HENTIESBAAI , NAMIBIA
Approached by a Namibian property developer , SLT Architects have been tasked with the design and management of construction on a small-scale shopping centre in Henties Bay , Namibia . The west coast of Namibia is experiencing a surge of development due largely to the discovery of gas and oil off of the coast and the opening of numerous mineral mines inland .
In keeping with the client ’ s vision of providing a product that promotes a community-first approach whilst ensuring an assured and continuous service on the basis of affordability and functionality , the brief dictates the need for a selfsustaining centre of standardised construction methodology .
Designing to meet , and exceed , all environmental , site specific , community and monetary concerns and conditions whilst maintaining a well-defined architectural integrity and feel is the point of departure on this project . A further and most definitive design consideration in this area is the proximity of the site to the coastline and the specifically corrosive environment that is the skeleton coast .
The centre is compact and appeals to the current trend of localised neighbourhood sized shopping experiences . The use of plastered brick and mortar is maximised and incorporates multiple parapeted walls to shield from the salt and dust laden prevailing winds .
With a total general lettable area of 4,000m 2 the structure comprises of an anchor tenant supported by a number of line shops .
The centre further makes provision for covered walkways and seating areas in line with universal access design requirements and includes landscaped areas to further enhance the aesthetic appeal and experienced ambiance externally . In order to best serve the local community , a balance is struck between vehicular parking , pedestrian access ( walkways ) and a potential taxi drop-off as dictated by the clientele demographic .
A state-of-the-art water treatment and waste water treatment plant will be employed to mitigate the extreme water scarcity in this area . A diesel generator , air-conditioning and refrigeration plants ensure the fully autonomous operation of all facilities at all times to minimise reliance on the municipally provided services . A planned installation of a future solar photovoltaic system will further reduce running cost whilst reducing strain on the general municipal grid .
THE WOODS , CRAIGHALL PARK
Boogertman + Partners has broken ground on the refurbishment of the existing Colony shopping centre which will result in a new and exciting neighbourhood hub . Two key areas of the shopping centre have been identified and developed during the design process : the urban courtyard area on the Jan Smuts Avenue side and the centre ’ s more convenience retail side that faces the main parking . In addition to the foregoing , a new timber lattice screen will enclose the development . The screen ’ s main purpose is to visually link what was a rather disconnected retail centre . In order to attract customers , the screen will also offer a fresh façade to the building and become a prominent feature on the street . Furthermore , creating a landmark in the region that will become a talking point .
With the timber screen outlining its edges , the urban square will be visible from Jan Smuts Avenue . The square will serve as the centre ’ s focal point and provide a public area into which restaurants will open . This area can be
used for gatherings , special events , and other purposes . This urban square will become a place where people will want to congregate during the day and into the evening .
The centre ’ s existing on-grade parking is accessible from the south-eastern side . The convenience stores become easily accessible from this parking . The wooden lattice screen is utilised to define the boundary , highlight centre entrances and link what was formerly a scattered retail centre . To soften the corner where the parking lot meets the structure , existing trees are kept and pockets of greenery are added .
Retail Watch 19