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