SUSTAINABILITY: PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT KZ-NIA Journal | Issue 1/2006 | Vol.

31 | ISSN 0379-9301

section a-a

Interpretation Centre at eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage Park

section b-b

Journal of the KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Architecture

SUSTAINABILITY: PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

Letters
KZ-NIAJ 3/2006:
Building with Rural Communities

Waarde Heer
Ek wil u graag
bedank dat ek julle
pragtige tydskrif
gereeld ontvang.
Elke eksemplaar
word bewaar op my boekrak vir later gebruik.
Ek wys graag artikels aan my vriende of kliente.
Die kwaliteit van artikels en fotos is van die beste
gehalte, gedruk op glans papier.
Baie dankie en ek sien uit op julle lys to bly en in
die toekoms julle blad te ontvang.
Corobrik Student presented the following Mrs Hazel Bond Argiteks Groete,
of the Year 2005 KZ-NIA prizes: presented Sherwood- Hans Botha, Randburg
Winner Cillié Malan, is Bachelor of Bond Bursaries to both
the second consecutive Architectural Studies Sathia Govender and Hi Wally
Published by the KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Architecture, 160 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban 4001

Today I received the

Editorial Board: Brian Johnson (Chair) · Ms Patricia Emmett · Ivor Daniel · Dennis Claude · Mthulisi Msimang ·

MArch(Prof) student of Year 1 Barrie Biermann Koomarsamy

the University of Prize: Ms Stephanie Sabapathee, students journal ‘Building
Pretoria to win this Zangerle undertaking their with Rural
prestigious title. He is Year 2 Gordon Small Design Dissertations. Communities’.
seen here being congrat- Prize: Ms Tasmi Quazi Great work, Wally!
Representing the The overall magazine is interesting and
ulated by Peter du Year 3 Calvert McDonald
Ms Deborah Whelan · Editor Walter Peters · Assistant Ted Tollman · Design Maria Criticos

Bernstein family, beautifully put together and I especially want to

Trevou, Managing Prize: David Long
Prof Ted Tollman compliment you on the way in which you
Telephone: (031) 201-7590 · Fax: (031) 201-7586 · E-mail: kznia@[Link] ·

Director of the sponsors,

Master of Architecture presented the Brian
Corobrik, for his thesis portrayed my work.
KZ-NIA JOURNAL · ISSUE 1/2006 · VOL 31 · I S S N 0379-9301

Year 4 Clement Fridjhon Bernstein Memorial

entitled “supa- All the best
Prize: Sathia Govender Travel Scholarship to
MARKET” for Esselin S t a n F i e l d,
Year 5 SN Tomkin Prize: BAS-student
Street, Pretoria. Judges Palo Alto, California
Koomarsamy Bongokuhle Ntuli,
were Ms Heather Dodd,
Sabapathee. who will travel to Baie dankie. Many thanks. —Editor
Mthulisi Msimang and
He also presented the Brazil and visit
Braam de Viliers. The (BAS-graduate) who (Bureau of Education,
O’Brien-Brown Bursary Curitaba in particular.
award for the Best Use will travel to Europe. Research and Tech-
of Brick went to Ms to Yr3-student Ms Head of School, Prof nology). This means
Letsabisa Lerotholi of Rosalie Bloem. Ambrose Adebayo, that he will represent
Africa Union of
Tswane University of SAIA-President Ms presented the Garth Architects Region V (Africa) on
Technology. Tricia Emmett presented Moyes Memorial Prize At the April 2006 the UIA Education
the David Haddon Prize for Good Fellowship to Council Meeting of the Commission and the
for the Best Student in the Yr5 MArch student Africa Union of UNESCO/UIA
subject Professional Corné Nothnagel; and Architects held in Validation Council for
Practice to both Ms the Le Sueur Travel Accra, Ghana, Rodney Architectural
Paulette Barbeau and Scholarship to Ms Harber was elected Education, both based
Website: [Link]

UKZN School of Ms Peta Osborn. Sinegugu Ndlovu Chairperson of BERT in Paris.

Architecture
■ Graduation 2006
At a graduation
ceremony held on the
Westville campus of
UKZN on Saturday, 13th
May, 28 BAS-degrees
were awarded, those of
Lauren Haiden, David
Long and Sinegugu
31st year of publication,
has since inception been

Ndlovu with the appel-

sponsored by Corobrik.
This journal, now in its

lation cum laude. A

single PG Diploma in
Architecture, and 13
BArch(Adv) degrees
were also conferred.

■ 2006 Prize-Giving
Ceremony
At a function held in
SH1, Howard College Prize-winners and dignitaries at the 2006 Ceremony. From left: SAIA-President Tricia Emmett; Paulette Barbeau;
Campus, on Tuesday, Corné Nothnagel; Koomarsamy Sabapathee; Head of School, Prof Ambrose Adebayo; David Long; Stephanie
9th May, KZ-NIA- Zangerle; Sathia Govender; Tasmi Quazi; Rosalie Bloem; Sinegugu Ndlovu; Bongokuhle Ntuli; KZ-NIA-President
President Bruce Clark Bruce Clark and Academic Co-ordinator: Architecture Programmes, Kevin Bingham.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 1

