Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2013

At lower ground level a ‘service village’ houses the bulk of the project’s support areas such as plant and tank rooms, facilities management, engineering services and storage complemented by the mobile sculpture which virtually and visually fills the impressive entrance atrium volume. Sculpture ‘Seed’ by Marco Cianfanelli is an artwork of nearly 35 meters suspended in the 45m high glass atrium, made of 229 plywood laser-cut panels representing various aspects of the continent of Africa and incorporating pigments sourced from many of its countries. In fact, from a particular vantage point, the viewer will see a unified image of Africa emerging, ever transforming as one moves through the building to the upper levels. It was inspired by Standard Bank’s position as a ‘Global Bank rooted in Africa’. Once passing through the front doors, the reception desk and benches in the vast atrium are flowing and organic in contrast with the clean, crisp lines of the structure. The colour 70 palette of the interiors is understated, simple and neutral, with splashes of bright colour to give some individual identity to the various floors. The two office blocks also wrap around an internal east and west atrium with open balconies overlooking the trees and tree-like timber structures in the pause area below. Once again an expanse of clear glass at the facade and roof ensures that the adjoining offices are light and bright, with automated fabric roller blinds providing protection from direct sun. Large terraces constructed of composite plastic and sustainable timber decking lead to the outside. At ground floor level the Client Meeting Centre is the centralised facility for engaging with customers, a welcome retreat for international travellers and has comfortable lounge spaces opening up onto the exterior deck and gardens. A coffee shop in the atrium also doubles as an informal meeting zone and is conveniently positioned to provide refreshments for staff Standard Bank

Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa September/October 2013 | Page 70