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Entertainment Court

View down West Mall

Cinema fountain

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The scheme was originally drafted in the USA, and implemented by local architects Clinton & Evans. Modeled on a Mediterranean theme complete with numerous fountains, the buildings form an intricate composition. From the large carpark sheltered by indigenous acacia trees, one is initially greeted by the main fountain plaza, with a huge vertical anemometer controlled water jet spray that tempers itself according to the wind speed. Wide malls opening into various retail spaces on two storeys lead, through other courts, to the main entertainment court, anchored by a quadruple cinema complex. The cinemas, are flanked on the first floor by multiple food courts, which look down upon a splendid fountain of bronze elephants and African bull frogs. An alternative route from the main entrance invites one to a spacious market garden, a banking block and a large retail anchor shop.

The whole complex is supported by a Post Office and police outpost, whose positioning on the site, gives more of an impression of oversight rather than design. North of the malls, a safe distance from the noise of the consumers, are the two storey office buildings fashioned in the same Mediterranean theme. Core of reinforced concrete and brick, are rendered with a thick wire brush stucco which works will with the composition, and provide welcome insulation from an non-compromising African summer heat.

Westgate is Zimbabwe's, largest single shopping center, and while it represents the commercial and capitalist side of modern Zimbabwe, it is also important step in the integrating people from various walks of life. Architecture, commercialism and entertainment all become one...

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