Guest Editorial
Sustainability

W hen I was growing up, my Dad was a

social worker and my Mom a nurse.
Both are retired today. They were proud of
qualitative improvements in the provision of
shelter, aesthetics, technical performance and
relevance of the socio-cultural dimension. It
will be interesting for architects to begin to
cost-effectiveness; review and debate the findings and arguments
their jobs and saw them as a ‘calling’. Through (c) advance the creation of non-racial, socially of these disciplines. In her book Domestic
their professions, each impacted on many integrated cities by playing a lead role in urban Architecture and Use of Space, Susan Kent states
people’s lives. But when I opted for a career in renewal and inner city regeneration, and “Architects need to seriously study those
Architecture, I began to realize that my innovative inner-city housing design; and aspects of culture that are most likely to
parents’ efforts were somewhat limited by the (d) mainstream housing as a subject for influence the use of space if they want to
conditions of the physical environment, that research and education within the building design compatible buildings”. To me that is
most of their patients were forced to live under professions. part of sustainable architecture. I have
during those years. I began to wonder if there These commitments need to be adopted by expanded a lot on my ‘nostalgia’ about
could be ways to assist, for example, by finding architects as a basis towards the production of housing, but in my opinion this is true for
a method to build shacks (that were mush- sustainable architecture. architecture as a whole.
rooming everywhere) in a way that would With the exposure to organizations like The articles in this issue cover only a few
improve the quality of life of the families. This NEPAD and Agenda 21, and sustainable devel- among a pool of the issues on the subject. Each
thought stayed with me throughout my years opment conferences, architects have embraced author will attempt to define sustainability in
at University, the time I spent in private the policies of sustainable buildings. We have relation to their subject.
practice, and today as I work for the eThekwini seen beautiful buildings, some internationally This issue does not seek to look at the
Municipality. recognized as conforming to the principles of physical architecture, that is the built structure,
In the new South Africa our government has sustainability. However I do not think that is but more at issues of policy, culture and social
come up with solutions to correct the past. One enough. I believe that sustainability should be architecture in relation to sustainable archi-
of them has been to provide low-cost houses every architect’s responsibility for all tecture.
for all. At last, however, when those were built structures designed and built. Sustainability Bonani Mkhize— Guest Editor
they were more like ‘structured shacks’. Well should not be the preserve of the ‘select few’.
Born in Ingwavuma, grew up in Umlazi and educated
meaning as our government was, I still had the The underlying debate in this issue can be
at Inanda Seminary, Mrs Mkhize studied Architecture
same question, if there is a way to develop and summed up by an abstract from an argument
at the University of Cape Town where she graduated in
build low-cost housing in a way that is by Maurice Broady: “The answer is that we 1996. After working in the offices of GAPP in Cape
sustainable. must now begin to develop a more realistic Town, Louis Karol in Johannesburg, and Ismail
Yes, the quality of life was improving with understanding of the relationship between Cassimjee in Pietermaritzburg, she joined Protekon KZ-
the provision of basic services like clean water, architectural design and human behaviour, one N before being appointed a Senior Architect with the
sanitation, electricity and roads. The structures which reflects what actually happens rather eThekwini City Architects' Department. —Editor
were definitely better: if one considers the than what we hope to happen.” This
building materials used. But something was suggests that architects might need to Sources:
Broady, M (1968). Planning
still missing. That is what I regard as the main reflect, and begin to question their for People. London: Bedford
ingredient, that will make the designed space approach to designing the built Square Press.
work better: an understanding of the culture of environment, particularly in areas as Housing Indaba, Cape Town
the people being designed for. low-cost housing developments. (2005) Social Contract for
In the early years of the new South Africa One finds writings by sociologists, Rapid Housing Delivery.
Kent, S (Ed) (1990). Domestic
my experience was that architects generally archaeologists and ethnologists on Architecture and Use of Space.
had an inadequate interest in getting involved the subject of the built environment Cambridge: University
with low-cost housing developments (I stand and sustainability, specifically the Press.
to be corrected). Only few architects became
involved, some with NGOs like DAG in both
Editorial —
Cape Town and Durban, and the Built Environ-
ment Support Group based in Durban, who
SUSTAINABILITY: PUBLIC SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
came up with interesting housing typologies
for low-cost housing. However it is interesting BECAUSE ARCHITECTS ARE ENTRUSTED with the investment of large
that in September 2004 the government amounts of capital in building developments, the profession carries a concomitant
approved its ‘Sustainable Settlement Plan’ (or responsibility in ensuring that such investments address environmental,
‘Breaking New Ground’) which included socio-cultural and economic issues within a sustainability framework.
commitments by architects of the South This issue of KZ-NIA Journal introduces readers to sustainability as conceptu-
African Institute of Architects (among other alized in public sector architecture and within the eThekwini Municipality in
role players) to a Social Contract for Rapid
particular, and a further issue is to cover efforts within the private sector.
Housing Development. These commitments
are:
I am most grateful to Bonani Mkhize for advancing the theme and for the
(a) engage in human settlement planning, collaboration of her colleagues at the eThekwini City Architects’ Department, and
which meets best-practice standards for social, I trust that this issue will promote discussion, and bring greater understanding to
environmental and economic sustainability; the need of a sustainable approach to development.
(b) enhance the housing product by means of Walter Peters— Editor
2 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Energy Efficiency in Municipal Buildings
MAP: eThekwini Municipal Area. City Engineer’s Building, 166 Old Fort Road.
LA Lambert, Chief Architect, 1957.
Lynsky, R. (1982) They Built a City, City Enginers’s Dept.

Key findings:
• the collective payback on all recommendations identified
is five months;
• the total energy saving of 418 700 kWh per annum is
equivalent to 17% of this building’s energy usage;
• if the low-cost and no-cost opportunities are considered
alone, the annual saving would be 283 700 kWh per
annum, or 12% of this building’s energy usage;
• payback for the low-cost and no-cost opportunities would
be achieved collectively within two weeks; and

Location of • the annual CO2 savings based on a low-cost and no-cost

Example Map on measures alone would be 241 tonnes.
facing page

hours of air-conditioning chillers by one day coil units during after-hour periods. Although
and five hours a week. This would annually it would cost Council R1 500 per timer to install
The business plan of the eThekwini City save Council R99 500. Should that successful, four timers on each of the seven floors, the
Architects Department has a section on the second proposal is to raise the chilled water savings would amount to R45 000 annually.
Sustainable Architecture as one of its focus set-point by 2-degrees C during the six winter The non-cost proposal is the initiation of an
areas, of which the key performance indicators months. Currently it is maintained at 6-degrees awareness-raising campaign among staff.
(kpi) are: reduced energy use in the operation C throughout the year. This would save Observations made during the survey and
of Council buildings; reduced non-renewable Council R8 300 annually. subsequently, suggested that there are oppor-
resources in the construction of Council Medium-cost options are to install timers to tunities for energy efficiency improvement via
buildings; the use of recycled buildings for limit the operations of the air-conditioning fan- good house-keeping measures. Such measures
Council requirements; and the design of Summary of Recommendations
often amount to little
sustainable buildings. The Department is more than ensuring
Cost No. Saving Saving Cost, R Payback, CO2
targeting that eThekwini Municipality be kWh/yr R/yr Years Saving lights are switched off
recognized as an originator and leader in tonnes/yr during lunch break
Sustainable Architecture. Low 1 262,000 99,500 0,0 0,0 223 and after-hours. The
As part of the study into the kpi on reduced Low 2 21,700 8,300 5,000 0,6 18 savings to Council
Medium 3 118,000 45,000 42,000 0,9 105
energy use in the operation of Council buildings, would be R30 400 an-
Medium 4 80,000 30,400 30,000 1,0 71
an energy audit and energy efficiency assessment Total - 418,700 183,200 77,000 0,4 417
nually.
was carried out of the City Engineer’s building at Bonani Mkhize
166 Old Fort Road in August 2005 by the City Engineer’s Typical Load Breakdown eThekwini City
eThekwini Energy Team (Environment Manage- Architects’ Dept
ment and Architecture Department). Reference:
The energy-saving recommendations were eThekwini Municipality
of low-cost, non-cost, and medium-cost (2006). CCP2 – Buildings
options. Low-cost and non-cost options Energy Efficiency Roll-out
proposed a minimization in the operational Programme.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 3

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Quality Living Environments’ Programme:
Ensuring Sustainable Social Facilities

