Boardergate Mall

The Main Courtyard ‘Kgotla’

This courtyard is the defining special expression of the whole layout of the ,mall, around which the entire design scheme was conceived.  This approach draws from the heritage of the place, Tlokweng, which owes its origins to the typical traditional Tswana settlement pattern of a ‘horseshoe’ form. Such a form embraces a common space for meetings and gatherings called a ‘kgotla.’ Similarly, the Oval Courtyard mimics the sense of gathering achieved in the traditional ‘Kgotla’.  This place is at the highest level of hierarchy of spaces by size and is envisioned to promote other social events that will serve the needs of the community beyond shopping, such as expositions, exhibitions, fashion shows, performances, flee market etc. Thus, the Oval Courtyard is the ultimate destination and that is further enhanced by the fact that all the three entrances to the Mall lead to it. Furthermore restaurants are proposed on either side of the main entrance, as well as fast food outlets behind the timber screen, all intended to activate the square. Along the major axis of the Oval Courtyard there is a water body and a sculpture that diverts people to either side of the courtyard.