Old Mutual properties was to ensure the centre remained operational during the entire upgrade which took place over a period of approximately fourteen months .
The mall lighting design , developed in conjunction with the architects , uses a combination of low voltage and metal halide downlighters complemented with fluorescent cove lighting which effectively transformed and blended the malls into the existing malls of Cavendish Square linked on the upper levels .
The use of solar switches and time clocks ensure that all but the highest impact mall lighting is turned off during the day , contributing to the mall being experienced as a bright , open-air space . At night , strategically placed lighting highlights interesting details and creates a “ high street ” atmosphere with contrasts between the mall and shop front lighting generating excitement and interest . Combining these techniques has resulted in a vibrant and exciting mall , while employing a design of unprecedented economy .
The entire electrical infrastructure was replaced as part of the upgrade and included the installation of a standby generator to accommodate the Rational Fire requirements and provide a limited essential supply to the individual line shops . The supply of electrical power to the individual tenants was carefully designed , using extensive historical data to determine their predicted loads .
The redesign of the reticulation system incorporated a high degree of flexibility and , with the introduction of an electronic metering and billing system , Centre Management is able to monitor and control electrical consumption to tenants and the malls to affect energy saving wherever possible .
The Electronic systems , consisting of the Fire Detection and Evacuation system , IP networked CCTV and Monitoring system , Foot counters , SMATV and Public Address systems were integrated into the existing Cavendish Square systems with remote monitoring provided in the Centre Management Offices located inside Cavendish Connect .
RATIONAL FIRE & WET FIRE DESIGN REPORT SolutionStation Consulting Engineers were appointed as the rational fire and wet fire designers . The biggest challenge was that the entire centre had to remain operational through out the upgrade period . This meant that the alterations to the existing Wet Fire services ( Sprinklers , fire hydrants and fire hose reels ) had to be done in sections and coordinated such that the these services remained live and operational in the shops still trading at the various stages of the project . Close liaison with the Fire Department had to be maintained , keeping them informed of the progress .
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