trade, art, and storytelling have intersected for centuries.

Street elevation capturing the rhythmic articulation of vertical planes and glazing along Peshawar’s growing commercial corridor.
The curved façade of Mall of Khyber expresses a dynamic architectural rhythm, combining light, material contrast, and structural clarity.
The entrance court serves as a civic forecourt, guiding visitors toward the interior atrium through proportion and visual focus.
Contextual perspective showing Mall of Khyber’s integration with its urban setting and its commanding street presence.

Architectural Vision: The Story Behind the Design

The vision for Mall of Khyber began with a simple yet powerful idea — to design a modern retail complex that remains deeply rooted in its cultural context. Inspired by Peshawar’s rich urban heritage, shaped by ancient caravan trade routes and layered histories, the project found its conceptual backbone in the city’s past. Therefore, the design team aimed to reinterpret that legacy through a contemporary architectural language that merges cultural nostalgia with progressive materiality, spatial clarity, and modern comfort.

Every space within the mall tells a story. The visitor’s journey unfolds gradually, moving from light-filled corridors into shaded, intimate corners. Furthermore, the material transitions are intentionally choreographed, guiding people through distinct atmospheres that each reflect a unique layer of Peshawar’s identity.

 

Aerial-angle view revealing the tower composition and recessed atrium spine that form the spatial core of the complex.
Front-angle perspective illustrating the dialogue between glass and concrete volumes that define Mall of Khyber’s identity.
Upward perspective at the entrance, highlighting the interplay of light, reflection, and vertical fin detailing.

The Atrium: A Space of Light and Pause

The central atrium forms both the symbolic and physical heart of the Mall of Khyber. Its vertical openness immediately evokes a sense of grandeur and spatial clarity. Moreover, natural light interacts with soft, indirect illumination from custom ceiling installations, casting subtle reflections across the polished marble floors.

At this point, movement meets stillness. Shoppers gather around the Espresso Bar, which stands like a sculptural island amid the flow of circulation. As a result, the design naturally encourages pause and interaction, transforming a commercial passage into a social experience.

In addition, the palette of materials bronze, warm wood tones, and patterned marble which evoke timeless elegance. Integrated greenery adds an organic counterbalance. Thus, the atrium achieves both aesthetic harmony and human comfort, ensuring that architectural grandeur never overpowers the visitor’s experience.

 

The main atrium of Mall of Khyber defines the heart of the complex — a grand spatial void framed by vertical volumes, natural light, and refined detailing.
A sculptural skylight installation crowns the atrium, introducing movement and softness against the mall’s strong geometric structure.
Corridor perspective revealing the interplay between open circulation, warm materials, and filtered daylight.
Upper-level connection bridging the atrium void, reinforcing a sense of openness and spatial unity.
Escalator core of Mall of Khyber, designed as a transparent vertical link uniting multiple levels through light and movement.
Overhead lighting composition integrating circular and linear fixtures to express movement and depth across the ceiling plane.

Materiality and Light: Craft as Experience

Materiality plays a central role in defining Mall of Khyber’s atmosphere. Every texture has been chosen to resonate with its environment — from the high-gloss stone of the main concourses to the tactile brick and carved wood of the bazaar zone.

Lighting becomes an architectural tool rather than a decorative one. Linear beams guide circulation, pendant clusters mark gathering points, and warm ambient tones emphasize depth and contrast. The overall lighting strategy ensures visual comfort while reinforcing the identity of each spatial zone.

By balancing material warmth with contemporary precision, the mall achieves an equilibrium between modern elegance and cultural authenticity — a rare feat in commercial architecture.

Sculptural core of Mall of Khyber, conceived as a vertical landmark within the atrium’s volume.
Vertical column detail revealing the integration of structure and art within the spatial composition.
Lounge zone along the corridor edges, balancing movement with human-scaled resting points.
Pavilion-like feature anchoring the intersection between retail corridors and the atrium core.

Retail Corridors: Geometry, Flow, and Refined Detailing

Branching out from the central atrium, the retail corridors of the Mall of Khyber extend the narrative of movement and light. Each passage is envisioned as an elegant promenade — linear yet fluid, vibrant yet composed. In addition, the flooring pattern features a swirl of monochrome marble with fine accent inlays, creating a sense of motion beneath every step. Above, sleek ceiling panels and suspended lighting bands further emphasize directionality, naturally drawing the visitor’s gaze forward.

Moreover, storefronts follow a unified architectural rhythm. Black metallic trims and reflective bronze surfaces frame each retail front, ensuring visual coherence without monotony. At regular intervals, seating nodes, planters, and accent lighting introduce comfort and depth. Consequently, the result is one of refined sophistication — a design where retail function and architectural beauty coexist effortlessly. The experience transforms shopping from a simple transaction into a curated spatial journey. 

Retail corridor view emphasizing ceiling lighting rhythm and continuity between premium storefronts.
Corridor view connecting the retail floor to the lift lobby, defined by planters, warm lighting, and soft reflective materials.
The espresso bar anchors the corridor’s midpoint, creating a social pause along the retail movement spine.
Corridor view connecting to the main atrium, emphasizing layered lighting and circulation fluidity.

