The architecture is derived from a ‘folded
atrium façade’, perhaps reminiscent of origami
paper folding techniques’ allowing for a somewhat
organic set of linking spaces containing the social
and interactive elements of daily use including the
multi-level escalator and lift banks clustered around
the coffee and pause areas.
The folded architecture allows for ingress
of natural light from the south while screening
the internal environment from hot northern and
western sun. The façade folds adapt themselves
to acknowledge entrance, branding and user
experience. Careful use of materials; aluminium
panels and performance glazing enhance the iconic
brand value of the public atrium element.
In essence BCX is a set of highly efficient
working footplates connected by an interwoven
network of user pathways providing a stimulating,
comfortable and respectful environment to its
many diverse users.
Engineering Challenges
Bigen Africa, Civil and Structural Engineers for this
project, had the following comments to make with
regards the engineering.
26
Foundation
The shape and positioning of the building on
the site was impacted by the dolomite risk
classification. Given that the sites geotechnical
conditions were zoned as IHC 3/4 (6) Low, it was
required to provide a specialist foundation design.
The final foundation design consisted of:
• Compaction of the box cut under the building
and roads with high energy impact compaction
• Providing an additional 1.5m deep soil mattress
of G6 gravel under the building foundation
• Reinforced concrete raft structure designed to
span a 5m loss of soil support
Structure
The main building structure consisted of a
reinforced concrete farmed structure with post-
tensioned flat slabs.
Roof
One of the standout aspects of the project was
the feature roof portion which encloses the large
multi-level atrium areas. Large multilevel glazed
façades enclose these atrium areas on either side
of the building.
BCX