The growth of Sur Chico has brought with it significant transformations, and one of the most anticipated is the arrival of Mall KM40. This space promises to become the new meeting point of the area, combining functionality, design, and a deep respect for the surroundings. We spoke with Marco Polo Pelosi, the architect behind the project and a resident of Punta Hermosa, who shared his connection to the area, the challenges of this ambitious design, and the impact the mall will have on the community.

From the outside, the shopping center stands out with its imposing façade, on a 600 m² plot, with three levels that catch the eye with vertical wooden lattices complementing its volume. However, upon entering, KM40 surprises with an open and tiered interior, where colors and materials reflect a "roots" spirit that echoes the tones and textures of the horizon.

For Marco Polo, the sea, life in front of it, and the "surfer" culture of the area were essential in every stage of the project. "Being in contact with the sea and surrounded by a beach culture creates a unique identity, and we wanted to reflect that connection in the design. That’s why we moved away from typical shopping center proposals and explored a more fragmented composition, inspired by the shops we see on beaches around the world," he explains. Thus, KM40 doesn’t seek to impose a rigid structure but to emulate the sense of community and authenticity that defines places like Islas Ballestas street in Punta Hermosa.

The choice of materials and colors reinforces this connection with the environment. The use of aged bricks with weathered finishes gives timelessness to the design, while the green, contrasted with brown and desert tones, responds to a clear objective: visually compensate for the lack of parks and gardens in the area. "We wanted to create an oasis that brings freshness and harmony to the district," says Marco Polo.

Another challenge was maximizing the potential of the land, which originally had no sea view. Thanks to its strategic orientation, the project includes terraces and open spaces that offer ocean views from the second level, culminating in a rooftop that will feature a top-tier gastronomic offering and promises to become a highlight of the KM40 experience. "A project must anchor itself to its surroundings and take advantage of what it provides; in our case, the sea was the key element," emphasizes Marco Polo.

Beyond the design, KM40 aims to be a development engine for Sur Chico. It will reduce the need to travel to Lima to access recognized brands, consolidating the trend of living in the south year-round. Moreover, its commercial and entertainment proposal breaks with the seasonality of summer, offering an active space year-round. "We are bringing services and entertainment to the heart of Sur Chico, transforming it into a destination, not just a transit point," says Marco Polo.

With this long-term vision, Mall KM40 is shaping up to be a turning point for the area. "Our districts are growing, and this project shows how we can do it with sensitivity and respect for the environment. In the end, the only beneficiary of this effort is the community," concludes Marco Polo, satisfied with having designed a space that will mark a before and after in Sur Chico.