ARCHITECT ’ S REPORT Cradlestone Mall is located in the area of the Cradle of Humankind and as the architects , Bentel Associates International , firmly believe in creating an identity for their shopping centres to enable a ‘ sense of place ’, the Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for the underlying philosophy that underpins the design concept .
The identity of the shopping centre is derived from the evolutionary finds in the area and is subtly incorporated in the contemporary design elements that make up the façade , floors and roof-scapes of the visual portion of the design aspect . Care was taken to avoid brash or obvious
expressions of this comparison . Instead , the geological column has been used to generate an architectural motif and is a source of colour , finish and texture .
Architectural elements such as entrances and courts were given priority in expressing this concept . They also give the impression of representing an abstract impression of primordial life and prehistoric organisms . It is important to note this uniqueness in the face of ever increasing conformity in regard to the layout and look and feel of current shopping centre projects .
The stratum of the primordial layering is mimicked in the floors , ceilings and façade
Cradlestone Mall 415