Architect and Builder July/August 2015 | Page 63

A 100m long crystal chandelier cuts through the length of the mall, drawing guests to the hotel same time, providing a new and exciting shopping experience. “Diamond Walk was intended to create something new in South African retail; it was to provide a launch pad for very high end retailers and its brand followers into southern Africa and from there, the emerging and growing African market. For this reason, the mall design had to be suitably high end while serving as a setting for the brands to take prominence,” says Pat. The link between the mall and the hotel is ideal as guests access these premium brands in a 5-star environment that exudes exclusivity. Diamond Walk In time, the centre will offer a valet parking service to further enhance the experience. “Sandton City has always strived to differentiate itself from other shopping centres,” says Pat. Shop Fronts Shop fronts in Diamond Walk are higher than those of the typical Sandton City mall at 5.0m in height. “Space is the ultimate luxury,” explains Pat. “We have expanded on the sense of verticality for the shopfronts. No bulkheads are permitted and the focus is on a full height, floor-to-ceiling finish,” he says. 61