New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/04C | Page 27

Facing page:A variety of texture
and form creates a diversity of
visual experiences for shoppers
at The Crossing.
Below:A first-floor walkway
provides an inner-access point
for the H&M corner building.
panel facade that, with its play of light and shadow,
looks different from every angle,” says Hay.
On the opposite side of the block, the sculptural
carpark building sports a taught weaved fabric
facade and also has a strong, stand-out appeal.
Overall, however, The Crossing is comprised of
smaller buildings with diverse facades, forms and
materials, such as brick and wood, all threaded
with laneways that lead to the centre of the com-
plex. And the variety of architecture, crisscrossing
laneways and air bridges creates a variety of views
and experiences for shop-goers, or those there to
partake of the precinct’s hospitality options.
The three laneways evoke a sense of being from
an earlier time, adding to The Crossing’s feeling of
permanence, but they fulfil another key role, too.
“We wanted to create a sense of discovery,”
says Hill. “And the laneways offer peeks of the
central hospitality building from the street, without
fully revealing its nature – so drawing shoppers into
the heart of the complex.”
And the arresting semi-circular building is a
worthy centrepoint for The Crossing. Its three levels
of hospitality will include a cafe at ground floor and
the building is partly wrapped in a decorative alu-
minium mesh which for some thirsty shoppers may
symbolise the bubbles rising in an ice-cold drink.
“Naturally, given past events, seismic resil-
ience is integral to all structures in the shopping
and office precinct,” says Hay. “For example,
the historic corner building has been fitted with a
buckling-restrained brace system to protect it.
“The H&M building’s seismic resistance comes in
the form of a moment resisting frame system. This
is ideal for steel-frame buildings and has the added
bonus of having no diagonal struts, thus allowing
for larger, uninterrupted shop fronts.”
The Crossing has already proved popular with
the two bodies that matter the most. Leading fashion
brands like Trenery, Barkers and Country Road
accompany H&M, and many more name retailers
are likely to follow. Then there are the shoppers
themselves, who have flocked to the diverse, inner-
city retail mecca from day one.
search | save | share at