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VAAL MALL EVOKES RIVER THEME Vaal Mall opened on 27 April 2006 and has been instrumental in retaining spend in the Vaal Triangle area that was previously directed elsewhere. The design of the 50 000m2 regional shopping centre was guided by a brief to use natural elements from the area. MDS Architecture rose to the challenge, drawing on its vast experience in retail developments to evoke the sense of the flowing Vaal River in an industrial heartland. The shopping centre has sinuous passages, vaulted ceilings, striking lighting effects and finishes that draw inspiration from the swirls of the nearby Vaal River. Pat Henry of MDS Architecture says that Vaal Mall aptly showcases the practice’s reputation for leadership in retail design. Launched in April 2006, the fully let Vaal Mall provides a convenient shopping choice for consumers in the Vaal Triangle and adds a dash of colour and excitement to the surrounding landscape. The single level retail centre is anchored by Pick ’n Pay at one end and Game at the other, with Woolworths and Edgars in between. The 135 fashion and retail stores are complemented by a food court offering both fast food and restaurant areas as well as and three free standing restaurants fronting onto the busy Barrage Road. Parking is provided for over 3000 cars. Whereas shoppers in the area were travelling long distances to do their shopping, they now have an exciting shopping destination on their doorstep with a myriad choice of retail outlets. Design considerations Given that the Vanderbijlpark area is predominantly industrial, MDS Architecture selected strong colours for the exterior of the mall – red, beige and cobalt blue. These colours also reflect the natural influences of the area and the strong link to a river theme that is applied from the built structure, through to the interior and branding of Vaal Mall. The entrances on the three corners of the building draw visitors by their sheer size and the choice of crisp white finishes. The entrances contrast with the brightly coloured exterior walls and are brightly illuminated at night. To overcome the challenge posed by the extreme weather conditions of the Highveld, revolving doors were installed at all entrances, effectively wind-proofing the malls. Although the installation was an expensive exercise, they have the added benefit of maintaining a controlled climate inside the mall. Emphasising the curves The curved mall runs the full length of the centre giving the shopper a completely new experience and focus on each shop as they move along its length. The decision was taken to vault the mall ceiling. To accommodate the curve, it had to be made up in segments joined by recessed wedges allowing for movement and ease of construction. These segments were then emphasised with subtle colour changes to draw the eye to the detail. Suspended pendant light fittings have also been installed to emphasise the curves. Natural light is a key feature and is provided by conical skylights all along the length of the mall. At night, the role is reversed, with artificial lighting becoming a dramatic external feature and the wave-like placement of the cones along the length of the mall illuminating the night sky with individual beams of light. River-inspired interiors The interiors of Vaal Mall were designed by Design Base, the interior design arm of MDS Architecture. Illustrating the benefit of using the same team for both interior and building design, the swirling river theme has been consistently applied throughout the mall and the detailing. Standard pots, planters and timber benches were customised using various colours and mosaic detailing, again reinforcing Vaal Mall’s branding, which also has a strong link with the interior design and river theme. High quality porcelain floor tiles in hues of blue, organic green and natural stone were laid in patterns to simulate running water. A polished, composite marble was inserted into the tiles for jewel-like reflections. The tiles were difficult to lay in curves, but the superb job by the sub-contractor creates the impression that the running water seems to flow into whirlpools and swirls under the promotional courts. The mall has six promotional court areas, which are all visually unique to give shoppers a sense of location through the use of different colours and concealed lighting. Although not emphasised externally, each promotional court is prominent inside the mall. The curved passages of the mall have provided the opportunity for tenants to create more varied and interesting store designs. The food court has its own entrance directly off the car park and tables and chairs spill outdoors adjacent to the outward facing stores. This area has an exterior face of gleaming full-height glass, flooding the interior space with natural light. The single level mall caters comprehensively for disabled shoppers, with ramps leading off the parking area to the entrances. Vaal Mall is a prime example of what can be achieved in a winning partnership. Together, MDS Architecture and Flanagan & Gerard, with the Kagiso Property Group, have created a light, airy, contemporary and organic space that marries the needs of consumers and developers with interesting architectural concepts and features. View more photographs of the Vaal Mall. Click Here! PROJECT TEAM: VAAL MALL |
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