A Bold Strategy Fountainhead ( whose management arm is now incorporated into Redefine Properties ) took the bold decision to reconstruct the centre from the basement up , focusing on a qualitative improvement rather than increasing retail bulk . A modest increase of 8,000m 2 was realised so as to max out available bulk of 56,000m 2 , and a construction budget of approximately R700 million .
The client ’ s desire was to provide an upgraded experience that speaks to the demands and aspirations of its existing customer base , while at the same time offering an entirely new kind of retail and lifestyle facility .
This was achieved over a multi-year construction project in which careful management of phasing around existing operations was one of the keys to success .
Extroverted The future life of the centre was also an important consideration , informing both the design direction of the whole centre and the decision to add an extended portion of undercover parking during the late stages of the mall ’ s construction .
The Louis Karol team was responsible for both the architecture and the interiors , and their design inspiration was a modern and sophisticated centre which takes advantage of the clean slate afforded by the new construction .
The new mall design breaks away from the traditional spatial model of shopping centres as enclosed and internal , combining generous mall widths and dramatic ceiling volumes with a luxurious surfeit of natural light and a refined palette of finishes .
Blue Route Mall 391