Living
Related work
Forth Valley Acute HospitalThe Overgate Centre
Brief
Having initially developed a scheme to demolish and re-develop the 1960"s centre for TBI, Keppie was retained when Lend Lease bought the development. Their brief looked to create a regional shopping centre to build on their recent success at Bluewater, Kent. The re-developed parts of the centre would be required to interface with the existing East Mall over which stands City House, thirteen storeys of office accommodation.
Response
An extremely successful collaboration flourished through the conceptual stages. Lend Lease had invited Benoy to collaborate, which we found particularly engaging and educational. Keppie however, led the design team and the management of the complex early efforts. A rectilinear approach was sacrificed with the Client and team preferring a more flowing plan delivered through a curved single sided mall. The design exploits this feature to its advantage. A nine meter high curved form in glass offers maximum visibility into the centre from the surrounding streets and correspondingly gives, dynamic views from two levels out to the adjacent public spaces and in particular the city churches building.
In overall conceptual terms, an interior iconography developed around Celtic patterns and rich natural colours. Extensive reference to Dundee"s heritage is incorporated subtly, weaving stories of Jute, Jam and Beano characters into way-finding and signage.
Outcome
The centre is unusual perhaps even unique in having an enclosed but single sided shopping mall. The demise of the frontages is sculpted to a shallow curve. This approach was pursued as it benefitted visibility, allowing a great many more units to be seen at any one time. A successful and memorable retail environment has been achieved with the churches at its heart. The centre provides modern, flexible retailing spaces and as looking after customers as guests was Lend Lease"s priority, customer care facilities are extensive.