Qissa Khwani Bazaar: The Soul of the Mall

At the heart of the Mall of Khyber lies its most poetic intervention — the Qissa Khwani Bazaar. Named after the legendary Street of Storytellers in old Peshawar, this space reinterprets that cultural legacy within a modern architectural language.

Here, design transitions from sleek modernism to textured nostalgia. Exposed brick walls, carved wooden jharokas (projected balconies), and intricate latticework evoke the spirit of old Peshawar. Moreover, vibrant stained-glass panels scatter colored light across the space, creating a rhythm of warmth and emotion. The lighting design plays a crucial role. Soft amber glows blend with daylight filtering through skylights, resulting in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and alive. In addition, every handcrafted detail from iron lamp posts to custom signboards — deepens the sense of authenticity and place. Small planters and greenery soften the edges, bridging the boundary between architecture and nature.

Above, suspended fans and skylights introduce texture and motion, while the brick and wood interplay generates a delicate balance of shadow and reflection. Consequently, the corridor resonates with the sensory richness of a traditional South Asian bazaar, yet maintains the refinement of contemporary design. The Qissa Khwani Bazaar zone houses the food court and cultural retail area, becoming a space of aroma, storytelling, and shared experience. Ultimately, this part of the Mall of Khyber captures the emotional connection between memory and modernity — between the city’s living present and its storied past.

 

Detail capturing seating and storefront interaction, with integrated planters softening the corridor edge.
Evening corridor view capturing warm ambient lighting and visual continuity leading toward the food court.

Design Philosophy: Commerce as Culture

For Primarc Studio, the Mall of Khyber is far more than a commercial project it is a cultural statement. The design embodies the belief that even within spaces of commerce, architecture has the power to evoke meaning, memory, and belonging.

Moreover, by integrating the language of Peshawar’s heritage from traditional craftsmanship to spatial intimacy within the framework of modern construction, the project demonstrates how design can honor identity without imitation. In doing so, it bridges the gap between history and progress, ensuring that cultural authenticity remains at the heart of innovation.

Consequently, the Mall of Khyber stands as a living dialogue between time periods. It offers visitors an architectural experience that feels globally relevant yet deeply rooted in place. Ultimately, this approach reflects Primarc Studio’s philosophy that commerce, when designed thoughtfully, can become a vessel for culture and community.

 

Central bazaar lane with vernacular textures, brick detailing, and signages recalling traditional shopfronts.
Detailed interior view highlighting crafted elements, colored glass panels, and brass signage inspired by heritage motifs.
Street perspective showcasing the rhythm of signage, arches, and lighting that define the cultural market’s identity.
A balanced view of the bazaar atmosphere where light, material, and human scale converge into an immersive narrative.
Traditional tea stall setup within Qissa Khwani Bazaar at Mall of Khyber, featuring brick arches, stained glass windows, and warm ambient lighting inspired by Peshawar’s old city markets.
Heritage-inspired brick facade of Qissa Khwani Bazaar at Mall of Khyber, featuring hanging meat display, Urdu signage, and arched detailing in a warm cultural setting by Primarc Studio.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Urban Identity

The Mall of Khyber stands as a defining architectural landmark in Peshawar, symbolizing the city’s transformation from a historic trade hub into a vibrant metropolitan destination. Its layered spatial composition — from atrium to corridor to bazaar mirrors the city’s evolving identity and rhythm.

Moreover, through thoughtful detailing, material integrity, and cultural empathy, Primarc Studio has created far more than a commercial complex. The project becomes an urban narrative of belonging a place where the rhythm of the old city meets the aspirations of a new generation.

Ultimately, the Mall of Khyber represents a new chapter in urban design for Pakistan. It embodies the harmony between heritage and progress, proving that contemporary architecture can remain grounded in cultural memory while shaping the future of its city.

 

Central wall of Qissa Khwani Bazaar at Mall of Khyber displaying illuminated Urdu calligraphy, warm lighting, and intricate brick detailing designed by Primarc Studio.
Tea stall setup at Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Mall of Khyber with steaming clay cups, heritage mural of a local woman, and stained glass windows inspired by traditional Peshawar architecture.
Interior of Qissa Khwani Bazaar featuring a vibrant mural of local figures, a small grill setup, and a child holding a balloon in a lively cultural shopping atmosphere.
Arched brick entryway of Qissa Khwani Bazaar with hanging Urdu shop signs, central skylight, and illuminated walkway that celebrates traditional market design in a modern context.
Brightly lit central corridor of Qissa Khwani Bazaar featuring Urdu signage, pendant lighting, and skylight openings designed by Primarc Studio in Mall of Khyber, Peshawar.
Wide elevation view of Qissa Khwani Bazaar interiors at Mall of Khyber, featuring traditional jharoka balconies, patterned stained glass panels, and cultural retail shopfronts designed by Primarc Studio.