African project:
Malapa
PROJECT PRESERVATION
On the site “Malapa,” Australopithecus sediba – a hominid fossil and arguably
one of the most important fossil discoveries in the history of “homo sapiens” – was
found within a pristine game reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in
early human fossils and endemic fauna and flora.
P
resenting a ring of trees and a 10 year excavation goal – this was the challenge and the
limitations. Krynauw Nel Association’s brief: environmental preservation, research and
visitors’ platform – with a one ton manual crane hoist! The architectural translation unfolds
in a steel structure: insect-like, light weight, maximum interior impact and minimum exterior
visibility. The love of the site environment will prohibit one from leaving the building as a
mark.
An off-site trial assembly is decided upon, reducing on-site exposure. The location: a rugby
field, near the contractor’s factory, and where many first grasp the unique qualities of
this steel structure. Trial assembly proves invaluable. Templates were created for roofing,
design issues refined and setting out positions pin-pointed. Quality workmanship, attention to detail and high
standards of finishing, produced an array of components, stacked and ready for transportation to the site.
40 minutes to travel seven kilometres from the access road to the site. With slippery steep inclines, broken
rocky trails and a good few kilometres through an ancient spring fed by a strong running stream bed, culminates
into a stone covered slope and a beautiful copse of trees. Scientist and visitor movements were subtly separated
from the onset. Visitors were contained on a slightly raised walkway, following a route centered on an existing
footpath. Handrails were omitted – animal movements were facilitated. The “moment of discovery” of the
africandesignmagazine.com
53