Architect and Builder July/August 2015 | Page 38

KEY TO PLANS 1 Open Plan Office 2 Triple Volume 3 Lifts 4 Restrooms GROUND FLOOR PLAN ABOUT AEVITAS GROUP Aevitas is a young commercial architecture practice with a strong focus on innovative design.They aim to continually challenge accepted norms in their goal to consistently deliver unique buildings of the highest quality. They recognise that their ultimate responsibility is to create buildings that are bespoke, viable and growing investments for their clients. Aevitas are used to working with complex briefs which require an innovative and sophisticated response to site, constructability and budgetary constraints. They do this with a focus on service and collaboration and an uncompromising commitment to quality. 36 237 basement parking bays are located below the building podium and are completely concealed from the city-side of the building. They are connected by shallowsloping parking decks to ensure maximum efficiency in what is quite a narrow site. 71 visitor’s parking bays are provided on-grade along the northern servitude. A Building Without Fences In responding to the building’s context a decision was made very early on that the building was not to have any fences. The Architects were quite clear that in order to truly integrate the building into the fabric of the city they would not only have to ensure that pedestrian access was easy and convenient but also that the building created a welcoming impression. Pedestrians can enter the building from three sides. On the southern edge which faces the future city and soon-tobe-completed Mall of Africa, Novartis employees will be able to use the grand staircase to walk to and from the Mall, bus stop and City. On the eastern edge they will be able to walk to and from their shaded outdoor terrace which spills out from their canteen. On the northern edge they will be able to walk to and from their dedicated ongrade visitors parking. Materials The majority of the building employs a very simple and contemporary material palette. Concrete, glass and steel is softened by aluminium louvres and feature timber panelling. Novartis