• An active edge onto the structured parking area with outward facing shops along the full length of the building ’ s façade ;
• Vertical connectivity within the building between the two retail levels achieved by sight lines to retailers shop fronts ;
• Finishes within the building to result in hard wearing yet luxurious and classic feel ;
• Simplicity of access and egress to and from the site and circulation within the structured parking for customers ;
Efficiency and Operational Considerations Mall of the South regional shopping centre ’ s operation and maintenance aspects are detailed below :
• Double level design with “ cut outs ” providing visual connectivity of retail levels ;
• Flat surfaces of common areas are easily maintained and cleaned ;
• Location of banks / ATMs are on the exterior active edge to minimise security risks ;
• Continuous sky light along roof scape provides abundance of natural light ;
• Storm water collection / attenuation pond for collection of rain water and irrigation of landscape ;
• Dedicated waste recycling and refuse room ;
• Dedicated delivery areas in back of house areas of the building ;
• Structured parking areas connect with retail level to provide on-grade parking on each retail level ;
• On site taxi drop-off / collection facility and paraplegic parking ;
• Glass façades at entrances .
Construction Considerations Projects of this size and nature in South Africa are always fast track with the building construction commencing prior to the final detailed design and the materials specifications . The client and professional team also applied rigorous value engineering to achieve the best design and finishes possible within the approved budget parameters .
Detail design highlights of the project are :
• A simple and legible layout with fantastic view lines along the length of the mall , as well as vertically interconnecting the two retail levels with double volume voids , allowing for vertical site lines from and to both retail levels ;
• The unique shape of the mall layout maximises the shopfront extents but limits the perceived overall mall length as the nine mall entrances over three levels are in close proximity to one another ;
• Simple and clean detailed design with considerations of cost , ease of construction , and ease of maintenance , for example , the unplastered pre-cast concrete external walls ;
• Careful consideration of where enhanced design and finishes can have the most impact on the project , for example , the dramatic continuous skylight and the expressive curved ceiling forms ;
• A focus on specific areas to create a high impact , visual experience . An example is the main triple volume façade of glass and aluminium with its evocative dynamic shape and form . Another special area is the central double volume rotunda which will be used for mall entertainment ;
• A focus on the customer experience with innovative features . e . g . the extensive landscaping and tree lined green spaces on the upper level parking deck , with water features and restaurant seating areas ; The mall design differs from the conventional by activating the main external façade with shops and restaurants that look out onto the parking levels .
Facilities Mall of the South has the expected facilities associated with a regional mall of this size ; these include :
• 65,000m 2 of retail space with the ability to organically expand ( expansion space has been incorporated into the design );
• Over 4,200 parking bays for the initial phase with the ability to increase if required ;
• Convenient and easily navigable parking facility ;
• Generous mall areas with seating , water features , pause areas and promotional spaces ;
• Centre management offices , client concierge desk and toilet facilities ;
• Vertical circulation to all levels in the form of lifts , escalators and stairs ;
• Extensive restaurant seating areas and a dedicated restaurant section with seating overlooking the landscaped parking area ;
• The required dedicated tenant loading areas and general loading areas are provided with vertical circulation ;
• A roof covered taxi rank is well situated within the development .
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