Solution The selected site offers substantial visual exposure to a main arterial on the west and to the office park on the east and elevation promotes excellent views to the Indian Ocean and to Durban ’ s CBD . A consistent slope longitudinally across the site and precinct height controls generated a solution which raises the offices to the highest possible elevation , through the creation of a structured parking plinth . This arrangement creates a bold presence in its context and to mask the parking podium on the office park interface , a five storey reception atrium engages the mass
of the building on the east . This grand gesture anchors the building and delivers a captivating street interface which is accessed via a cascading , partially landscaped staircase .
The alignment of the atrium and its corner portico addresses an acutely angled approach and presents the defining architectural characteristic of the offices . The office floor plates connect to the atrium at its uppermost levels with two cantilevered linear glazed client meeting suite bays , animating the solid internal façade , while the lift lobbies engage the space through timber screens at all floor levels . The 35m deep floor plates are linked with two
588 Absa Ridgeside