African project Matsulu Hawker Facilities – South Africa
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The aim of the project , which incorporates 32 Hawker Stalls and a thatched-domed information centre , was to design a facility which would be eye-catching enough to attract tourists when passing on the N4 highway . “ We wanted it to be a landmark which would promote an enterprise development culture and be safe , as well as having a corporate identity which will be used in all other similar projects ,” explains Adri Fourie from Trans African Concessions .
EarthSwitch were tasked with the upgrading of the hawker stalls , upgrading of the bathroom facilities , creating an entrance to the hawker facility and introducing seating areas with trees to the site which was a deteriorated informal trading area used by the hawkers . The intention was to attract other local hawkers that can diversify the trade at the hawker facilities with a vibrant colour selection to attract attention . The colours used complement the development with an African feel to it ; the concept was to create a facility , identified with an African Style , and also unique to the place .
The new stalls required extra shading on the northern side , as the stalls are orientated north . This posed a problem in the winter , due to the sun ’ s angle . The hawkers complained as they had to sit in the back of the stalls with their fruit and wanted to be closer to the front of the stalls . To solve this problem , a covered walkway was introduced , with seating in front of the hawker stalls .
Water connection to the site posed a big problem , thus two 5000L Water Tanks were installed to supply water to the upgraded bathroom facilities . These tanks were supposed to be refilled by local municipality ; this didn ’ t happen and the tanks have since been stolen .
“ This was an exciting project to work on ,” says du Toit . Noting that Phase 2 will hopefully start soon . “ This will include the seating areas with the trees , vertical containers used for viewing purposes and some kitchen containers .”
Looking back at the completed project , Fourie says , “ Awesome is the first word that comes to mind . The transformation is incredible and trade increased from +/ - 20 cars a day to 80 as per a one day count . EarthSwitch fully understood the idea we had , which was discussed in a short meeting , and came up with an amazing concept . Our corporate identity is visible without using any formal logos / images . We are looking forward to phase 2 and 3 once the local municipality has provided the services as promised / committed to .” AD