Architect and Builder August/September 2018 | Page 32

The architecture is light, airy, contemporary and
pleasant with no architectural features competing
for attention with the retail displays. The crucial
factor is in providing an amenity that fulfils a need
previously not catered for.
Originally designed and budgeted for as an open
but covered centre without air-conditioning – the
prevailing weather necessitated a re-think and all
consultants had to work together to convert it
to a fully air-conditioned environment within the
existing budget without compromising finishes or
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overall ambiance. This was difficult to achieve as
the relatively small size did not allow for excessive
aesthetic treatment – the cost of which is easier to
absorb on larger projects. The fact that it can hold
its own in the appearance stakes given the limited
budget is quite exceptional. Select works were
undertaken by local community and the contractor
employed labour from the area. A community
project was lodged whereby children from the
community created glass mosaics for the male/
female ablutions that were installed in the mall.
Whale Coast Mall