Oracle buys Haskoll’s fun ideas

Haskoll & Co has overseen the architecture and design for Hammerson’s new Oracle shopping centre in Reading town centre. The complex opened last week.

The London consultancy was called in to design a “retail for leisure” concept, linking the site to a heritage trail around the city.

Incorporated in the centre are artworks and designs such as Oracle Art Glass by Martin Donlin, a viewing gallery by John Gingell and street furniture by Jon Mills.

A reed sculpture by Linh Vu and a glass entrance by Anne Smyth have been designed alongside the Art at the Oracle section, curated by art consultants Dickson Russell Art Management.

“This has taken the recreational shopping centre concept to the next stage,” says a spokesman for Haskoll & Co.