Access and Wayfinding Most shoppers access the mall from the upper entrance facing the N2 highway . There are also two additional entrances on the opposite side of the mall . One of the upper-level parking decks is where the food court is located and the other is directly under the food court entrance and mainly services shoppers arriving via taxi or cars .
The anchor tenants , positioned one above the other , draw people to a central location from all entrances . Furthermore , the escalator placed around a vast double-volume open area allows shoppers to readily access either level .
Additionally , the changing angle of the walkway through the centre , which varies slightly at various locations , has allowed tenant signage to be easily seen . Large black aluminium shopfronts with 1m high black signage bulkheads have allowed shoppers to locate and orientate themselves . Anchor tenants positioned at the junction of the two central axes allow a constant flow of people past all the smaller line shops .
Parking Parking in KwaBhaca is a rare commodity and a critical consideration for the centre ’ s functioning . The food court upper-level parking deck has 69 open parking bays . The lower level parking area accessed has 177 bays , with 57 under cover . A dedicated taxi drop-off and collection point provides additional feet at the lower level .
Conclusion KwaBhaca Mall heralds the beginning of a new wave of retail developments in the rural Eastern Cape . This follows the growing trend throughout South Africa , with developers taking comprehensive retail offerings into previously under-resourced areas . This provides new opportunities for retailers and negates the need for people to travel long distances to access shops and services .
Food Court Social interaction and a sense of community were vital aspects that were considered in the design of the food court area . The sizeable open food court is located at the side entrance on the upperlevel parking deck . Afternoon sun and the direction of rain have been considered . Large-winged roof canopies on either side of the central tower protect from these elements . The food court has been positioned ‘ outside ’ the centre as it allows for longer trading hours than the rest of the centre . A communal hand wash basin allows patrons to engage and interact before and after meals . The area has been clad in feature mosaic panels , which further connects to the rest of the centre design .
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