‘ courtyard ’ and is dramatically reinforced by the floating halo which is the tour de force of the construct .
Subservient to the tower are the flanking façades to Smith and Gardiner Streets ; the former is a ‘ dressed ’ solution , scaled with aerofoils and anchored by the original masonry plate of the block . The Gardiner Street composition is substantially different with its expression of the large order prismatic atrium form and a small order granite clad entrance portal , foiling this . The parking garage block contributes a ‘ form follows function ’ expression and is highlighted with a belvedere balcony off the executive dining room at level 8 enjoying stunning elevated views north over the City Square .
The form of the building reads as a collection of interlocking elements bonded by a simple palette of finishes – glass , silver metalwork , black polished granite and neutral wall tones . This approach is extended to the interior with the application of similar colours and materials .
The reception space dramatically displays ABSA ’ s red on its sculptural entrance staircase and is offset against the warmth of cherrywood panels , black granite and stainless steel componentry . Lobbies are dressed in striped quartzite cladding contrasting slick porcelain floor tiling , timber wall panels and expansive glass screens . The atrium is an amplification of this interior approach and is anchored with a new west lobby tower of cherrywood wall infills to a steel frame , delicate lattice roof structure and giant white raking ceiling panels . A suspended angular plan form mezzanine projects powerfully into the atrium at level 8 dividing the space into
two distinct volumes . The effect of the whole is staggering in scale and the quality of light luminous and uplifting .
Conclusion ABSA ’ s confidence in the future of Durban ’ s CBD is powerfully exhibited in this bold statement and it is a fact that rejuvenation of the inner city has been heralded by this commitment . The project will have taken nearly four years to eventuate from design inception and the eighteen month construction period yielded a finished product on budget with an architectural realisation beyond all expectations .
Absa Towers 47