“The fight for sustainability will be won and services and housing had been steadily deliver- developed to identify the spatial and
lost in our cities. Cities house the dominant ed since 1994, the perception of quality of life managerial implications of multiple-use.
portion of our country's population and this had begun to decline. 2 Significantly, a shift of Key to the process is determining which
is where unsustainable practices have the focus in the 2005/6 IDP placed the emphasis on types of facilities are best suited to multiple
greatest effect through sheer magnitude. This Outcomes (e.g. quality living environments) uses and what type of functions are
is also where most of the country's resources rather than Outputs (number of new facilities). compatible. The project also entails collabo-
are being spent.” 1 This approach has been integrated into one rations between various sectors of government
The role-out of social facilities has been high on of eight IDP plans to develop Quality Living i.e. Public Works Department, provincial
eThekwini Municipality's agenda over the past Environments for residents of the eThekwini Departments of Education, provincial and
ten years, particularly in areas of past historical Municipality. The City Architects’ Department, municipal Library Services, municipal
neglect. The numbers of social facilities which in conjunction with other departments, is departments of Parks, Recreation and Culture,
now fall under the ownership of the local responsible for a programme ensuring the and the development of protocols for usage.
authority total some 520; and range from com- delivery of sustainable community facilities. The project includes the development of a pilot
munity halls, sports halls and libraries, to The adequate provision of social services is study in the delivery of a multi-use hall to be
parks, playing fields and cemeteries. Scru- integral with the building of quality living developed for Waterloo. The hall is based on a
tinized under the lense of sustainability, environments. A model has been developed prototype developed for the Chesterville Ext II
questions arise about the spatial distribution of which matches the demand for facilities based precinct in Cato Manor (see pp 4 –5).
these facilities, capital budgets required for the on population density, distribution and The project also draws on case studies in the
development, and resources for operations and demographics, and the supply of these services Cato Manor area like the Wiggins Multi-
maintenance, and for programme devel- based to spatial location, capacity of service, Purpose Precinct and the Dorothy Nyembe
opments. and the levels of accessibility based on public Cato-Crest Multi-Purpose Development. In
From 2000 on, each local authority in the transport, travel time and distances. The both these precincts, schools have been
country was required to develop an Integrated location and capacity of each and every social developed in close proximity to other social
Development Plan (IDP), in compliance with facility in the metropolitan area is currently amenities like community halls, and in the
the Municipal Systems Act 132 of 2000, which being mapped with the updated 2001 census Wiggins Precinct, a Library (see KZ-NIAJ
sets out goals and monitoring mechanisms for figures. The results will expose backlogs and 3/2000). The spatial implications and deliber-
every municipal area. A long-term survey of areas of over-supply, see example map. ations of multiple uses do present challenges,
eThekwini residents showed that although Facilities are graded according to the degree but are infinitely more navigable than the
of amenities provided, for example a hall operational hurdles experienced in both these
EXAMPLE MAP: graded ‘A’ has kitchen and catering facilities, pilots. The policy is to be presented to Council
Each facility is displayed as an icon. The
over and above the requisite space for by June of this year.
larger the icon, the greater the capacity
of the facility. A green fill indicates an
meetings. Some interesting patterns are already A related but separate policy on community
excess of capacity; a red fill an over- emerging, with many clusters of facilities participation in the management of facilities is
subscription. appearing in the southern Pinetown areas, and also being developed. The devolution of
a complete dearth of facilities to the northern responsibility from local government to a
areas of the metropole near Tongaat. But before community level has advantages for both
labeling an over-subscription of facilities, one parties, but cannot neglect the cost of such
has to identify facility sizes to get an over-all services when rendered by the community.
idea of capacity within an area. The above programmes address both the
An assessment matrix has also been beginning and the end of the project cycle, with
developed, essentially a questionnaire identi- an aim of delivering buildings which meet the
fying a proposed project’s IDP compliance, required needs and can continue to do so
ascertaining whether social facilitation through sustained upkeep.
processes have been engaged, identifying the Nina Saunders
demands for the facility, and seeking infor- Mrs Saunders works for the eThekwini City Architects'
mation on the broader impact of the proposals Department and together with her colleagues Ken
etc. The intention is that only once a project Breetzke, Ken Froise and Nardus van Heerden, is project-
proposal has successfully passed through an managing aspects of the above Programme. – Editor
assessment matrix can the project be
Footnotes:
‘packaged’ for delivery. 1. Personal Communication: Ken Breetzke
Given the premium on well-located land, the commenting on “Out of Africa: Local solutions
costs of development, and the strain on opera- for Global Challenges” conference, 2004.
tional capacity and maintenance funding, the 2. ‘Quality of Life’ surveys have been undertaken
IDP calls for the diversification of the use of annually since 1998. More recent surveys indicate
an improved perception of the quality of life. For
existing and new facilities, in order that further information on the surveys, contact Brian
integrated services could be provided from a O’Leary on OLearyB@[Link]
single facility. 3 A policy is currently being 3. eThekwini Municipality IDP 2004a:30.
4 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Multi-Purpose Community Hall at Chesterville Extension II,
off Booth Rd, Cato Manor. Lees & Short Associate Architects cc, 2002

In August 1999, during the design

stage of the above hall, the issue of
standardization of hall designs
emerged. It was the EU Technical
Adviser to the developing agent,
Cato Manor Development Associ-
ation (see KZ-NIAJ 3/2000), who
felt that there would be merit in
pursuing this aspect, and possibly
to use the Chesterville Hall as a
pilot project, in an attempt to
arrive at an appropriate and
acceptable standard for future
community halls in Cato Manor.
The standardization of com-
munity halls in Cato Manor was
summarized as follows: Good Hope Centre opened 26 October 2002.
Advantages Far right — Library by Urban Architects (Pty) Ltd, 2000. (See KZNIAJ 2/2001).

1. Allowing for accurate budget-

Disadvantages adopted as the basic standard, with the
ing and the preparation of
1. Assumes that there is only one phasing of additional elements, should
feasibility studies related to the
way to solve a problem and individual budgets not allow for the full
future provision of facilities
imposes that solution in schedule. The hall space should be designed of
2. Saving time in project prepa-
differing circumstances. repetitive structural bays, that additional bays
ration
2. Limits specific responses to can be added later, should extensions be
3. Provides for equity between
unique site conditions. It is necessary and budgets permit.
communities
worth noting that the The hall should be conceived of as a ‘kit of
4. The facilitation of communica-
undulating topography of Cato parts’, where the hall itself is a large central
tion with community groups.
Manor presents particular volume with ancillary elements ‘clipped on’
5. Reducing professional fees,
challenges, and it is the around the perimeter. The elements should be
although experience of stand-
author’s opinion that the key to standardized in concept, although not neces-
ardizing school designs in Cato
optimal use of resources in each sarily in their detailed design, and can be
Manor shows that this saving
project is to maximise the reasonable accurately budgeted for if the
would be minute.
unique potentials of each site, recommended minimum specification is
The western edge of the hall opens out and to look for the best-fit assumed.
completely to the central space of the site, solution for each site.
and a pergola provides shade over 3. The potential for community Design Rationale for the Hall at
overflow terraced seating with a view halls to provide special Chesterville Extension
into the hall. This is the only side of the
landmarks in a landscape The Multi-purpose Community Hall hall was
hall that does not have a lean-to element
attached, and any future extensions to generally made up of housing. conceived of as such a ‘kit of parts’, which
this particular hall would be on this side. This affects community identity emerged from a report entitled Recom-
and the legibility of the urban mendations for Standards and Standardisation
Angela Buckland

landscape. of Community Halls in Cato Manor (1999)

prepared by the architects, integral with their
An Appropriate Model appointment.
for Cato Manor a. The hall is conceived as a large central
It was recommended that a volume with ancillary elements ‘clipped-on’
position somewhere between that around the perimeter.
of repeated standard community The ancillary elements consist of groups of
halls and a custom design be functions that would almost always be best
adopted. This would mitigate the arranged adjacent to each other, thus:
potential disadvantages of b. The entrance element comprising the foyer,
standardization, without losing ticket office, tuck shop, administrator’s
the potential to facilitate planning office, and caretaker’s accommodation.
and budgeting, and communi- c. The ablution block for both males and
cation with community groups. females, which as a detached element can be
The recommended schedule of accessible from the foyer or directly from
accommodation should be outside.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 5

f
of a relatively unskilled labour-force. Some
e feature elements of the building were designed 7
8
9
6
specifically to be manufactured by specialist
g sub-contractors to a high standard, while the Section A-A
shell of the building could be more robust, and
be constructed using labour-intensive
a
methods.
While the public space should be freely
accessible at all times, security of facilities was A A
d high on the agenda, and the centre was thus
designed with this intent in mind. The buildings
b
were located on the perimeter of the site,
designed to be secure in themselves, and linked
c with fencing to secure the central space and the 1 2 3

parking. The caretaker’s accommodation in the

Community hall designed as a ‘kit of parts’.
hall has been situated for maximum surveillance
d. The stage element comprising the stage, the of the entire site after hours.
associated side spaces which could also be Joanne Lees and Gary Short Upper floor plan
used as venues for for small meetings,

