Retail design around the world is highly competitive and generates new ideas and trends on an ongoing basis in order to satisfy society ’ s desire for new experiences that are better , more stimulating and ultimately more successful for the retailers than other competing shopping destinations . The design of Gateway whilst being based on tried and tested planning principles resulted in a layout that is clear and simple and yet concentrated on developing spectacular architectural spaces in what must be the most public of building types . the commercial heart of the future Umhlanga New Town Centre will develop . Thus the energy that is generated by the critical mass of the 120,000m 2 of retail space spills out into the public domain , feeding people into pedestrian friendly spaces animated with pavement cafes and bars that will make the Boulevard , Durban ’ s premier café precinct .
To Mall or De-mall Initially the debate whether to enclose and air-condition the shopping space or to create an open centre that allows the sunshine into the shopping streets , was fiercely debated . The solution at Gateway provides the best of both concepts . The sheer size and length of the frontage required to accommodate over 350 shops meant that the Mall solution was the only way to create an efficient shopping precinct . However , the enclosure was conceived as a series of grand , large volume , “ market hall ” spaces in a way similar to four-storey high streets that have been glazed over . This was achieved by retaining the landscaping , paving and street façades whilst providing an airy , naturally lit environment . Combined with these enclosed streets are a number of external courts and a central piazza resplendent with cascading fountains and palm trees known as the “ Palm Court ”.
These outdoor spaces lead onto a 350m long and 57m wide , central , palm-tree lined Boulevard that will become the “ armature ” around which
Gateway 71