providing interest and dynamism at the upper levels . The galleria malls and covered courtyard and showroom levels are roofed over at the uppermost showroom level , creating 4-storey volumes with central skylights allowing natural light to flood into the voluminous space . The galleria malls culminate in the open Piazza that has a wonderful scale and sense of enclosure , surrounded by five double-volume restaurants with mezzanine levels that have balconies overlooking the square . Restaurants also have extensive concession seating on the square and provide the buzz and heart of the scheme . The indigenous planting in these areas provides a pleasing alternative to the hard , sometimes fake ,
interior spaces and decoration so well known to South African consumers .
The concept of Design Quarter being a collection of buildings around a series of public spaces was continued in the articulation and arrangement of the four major retail stores . These were treated as ‘ Icon ’ buildings stores , that are more than just a traditional shop front . They are articulated as almost stand-alone buildings with extensive external curtain wall areas that allow natural light to flood into the stores , the idea being the provision of dynamic space for these retailers to develop new generation concept stores . All are huge volume space with mezzanines , some having an internal height of 13m .
The balance of line shops is also all double volume , each with varying degrees of mezzanine levels . The double volume stores are expressed in the slick shop fronts , 4.5m in height , with many stores opting for full height stack-away doors leading onto the airy , galleria-type walkway spaces .
So , the main mall and courtyard is not the traditional air-conditioned enclosed mall . The Design Quarter ‘ street ’ is intended to feel like a pedestrianised covered street . It is open to the natural environment on a number of its edges , but still provides a weather-protected shopping environment .
Challenges of the Site The site had a 10m fall from the south west to the north east . The establishment of the retail level that would have to address existing ground
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