Dainfern Square is a retail development in Johannesburg. Abacus Asset Management briefed us to design a space that combined 14 952m² of retail, banks and restaurants on the ground floor and 7 835m² of offices and a gym on the first floor. There was also a requirement for parking on the ground floor level and in two levels of basement.
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The building’s form is defined by a solid frame with floor to ceiling glazing that draws in abundant natural light and connects to views of the landscape beyond. The centre is positioned on the edges of the site, creating a central arrival point that invites the users into the heart of the building. A combination of internal and external walkways and courtyards surrounded by retail and restaurants open out onto these spaces. This approach breaks up the footprint of the plan into smaller defined spaces. The result is a modern centre with a village feel to provide a unique shopping and dining experience. Walkways covered by large roof lights connect the mall to separately defined office blocks which look out onto the mall spaces.
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In 2016, Dainfern Square won a Retail Design and Development award at the South African Council of Shopping Centres Congress.

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Wieland Gleich - Photographer