SOUTH WEST ELEVATION
Landscape Design
The bermed landscape around the border of
the site creates a natural podium from which
the building radiates, and with the reflections
of the sky on the glass façade, gives a sense
of weightlessness to the building. The planted
berms frame the central piazza and reflection pond
creating an open green space acting as a corporate
square adjacent to the high end restaurants of Mall
of Africa. The indigenous planting and use of raw
materials is a reflection of the Highveld landscape
and lends itself to the notion of a natural setting
in an urban environment as the materials used
in the landscape installation are sourced from
the immediate environment. The application of
Gateway West
a dripline irrigation system contributes to the
Green Building strategies that are put in place.
Summary
Overall, the design for the Gateway West was
based on a unique concept with very unique
challenges. In resolving the design and constructing
the building some innovative solutions were
employed to achieve some extreme structural feats
together with a highly sophisticated and innovative
façade. The result is not only aesthetically pleasing,
but also takes into consideration factors such
as user satisfaction, social transformation and
sustainable design. All of this while ensuring a
decent financial return.
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