The entrances are an area of focus , with porticos and water features evoking a sense of arrival . Latticing has been extensively used at the entrances in the design of the pergolas , suggesting the bushveld for which Limpopo is famous .
Permeable Interior Spaces The interior spaces are permeable , and encourage discovery around curves . The concealed lighting throughout the building creates a warm and inviting ambience , with accent lighting emphasising pockets of interest . Pierre Lahaye explained that once guests enter the building , a long covered area acts as a transition space to draw them in , almost as though one is entering a ravine .
He said that they took their inspiration from the forests and mountains of the surrounding areas , elements that were incorporated into the design , finishes and landscaping . Lift cores feature tinted glass and glass tiling to suggest waterfalls . The floor tiling in earth colours was interspersed with diagonal lines . The tiling was laid in shafts to evoke images of stone striations , explained Lahaye .
References to the location can also be found in the bathrooms , where photography of indigenous landscapes and plants feature near the mirrors .
The experience inside the mall is connected to the exterior and it does not take long before one catches glimpses of natural light again . The large expanses of glass roof were used to create tangible connections to the outside . There are eight skylights , ensuring that the sky can be seen at every point of transition in the shopping centre .
“ The design of the skylights was a collaborative effort between the architects , structural engineers and glazing specialists , ensuring a very elegant solution ,” says Lahaye . Special performance glass has been used that is tinted and laminated and has a number of safety features .
Curves were a key design element , so shopfronts needed to be curved , faceted or tophung doors used to ensure that the right balance was struck between contemporary straight lines and the curves that would entice shoppers to discover the building .
Covered Streetscape The restaurant area is awash with natural light and features flooring in a cobbled pattern - a typical streetscape with the added benefit of being covered with a glass roof . Restaurant tables spill over onto the street and the pergola screen cuts down on bright glare , transforming to a spectacular display of orange light at sunset .
The restaurant area offers three experiences - an exposed , outdoor experience , an interior experience inside the restaurants and an outdoor experience within a covered area .
Mall of the North 303