Lighting in Design Q4 2022

Boardwalk Mall precinct brings a new experience to Gqeberha

Following its grand opening on 22 September 2022, the Boardwalk Mall precinct takes pride of place as a prominent landmark just a few metres from the Hobie Beach in Gqeberha. Photography by Barry Goldman D esigned by MDS Architecture, the first phase of Boardwalk Mall opened in March 2022 with a variety of entertainment options and several tenants, who traded while the second phase was being completed. Pierre Lahaye, MDS Architecture partner, says that Boardwalk Mall is an important part of the overall vision for the precinct, linking with the Sun International Boardwalk Casino and the Boardwalk Hotel. “Our design is cognisant of integrating into the existing architecture and creating a streetscape that has developed over time. There are several pedestrian access points to the building and to the rest of the new offerings which serve to integrate the precinct into the urban landscape. It is quite something to be able to step out onto the beautiful beachfront promenade directly from the shopping centre,” says Lahaye. The contemporary interpretation was achieved with elements like the shape of the roofs and an aesthetic of a refurbished dockside building. The mall is curved, evoking waves and encouraging further exploration beyond what is immediately visible to the eye. Industrial chic elements include exposed structural details and tactile materials in the interior. Sculptural elements were introduced to celebrate the ocean, including boat-shaped origami elements which were used as light fittings. The promotional court features a ceiling pattern reminiscent of a giant compass. The bathrooms, which Lahaye says are an important aspect of retail design, are tactile, featuring timber finishes for a contemporary nautical feel. “All these elements combine with metal work, fabric and illumination to both welcome and entice visitors to explore Boardwalk Mall.”Lahaye notes that the natural and

artificial lighting design is an integral part of the architecture and interiors and is a combination of accent feature lighting and hidden general lighting. “Linear lights were used successfully throughout to accentuate the architectural forms, while the decorative lighting elements in the passages provide a ‘directional line’,” he says. Furthermore, Lahaye notes that where there is natural lighting, the artificial lighting is designed to dim as required.

www.mdsarch.co.za

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LiD Q4 - 2022