2,500m 2 . The sub-majors include a new concept @ home , Dis-Chem , Wetherlys and Osiers . During construction , the mix was further enhanced by the inclusion of a 1,200m 2 Barnyard Theatre ( at the expense of 900m 2 of offices on the first floor ).
The building structure consists of a naturally ventilated parking basement ; a naturally ventilated lower ground floor that is used primarily for parking , but also houses elements of retail ; a ground floor which has the bulk of the retail component and a first floor level . The basic structure comprises a reinforced concrete frame on piled foundations with brick infill panels . The roofs are a combination of lightweight steel and timber roofs with limited areas of flat concrete roofs .
The building contract commenced with the bulk earthworks in the middle of August 2004 , practical completion for the retail component was achieved in October 2005 . The effective contract period was just under 13 months .
Design Philosophy Retail centres have become increasingly important civic buildings and serve a function within the public realm way beyond that of just being a convenient place to shop . They are our modern day forms of town squares , market places and high streets of old . They need to reflect the growing desire to experience an environment that both encourages and supports the basic human needs of socialising , gathering and healthy interaction in a safe and stimulating place .
This experience would be further enhanced if this environment enabled shoppers to enjoy the beauty of natural light , fresh air , open skies above and the changing seasons . The architects were striving to replace the American themed mall concepts that turn their backs on life externally , with buildings that respond and contribute positively to their surrounding context . If one can replace the painted blue sky plasterboard ceilings of the internalised mall with the reality of nature outside , great progress will be made for the future of retail design in South Africa .
Precedent Studies Precedent research comprised looking closely at the street lifestyles and architecture within the shopping districts of well-known European cities such as Paris , London and Florence . Back home , the architects referred often to unique
140 Willowbridge