Architect and Builder Retail Retrospective | Page 154

The site has strong exposure fronting directly onto the busy Barrage Road and the Golden Highway intersection linking Vanderbijlpark with Vereeniging and the whole of the industrialised Vaal Triangle .
Design Considerations The shopping centre was orientated to front directly onto Barrage Road , ensuring maximum exposure and indirectly onto the intersection with the Golden Highway , with access to the site of the development from either end . This created excellent exposure for tenants and advertising , as well as easy access for shoppers , deliveries and services .
The site is located close to the Vaal River , a rich green lifeline in this industrial zone , and this proximity led to the concept of a sinuous , river-like mall . This is a first for local retail developments and created an exciting challenge with regards to both the shopfronts and ceilings .
Given that the Vanderbijlpark area is predominantly industrial , MDS Architecture selected strong colours for the exterior of the mall - red , beige and cobalt blue . These colours also reflect
the natural influences of the area and the strong link to a river theme that is applied from the built structure , through to the interior and branding of Vaal Mall .
Arrangement of the Building The parking area is located directly off the roads intersection and in front of the building to ensure that shoppers have direct access to the building . Major tenants and multinational retailers also enjoy excellent exposure to the parking area and busy intersections facing the building .
Additional parking is provided on the south side of the site to service an entrance to the banking mall . This section of the site is earmarked for possible future extensions and phases .
Translating the Brief The shopping centre has sinuous passages , vaulted ceilings , striking lighting effects and finishes that draw inspiration from the swirls of the nearby river . Pat Henry of MDS Architecture says that Vaal Mall aptly showcases the practice ’ s reputation for leadership in retail design .
154 Vaal Mall