To minimise maintenance as far as possible during the operational phase. ILA worked in close liaison with the PicknPay Operations Manager of the Property Division in selection of hard and soft landscaping material.
The choice of tree species for PicknPay should be suitable in terms of visibility of the centre, be tyre and ‘barefoot’ child friendly and ease maintenance during the operational phase.
To meet budgetary requirements.
Green building principles should be followed as far as possible, although no formal process was lodged.
ILA had to investigate the possibility of utilising the topsoil that was stockpiled when the site was cleared for utilisation for the purposes of landscaping later on during the construction phase.
In addition to the above, ILA’s design objectives entailed the following;
To develop a sustainable and environmentally responsible design;
To develop an environmentally responsible stormwater system and introduce bioswales to the client and project team;
To limit water usage by introducing a drip irrigation system, water wise vegetation and mulching;
Tree species in the parking area had to provide sufficient shade to enhance the microclimate, and should also be suitable for the bioswale conditions;
To select an indigenous plant palette with seasonal colour and texture; with specific focus on trees being pedestrian-friendly;
To comply with the requirements by Joburg City Parks and to adhere to the Environmental Management Plan;
With this project being an innovative building and concept for PicknPay, the landscaping had to make a statement and fit in with the architecture;
To enhance legibility within the development, emphasizing the main vehicular and pedestrian accesses to the centre; and lastly
To create a innovative out-of-the-ordinary shopping centre landscape, with focus on legibility, biodiversity and most of all, responsibility towards the environment.
