In 2009 , Abacus approached SVA International ’ s Johannesburg office . They were appointed as principal agents and started work on the project . Abacus and SVA had just finished the Mooi River Mall in Potchefstroom , winning an award for best shopping mall of the year . In 2010 Redefine Properties purchased Matlosana Mall , bringing their expertise as landlords and developers .
The project had to be developed as a one story building with basement parking constructed under the ground floor of the west wing , using the natural fall of the site . The lower level parking had to be cross ventilated and easily accessible .
Philosophy There is a perennial debate within the Architectural community in terms of how a project is contextualised to its surrounding environment . The ‘ International style ’ has created buildings that can be placed almost in any part of the world - buildings often without a sense of belonging .
This approach can create a rupture between community and building but , on the other hand , there is the risk of creating a blend of ethnic architectural stereotypes , which end up being a caricature of the history and neighbouring community .
SVA ’ s philosophy for Matlosana Mall was to use a contemporary design interpretation of the context with references to anthropological and historical elements through the use of clean simple lines .
The region of Matlosana is known for its rich cultural diversity . Early BaTswana communities in the area were known for their pottery and basket weaving , as well as for being very welcoming people . They
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