PROJECT Platinum Square The 32,000m 2 contemporary retail centre is designed in a contemporary style with warm and neutral colours, accentuated by splashes of colour on vertical fin elements PLATINUM SQUARE Rustenburg CLIENT Blue Cloud Investments DEVELOPERS Blue Cloud Investments Standard Bank Retail Africa PROJECT MANAGERS Metrum Project Management ARCHITECTS Bentel Associates International Cobus Schoeman Architects (Checkers) QUANTITY SURVEYORS SVR SA Quantity Surveyors CONSULTING ENGINEERS: CIVIL & STRUCTURAL DG Consulting Engineers ELECTRICAL Ingplan Consulting Engineers Ampcon Consulting Electrical Engineers (External Services) MECHANICAL Q-Mech Consulting Engineers FIRE Ingplan Consulting Engineers WET SERVICES Bentel Associates International EPS Consulting Engineers (External Services) HEALTH & SAFETY CONSULTANTS Konsafe Measures LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Insite ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Hydro-Science TENANT CO-ORDINATOR CQS Solutions MAIN CONTRACTOR GD Irons Platinum Square is a contemporary retail centre located in Rustenburg, North West Province. This 32,000m 2 development is located around one of Rustenburg s bustling commercial hubs. Platinum Square is a nodal development in the sense of slotting into and harnessing the energy already extant in the commercial node around the existing Rustenburg Waterfall mall. The development was initiated by the requirement from Checkers for a hypermarket in the area. The Demetriades family (Blue Cloud Investments) owned the land in an ideal location opposite the mall and formed a joint venture with developers, Retail Africa and Standard Bank. Architects, Bentel Associates International, were commissioned to formulate the brief and design a centre which was not only commercially viable but also aesthetically pleasing within the dictated open-sided lifestyle norm. Canal Site considerations were governed by the inclusion of a canal system underneath the building to cater for periodic storm water peaks. To ensure that this system catered for the existing ecosystem, the sides were designed to promote the growth of vegetation and the concrete bottom was grooved for the same purpose. To ensure that it functions and supports the existing wildlife, substantial portions of this canal had to be opened up to the sky. The natural slope, on the side, was dealt with by gradually stepping the centre to conform to the contours, whilst retaining an even grade in the parking areas acceptable to trolley traffic. TEXT Bentel Associates International PHOTOGRAPHY Philip Mostert Malan Kotze 42 Platinum Square
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Sub anchor tenants signage requirements were accommodated on the façade element Design The development caters for the big-box tenants not accommodated within the mall that need the ease of access associated with an open, easily accessible design concept. To that end, the architects designed an open-faced façade with a high walkway canopy that enables the tenants to display their signage underneath the walkway, visible from the parking area. This requirement forms an integral part of the lifestyle shopping pattern. Sub anchor tenants signage requirements were accommodated on the façade element higher and in front of the walkway canopy. The major magnets were accommodated even higher up, underneath dedicated L-shaped entrance features. This provided a visible hierarchy relative to tenant size and signage. Care was taken to ensure that the architecture did not obscure or dominate the primary goal, 44 Platinum Square
The design is in a contemporary style with warm and neutral colours, accentuated by splashes of colour namely the visibility of the tenancies. In its physical manifestation, the design comprises a U-shaped and L-shaped wing, each anchored by the major anchors, Checkers Hypermarket and Food Lovers Market respectively. The two wings are bound together by the similar architecture and central boulevard. This boulevard is heavily landscaped in a contemporary manner and, besides providing easy access from both sides of the centre, also provides an ample throat in terms of visibility into the precinct. Although dictated by the public road running through the middle of the site, the boulevard offers the added bonus of providing a landscape zone not necessarily present in your typical lifestyle centre precinct. The design is in a contemporary style with warm and neutral colours, accentuated by splashes of colour on vertical fin elements. Platinum Square 45
ABOVE: Site Plan Secondary features are highlighted with rock in a ribbon-weave pattern, whilst major entrances are denoted with large roof entrance features, creating triple volumes easily discernible from a distance and displaying the signage. With a total of fifty shops, provision for 1,600 parking bays has also been made. Campanile Situated on the boulevard is a small community square which, besides being a focal point accentuated by a campanile, also serves as a food court and restaurant area. It is the heart of the scheme since it is located mid way between the main anchor tenancies and provides the glue that stitches together the two separated wings of the building. Situated in the middle, it is also conveniently located for a tranquil break from the shopping experience to rest and recharge batteries. Due to its excellent visibility and location on the boulevard, nighttime trade is foreseen in this area. 46 Platinum Square
ADVERTISERS ON THIS PROJECT: Bentel Associates International Architects Blue Cloud Investments Client & Developer DG Consulting Engineers Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers EPS Consulting Engineers Consulting Civil Engineers External Service GD Irons Construction Main Contractors Metrum Project Management Project Managers Q-Mech Consulting Engineers Consulting Mechanical Engineers SVR SA Quantity Surveyors & Project Managers Quantity Surveyors Insulation was increased to assist with energy conservation. There are also automatic light sensors, which help save electricity. Sculpture The Square features an original sculpture by sculptor, Angus Taylor, that is integrated with the water feature. It serves as a focal point to the square in its primary function. However, in keeping with the developer s vision, it is public art and, as such, patrons are encouraged to interact with it both on a visual, intellectual and (primarily for children), physical, level. Conclusion Given the constraints of budget, the owners and consultant team is confident that the centre, besides catering for the retail needs by providing the tenancies previous lacking in the area, also went a step further by creating an environment that pleases the eye and enhances the retail experience. The Square features an original sculpture by sculptor, Angus Taylor Platinum Square 47