Angela Buckland
and change rooms.
e. The utilities element comprising a 4 5

chair store, equipment store, office or

small meeting room, and the kitchen. 6
f. Outdoor cooking area. A
7
A
g. One side of the hall needs to cater for
8 9
overflow, when crowds exceed the
hall capacity, and for a future
extension of the hall itself.
The construction process had to be as 10 11

inclusive as possible of local contractors

and labour. The building was thus
conceived with the intention that the
architecture should be of as high a
standard as possible, notwithstanding
the limited budget and delivery by way View from interior to entrance foyer. Ground floor plan
Angela Buckland

A A

Slide-up doors for overflow seating.

1 Caretaker’s flat
2 Meeting Room
3 Councillor’s Office
4 Outdoor cooking
5 Kitchen
12
6 Outdoor stepped
seating
7 Slide-up doors
8 Hall
9 Stage
10 Office
11 Entrance foyer
12 Library
6 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Municipal Architecture in eThekwini — a sustainable response?
eThekwini Municipality maintains
a professional architects’ depart- INITIATIVE INTENT
ment, which has been in existence Needs analysis: Ensuring that facilities or buildings are only provided in cases of proven need;
since 1942. The office is multi-disci- that they are appropriate for their purpose
plinary, including all the built Project Assessment: Ensuring that all projects are in line with the Council’s strategic plans (IDP),
environment professions (Archi- policies and business plans
tecture, Quantity Surveying,
Community consultation: Working with people to determine the actual needs, priorities and desires
Mechanical and Electrical Engin-
eering, Structural Engineering, Local labour & small contractor Enabling direct participation and collaboration with the people in delivering
Urban Design, Landscape Archi- development programmes: the project
tecture, Construction Project Urban Design Frameworks: Rationalising the project response to broader plans for an integrated and
Management) and building main- equitable environment
tenance services. The department is
Contextual Analysis: Aligning design responses with social, political, ecological and cultural
headed by a registered architect,
expectations
and has a professional staff of
eighty-seven. Feasibility assessments (social, Protecting against public expenditure on unsustainable developments
The department has experienced ecological, financial/ economic):
a number of metamorphoses over EIA (Environmental Impact Protecting public interests and rights to participate in resolutions on ecological,
the past two decades, going from a Assessment): social and economic grounds
very bureaucratic “corporation” to HIA (Historic Impact Protecting cultural and historical heritage and memory
a semi-autonomous “business Assessment):
unit” in the 1990s, and is now
Energy footprints (SBAT): Maintaining sustainable energy consumption levels in development
moving towards a more corpo-
ratised and integrated “service Sustainable Architecture Policy: Ensuring continuity and understanding of the components of a sustainable
provider”, within a developmental approach to architecture within the municipal context
and democratic local government. Sustainable Community Ensuring that distribution, multiple use and effective operation of facilities is
There have been ongoing Facilities Policy: prioritised
challenges to the department’s
Sustainable Public Realm Policy: Setting standards and maintenance plans for streetscape elements including
relevance as a “viable” operation,
urban design, architecture, street furniture and landscape
from a financial, corporate and
political perspective, which have to Pro-active Maintenance: Reducing maintenance costs through effective management
a large extent been resolved Life-cycle costing: Keeping a balance between capital expenditure, asset depreciation and
through careful structuring and maintenance or operating costs
focusing of the department to
Passive solar design: Using local environmental and climatic attributes to contribute to sustainable
reduce costs, increase relevance
solutions
and “value add” to the organi-
sation. It now employs some of the Strategic Architectural Projects Architects participating actively in economic development strategies to foster a
Forum: sustainable economic environment
most respected architects in the city,
and has achieved a positive Skills development Plan: Creating opportunities for new entrants to the profession, and for ongoing
reputation both within the local learning for professionals
professions, and with the politi- Employment Equity Plan: Ensuring sustainable human resources with appropriate skills and qualifications
cians and residents it serves.
Affirmative Procurement: Assisting equality
The department is not bound by
the whims of wealthy developers Construction Protocols: Leveraging maximum benefits to all levels from economic investments
or entrepreneurs, but is guided by a
Urban Greening: Improved quality of local living environments
strong code of ethics and profes-
sionalism, and through the Housing typologies analysis: Participation with people to address the need for densification and improved
influence of the “people” per- amenity
sonified in their elected municipal Appropriate designs and Sustainable technological resolutions
leaders. All projects undertaken technologies:
within the department are within Bare bones architecture: Cost effective responses to suit limited resources
the public realm, and all buildings
for which services are provided are
owned by the Municipality. provide, so that the poor are able to participate public sector in order to move towards a more
The department is responding to the needs in the creation of architecture, to the extent that inclusive and sustainable profession.
for a more sustainable approach to architecture the profession gains broader relevance and Jonathan Edkins
in the following ways: becomes more sustainable. This is a difficult Mr Edkins is Chief Architect, City Architects’
As a profession, should we not be looking to shift for professionals within a market-driven Department, eThekwini Municipality
re-balance the distribution of services we economy. Leadership may be required from the – Editor
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 7

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Additions to the International Convention Centre

