When Trumpet, the grand new edifice next door to Circa Gallery in Rosebank, was a twinkle in Anton Taljaard's eye, he envisioned it as one to house and display his extensive private art collection. As such it started out as a museum of sorts and this dictated Pierre Swanepoel's design of the building with its distinctive outer shell, which blocks the sun's rays.In his resolve to develop a commercial aspect to subsidise the build, he began carving out spaces for tenants whom he had long admired."I've always had a weakness for a well- designed chair," he observes.SENSE OF PLACE: Light and shade at play in the distinctive spacesClearly, his love and passion for South African design enveloped him and overshadowed the initial purpose of the building. The end result is a museum-like structure where art, design, food and creativity are all celebrated.There is a Cape Town slant to the tenants with Smac, Whatiftheworld and Southern Guild galleries, which bring the art factor. Missibaba and Okapi (headed by Hanneli Rupert) have become synonymous with high-end locally designed handbags and accessories.For this reason Trumpet might well become the place for Johannesburgers to get a taste of Cape Town style without having to fly across the country and ferret around in Woodstock.The interior design realm is represented via stores such as Kartell, Moroso and Cassina, as well as FLOS.TYMPANY: An artist's impression of the new haven for the arts in JoburgTaljaard's reverence for design is felt throughout, from the sleek black toilets that boast an interplay of textures - "you can tell a lot about an establishment from the design of the loos," he says - to some of Tristan du Plessis's magic in the public bar attached to Mesh, a private club where people can ''mesh" their interests.Johannesburgers will undoubtedly gravitate towards Mesh around sunset to sip on their poison of choice and take in spectacular views of the city that extend to Northcliff Corner.David Higgs's new restaurant, Marble, a floor up, offers an even better view, although it seems likely that patrons might be gazing at the open-plan kitchen, where steaks will be turned over a wood-fired grill.In essence, Higgs will be taking our braai culture to new levels of cuisine. The idea is to deliver the perfect steak."I wanted to give people something they would really enjoy," says Taljaard.As for his art collection, there is no dedicated space for it, although the atrium will form the backdrop for curated exhibitions.Works from his collection might find their way into this area and throughout the building, where they will be displayed.Ultimately, Taljaard has created a lifestyle hub with an art slant that will form the first big development in the Keyes Art Mile - a road in Rosebank that will over time see other galleries, design shops, foodie havens and residential developments open...