Retail
by Pierre Lahaye , partner at MDS Architecture type spaces , where people can enjoy the convenience of a meal and leisurely shopping . People are seeking out a return to the high streets and town squares that are spaces to gather .
Integrating retail into the urban design framework Fortunately , South African shopping centres began to pay more attention to their urban contexts by earmarking space for the urban landscape in addition to retail . Mall of Africa , for instance , is a good example of a new shopping centre which incorporates a literal town square with entertainment options and an outdoor restaurant area with an inviting ambience instead of dining with a view of a parking lot .
Mixed-use is a necessary concept for South Africa ’ s urban development . People need to live close to where they work and play , something that is hindered by the legacy of apartheid spatial planning throughout the country . There are , of course , mixed-use developments which have successfully created new precincts complete with Eurocentric high street area , offering super basements for parking , shopping centres for convenience and the security of an enclosed area . An unintended consequence , however , is a perceived lack of access . You may feel a sense of the village once inside , but if a shopping centre is the most public building which anyone can enter , a feeling of isolation is problematic .
Master planning is the key . Rosebank in Johannesburg is a good example of how new buildings came up next to older ones . Several precincts became integrated , organically creating a mixed-use environment . How was this achieved ? Rosebank Mall was refurbished and reconfigured , buildings were opened up so that shoppers could see and feel the sun , the area became pedestrianised around the Gautrain station and the context was carefully considered in the design of new buildings .
What ’ s next ? In contrast to themed spaces which were designed to create a make-believe place , today ’ s shoppers want a real and authentic experience . The trend towards bespoke products , unique experiences , flexible spaces and individual consideration has permeated almost every aspect of shopping and entertainment . Even large national retailers are looking at ways to move away from a uniform , standardised approach to their stores . Artificial intelligence is making it easier to tailor offerings to individuals , who are also much more concerned about sustainability , recycling and preserving the planet .
Online shopping spiked during Covid and is likely to continue to grow in South Africa , but we are also seeing online retailers moving into brick-and-mortar stores . While Covid required isolation , we have emerged with a sensitivity about experiences and places that bring you down .
We can expect to see more design thinking like Gqeberha ’ s Boardwalk Mall , which is an important part of the overall vision for the precinct , linking with the Sun International Boardwalk Casino and Boardwalk Hotel . The idea is to integrate retail developments with their surroundings to create mixed use spaces including shopping , residential , commercial offices and space for auxiliary components that will complement the scheme .
As architects , our focus should extend beyond the building ’ s design and recognise that it is simply the stage upon which a lifestyle scene takes place .
Simplicity , it is said , is the ultimate sophistication . In buildings , great architecture shows up as a comfortable feeling , a sense that often users can ’ t quite pinpoint . The same applies when there is a sense of discomfort . Themed , unnatural and busy spaces disturb the visual psyche . Good design , on the other hand , evokes a sense of comfort , because it is contemporary and relates to its place and environment .
Opinion 5