Dennis Gilbert
Durban’s award-winning International Con- The challenge using Yin-Yang analogy, is to Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan
vention Centre (ICC), built 1994 –97, is preserve the core but stimulate progress. In (IDP) and Long Term Development Frame-
currently being added to on the southern end other words, understand and keep the formula work (LTDF). To this end, an analysis was
to Commercial Road. This article sets out the that makes Durban’s ICC so successful, but at carried out to establish the potential impact
context for the additions. It is hoped that on the same time anticipate and respond to new that this project could have on the economy,
completion full coverage will be provided to needs and future trends. both locally and nationally. The analysis
complement that of issue 1/1999. –Editor With this in mind, a process was embarked concluded that the following could be
upon to interrogate what might be necessary to achieved with this project:
New Arena respond to the challenge. From a Value • between 12 953 and 15 324 new jobs in the
Ensuring the sustainability of the Management workshop evolved the idea of a construction phase;
Durban ICC ‘Trade Campus’, to reinforce a distinct precinct • over 23 000 new sustainable jobs after ten
The definition of sustainability used in this dedicated to the specialist activities synergistic years of operation;
context, is: “maintain or keep (something) with the convention industry. The concept was • an estimated contribution to the South
going continuously”. Having been a key player to extend the convention centre as a multi- African GDP of R612m in the first year of
in the original ICC, the eThekwini Municip- purpose venue to accommodate additional operation; and
ality’s Architectural Department under the conference, exhibition and banqueting space, • a cumulative total contribution to the SA
leadership of Jonathan Edkins, took on custo- but that the extension should be conceived as GDP of R21.6 billion by the tenth year of
dianship of the initiative to regenerate this an arena. This would provide a venue for operation, with over R7 billion of this being
facility to ensure its sustainability. Working indoor sports and concerts, and incorporate newly generated foreign exchange.
with a range of stakeholders, specialists and the existing Exhibition Centre (opposite Recommendations included the need for the
professionals, the Department has facilitated Walnut Road) in a way that could allow this project design and development to maximize
the process of interrogation, brief formulation, facility also to be regenerated in the future; a the opportunities for securing indirect
and delivery of the new Arena extension. tourist reception centre; new hotel accommo- economic benefits for eThekwini, as well as the
The Durban ICC has been highly successful dation; and an integration into the inner city direct benefits associated with hosting major
since its opening in 1997. It has been rated as network via ‘corridors of excellence’ and the exhibitions, conventions, sporting events and
one of the world’s top ten ‘Best Convention proposed ‘people mover’ system. concerts.
Centres’. With the subsequent development of Simultaneous with this process, economic In December 2003, the eThekwini Muni-
similar facilities in Johannesburg and Cape research and analyses confirmed that the arena cipality ‘gave the go-ahead’ for the implemen-
Town has come the threat of loss of market extension was a project of strategic importance tation of the ICC Durban Arena at an estimated
share, and indeed this has affected the business to the city. Being a flagship project of the cost R395 million. The brief included providing
of Durban’s ICC. In order to ensure its sustain- eThekwini Municipality, the ICC Durban a venue which would accommodate more
ability as a successful conference venue, and (ICCD) Arena is required not only to expand conference space, exhibitions and indoor
keep Durban on the map as a convention desti- the existing facility and accommodate a more sporting and concert events, so as to enable
nation, there is a need for the facility to re- diverse range of activities, but also to ICC Durban (ICCD) to maintain its status as
invent itself, to stay ahead of the competition. contribute towards the objectives of the the best venue of its type in the country. In
8 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

order to ensure that the broader economic during construction and through events; and the City. The development team decided that it
impacts are maximised, it was agreed that the develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure was essential that all members of the
project should maximize and pro-actively that the promise of induced tourism is realized. eThekwini community should feel ownership
create opportunities for new catalytic business Part of this imperative would be achieved of the ICCD Arena, and be able to “touch” and
development (in particular for local and through a revised approach to the context of interact with the building in as unrestricted a
previously disadvantaged communities) the ICC within the social and physical fabric of way as possible.

ICCD: THE STRATEGIC CONCEPT

In response to the challenges posed by 3. Integrating the ICCD through “Africa Square” 4. Creating and actively promoting small business
the economic and business analyses, the into the City network so that it relates strongly opportunities on the boundaries of “Africa
strategic concept for the project was and directly to other city experiences. Square”.
characterized by five main design
responses:

1. The project site boundaries were conceptually

expanded to include the whole of the space to
the south of the ICC. This gave rise to the
concept of “Africa Square,” an iconic gathering
place for the public adjacent to the arena,
drawing on the symbolism of meeting under a
giant tree in the African landscape.

3 4

2. Showcasing the arena as a part of the public

realm by reducing visual and physical obstacles
between the public outside and the activities
inside the foyer.

2
5

5. The scale and nature of the development, strongly reflecting local culture and responding positively to
the environment, should contribute to the iconic nature of the building making it a memorable
landmark-experience for visitors to Durban.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 9

The proposed Africa Square

on Commercial Road.
BELOW: ICC Durban
southward Extensions.
Photograph of 19 April
2006.

Implementation of the above will be phased reporting on actual economic benefit to the gymnastics, hockey, karate, tennis, volleyball,
to allow for the associated urban development local and national economy as a consequence wrestling and weightlifting will also be accom-
to integrate with the inner city development of the development. modated.
framework. Tenders for the principal building contract In terms of the conference facility, the new
were procured in two stages to ensure that all extension will provide the following in
New legislation
potential tenderers were able to participate, addition to that provided by the existing ICC:
During the late stages of design and documen-
and that those which qualified on technical theatre seating layout: 4 182 seats; banqueting
tation, it was established that new acoustic
grounds were properly informed on empow- layout: 2 400 seats; classroom style seating:
legislation had been enacted, which calls for
erment criteria and requirements before 1 000 seats; basement parking for 1 200 cars.
the building fabric to comply with new sound
submitting their priced tenders. Operable walls enable the arena space to be
reduction criteria. The design also had to take
The contract was awarded in December 2004 subdivided to accommodate a range of
cognizance of requirements in terms of the
to the Masinya Consortium for the contract different layout configurations. For concert
Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Bill
sum of R356 986 440. The Masinya Consortium type functions, the following configurations
soon to be promulgated.
comprises the Masinya Empowerment Group are possible: standing layout 10 000 places; end
Incorporation of these new standards sets
(MEG) with a shareholding of 51%, and stage configuration 5 642 seats; central stage
the ICC Durban Arena apart from all other
Group 5 and WBHO each with a shareholding configuration 6 248 seats; and side stage
facilities of this nature in the country, as it will
of 24.5%. MEG is a joint venture between configuration 5 328 seats
be the only entertainment venue of this size
companies owned and managed by people Ken Froise
that will be fully compliant.
from Black Priority Population Group and Mr Froise is a Senior Architect in the employ of
Procurement Women and Disabled People groupings. eThekwini Municipality and Development Manager for
The ICCD Arena Procurement Forum was The new arena will be able to accommodate ICCD Arena. –Editor
established to facilitate the procurement 6 000 spectators for sporting events and 10 000 ICC Durban Arena architects:
process during the construction phase. This spectators for concert events and 25 000m2 of ZAI Consultants cc
forum was mandated to analyse and apply net exhibition space. Ruben Reddy Architects cc
appropriate BEE (Black Economic Empower- Sports to be accommodated: Basketball 5 800 OMM Design Workshop cc
ment) targets to maximize new business seats; Boxing 6 800 seats; Ice hockey 3 850 seats; Cox Architects & Planners
opportunities for previously disadvantaged Equestrian 4 320 seats. Badminton, football,
communities, and to assist with the transfer of
information for the purposes of tracking and
Roy Reed Photography

t
ee
r Str
e
ng
Sta

Comme
rcial Ro
ad
10 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

Sustainability: Public Sector Development

Interpretation Centre at eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage Park

