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Kopje
Plaza
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Click link on thumbnail. More images...! |
Location
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Harare (CBD) | |
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Designers
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Mwamuka Mercuri Associates | ||
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Date
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1999 | ||
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Original
Client
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PTC Pension Fund, Superannuation Fund | ||
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Style
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Post Modern | ||
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Discussion
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The
Kopje area was historically the seat of Chief
Mbare's settlement, primarily for its commanding views that were a
defensive asset for his people. Kopje Plaza's does the same but capitalises
on these views for a different reason. Built at the northern edge of the
Kopje hill, the 12 storey building commands views for some 15km to the
north and north-east. It was conceived in the traditional speculative
mode for the Post and Telecommunications pension fund with an initial
budget of ZW$139 million in 1995.
Local architects Mwamuka Mercuri & Associates designed it in their trademark reinforced concrete shell frame with supporting (exposed) steel works as the secondary structure. The floor plates are column free with all load transferred to circular columns on the perimeter. It has a striking appearance dominated by an oval shaped office tower that runs east-west, along Jason Moyo Avenue. The building is clad externally in trademark, 'pre-cut-and-place' (white) polished granite and glass curtain walling. Office lobbies and the main entrances are finished in marble and granite. Terraces on the western elevation offer 'breakout' areas for the tired executive! A three storey high atrium affords spectacular views of the underside of the office tower through the glazed skylight roof. Kopje plaza comprises 12 levels of office space, and another two levels of basement parking for tenants. Retail tenancies are accommodated on two levels, on either side of an internal mall with a high roof-lit atrium and connecting bridges and walkways at first floor level. The use of natural light, warm colours and plantings within the mall area provides for an open and refreshing environment for patrons. Major delays meant that the building was only opened in late 1999. Ref. . |
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Web
Resources
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Credits
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Mike Majome - images The Zimbabwe Engineer (Aug. 1998). |
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