LOWER GROUND FLOOR UPPER GROUND FLOOR has a substantial retail offering . However , all existing centres are either stand-alone shops or strip malls . The client ’ s brief was to provide a contemporary shopping experience that could offer the public a diverse range of shopping opportunities in a single place whilst maintaining the bustling streetscape and feel of the town .
Design Concept Pedestrian movement in and around KwaBhaca is the driving force of this vibrant town . Having the main N2 entrance into the centre slightly recessed and splayed allowed for much-needed pedestrianised space that enabled people to gather and interact . Furthermore , having shops facing this socially engaging space permitted the building fabric ’ s solidity to be broken down , with shop owners and customers engaging and interacting .
The splayed entrances on either end of the mall draw people from both ends of the street into the light-filled upper-level walkway . The large contemporary mono-pitch entrance towers and double-volume roofs were designed to allow as much natural light and ventilation in as possible . However , there was a delicate balance between the demand for light and ventilation and the elements of wind-driven rain .
The subtle contrasting colour palette of the internal walls allowed the vibrant colours of the mosaic wall panels to make an impact . The design and colour of the mosaics were inspired by beadwork and traditional clothing from the local area . This design element provides the thread through the centre and is reflected in the toilet and food court designs .
The location of the bathrooms is as fundamental as the position of the anchor tenants as it provides additional feet in areas that may have otherwise been considered quieter zones .
Façade The change in the footpath levels across the main façade meant several steps were required in the height of the shopfronts facing the pedestrianised area . To resolve these changes in levels , feature wall panels , offset from the main façade , were introduced , allowing the line of sight to be broken at different intervals .
Furthermore , the feature panels provided highdemand signage opportunities for tenants . Black aluminium shopfronts were selected to contrast the grey tones throughout the centre . The walls are plaster and painted with shades of grey with low-level tiles and a steel cantilevered walkway canopy reflecting the design of the feature entrance towers .
42 KwaBhaca Mall