36

15 29 28
22

20 18

The submission by Vusilela Consortium, of Context and Design Brief nities for the products of local enterprises.
which the architect-members are Paul Mikula,
The Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal, Financial sustainability was to be ensured
Jeremy Steere and Tony Wilson, has been appointed AMAFA (Heritage KwaZulu-Natal) through developing and using the Park’s
announced winner of the design competition to implement the R16m multi-media heritage attributes to attract a range of visitors and
for the Multi-Media Interpretation Centre at
interpretation centre at the eMakhosini-Opathe tourists to generate sufficient revenue to
the eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage Park. Heritage Park, located in the ‘Valley of Kings’ , maintain the park.
The competition was unusual in that it some 120km inland from Empangeni between
called for the procurement of the services of a
Babanango and Ulundi. This interpretation Winning submission
multi-disciplinary consortium by way of a centre is to be the anchor facility and point of Significantly, the winning entry incorporates
two-staged process. First, an evaluation ofdeparture for visitors to a cluster of heritage the protected uMgungundlovu stockade site
proposals in terms of prescribed selection sites within the greater Zululand Tourism which AMAFA has reconstructed, replete with
criteria; and second, the commissioning of region, an area of approximately 34 000ha, to Royal dwellings based on archaeological
three short-listed consortia for the preparation
be proclaimed a cultural and biodiversity surveys, and which AMAFA will extend to
of concept designs on a remunerative basis.(game reserve) conservancy, a combination allow the visitors to comprehend the scale of
possibly unique in Africa. the historic complex. Subserviently, the inter-
Derivation of architectural form from motifs
In particular, the project aimed at pretation centre was placed at the lowest point
found in traditional Zulu craftwork.
recreating the cultural and natural of the site, at the given road access across the
landscape of 19th century Kwa- river. In fact, topography allows for the
Zulu, and sustainability in all its two-storey centre to be terraced into the site
facets was to feature large. and yet be earth-sheltered, to mitigate solar
heat gain while melding the structure with the
Sustainability landscape.
Environmental sustainability was Visitors arrive at the lowest level and ascent
to be pursued through the preser- on one side of the triangulated plan. They can
vation of existing undisturbed then either circumambulate an open-air
ecosystems and the maintenance of amphitheatre on an acute angle of the triangle
a herd of Nguni cattle ranging with and access the site, or enter the triangulated
game animals. The design of the plan of exhibition space and restaurant
building was to embrace the surrounding the auditorium, and opening to
principles of energy efficiency the views. The depth of the lower level is given
through passive solar control and a over to a rock store to passively temper interior
conservative approach to electrical comfort, while the exposed end provides
and mechanical installations. Social seminar, administrative and maintenance
sustainability was to be achieved by facilities. A look-out tower at the amphitheatre
ensuring the involvement and flow provides 360-degree views over the whole of
of benefits to local communities, the setting.
including opportunities for em- Interestingly, the brief called for a building
ployment, acquiring equity in the which would “occupy a place among the icons
facilities, and the creation of of SA architecture”. Yet, with sustainability also
markets and marketing opportu- writ large in the brief, the winning submission
can hardly qualify as a “building”!
The recommendations committee comprised
Lawrence Mtambo of the Premier’s Office;
Andrew Venter (chairman) of Wildlands
Conservation Trust; Abe Wentzel of Tourism
KZN; Roger Porter of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife;
Regina van Vuuren of AMAFA; and Mthulisi
Msimang and Prof Walter Peters of KZ-NIA.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 11

11
10

6 5

1. uMgungundlovu
• pole fencing to be re-established
• floors of dwellings to be identified
• some units near South entrance to be reconstructed to 7
allow visitors to more clearly comprehend the scale of
the historic complex 3
2. Existing path
3. Grave of Nkosinkulu 4
4. Old stone entrance gate walls
5. KwaGogo – meeting place (amphitheatre) for music
and story-telling with circular ramp up to look-out
tower above symbolising the inqolobane
6. Visitor pick-up/drop-off for guided tours of
uMgungundlovu
2
7. Existing vehicular track
8. Earth covered roof of new building, planted with
indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses
9. Staff housing
10. Visitors parking
11. Existing bridge ofver Mkhumbane River

1
12 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006
26

34
32
31

24

15
36
33

12. Access road

15
13. Visitor’s car park
14. Ramped walkway up to Interpretive Centre
entrance with recesses for crafters, etc.
15. Amphitheatre
35
16. Seminar/meeting rooms
17. Office (Director)
18. Staff parking
19. Landscaped picnic area
20. Rockstore for passive cooling system
21. Entrance foyer
22. Entrance to Imbubu – reminiscent of an
entrance to the ancestor’s hut
23. Informal small group seating for audio-visual
26 presentation
25
24. Ancestor’s Wall of dry-stacked stones
28 collected from derelict isibayas
25. Archaeology display
26. Thick, curved wall, incorporating display
cases containing examples of utensils,
27 29 14
25 beadwork and other artifacts
30 27. Auditorium with raked seating for 200
28. Self-service restaurant opening up to
24 panoramic views to distant hills
29. Restaurant kitchen – bulk stores at lower level
30. Tourist shop
22 21 31. Planted earth covered roof with extract vents
– reminiscent of the amasumpa on a clay pot
(see example at top)
23
32. Continuation of dry stone Ancestor’s Wall
above ground, as seat, surrounded with
planting
33. Path to pick-up/drop-off point for the vehicle
15 taking visitors to the top of the Ikhanda
34. ‘Cut’ in the earth above entrance ramp below
35. Stair up to natural ground level for visitors
13 who wish to walk up to the Ikhanda.
36. Look-out tower (inqolobane)

19
12 ➜

17 16 18 14

27

28
20
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 13

Educating the Architect

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This is a contribution from the conference example, which is all about exploring ideas in outer limits of [their] skill, thereby gradually
‘Educating the Architect’ held on Howard a very quick timeframe, and which may (but extending those limits’ (Chance 1979:22). This
College campus, UKZN, 22–24 September does not have to) feed into an ongoing project. allows the potential for creative ideas in archi-
2005. It is the intention that further articles Intriguingly the project suggested that a tecture (and ultimately society) to change and
will follow. –Editor structured start to play activities need not move forward.
inhibit the playfulness of the event. The project Pitch the playful activity at the right level.
‘Play activity should not be underestimated.
suggested that a location for this workshop Playfulness is at its peek when the activity is of
It is the human equivalent of infinity and the
which is outside of the normal studio medium difficulty compared to the indi-
hope for tomorrow.’ (Chazan 2002:20)
environment may benefit the workshop and be vidual’s skill (Chance 1979:15). However there
Summary more likely to provide a playful environment. is a suggestion that there is a play-competence
This paper aimed to contextualise our under- Ensure a play atmosphere by removing spiral: ‘learning leads to more sophisticated play,
standing of the education of architects by marking. Research with children has shown and play provides a kind of mastery that leads to
comparing the approaches used in the archi- that ‘when children are paid with a toy or other more learning, which leads to more sophisticated
tecture design studio with the techniques used reward for doing something they ordinarily do as play, and so forth’ (Chance 1979:24). The appro-
in the applied arts. The discussion was based play, the activity loses its appeal; the extrinsic priate level will therefore develop with the
around a case study in which a group of reward seems to reduce the intrinsic value of the stage that each student is at.
students from architecture (1st year, University activity. In other words, extrinsic rewards can turn View play as a critical tool. Through play
of Plymouth, UK) ‘swapped places’ with 1st play into work’ (Chance 1979:13). The playful ‘behaviour and ideas can be commented on. They
year National Diploma students at the activity should be seen as something which can be criticized, evaluated, revised, or rejected.
Plymouth College of Art and Design in order may contribute to future work (and indeed is This is what makes poetry, social commentary, art,
to have an experience of a different studio quite likely to as evidence with children, and science and humour possible’ (Schwartzman in
teaching/learning model. The experiences of supported by this study with adults, is that Chance 1979:37). This quotation is from
all participants (students, observer and tutors) people ‘function at a higher level of sophistication literature about children’s play, but seems all
were reflected on to critique and ultimately in their play than at other times’ (Chance the more relevant and fundamental when
develop architecture education practice and 1979:22)) but which does not necessarily need revisited from the perspective of adult learning
find common ground and differences between to influence it at all. This is also linked to the and creativity. As HE level educators, we are
the two disciplines. need to suspend seriousness: all conscious of the need to inspire critical
The project was developed to respond to the Suspend seriousness and consequences. ‘In thinkers, but the idea that play might facilitate
following questions: What are the differences play a person is given a sort of diplomatic immunity and communicate that critical thinking is often
and similarities of approach? How might the from the serious activities of life’ (Chance 1979:16). overlooked.
differences and similarities impact on the way Play gives us freedom to make mistakes, which Facilitate play through being involved as
that students learned? What are the strengths is a fundamental change in attitude to most of an active participant. Most significantly, it is
and weaknesses of each? How might the the work, both at school, and in business that suggested that the most important way that
applied arts model be used to inform the way we experience. This ability to accept and learn adults can intervene in children’s play (in
we ‘teach’ architecture? from failure is an important characteristic in order to further develop the level of play) is to
The study clearly focused on the student creative work, and one which is difficult for actually participate in play. They need to take
experience and as a result, data was collected students to adopt. ‘The freedom to fail, the part rather than just talk about it. This
through participant observation, triangulated permission to explore the impossible and the absurd, perspective provides an interesting new role
by comparison with student feedback recorded allow [students] the opportunity to explore the for the architectural educator, which may
through a workshop and a reflective ques- ultimately empower students and release
tionnaire. educators. This role allows tutors to participate
The findings suggest that the role of ‘play’ as alongside students in play, whilst also subtly
a creative tool is an area that is currently developing that play to perhaps explore ideas
under-utilised in the architecture design and issues that might be pertinent to the wider
studio. The paper proposed that the intro- project, or the emerging play. In a time of
duction of play may be empowering for both ‘student-centred learning’ it is an empowering
tutors and students in a way that will enhance model that provides a challenging, but also
students’ creativity and ultimately allow them supremely creative role for the educator.
to use play to critique and develop their (archi- Rachel Sara
tectural) environments. The paper summarised Dr Sara is a Senior Lecturer at the School of
the following ways that the applied arts model Architecture, University of Plymouth, UK. –Editor
be used to inform the way we ‘teach’ archi-
tecture: References:
Introducing play in the studio. The reflec- Chance, P (1979) Learning Through Play: Proceedings
tions suggested a conscious role for play in the of the Round Table on Play and Learning. New York:
architecture studio. The natural place would be Gardner Press
Chazan, S (2002) Profiles of Play: Assessing and
at the ideas stage of the project. There is an
Observing Structure and Process in Play Therapy.
argument for a structured opportunity for play
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
at this stage – a ‘time-out’ workshop for
14 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

