The shopping centre design features steel structures that resemble tree trunks, both at the entrances and internally, where they extend through cut-outs in the slab to link the floors. Several design elements evoke the shape, colour and detail of leaves. “The leaf shape is prominent at the entrances and throughout interior details such as bulkheads. Leaves are also referenced in the colour palette and internal murals,” says Louis Pretorius, a partner at MDS Architecture.
There are several promotional courts in the shopping centre. While each promotional court is treated differently, natural light is abundant from clerestorey windows. The central promotional court takes the shape of a shield with free-standing steel columns suggesting tree-trunks like those at the entrances.
Pretorius says that the design of Mall of Tembisa has anticipated possible future extensions in response to customer demand. The project is being undertaken by McCormick Property Development in conjunction with KJA Developments. As specialists in low-cost housing, KJA will add the high-density residential components to what will ultimately be a mixed-use development, including logistic and commercial developments.
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