dining aspects of the Square. A new tenant mix
was introduced, bringing in a wider range of retail
options and new store designs. Existing tenants
were also encouraged to upgrade their stores at
the same time.
Contemporary upgrades included new floors,
ceilings, bulkheads and cladding. A Turkish marble
was chosen for the flooring that emulated the
classic design of the building as well as speaking
to the upmarket retail mix. Public restrooms were
also upgraded.
The existing glass of the double atrium roof,
which had become a patchwork of different
colours as pieces were replaced over the years,
was changed to clear performance glass, the
installation of which was quite an undertaking.
Signage underwent a total redesign and now
incorporates a new corporate identity and logo. As
part of the new ‘Jewel of Africa’ identity, elements
of the ‘cut stone’ jewel design were replicated
on various surfaces and signage throughout
the precinct.
box structure was aesthetically pleasing from
above. New criteria governing future tenant design
parameters also ensure that the cohesiveness
striven for in the new design is not effected
by future alterations and additions, whilst still
allowing the restaurants their own style identity.
A continuous walkway at the front of the sliding
doors of the restaurants, contained on the side
facing the Square by planter boxes, allows access
The Square - Dining
Over the years, the large public area of the
Square, with its iconic statue of Nelson Mandela,
has become known for its numerous eateries.
As restaurants came and went and layouts and
designs were changed, they had evolved into
a rather incohesive ‘tented city’ of awnings
and canopies.
One of the most significant new design
elements was introduced to provide a cohesive
encapsulation of the restaurants. A contemporary
steel and glass box has now replaced the individual
canopies. As a hotel and some offices overlooked
the Square it was important that the roof of the
Nelson Mandela Square
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