of the walkway . There is parking available for over 2,000 cars . An additional attraction within the development comprises two motor retail dealerships which form part of the overall precinct .
Interpreting the Brief The walkways at Woodmead Retail Park , in contrast to the conventional lean-to roof construction common to Value Retail Malls , are a combination of steel and timber , and are nearly 6m in height . To counteract the effects of the afternoon sunlight penetration , the walkways have been created with a 5m depth , together with horizontal steel louvres at the outermost edge .
Visibility from the M1 highlights tenant signage and lifestyle advertising , masking the service area of the centre . Rather than utilising ungainly signage pylons , fully glazed feature entrances incorporating signage coincide with
the entrances to the major tenants , and serve both as visual breaks in the building as well as nodes of focal importance , which , in turn , enable ease of orientation by the consumer . In line with MDS Architecture ’ s brief to explore interesting material usage , these entrances are glazed with Arctic White laminated safety glass , which serves a dual design purpose – to both minimise sun insulation during the day , while creating oases of light in the evenings . Off-shutter concrete piers with in-situ recessed joints frame these ‘ light boxes ’ and serve as points of visual solidity , in contrast to the walkway , which is more delicate and horizontal in form . Pre-determined sizes and positions of illuminated signage boxes , which are built into the shopfront façades themselves , ensure that clean lines , and a distinct lack of clutter to the walkways are the overwhelming impression to visitors , when experiencing the shopping centre .
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