The interior has a “ lounge ” feel and the restaurants on the upper level have great views of Morningside from balconies on the west elevation . The outdoor restaurants on the eastern side facing Rivonia Road have external covered seating , featuring one of the most distinctive aspects in the design . It is a separate structure with a lower roof , allowing light to filter through above it and reflect on the overhanging cantilevered roof of the main building . “ As a result , there is a sense that the roof floats above the restaurants ,” says Lahaye .
There are two entrances on the upper level . The mall is U-shaped and accommodates restaurants , fashion and boutiques . The double volume central atrium is bathed with natural light from the clerestory windows to take advantage of the feature bridge in this area . Two huge
ficus benjamina trees provide an organic element to soften the sleek lines and a playful element is evident in the oversized pendant lights in the central atrium . The lower mall takes the form of a staggered cross .
The shopping centre is located in a residential neighbourhood , in fact the clients live in the area . For this reason , visibility and relationship to the street have been important design considerations . In addition , the tenant mix is made up of mostly individually owned and operated stores and few national brands .
Quality and the personal touch are key considerations . Signage is understated , in contrast with the “ in your face commercialism ” that has become associated with retail developments . “ Even the national tenant signage is muted in monochrome colours ,” comments Lahaye .
The wide walkways provide the luxury of space and are softened by the planting in the gabion structures . Further contrast in texture is achieved by dry packed slate on the exterior walls and textured cladding features indoors . Extensive replanting has been done , to the tune of one tree per three parking bays .
The tenant mix at Morningside Shopping Centre ensures that all the needs of its customers are met in an exclusive convenience centre . “ The project has come together beautifully , combining subtle elegance with those boring but practical things that make buildings work ,” concludes Lahaye .
Community Outreach and Involvement “ We ’ ve taken a proactive stance with the goal of bringing the community together to the benefit
266 Morningside