The idea was to design a building that was
modern and elegant, yet timeless. Simultaneously
it had to be iconic and brave enough to stand
shoulder to shoulder in Sandton with some of the
best examples of modern, urban architecture on
the African continent. DBM Architects felt that this
notion would be best expressed in the strength of
form and a clean façade without embellishment.
Concept and Planning
The triangular wedge shape of the site strongly
suggested a building which terminates in a very
sharp and attention-grabbing southern corner at
the intersection of Rivonia & Pybus Roads. This
was always seen as a very strong design element
pointing at the entrance of Sandton City Shopping
Centre and a beacon for people travelling north
along Rivonia Road. The building was designed
to take advantage of the unique shape of the site
and the architects capitalised on this with bold and
impressive architecture.
At the other end of the site a new access road
divides this city block into two and allows the
northern end of the building to also command a
street corner, grabbing the attention of southbound
travellers. This arrangement also allows access
to the site from both roads, giving users options
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to get onto Rivonia Road or Katherine Street. The
building was designed so that in effect it stands
on its own block of land with roads on all sides.
The building is situated in a prominent pedestrian
precinct with foot-traffic extending from Katherine
Street and the recently completed Sasol Building at
the end of Pybus Road to Sandton City Shopping
Centre and the Gautrain Station. The proximity of
the site to Sandton City Shopping Centre means
easy access to shops and restaurants by simply
walking across the road. It was therefore logical
to arrive at a solution where the building actively
engages with the street level and welcomes
pedestrians, unlike many other urban office
buildings in the area.
Part of the concept was to have an inviting
landscaped piazza that would enable people to
easily navigate their way into and around the
building and to enjoy the safe seating spaces and
pause areas softened with indigenous planting.
A planned Uber & taxi layby in front of the piazza
and main entrance to the building will eventually
provide a safe and convenient drop-off area.
Further to this, the landscaping pockets were
carefully designed to create and frame views to the
showrooms for vehicular travellers driving north
and south on Rivonia Road.
92 Rivonia Road