The Morningside Shopping Centre emphasis is on personally owned and operated stores that offer the things that people want most on a day-to-day basis . However , the centre ’ s ethos to serve the community goes beyond the sphere of shopping .
Designed by MDS Architecture for clients Flanagan & Gerard and Grapnel Property Investments , the two-level shopping centre offers approximately 10,500m 2 of GLA . Pierre Lahaye , a partner at MDS Architecture , says the design is timeless . “ The building has a sculptural quality . The inspiration style is about subtle sophistication and minimalism ,” he says .
The Location There was an existing shopping centre on the site , which was demolished . An adjacent site was purchased by the developers with frontage on the very busy Rivonia Road . The desired level for the two level centre required substantial earthworks . In addition , substantial external roadworks have been undertaken to alleviate congestion in the area by widening and upgrading Rivonia , Outspan and Wagon roads .
The brief from the developers was to design a minimalist building that would appeal to the residents of the suburb , with convenience key to adding value to the area .
Design Concepts “ A minimalist aesthetic prescribes that everything must have a purpose , making form a key factor in the design ,” says Lahaye . The building therefore features no embellishments on its exterior , which is finished in a combination of sleek white concrete and bagged brickwork . White porcelain tiles have been used throughout the building and frameless glass shop fronts ensure that shoppers have an uninterrupted view from one side of the shopping centre to the other .
Stainless steel accents include customdesigned door handles and balustrades . Planted gabion structures along the walkways and edge of the external restaurant seating provide an interesting contrast to the slickness of the building .
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