Why could this building be held up as an example of design excellence ? It is not driven by an outlandish theme . Nor is it contemporary just for the sake of wanting to do something modern . It is going back to a more simplistic way of building . The forms are expressed by their function and the architecture is informed by it . I have a building – it needs to be rain-protected – thus a pitched roof . It needs a cover for people to walk under – thus a lean-to veranda . And the pitched roof is not mono , backpitched or contorted for any aesthetic reason . It is the simplest solution to the problem . There is integrity in that . It is also not layered . The exposed trusses are the real structure . The underside of the sheet metal is the ceiling . What you see is actually the aesthetic without any embellishment - and there is beauty in that .
What influenced the design resolution in terms of the micro and macro context ? We are not into themes , but we also believe that to introduce so-called contemporary architecture in an environment rich with its own vernacular would be an opportunity lost . We thus found inspiration in the Irene farm buildings and vernacular and used it as our base . All the colours and finishes and materials can be found in the area and historical precedent .
When a reference was sought for the campanile – the use of a traditional galvanised drum at the top made for an original interpretation of the local vernacular . In the macro context , the building presents its signage façade to the highway whilst presenting its friendly , village face to the housing estates and road leading to Irene town .
Explain the design approach to pedestrian and vehicular circulation : Pedestrian is traditional with an entrance at either end and friendly walkways in the parking . The central entrance was allowed to give quick access to the square and it was not detrimental due to the racetrack design .
Explain the design approach to the negative or open spaces ( spaces between structure ): The building had to be high enough to enclose the streets and provide an intimate street that encourages browsing . Widths were kept to a minimum to discourage single side shopping without making them too narrow . The square was designed with the golden mean and the height of the buildings either side made high enough to
198 Irene Village Mall