African project
National English Literary Museum – South Africa
D
emonstrating ‘South African Excellence’, the project
was constructed by the Department of Public Works
for the Department of Arts and Culture. The total gross
floor area (GLA) is 10 812m 2 , of which 5 851m 2 is office
space. Construction started in February 2014 and was
completed in June 2016 at a value of R145 million. Solid
Green Consulting undertook the Green Star certification
process, while Intsika Architects was responsible for the
design.
As a cultural facility that houses scriptures of ideas and experiences
captured through time, the project is influenced by context and global
environmental issues and is therefore of great significance for South
Africa and the international Literary sector.
Dr Een Greyling, Senior Project Manager for the Department of Public
Works, congratulated the professional team, NELM personnel and
WBHO Construction on their outstanding achievement, saying, “With
this building, attributes beyond cost, time and quality became key
measures, such as the achievement of social objectives through job
creation, local SMMEs’ and suppliers’ involvement, and the project
being accepted by the broader community. Achieving this level of
project success demanded a collective effort in producing a fully
functional facility for future generations.”
The Museum is situated on the outskirts of a built-up residential area
in Grahamstown, and is intended to be an upgrade to an existing
park. The design brief called for the building to be a highly functional
landmark that would fit the site context and building typology.
Accordingly, the architecture takes a sensitive approach with massing
and elements responding to the human scale. Key targets of the project
are Cultural & Educational Significance, Informative Organization &
Design, Social Upliftment, and Limited Environmental Impact.
The development enhances the area by introducing facilities such as a
mini-theatre, outside amphitheatre, exhibition area, archives, library,
and museum offices. The Museum will not be fenced off, and provides
park-like areas for the surrounding community to enjoy. Courtyards
and balconies make for enjoyable outdoor breakaway spaces for
personnel; and 80% of the occupied areas have views to the exterior.
Located close to a variety of learning institutions and public amenities,
which can make daily use of the Museum, the precinct is pedestrian
friendly with walkways and bicycle routes. Shower and storage
facilities for cyclists are available to encourage non-motorised
commuting to the Museum. User health and well-being have been
further considered by including large windows to the staircases with
views to the surroundings, thereby encouraging occupants to use the
stairs rather than the lift.
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