 Contact Artefacts | MenuHomeUpfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon | Titi Jonas Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre BIGEN AFRICA SERVICES (PTY) LTD: Engineer PRO-KHAYA CONSTRUCTION CC: Contractor |  | ||||||
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Click to view map Coordinates: | PROJECT DESCRIPTION The centre attempts to bring architectural and social value to the community by focusing on three major aspects, amongst others. Firstly, introducing the notion of lively public space both surrounding the building and leading to the internal activities; secondly, envisioning a centre which will grow and expand according to the needs of the community. To this end, the main building and ancillary spaces were positioned so as to begin the dialogue of a central courtyard space, so that other spaces can crystallize around it. Thirdly, the building strives to provide amenities which are on par with international standards. The centre is conceived of as a "complex" rather than a monolith on a flat and barren landscape, with the main component being the multi-purpose sports hall, and the attached components which serve the centre and community organised so as to create positive public space, with varying degrees of privacy. The feature is the light-weight steel-clad box which protrudes out over the entrance to the centre, announcing its presence and at the same time defining the public space underneath, while also elevating and bringing forward the human movement studio space. Flexibility is key in a centre such as this – the term "multi-purpose" is brought to life by creating various spaces for different uses by the community. The main hall can be used not only for sporting activities, but also for community events; the openness to the green space in the middle makes it easy to live out and enjoy the spaces simultaneously. The studio above provides a more intimate and light-filled space also for sporting activities as well as more private functions. These two spaces are connected by circulation routes and ancillary spaces. Part of our vision was to create a balanced human experience, a place for the community to grow and develop in a healthy, integrated manner. We think that the centre has created an opportunity for this growth, despite its budget restriction and ever-changing nature of the process. (Adendorff Architects 2015) |
