This is largely due to the modern roof design of the mall, comprising a series of carefully constructed ellipsoidal domes, set to distinguish the centre as a unique landmark in Limpopo.  
 
The Mall of the North, owned and developed by JSE-listed property company Resilient Property Income Fund, Flanagan & Gerard Property Development & Investment and Moolman Group, is set to open in the first quarter of 2011. With preletting running at about 98%, anchor tenants include two supermarkets which are in excess of 5,000sqm, Pick n Pay and Checker, joined by Edgars, Woolworths and Game. Dis-Chem will also take pride of place with a mega-pharmacy – its first commitment in Limpopo.
 
Each dome, or spheroid, comprises a curved structure made of aluminium and glass. The larger, dominant dome’s spine spans the entire length of the sky light with its steel frame structure fastened directly to the roof – creating another impactful focal point.
 
 “The domes present an ultra-light, almost air-borne structure with clean lines – a radical departure from the design reminiscent of older-generation shopping centres.” says Pierre Lahaye of award winning firm MDS Architecture, the company tasked with the design of the Mall of the North. 
 
The domes are functional too, enabling an abundance of natural light and reducing the need for energy dependent light fittings in the mall’s interior.
 
“We wanted the design of the mall to incorporate a number of environmentally friendly features and this is one of them. Mall of the North will also feature energy-saving lights and air-conditioning and solar geysers,” says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard.  
 
Built to withstand high winds, heavy weights and contraction due to heat and cold, the delicate appearance of the many domes is fortified by their superb design. The fit and placement also has its own challenges.
 
Says Johann Kriek of Resilient Property Income Fund, “We are satisfied that we have a near perfect fit of steel and concrete. To get to this point we have had to comprehensively survey the built structure and ensure that the glazing specialist and contractor work closely.”
 
“The dome structures add interest and an appealing invitation to passers-by. This is no ordinary shopping centre, and in line with this we have applied every modern feature and design principle to ensure that Mall of the North offers shoppers the best in innovative design whilst being environmentally conscious.” adds Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group.  “The founding idea was to ensure a centre which catered for every shopping need; with every aesthetic touch, so that Polokwane’s residents don’t have to travel long distances for the best in shopping.
Publisher: eProp
Source: RPIF