Signage has received special attention , with prominent tenant signage conveying a cohesive and attractive attraction on the prominent façade facing Winnie Mandela Drive . Directional signage takes the form a free-standing steel signpost with arrows in different directions , evoking European street signage .
Says McGillivray , “ Our approach was to focus on the fundamentals of the building and identify areas that would encourage shoppers to explore what is on offer . The idea is to enjoy your time in the lifestyle centre without necessarily pin-pointing one aspect that makes it a frictionless , pleasant experience . Vertical circulation and public connectivity to the covered parking was also a fundamental item that needed attention and this has been resolved with the new repositioning .”
The under-cover parking features additional lighting , vibrant colours and exciting graphic elements . At the top of the new escalator court linking the existing covered parking to the new food street and piazza is a double volume abstract mural painted by a local artist which serves as a prominent visual feature .
At the escalators , exposed pipes lend an industrial feel to the space . There is an interplay between straight lines and more organic shapes throughout Design Quarter , which plays out in smaller areas as well as in large spaces .
The existing open parking on the western side of the piazza has been maintained and revamped with new lighting and pedestrian walkways connecting to the piazza . This open parking offers convenience and easy access .
Ambience Within a Secure Environment Design Quarter is unique as a social environment in that it has a single entry and exit point into the development . Being enclosed adds a welcome sense of containment and security . For businesses in Design Quarter , all these elements combine to ensure an inviting ambience and the opportunity to extend trading hours well into the evening with added security .
“ Elegant dining meets convenience and a world of décor inspiration , to offer the ultimate lifestyle and shopping experience to this very competitive catchment area ,” concludes McGillivray .
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