A Letter from India

South Africa: My Personal Journey through a Distant Land
My rather scanty knowledge
about South Africa was limited
to cricket, Indians in Durban,
the indigenous people and Attic level
their architecture and the fact
Ground floor
that one does not come back
without visiting the game
Semi-Basement
reserves. I had seen some works level
of modern architects including
that of Paul Mikula, who had
generously offered to host and
take care of me for a few
weeks. He had handed me
over to the academic
community of the country. I visited five
schools of architecture for three days each, to
get involved in the ongoing architectural juries
and to give a couple of lectures from the five
topics that I had sent in advance. I had positive
expectations of learning something new and
seeing yet another continent. At the end of the
trip I came back much enriched mentally. The
little known South Africa was a new reality
and at that, the biases one always sees this
country with, were put in a better perspective
(I have not and I do not judge a place from my Attic and Site plan
limited experiences of a short visit, I simply try
to learn a place). At the very onset I must
confess, I have not seen the architecture of the
indigenous people, which otherwise I would
make a beeline for due to my academic interest
in vernacular architecture. Soon you will know
why.
➜
Paul’s single-person abode is located on one
of the finest locations in Durban from where
one has a panoramic view of the docks almost
without seeing any other part of the city. It is
an open-space house over which a large four-
sided roof looms and the bedrooms occupy
half the square of the main floor with the
mezzanine. While seating in the open space of
kitchen/living and the dining area, it felt as if Ground floor
one was experiencing a space that was like a
cross section as we construct them in archi-
tectural drawings. Even the main structural
beams are seen as though sawed off!! At least
for four days I lounged around while listening
to good music and minimal talking with Paul House Mikula, 45 Loudon
on the topics of our mutual interest, while Rd, Upper Glenwood,
going to his office and visiting his invaluable Durban.

beadwork collection in the Phansi Museum. Following an earlier

gutting of many walls of
The evening get together at Paul’s place was
the 1940s villa to capture
a wonderful opportunity to meet a lot of like- the panoramic views
minded architects and intimately share with over Durban from the
them what Indian Architecture and people elevated position, the
were. This was very different from other horizontal planar ceiling
was removed in 2003 to
lectures. It was full of warm discussion over
expose the roof structure
wine and dinner. Architects Thorsten Deckler and incorporate the attic
and Anna Graupner had arranged a similar Semi-Basement level spaces.
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 15

gathering in the warehouse district in embedded in the past and such became my way than a University to end the land with!
Johannesburg. It was in these two meetings prime questions in the context of India and I am crucially aware of the fact that these were
that I came close to understanding the vitality Africa. I am sure all of us carry the weight of the decisions of the colonizer, however, some
that the architectural community had. these questions while enjoying the fruits of things always make sense. I wish I had more
When in India in 2001, Paul had shown me human endeavours thus far. In this sense there time at the Cape Town school. In fact some
the works of South African architects, however, is nothing philosophical about them. They are more time would be required if one were to do
I was now seeing them in the actual context of the concerns of our time. Can the professional anything meaningful. Even the lectures and
the place while interacting with a lot of his outlook be formed around them? their understanding need to be gauged
friends like Yusuf Patel, Peter Rich, Pattabi Aspects of AIDS that I learnt about were through some discussions and perhaps
Ganapathi Raman and others. The high point important and crucial. Suddenly I realised how followed up in a seminar or a design problem
of the trip was a five-day drive that my host enormous the problem would be in India after of sorts.
gave me from Durban to Johannesburg while seeing and meeting people in South Africa. My feelings were strongly evoked through
visiting friends and projects such as the Basket The awareness, problems in mitigation and the out the trip. It was not just the seductive nature
Museum in Eshowe and the Hluhluwe game hurdles in propagating the ideas were much of Mother Nature that griped my being but the
park. I suddenly became aware of the stark visible here compared to India. I realised that desire it prompted in me to make a distinction
realty of the place in the mind-boggling the socio-cultural aspect of the Indian between the natural and the man-made. Paul’s
landscapes of the country and the imprints that populace seems to have brought about a blind house made in wood, Peter Rich’s ‘The Bridge’
the indigenous people had made on it. At screen over a problem of grave dimensions. constructed in steel and painted red in an
times I was a bit sad upon seeing the efforts at The other aspect that made me extremely indigenous people’s locality, the project near
giving the modern life to the sons of the soil conscious was that of free movement without a Phoenix (Gandhi’s Ashram) by Rodney
after the change of rule from the white hands. sense of any fear. In most of the urban Harber, the housing efforts made between
The characterless, forced looking, alien and environments and especially in the residential 1920s and up to the present shown by Fabio
sprawling settlements of the sons of the soil as areas there was this bubble of fear in which Todeschini and the constructed landscape (of
prescribed by ‘their own’ democratic people lived. Insecurity was evident all around mind?) in stone were some of the projects I
government made me ponder upon the entire in the built environment way up to the univer- have carried in my memory.
idea of the indigenous ways of life and the sities. For a person who comes from such an All of these are constructive efforts at
culture therein. This, to me, was no different easy to move atmosphere like that of India, this bridging the time and space that South Africa
from miss-spelled notion of ‘development’ that bubble was too much to handle while is and probably can be. From what I saw in
I have seen in parts of India and Asia. As a conducting daily routine life. I have a feeling terms of architecture and the general socio-
believer in the value of the vernacular archi- that there are ways out of this situation and cultural climate, there was much in common
tecture and the irreplaceable quality of life efforts of all kinds can be in place in between India and South Africa in a strange
people lead within it, my notions were neutralising it. manner. The depth of culture, a preserved one
challenged. The new settlements had no sense My presentations to the five schools I visited in the case of South Africa and in the case of
of bearing, pride and belonging nor place, were dealing with the vernacular architecture, India, one that has evolved in many layers,
continuity and connectedness. an important South Indian temple in wood, a have learning experience that one will not find
I was in a time warp. The feeling was solarium that rotated 360 degrees on its central in the Western world.
especially nagging because this is where the axis, works of selected modern architects and Miki Desai
origins of mankind are supposed to be nestled. the work examples of my Basic Design courses. Miki Desai is a Professor at the School of Architecture,
Are not the gone-by times worth preserving? If I hope that these were of some use to the CEPT, Ahmedabad. He visited South Africa during
the imprints of time cannot be preserved in students and the architects that saw them. May 2005. –Editor
Africa and Asia where else can they be? What is Of the schools that I visited, Cape Town was
Nelson Mandela Interpretation Centre, Mandela’s
the worth of preserving the imprints of human a cut above all. First of all the very location as Yard, Alexandra. View of the Bridge approaching
existence? How to be in the modern times my finale to the African sub-continent was a from the south along Seventh Street.
while respecting the spiritual development great gesture in time and space. What better Peter Rich Architect.
16 | KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006

