Bringing Two Structures Together
Pearce says that bringing the two buildings
together posed quite a design challenge. “This
was solved by giving the existing centre a facelift
and viewing it as a themed area that attaches itself
to the new building,” he says.
Ballito Junction’s existing and well-loved piazza
area with Mediterran ean flair was retained and a
second piazza was added to the new building. Five
levels of parking lead straight into the three malls
and the centre features a truck tunnel right at the
bottom of the building so that no deliveries take
place in a public interface but instead through a
series of lifts and staircases concealed from the
general public.
The old and new are brought together through
the top level mall, creating a physical pedestrian
link. Parking levels between the two buildings are
connected at the upper and middle level malls,
which assists with the accessibility and efficiency
of the design.
Seaside Aesthetic
One of Ballito’s most appealing features is its
outdoor lifestyle on account of its great climate
and beachfront. Inspired by the ocean and seaside
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living, the design of the mall gives a nod to the
area and lifestyle.
Entrances at Ballito Junction are prominent and
modern, featuring massive off-shutter concrete
walls that are panelled to look like weathered
timber and lead visitors to one of the three
entrances. Illuminated walkways are lined with
screens of bouganvilleas. Glass-roofed car drop-off
areas provide cover from the elements while wave
roofs appear to float above the white building.
Ocean blue glass has been used on the stairwells.
Various aesthetic elements combine to evoke
memories of a seaside holiday, including a colour
palette which includes beach sand and ocean
colours. Sunny, windswept days are also conjured
through references to water, timber boardwalks
and decking.
Each of the building’s three levels represents
an aspect of the ocean. The upper mall level is
an all-white theme depicting the rolling white
waves of the ocean. Glass balustrades are used
throughout the mall to create clean lines and this
level offers entertainment, youth retail and niche
fashion stores.
The middle level is the prime fashion level
and is inspired by water. Blue feature lighting
Ballito Junction