for people to look down onto the landscape design from a unique perspective and to experience the different patterns , textures and colours .
A fully indigenous plant palette has been chosen to soften the edges of the building and small urban forests are created by clumping together trees where people can pause and enjoy the dapple shade of the overhead leafy canopy . A large lawn area was proposed at the residential building where tenants and visitors alike can use the space whether it is for relaxing or appreciating a show .
The Onyx , the second of the residential buildings , features a large public square and urban park , flanked with trees and retail space as well as a safe children ’ s play area that spills out on to the square , animated by fountains and public art . The zero-level fountain will be easy to deactivate so that this central piazza can be used for events , including concerts , conferences , exhibitions and markets .
A Catalyst for Further Development The quality of the public space and the broader architectural character of the precinct is
designed not only to catalyse and support a greater diversity of people within the precinct , but also to invite and encourage further investment into the CBD . The peripheral areas and sidewalks along the busy Commissioner and Main Streets have been repaired and upgraded , and additional lighting has been introduced to create a cleaner , safer space around the precinct . More broadly , the development opens up the potential for other key nodes of urban development such as Maboneng , the planned Absa Precinct and further developments along Fox Street to merge and form an integrated walkable city .
Conclusion Sustained by a belief in the transformative potential of urban design and architecture to catalyse economic and social energy , dignity and prosperity , Divercity and GASS Architecture Studios has reenvisioned this all-but-defunct industrial complex into a series of thoughtful interventions that breathe new life into Johannesburg ’ s CBD , while remaining respectful of its heritage .
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