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WE USED BRONZE GLASS
AND IT’S QUITE UNUSUAL FOR US.
BRONZE GLASS REALLY DOES GIVE
THE BUILDING ITS OWN IDENTITY.
Mark Kozakiewicz, Architect
Left Rather than lost opportunity, dual
staircases reflect thoughtful finishes,
broad sweep and large glass section.
What was the main challenge and main opportunity?
It’s not just about high visibility. It’s not just about look
at me, is it?
No, it’s a about creating an environment that has some
staying power and doesn’t quickly tire people. It needs to
appeal to and excite visitors, rather than see them walk by
to their destination. That is the challenge. People aren’t just
going to come here if we’re lazy. You need to attract them
and give them a reason to visit.
It’s definitely not a loud building in the way
we often associate with pubs, clubs or gaming venues.
There’s a responsibility to the street along with the wants
and desires of local authorities. You don’t want to end up
with highway architecture. This building was designated
as a stand-alone. It wasn’t designed as part of the
shopping centre.
Its other strong quality is the rhythm of the blades and
sizeable window panels. Those two parts bring together
sun shading and a quite striking affect.
We used bronze glass and it’s quite unusual for us.
Bronze glass really does give the building its own identity.
The neighbours are either clear or grey and this was one
other way to make sure it was not confused or seen
as part of the adjacent shopping centre.
How important is longevity on these projects?
The unusual aspect about this building is that it was
designed about five years ago. It took a very long time
to finally be built because of all sorts of leasing restraints.
What is pleasing is that the