serves as a controlled light-well which modulates the sunshine entering the building through the façades and the striking finned skylights above, tempering the building’ s relationship with its surrounds.
Working in and around the space is an inspiring experience fostering creativity and productivity. The visibility of activity in the building creates a sense of belonging, where the various practice groups who were previously housed in disparate properties are connected and feel part of the bigger whole. The firm’ s impressive collection of art is displayed around the atrium and meeting centre, creating a spectacular vertical gallery experienced everyday by staff and visitors alike.
Vertical Circulation There is a bank of lifts for direct floor access from the staff parking to both atria, and in both cases half of these lifts are glazed observation cars offering arresting views of the atrium and offices as the cars move up and down in the off-shutter concrete shafts. Much of the inter-floor traffic during the course of the working day is via a generous set of sculptural stairs located in the atrium, engendering convivial interaction and adding dynamism to the central atrium space. A pair of shuttle lifts from the basement parking brings visitors into the ground floor atrium in front of the security line.
Horizontal Circulation Along the staircases and the atrium edge, the walkway linking the office wings is enhanced by complementary pause areas which cantilever into the atrium volume, highlighted with timber fins. The colocation of the collaborative spaces with the liveliness of people circulating around the building creates a buzz where incidental exchange can occur.
Office Space and Facilities Office wings are efficiently planned as 16.8m modular wings which allow flexibility in space planning, and can easily facilitate change and new ways of working, depending on growth, practice field requirements, and changing infrastructure and technologies. The wings are well lit from two sides, and the high-tech façade allows good day-lighting without glare.
External views are maximised throughout the office space, connecting the staff to their surrounds, and offering opportunities for visual breaks. Pockets of space also offer views into the atrium, connecting staff with the activity around. At all times, the architectural focus is on creating positive quality working environments. Each office floor is served by a core of toilets and tea kitchens co-located with the lift cores. The pause areas offer a place to break out and relax, or have an informal working session.
On the seventh floor the gym and wellness centre, library, training rooms, and staff restaurant benefit from magnificent 360 ° views of Sandton, Northcliff, and Johannesburg. This amenity floor includes two generous terraces with planting, pergolas, and seating, offering staff the opportunity to relax away from their offices and providing the firm with a fantastic location for events.
Materials and Aesthetic The architectural expression is modern but timeless, and marries the sleekness of international practice
62 90 Rivonia