Architect and Builder November/December 2018 | Page 54

Solution
The selected site offers substantial visual
exposure to a main arterial on the west and
to the office park on the east and elevation
promotes excellent views to the Indian Ocean
and to Durban’s CBD. A consistent slope
longitudinally across the site and precinct
height controls generated a solution which
raises the offices to the highest possible
elevation, through the creation of a structured
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parking plinth. This arrangement creates a bold
presence in its context and to mask the parking
podium on the office park interface, a five storey
reception atrium engages the mass of the
building on the east. This grand gesture anchors
the building and delivers a captivating street
interface which is accessed via a cascading,
partially landscaped staircase.
The alignment of the atrium and its corner
portico addresses an acutely angled approach
ABSA Ridgeside