All shop fronts facing the mall are clear glazed , even at the main Piazza ; this was achieved by orientation , roof overhangs and canopies in the major stores such as Woolworths , @ home , Boardmans , and Mr Price Home that have extensive curtain wall areas incorporating solar protected glazing . Solar protected glazing was also used for the main mall skylight and the glass curtain wall to the main mall view lifts .
Orientation also allowed for terrace and balcony opportunities for the showroom levels on the first and second floor . The general orientation and building height have created wonderful 360˚ views from the showroom levels .
Interior / Exterior Design The general aesthetic is a contemporary design that was intended to appeal to a design-conscious industry and public . The architects wanted a slick first-world feel .
The huge volumes in the malls and , in particular , the stores , was intended to create designer ‘ studio loft ’ feel with the use of mezzanines and connecting stairs and bridges . To enhance this studio loft vibe , the architects adopted a semiindustrial aesthetic , using extensive areas of glass and steel and executed in a contemporary manner but with semi-industrial detailing . Steel channels and bracketed steel elements continue the overall look .
The high shop fronts are dramatic and flush glazed white glass was used for demising panels between stores , creating a continuous slick shop front level . The industrial inspired detailing is continued in the shops with the double-volume stores having steel framed mezzanine floors and steel detailed staircases . Exposed services are used throughout the stores ; industrial inspired light fittings have also been utilised .
As the mall and internal covered courtyard was intended to feel like a pedestrianised street , a textured porcelain tile design that feels more outdoors than in , was used . The format of the tiling is intended to give the impression of a cobbled street .
At the main square , the perimeter canopy is supported by double-volume steel columns . Restaurants around the square have mezzanine balconies finished with timber and detailed with a steel channel support framework and glass and stainless steel balustrades .
132 Design Quarter