within the urban context which would refreshingly
allow the free flow of pedestrian public through
the development.
Site
The site, which previously consisted of an open
parking area, is bound by existing buildings
with extensive servitudes and dolomitic ground
conditions that proved to be quite challenging. The
layout of the two office blocks create a landscaped
piazza on the south western side of the site and a
diagonal ‘street’ in the negative space between the
two buildings to draw pedestrians through from
the north eastern corner.
Large pebble shaped planters with mounded
earth and small trees also double as informal
seating places, whilst the building perimeter
features planters with hedges to ensure privacy
for the ground floor occupants.
Façade
Externally, these acute glazed corners provide
opportunity for some ‘drama’ and definition to
the entrances, in contrast with the remaining
façades which are treated as calm but highly
articulated compositions. These feature innovative
full height strip windows of various widths with
operable external shading louvres, all flush within
Design
Given the depth of the floor plates and ‘squat’
proportions of the offices, a central atrium along
the length of each building was introduced to
enhance natural daylight into the building and to
create the option of further dividing each floor plate
should multiple tenancies be required in future.
These atria, being open to each floor level, would
also increase connectivity and communication
between the various office levels.
The triangular corners created by the north/
south ‘splice’ on the north corner of the site, are
seen as prominent parts of the buildings wher e
executive offices, receptions and boardrooms
are located. Restaurants are proposed at ground
floor level with extensive decked outside
seating areas.
PPS Centurion Square
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