Architect and Builder August 2016 | Page 14

PROJECTWATCH PROPOSED, CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD TIME SQUARE, MENLYN MAINE The new Time Square development is located in the newly developed Menlyn Maine precinct in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. It has excellent access to the Garsfontein and Atterbury off-ramps from the N1 and is in close proximity to Menlyn Park shopping centre. Menlyn Maine is envisioned to be the first “Green Living Precinct” in South Africa. The total size of the precinct is ±135,000m2 and will consist of a mix of office space, retail and dining, residential and leisure uses in a park-like setting. The urban design vision for Menlyn Maine centres on pedestrianisation and walkability, 24-hour mixed-use activity, green urban spaces and parks as well as a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach 12 to the design and construction of all the developments in the precinct. The site is situated on Aramist Road between Corobay Avenue and January Masilela Drive. The block in which Times Square is situated also contains Sun International’s new hotel and arena in a significant green space. As a major entertainment destination centre, Time Square will offer a 2,000 slot machine and 60 table casino, an 8,000-seater multi-purpose entertainment arena and a 245-room mixed grade hotel with first class amenities and underground parking. Design Concept The architectural design of this high profile entertainment complex was driven by the need to ensure it was appropriately and sensitively situated within the urban fabric of Menlyn Maine, both in terms of its visual impact as well the anticipated influx of visitors to the complex. It focused on both the external aesthetics as well as the internal theming of the complex so they are compatible with the overall aesthetic of Menlyn Maine, yet distinctive, exciting and attractive to Sun International’s target market. All components have been logically planned to ensure efficiency, economy and buildability. Massing and External Façades The architecture breaks the large complex into smaller components and away from traditional orthogonal geometry. Project Watch