RIGHT : The original Standard Bank buildings
Aging Building and Infrastructure The existing building consisted of two towers linked by a four storey structure . Although ongoing maintenance and upgrades had been undertaken over the years , the original building , built in 1972 , had become a ‘ tired old lady ’.
Despite its age , its location and size meant that the building was one of the highest valued assets within the Redefine portfolio and the highest in the Western Cape at that time . This led to the decision to invest significantly in a substantial upgrade to the property .
Various upgrade proposals were considered , from a cosmetic ‘ touch up ’ to a futuristic redesign more suited to the Sandton skyline than the
Cape Town foreshore and the vision of the City . The decision was eventually made to upgrade the façades of both towers and incorporate an additional parking and office structure between the two .
Design and Planning Process Redefine developed a very positive relationship with the City by entering into talks at a very early stage . This was achieved through a charrette process . A charrette is an intensive planning session where the city , designers , developers and others collaborate on a vision for development . It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback . More
384 The Towers