African Design Magazine ADM #37 February 2018 | Page 16
DESIGN AND CONCEPTUALISATION BRIEF
The client desired a highly efficient environment representative of its innovative character.
Simultaneously, the design needed to tie in with the broader vision of the commercially
savvy precinct developer, which includes the Feenstra Group and CIH (Community
Investment Holdings), in association with The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).
Leveraging its experience on over 1 000 projects in a number of countries throughout the
continent, SVA International created a design that would seamlessly marry functionality with
aesthetics.
A variety of site levels provide for a sense of drama, with the offices and public areas located
on a raised podium with two semi-basement parking levels below these elements. The fall
across the site, from John Vorster towards Lenchen Avenue, allows for on grade staff access
on the higher end of the site and impressive access for visitors through a multi-volume lobby
on the lower end of the site.
Various oor plates are contained within two ve-storey buildings, linking them with a social
highstreet at podium level and a multi-volume public interface atrium. These elements also link
the function room and auditorium, as well as showrooms and labs, to the main buildings.
The public areas promote interactions between clients, staff and visitors while the series of
outdoor spaces, which are accessible from the highstreet, provide for staff breakaway areas
and outdoor functions. The incorporation of other future lifestyle elements, including a gym
and convenience retail, are provided for on the podium level.
16 africandesignmagazine.com