process of mapping the existing aesthetics in Sandton , and found that one of the few opportunities to make a statement on the skyline was to use colour ,” says Van Bebber . So , the relatively diminutive but highly impactful gold-and-black façade was born , articulating the intersection like a glittering jewel cradled by the neighbouring ‘ boomerang shaped ’ tower . The tower ’ s added height in turn imparts visual identity , even from a distance , from its position set back from the corner .
Accessible Urban Space The architects placed a great premium on harnessing the opportunity the development offered to create accessibility and open up the public realm . Van Bebber says they went to considerable lengths to design “ accessible urban space with no barriers ” around the precinct while ensuring safety and functionality .
On street level , between the 6.5-storey basements and the commercial space in the towers above , is a two-storey retail level . Apart from providing a shopping destination , this retail podium level activates the precinct on street level , integrates the complex with coherent pedestrian movement routes through Sandton ’ s commercial node and maintains connections to the adjoining hotels .
Van Bebber argues that it was “ very important that we achieve on-grade pedestrian access off both Maude and Rivonia ” to create easy pedestrian access . The natural fall of the site required an urban staircase from the Rivonia and Maude Street intersection , but for the rest , access is completely unimpeded . This was another reason for the arrangement of the towers . While the Jewel has presence , the tower connects at street level opening up considerable public space .
The generous pavements , public benches , public sculpture and soft landscaping bring human scale and appeal to the streetscape around the precinct , and the visible street frontage of the shops and restaurants and pedestrian accessibility draw office-dwellers out from the surrounding commercial buildings and onto the street .
Retail Component The retail level , while fairly small and bespoke in its offering , is characterised by transparency
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