The client also wanted to ensure that the building would be positioned sensitively on the site to respect the magnificent scenery of the Drakenstein Valley , Paarl Rock and the area ’ s rich cultural heritage , including the Taal Monument .
Arrangement of the Building The shopping centre is anchored on either end by Woolworths and Pick n Pay with the Edgars and Truworths Fashion Court , and the Mr Price Weekend and Home Promotions Court providing dramatic links in between . The Food Court provides a central pivot to the whole arrangement and can also be accessed from the outside . Both Spur and Panarottis have covered external seating to celebrate the magnificent views , whilst the restaurants adjacent to Panarottis have views to Paarl Rock through the large clerestory windows .
Services to the building are predominantly from the rear , bordering the Tiger Brands jam canning factory , allowing the front to open up to the distant
views of the Drakenstein mountains towards Franschhoek . Flanking the entrances are covered walkways leading to outward facing shops that provide added interest to the external façade .
Design Rationale The design of Paarl Mall evokes a sense of openness and responds to its context . The shape of the mall , a slightly curved boomerang , echoes the surrounding Drakenstein mountain range . In reverence to its setting , the mall opens up to the surrounds , choosing not to be inward looking .
The treatment and materials on the exterior walls reflects Paarl Mall ’ s surroundings . The stylised climbing walls are inspired by the surrounding context and give the impression of allowing one to climb the mountains in the background . Many of the historical buildings in Paarl are over 300 years old and are built in the traditional Cape Dutch style . This style is influenced by specific proportions , the adjacent KWV winery being
164 Paarl Mall