lamps enclosed in glass tubes have been installed at the ends of stainless steel rods to represent stamens .
The water feature occurs in a court centrally in the main mall . The court is lit by metal halide up / downlighters fixed to the columns . A large pendant is suspended at second-floor level above the water feature . The combination of the above three elements creates a dynamic focus in the mall .
The second mall is simply lit by surfacemounted metal halide and compact fluorescent downlighters . Lighting levels have intentionally been reduced as one approaches the piazza to ensure a gradual transition between the height and low light levels one would experience when leaving the malls .
Piazza The lighting of the piazza has been arranged so that the higher light levels occur around the perimeter and below the covered walkways . Lighting is achieved by means of up / downlighters fixed to the steel structure supporting the walkways . The uplight is reflected off the underside of the second full providing a soft even illumination .
The third and fourth water features occur on the piazza . The first of these comprises bubblers which trickle water onto large granite slabs which appear to be floating . The lighting
has been hidden below the slabs , emphasising the illusion that the slabs are floating .
The last water feature is a two level cascade arrangement where water runs through specific apertures at each level . Each of these cascades is individually illuminated .
The overall effect that has , therefore , been created is one where specific features are accented , such as the water features and building elements . Lighting is concealed and low glare , resulting in a very comfortable and inviting environment .
CONCLUSION The site was , perhaps , not an obvious choice and shuns some of the central rules of retail design in terms of access and visibility . However , as a ‘ flagship ’ development in terms of the retailers ’ concepts , Design Quarter is more of a pure destination shopping centre and overcomes the tight access and difficult slope of the site to good effect .
The consistent application of detail and the generosity of spaces set it apart from the commonly built enclosed mall . There is a constant awareness of the light and the breezes , as a healthier alternative to South Africa ’ s mall culture . The hard and soft landscaping works in direct support of this aim , and provides consumers with a genuinely different shopping experience .
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