the car park to substantially increase the new food court and entertainment footprint. Here, the collaborative and coherent design vision between MDS Architecture, Daniel Rebel Landscape Architects and the client is evident.
A series of pyramid roofs draw natural light deep into the space by incorporating clerestory opaque sheeting panels on each southern face. Modern contemporary but warm machined timber slats and screens filter the direct sunlight while adding sufficient shading and protection from the harsh heat and rain. The filtered light forms beautiful patterns on the floor that shift through the day to create a dappled, warm and alive playfulness.“ Natural light was central to the experience we wanted to create,” says McGillivray.“ Not the cavernous, over-lit atmosphere of a conventional food court, but something that feels like you’ ve stepped into a considered, sheltered outdoor space.”
The material palette of the food court and entertainment areas reinforces the intention of a boutique bush lodge feel but interpreted in a modern contemporary way. Natural stone cladding was sourced from within 10km of the site. Orange trees referencing the citrus farming heritage of the area as well as other endemic trees and soft low-level landscaping pockets are planted in planter pods to evoke the lush, dense natural bushveld.
Seating in the form of polished precast benches surrounds the pods, which incorporate phone charging stations. A grassed area slopes down the natural gradient of the site to form an informal amphitheatre, oriented towards a future large screen where visitors can gather to watch sport. Another large screen has been introduced into the deeper, covered end of the new entertainment area to host live sporting events. Adding to the entertainment and lifestyle energy
of this new facility is a large children’ s play area and a fountain water-spout feature. In addition to providing a space for children to run and play, it brings natural cooling to the space. Foosball and pool tables have been installed among the informal pebble seating pods, ensuring that the new external covered area is about more than the food offering; it is also a definitive lifestyle and family entertainment destination.
The steel support columns and beams within the food court have been clad in a sustainable Rhinowood timber. Clay floor pavers have been used in different colours and patterns, and stone cladding of organic, site-sourced material adds texture to key surfaces. Organic shapes in the steel slatted screen roof structure have been incorporated in the now-raised food court, which now provides expansive views over the valley.
Lowveld Mall 61