Drip irrigation installed throughout the liberally landscaped piazza keep the 400 trees moist with minimal evaporation . All the plant species are indigenous and endemic to Gauteng , and the 80m long water feature with its playful spouts boasts chunky granite rocks which are offcuts salvaged from a local quarry . Cycling and pedestrian paths flow through the landscape with numerous welcoming decks and seating areas , even a dedicated zone for guide dogs . Some of the protruding roof structures are also planted with grasses to blend into the setting . All tenants ascend from the basement parking levels via escalators that arrive in the heart of the gardens so that each user has the opportunity to catch some fresh air and sunshine on their way to their office . 30 Baker Street ’ s strategic location adjacent to the Gautrain station , wideranging public transport system and easy access to amenities will endorse the piazza ’ s future as a well utilised , popular neighbourhood link .
The architectural materials ensure that a unified ideology flows seamlessly from outside to inside . Standard Bank ’ s values of quality , integrity and permanence are reflected in the choice of solid classical elements such as stone , marble , granite and timber . In harmony with these elements the client ’ s progressiveness and pursuit for innovation is represented by the more sleek , modern steel and glass . The warmth and character introduced by multiple components of sustainably sourced timber is complemented by the mobile sculpture which virtually and visually fills the impressive entrance atrium volume .
Sculpture ‘ Seed ’ by Marco Cianfanelli is an artwork of nearly 35 meters suspended in the 45m high glass atrium , made of 229 plywood laser-cut panels representing various aspects of the continent of Africa and incorporating pigments sourced from many of its countries . In fact , from a particular vantage point , the viewer will see a unified image of Africa emerging , ever transforming as one moves through the building to the upper levels . It was inspired by Standard Bank ’ s position as a ‘ Global Bank rooted in Africa ’.
Once passing through the front doors , the reception desk and benches in the vast atrium are flowing and organic in contrast with the clean , crisp lines of the structure . The colour palette of the interiors is understated , simple and neutral , with splashes of bright colour to give some individual identity to the various floors . The two office blocks also wrap around an internal east and west atrium with open balconies overlooking the trees and tree-like timber structures in the pause area below . Once again an expanse of clear glass at the façade and roof ensures that the adjoining offices are light and bright , with automated fabric roller blinds providing protection from direct sun . Large terraces constructed of composite plastic and sustainable timber decking lead to the outside .
At ground floor level the Client Meeting Centre is the centralised facility for engaging with customers , a welcome retreat for international travellers and has comfortable lounge spaces opening up onto the exterior deck and gardens . A coffee shop in the atrium also doubles as an informal meeting zone and is conveniently positioned to provide refreshments for staff entering and leaving the building . Adjacent to this a staff restaurant is currently under construction , based on a Market Square theme , which will cater for a variety employee ’ s culinary needs .
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