WINNER: OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Johannesburg Council Chambers
T
he City of Johannesburg’s new Council
Chamber forms the nucleus of Johannes-
burg’s new Metro Centre in Braamfontein
and is an emblem of this city’s transformation
into an economic hub. With its prime position at
the top of Rissik Street, the new Chamber will
become an iconic structure symbolising the City’s
transformation in line with the core values of
transparency, accountability and accessibility.
The conceptual design was inspired by the African
drum and the Tswana word Lekgotla, meaning ‘a
place where meetings are held’. The circular ‘drum’
design is transparent and enables an unimpeded
visual link between the indoors and outdoors. The
incorporation of gold colours and elements form
part of the recognition of the city’s heritage and
status as the City of Gold. The architecture seeks
to celebrate African principles of place-making,
while incorporating smart technologies and green
building systems. As a transparent ‘Lekgotla’ it is
hoped that the Chamber will be a hub that nurtures
and enhances positive dialogue and instills a sense
of servant leadership.
It has a large foyer with amenities, seating for
361 councillors and officials on the ground floor
and a second floor gallery which can accommodate
158 people.
The chamber integrates seamlessly with its
surroundings and connects with the city through
the newly developed People’s Piazza, which was
80
developed around the ‘placemaking’ concept
of creating quality places which are interesting,
visually attractive and mix public art with creative
activities. The Rainbow Walkway to Freedom gives
pedestrians the ability to walk safely under solar
streetlights to outdoor chess and planter benches
where workers and councillors alike can relax and
enjoy the gardens.
The new Chamber has recently received a 5 Star
SA design certification in the category for Public and
Education Buildings. It is the first municipal building
to be rated under the PEB tool, which also achieved
a Green Star SA Socio-Economic category rating.
Developer:
Johannesburg Property Company
Architects:
StudioMAS Architecture & Urban Design
Project Managers: Bayete Capital
Quantity Surveyors: Koor Dindar Mothei
Civil & Structural Engineers:
Pure Consulting Engineers
Electrical Engineers:
Aftek Consulting Engineers
Mechanical Engineers: RPP, WSP
Acoustic Consultants: Linspace
Fire Consultants: Highcrest Engineering
Green Consultants: WSP
Main Contractors:
Aveng Grinaker-LTA; Enza Construction
SAPOA Awards