Why Morocco? This Andalusian looking town with white and

I t’s a country of diverse climate and natural

terrain, a country with a mixture of cultures,
a country famous for its food and craftwork,
blue stone walls is infamous for the growing
and selling of hashish (three days). We
eventually got a taxi to Fez and first class train
and a treasure-trove of architectural solutions. tickets on to Marrakech via Meknes, Rabat, and
My wife, Hanlie, and I chose to experience the Casablanca (one day).
northern hemisphere winter and spent a few We were now tired of the hustle and bustle
weeks during December – January 2006 of catching local taxis and buses and decided
traveling around Morocco on a variety of to hire a small car to explore the Grand Atlas
modes of transport with neither pre-booked mountains beyond Marrakech. The stone-wall,
accommodation nor itinerary. terraced fields in the Valley De L’ Ourika, the
ski resort of Oukaimeden alongside the highest
The route taken was: mountain, Ben Toubkal, the Imlil valley with
Acclimatize in Casablanca (two days); train to its snow-clad nut orchards and black rock faces
Marrakech to explore the markets (suq) (two of the sheer valley sides and lastly the
days), local bus to Essaouira to enjoy the terrifying three-metre-wide hairpin road up
cultural seaside city over Christmas (three the Tiz-n-Test pass, were all explored during
days); local bus via transfers through Agadir the next five days.
and up the fertile Oued Sous valley south of
the Grand Atlas mountains with days spent in
A Travel Diary After all this traveling, and accommodation
sometimes rather basic, we spoilt ourselves in
the mud walled towns of Taroudant and the only pre-arranged accommodation. This
Taliouine (three days). Taxi
Morocco was one night at the only
via the African film set aman hotel on the African
capital of Ouarzazate to the continent, the Amangena,
oasis town of Zagora. This just outside of Marrakech in
string of oases from the an old walled olive orchard
Grand Atlas mountains in and set on the side of a new
the north to the Sahara golf course estate. This six
desert in the south, (three star boutique hotel with only
days). Then a chauffeur- 38 rooms and built as in a
driven 4x4 ride to the desert, contemporary interpretation
to spend New Year’s eve in of the Moroccan palace was
a bedouin tent in the Sahara one of the highlights of our
dunes, and across the stony tour with service and a
desert plains via Tazikhant setting fit for royalty, but at a
and Ouarzazate (two days). king’s price I may add.
Then, a combined (col- We had hoped to spend
lective) taxi up the Valley du two days dedicated to more
Dades to Skoura and the skiing in the mountains but
beginning of the valley of a unfortunately due to the
thousand kasbahs (two days), then by excellent snow all accommodation was
combined taxi on to Boulmaine Dades full, instead we headed back to the coast
with the entire town in brown adobe between Essaouira and Agadir to the
buildings alongside the river and the surfers paradise to watch the waves
irrigated fields with the snow capped breaking in the relatively isolated bays
Grand Atlas mountains to the north along the dry Atlantic coastline (two
behind the town (two days) into the days). We returned our car to Marrakech
Gorges du Dades with a taxi and on to El to do some more shopping and to catch
Rachidia with a combined taxi (one day), the train back to Casablanca and to fly
then through the snow covered Middle back home via Paris
Atlas mountains to Midelt, a town still
with a strong feeling and appearance of a The highlights of Morocco were:
French provincial town with stork nests The myriad of stall-lined streets in the
atop many of the chimneys (one day). ancient medinas, the courtyard riads
Local bus on to Fez via the president’s (houses) in the same central town areas,
favorite holiday town of Ifrane and the metal trelliswork to the windows, the
through the famous cedar forests with copper and pewter hand-hammered
troops of barbery apes (two days). Spent basins, the lantern lamps, the adobe walls
two days touring the Fez medina (old in the oases, the kasbahs, the stone walls
walled centre of town) with a guide as dividing up the fields on the coastal plain,
recommended to prevent one from the art nouveau architecture of districts in
loosing one’s self in the world’s largest Casablanca, the dry red snow covered
medina and then a luxury bus to enormous Atlas mountains with the
Chefchaouên high in the Rif mountains. terraced fields and cliff hanging hamlets,
 KZ-NIA Journal 1/2006 | 17

the friendly people, the ardent trading, Morocco, on the north-west corner of Africa, is bordered by the
cramming six people into a combined Mediterranean Sea on the north and the Atlantic Ocean on the
west. The Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterran- S PA I N
Mercedes taxi, trying to find out in our limited
ean and the Atlantic, separates Morocco from Spain by
French where and when the bus left for our 13 kilometres. The forested Atlas Mountains cross
intended destination, the tagines and couscous, Morocco from south-west to north-east, and separate
the local wines, the freshly squeezed orange the coastal plains from the Sahara Desert.
juice at the sidewalk cafes, the men-only bars While Arabic is the official language, French
which are so filled with smoke you can hardly and Spanish are widely spoken, vestiges of
control by these countries from the early
enter, cafes with locals all glued to the one TV
1900s until independence in 1956.
screen watching a local soapie or football, the ALGERIA
haunting desert inspired music, and lastly the
entire country.
Finally, it is a country, which will satisfy O
O CC
travelers with all sorts of interests, budgets,
OR
time frames and desires, and lastly it is a safe, M
friendly country definitely worth a visit.
Kevin Lloyd
Mr Lloyd practices as Kevin Lloyd Architects in Kloof.
—Editor

A square in Chefchaouên.
Right: View from the Rif mountains.