The Octagon , a main feature of phase 1 , was required to be symmetrical to utilise a tension ring to simplify the structure . This was however joining two existing structures which were not symmetrical , so the existing structures had to be modified to enable this .
Another challenge to overcome was the large level difference from the south to the north of the site . Retail developments do not generally perform well with steps and level changes affecting the flow of shoppers through the mall . The underlying hard rock to the south of the site meant it was not economical to drop the southern portion of the mall and the existing level of the link down to
Marine Drive could not be lifted significantly , so this had to be overcome by introducing a series of gentle ramps along the mall . In the end result these ramps are barely noticeable as the curved design of the mall lent itself to the flow through the main mall .
Design Flexibility Flexibility is an important design consideration , one which Lahaye says has become more pronounced since the pandemic . “ Designed spaces need to be adaptable so that if plans or circumstances change , the design allows for multiple uses and some agility ,” he says .
50 Boardwalk Mall