Right : Site Plan
Below : BIM Render
The precinct has a prescribed colour pallet the architect needed to adhere to which is challenging when working with brands that have their own colour requirements . This was the case with the dealership for SMG / BMW which needed to be entirely white in colour .
Challenges One of the main challenges was maintaining the cohesive core concept with all the ongoing changes . Structural planning and services coordination in a mixed-use environment was also challenging . Offices on top of the retail , on top of the dealership showroom on top of a workshop all require different column spacing .
The complexity of integrating the different uses / services / brand identities and expectations of
elements stacked vertically and horizontally while also consolidating and taking them through an eight floor structure gave the building an extreme complexity in nature . At the same time the team was challenged with proving the user with a clear , uncomplicated experience both visually and through usage and experience . It was an extremely complex programme and set of challenges that entailed a large part of the process being to remove that complexity for the users , providing them with the desired experience of a true mixeduse building .
One of the façade challenges was the size and clarity of the glazing on the façade of the dealership . The glass needed to be as clear as possible to ensure optimal display of the cars to the passersby . This requirement is challenged by the loss of control
26 Umhlanga Arch