and visibility . Overhead skylights help to flood the interiors with natural light and blur the distinction between interior space and exterior urban environment , conceptually linking the retail space with the landscaped podium outside . The movement routes through the
interior are articulated with friendly curves and organic shapes .
Moreover , the subtle erosion of the boundaries between individual shops and mall space , achieved through the transparency of the glazing lines and curved glazing on the retail shopfronts , which is unusual for retail , facilitates a sense of connection , engagement and shared ideas and a shared , dynamic retail experience rather than the compartmentalisation of a typical mall experience . Similarly , the way in which the restaurants open onto the sidewalk space along Maude Street activates the street edge .
The MARC has also been designed to actively interface and connect with neighbouring properties – particularly the Balalaika Hotel and the Holiday Inn . Van Bebber points out that “ knitting The MARC back into the urban fabric ” was essential to ensure the successful activation of the public space of the precinct , and to Sandton ’ s commercial centre more generally . The MARC is unique in Sandton in that it has three separate entrances , including the newly unlocked passageway from Stella Street to the south , which has been decorated with specially commissioned urban art , and draws pedestrians from neighbouring offices to the south , as well as Gautrain users , facilitating easy access to the centre and hotels beyond .
Innovative Façade Design Arup provided specialised façade engineering services on The Marc ’ s façade . Matilde Tellier , senior façade engineer at Arup , commented , “ One of the biggest challenges with a building of such unusual geometry was rationalising the façade envelope for efficient fabrication while adhering to the architectural concept .”
670 The Marc