He is currently busy with Phase One of the
refurbishment and repositioning of the iconic Sandton City shopping complex,
which will see the gross lettable area of the centre increase by over
30 000m2. Phase One is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.
Designed by MDS Architecture in association with London-based RTKL Architects
and MMA Architects locally, the repositioning aims to improve the flow of
shoppers by connecting the entire mall on both levels. This entails completing the loop between Woolworths at one end and
Edgars at the other via a new retail area that’s currently under construction.
Connections between upper and lower levels will be more streamlined, access and
vehicle flow will be improved, and the complex will offer easier access to the
Sandton Convention Centre, Nelson Mandela Square and the broader Sandton area.
‘A new, voluminous entrance court will have an
entrance point from Rivonia Road,’ says Pat, adding that the new entrance will
provide a ‘street address’ for the centre and create a connection point for the
increasing number of pedestrians – especially in light of the new Gautrain
station on the adjacent city block. A new
external piazza will be positioned at the entrance and will feature a mix of
alfresco restaurants and coffee shop seating. From the new entrance, shoppers
will find themselves on a cantilevered feature that will be suspended above the
24m-high entrance court. The feature will be perched above the lower shopping
level and will offer upward views into the huge volume. ‘An innovative, African-first application of a new roof covering offers complete
protection from the elements while allowing light in from both the sun and
moon. New ceilings throughout the mall are expected to reflect the aesthetic of
the extension, with dark panels replaced by crisp white ceilings and suspended
light fittings providing ample light,’ explains
Pat. New floor and wall tiling will also be introduced. Contemporary
re-cladding of balustrades and demising columns will complement the overall
theme and character of the new visual design.
The R1,77-billion refurbishment of Sandton City
will help the complex retain its reputation as the leading retail complex in
Johannesburg. Much of the refurbishment will be ready in time for the 2010 FIFA
Soccer World Cup. ‘When complete, the centre will have a unique feel reflecting
much of South Africa’s diverse landscapes,’ Pat says.
Southern Sun’s Sandton Sun hotel lobby will also be
refurbished and will have more dining areas and a rooftop restaurant with views
of the city, he adds.
‘Sandton City has mastered the art of longevity,
and with this new refurbishment will stay contemporary and relevant,’ says Pat,
who holds a special affection for the centre, as MDS Architecture was the
original architectural firm. Pat has been intimately involved with the Sandton
City since its last refurbishment, which was completed 15 years ago.
Another senior
partner at MDS Architecture who’s involved in the repositioning of the centre
is Tia Kanakakis; Pat’s responsible for the refurbishment of all the existing
areas, and Tia heads up the new build.
Pat has been involved in many top commercial
projects in South Africa and overseas, including Vaal Mall in Vanderbijlpark; Paarl Mall and Somerset Mall in the Cape; Riverside Mall
in Nelspruit; City Mall in Klerksdorp; Planet Fitness Health Clubs countrywide;
hotels in Angola, Nigeria and Mozambique, and a number of prestigious projects
in Dubai, including the Madinat Jumeirah Arabian Resort.
The design of Vaal
Mall, a 50 000m2 regional shopping centre, is another of Pat’s favourite projects.
It was guided by a brief to use natural elements from the area. Design Base
came up with a plan to evoke the sense of the flowing Vaal River in an
industrial heartland, and have given the mall sinuous passages, vaulted
ceilings, striking lighting effects, and finishes that draw inspiration from
the swirls of the nearby Vaal River.
The same MDS Architects team was used for both the
interior and the building design, so a similar ‘swirling river’ theme was
consistently applied throughout the mall and the detailing, says Pat.
Pots, planters and timber benches were harmonised
through the use of various colours and mosaic detailing, again reinforcing Vaal
Mall’s branding and the 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 done
by the subcontractor creates the impression that the running water flows into
whirlpools and swirls under the promotional courts,’ enthuses Pat. Vaal Mall
aptly showcases the practice’s reputation for leadership in retail design, he
adds.
Pat joined MDS Architecture in 1987. As a practice
it nurtures the highly prized talents of their staff and treats the staff
exceedingly well; most of its 65 staff members have been working for MDS
Architecture for many years. The partners all share the same principles and
values, which they try to instil into their staff and associates. With an
excellent reputation built up over 50 years, the practice is renowned for its
skill in the sectors of hospitality and leisure, retail development, offices,
residential buildings and interiors.
Fiercely loyal to the firm, Pat is proud that MDS
Architecture is an award-winning practice that has designed buildings that
attract the business, the people and the activity that lead to a sustained
performance.
A very stable, settled person who knows what he wants
out of life, Pat enjoys relaxing and spending quality time at home and
entertaining friends, and loves serving Northern Italian food. He admits to
being too much of a perfectionist, but realises that he has to accommodate his
clients tastes, wants and needs in their projects.
He believes in his intuitive approach to his work
and trades on his gut feelings. For the last 10 to 15 years he has come to
prefer classic, contemporary architecture and design. Prior to that he was
still developing his style, he says.
Pat’s design work often takes him to Europe for
business as well as pleasure, where he gleans the latest interior and
architectural trends. When he’s back in South Africa he loves to chill out in
the Cape or the Kruger National Park or to fly over to Mauritius to relax on
one of their many isolated beaches.
His main passion both at work and at home is
design. He’s recently revamped his home in Parktown North, which he shares with
his partner of 28 years, magnificent Koi and three dogs – a German shepherd
called Pirhan, an inherited Pekinese called Sabu – ‘short for sabotage’ – and
his favourite, a miniature dachshund called Amber, who just happens to rule the
roost…
+27 (0)11 884 7999,
www.mdsarch.co.za
Source: http://www.thepropertymag.co.za
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