the health service providers on the other . The food outlets , which can continue operating after hours for the convenience of residents , are located on the exterior of the south side , between the two entrances . Covered walkways connect the two wings to the central mall , unifying the building along its length .
ARCHITECT ’ S REPORT The site was challenging because of its shape and access points . Locating the bulk of the centre in the middle of the site with wings to either side utilised the site to its best advantage . It is orientated south , to ensure accessibility to pedestrians from the residential area , local taxis and vehicles . Large taxi ranks and 1,000 parking bays were made available through an agreement with Eskom to use the area under its overhead lines . The north façade provides an excellent advertising point for tenants , attracting passers-by from the main Olifantsfontein road .
The two large main entrances are attractively located on the east and west sides of the mall , offering shoppers covered seating areas with trees , while they wait for transport or friends . Over 120 trees will be planted around the centre to soften the parking and provide shade and greenery .
Inside the mall , overhead skylights add natural space and light to the installed illumination and more pot plants and benches soften the modern sweep of custom-designed stainless steel light fittings and mosaic tile insets creating a sophisticated look . At the same time , a sense of intimacy is created by the use of timber panels and the colours used in the mall .
The centre is air-conditioned but it also has a natural airflow through the wings of the centre , making this a cool haven from the dusty industrial surroundings . Its natural colours of beige , ochre and warm browns were chosen to create a contemporary feel with the emphasis on comfort . The main mall ’ s colourful signage and coloured tile inserts provide the finishing touches .
One of the major challenges was the tilt-up method of construction used for the concrete infill panels . The system , which is rapidly catching on in South Africa , thanks to its speed of construction , involves wall panels being cast on the ground and then lifted into position by
262 Phumulani Mall