Maluti Crescent , Phuthaditjhaba , Free State
RURAL & SMALL TOWN DEVELOPMENTS CATEGORY
One of the largest shopping centres in the Free State , Maluti Crescent was designed by MDS Architecture and developed by Flanagan and Gerard for Vukile Property Fund . Maluti Crescent is situated at the foot of Parliament Hill , the historical local legislature of the old Qwa Qwa homeland .
The layout was transformed from that of a 22,000m ² strip centre overlooking on grade parking into an enclosed shopping mall of 35,000m ² with two levels of structured parking . In what is thought to be a South African first for a regional shopping centre , local informal traders have been integrated into the scheme ,” explains Pierre Lahaye , partner at MDS Architecture . The incorporation of the informal traders creates a unique overall retail experience for shoppers at Maluti Crescent . “ An exterior food court offers a covered area with smoke vents to ensure that the food traders are able to cook in the area and sell their wares . The development has provided the infrastructure , which creates unique opportunities for the traders without requiring excessive capital outlay on their part ,” he says .
The overall design incorporates a second crescent curved mall that ensures visitors are constantly discovering new views as they move along . A number of overhangs on the building demarcate areas of transition , while inviting gatherings and provide opportunities for mingling , to create a new aspirational public building .
The site has a significant fall of over 9m and the existing building steps down along the site . The fall was utilised to showcase the panoramic views of the beautiful Maluti mountains through a new double volume court with a large picture frame window .
Maluti Crescent has two new feature entrances as well access from the parkade . Sandstone formations from the nearby Maluti mountain range were the inspiration behind graphical representations on the exterior of the building and at the entrances .
Stylised landscapes have been created on walls in transition areas throughout the shopping centre . An abundance of diffused light has been introduced throughout the building to ensure a connection with the outdoors . The Sky Court features a view window with views to the Drakensberg mountains to draw visitors ’ eyes outwards and provide one with a datum and a sense of place in the environment .
The interior features a number of references to local culture through fabrics and tiling patterns , as well as accents including stylised mobiles that draw inspiration from oversized mokorotlos , the traditional Basotho hat .
Rooflights and clerestory windows with woven fabric pendant lighting emphasise the ceiling design . While shopfronts are of standard height at 3,3m , they appear higher as a result of the use of dark bulkheads .
The floor tiling mirrors the rock formations in terms of colours and design . The colour palette has been integrated with monochromatic earthy colours at the courts and places of transition within the shopping centre . Timber handrails and balustrades create warmth in the interiors .
“ The existing entrance comes directly off the street , which is fairly unique for a regional shopping centre and is well utilised by pedestrians coming off a busy street . It ties the building neatly into the overall urban precinct ,” concludes Lahaye .
Owner : Vukile Property Fund Developer : Flanagan & Gerard Architect : MDS Architecture Quantity Surveyor : NWS Quantity Surveyors Structural & Civil Engineer : L & S Consulting Electrical Engineer : RWP Consulting Mechanical Engineer : Q-Mech Consulting Engineers Fire Consultant : Specialised Fire Technology Main Contractor : Concor
70 SAPOA Awards