Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2013 | Page 46

The planting palette was
dictated largely by what
indigenous species could
grow. As the majority of
the site had permeable
paving, tree species had
to have non-invasive roots
and be evergreen so as
not to clog up the paving

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functional light, together with LED sparkles
to accentuate the curves and reintroduce
the playful theme of the sparkles. There are
also additional coves on the underside of the
curved bulkheads, accentuating the curves
and layers.
In the deeper mall spaces around the voids
between ground and first floor, custom made
fittings were provided on the balustrades.
The new Blue Route Mall is a statement of
what a modern shopping centre should be.
Using a combination of high impact, energy
efficient light fittings, the lighting design both
compliments and accentuates the architectural
details within the mall.
The colour changing aspect not only creates
a dynamic lighting installation but accentuates
the continual changing feel within the mall due
the natural light ingress. The changes occur in a

subtle manner, never detracting from the shops,
whilst the colour change also creates interest
and a unique shopping experience.
The overall result that has been achieved
within the Mall is an excellent balance of
technology, effect and cost.
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANTS’ COMMENT
The brief called for the landscaping to support
the new aesthetic of the centre. The site
conditions are extremely harsh and include
large amounts of pedestrian traffic, poor soils,
a high water table and strong prevailing winds.
In the past, this has led to the need for frequent
replanting of vegetation around the centre.
Through our design and soil management
plan, we have addressed and mitigated these
factors. The planting palette was dictated
largely by what indigenous species could grow.

Blue Route Mall