contemporary suburban high street than a conventional enclosed shopping centre, with shops addressing the pedestrian environment directly and large areas of glazing bringing activity to the edges.
A substantial elevated roof structure defines the central spine, providing weather protection while retaining the open-air character of the development. Its scale creates a generous sense of volume and gives the pedestrian environment a strong architectural identity. The roof also establishes a consistent architectural element across the development, helping to create a clear sense of arrival while maintaining visual connections towards the surrounding landscape. The lifted roofscape and vertical elements further strengthen the visibility of the centre from the surrounding roads.
The surrounding Bassonia landscape provided an important reference for the architectural language. The area’ s distinctive koppies and earthy tones informed the material palette, with facebrick providing a robust, contextual base and vertical timber cladding introducing warmth and rhythm. Extensive glazing brings the activity of the shops directly into the public realm, while paving, planting and other finishes create a cohesive palette throughout the development.
The architecture does not attempt to imitate the natural landscape. Instead, it draws from its qualities, particularly its colour, texture and scale, to create a contemporary commercial environment that feels grounded in its setting.
Landscape and Environmental Response Landscape forms an integral part of the development, helping to soften the built environment, provide shade and improve the pedestrian experience. Trees and planting are used to define movement and spaces, while the substantial
70 Omni Square