interactive . While the development ’ s western side is open and multi-levelled , the eastern side , which faces the CJ Saunders Park , is mostly glass . The idea was to create something unique on the park side which gives back to the surroundings . By using glass , the light reflects off the building in a sensitive and ever-changing manner .
Outside Spaces More than 3,500m ² in size , the generous open square features an amphitheatre , grassed spaces and substantially sized planters with Fig trees that will ultimately grow to create a lush and shady canopy over the square . Communal tables draw people out of the interiors to further activate the space . The retail section opens onto the square which means shops and restaurants are easily accessible to the square as an extension of their premises .
Linear directional paving channels people through the building ’ s elements , linking with the surrounding buildings and amenities such as the CJ Saunders Park , Gateway Theatre of Shopping and a proposed nearby GO ! Durban Integrated Rapid Transport Network stop . The piazza ’ s paving is more static and encourages people to stop and use the common break areas like benches and incidental grassy areas . The space is not overly designed and has been left open , dynamic and versatile for people to use in a way which comes naturally to them .
Retail The retail section , ± 4,500m 2 in size , includes the Retail Arcade , the development ’ s main artery which seamlessly links the open square on the western side with the CJ Saunders Park on the eastern side . The arcade ’ s orientation allows you to see the park through the main building . The connection between the two elements is framed by the park ’ s trees and those on the square to bring natural elements closer . The secondary corridors are wide enough to accommodate informal retailers such as food trucks or craft stalls and will allow creative elements such as murals and art installations .
There are no dead ends within the building which reinforces the easy flow of people through the different sections . 170 covered retail parking bays and approximately 50 street parking bays ensure ease of access . A carefully considered retail mix means that office workers and the local community will rarely need to leave the precinct to shop anywhere else .
Multidisciplinary Service Arup delivered full multi-disciplinary engineering services comprising of civil , structural , mechanical , electrical , public health , fire and façade engineering . In addition to this they also provided sustainability and environmental consulting services for the Green Star rated development .
Building Information Modelling ( BIM ) An integrated multidisciplinary offering such as this allowed Arup to realise the many benefits of working in a BIM-centric environment . These benefits also extended to the client and main contractor .
Another benefit of working in a 3D virtual environment is that design decisions can be
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