The recent release of the Department of Statistics ’ quarterly labour force survey for the second quarter of 2023 revealed an increase of 104,000 new jobs in the Construction sector which must be seen in a positive light , given the difficult times the South African economy and this sector in particular have faced .

I have certainly noticed a solid uptick in firms advertising for new staff in architecture , engineering and quantity surveying in particular over the last few months . Great news but it will be interesting to get feedback from potential employers on how easy it has been to fill positions with suitably qualified candidates . Has the much spoken about ‘ brain drain ’ really impacted on successful recruitment ?

The key to the increased improvement in the sector will be how confident developers feel in investing substantial sums in the commercial sector again , especially developments with office components to them . Interior design firms are certainly busy with large office fit-outs at the moment , whether they be new or re-fits , so the office environment , although reimagined , is certainly not dead .

PROJECTS

24 IRENE LINK - BUILDING C Irene Link seamlessly blends into the vibrant heartbeat of the surrounding urban fabric and the tranquil , considered landscaping of the Irene Village area . This ongoing development is truly a connected precinct .

34 PICK N PAY INLAND 2 DISTRIBUTION CENTRE The construction of a new 163,783m 2 distribution centre to replace Pick n Pay ’ s existing DC operations and three smaller facilities was recently completed . This is the largest DC in South Africa and services all of Pick n Pay ’ s Inland stores .

44 110 OXFORD Developed by Barrow Properties , the new Premium Grade commercial office building is integrated into the heart of the Oxford & Glenhove precinct , which is fast becoming the foremost office lifestyle precinct in the Rosebank CBD

52 DALRRD The new home of the Department of Agriculture , Land Reform & Rural Development ( DALRRD ) in South Africa ’ s capital city , Pretoria , adds a glittering landmark to the city ’ s and South Africa ’ s tradition of civic architecture .

INTERIORS

70 DIMENSION DATA Inhouse Design Studio was recently appointed to carry out the interior design and fit out of Dimension Data ’ s new Cape Town offices on the corner of Draper Street and Main Road , Claremont .

DEPARTMENTS

4 NEWS WATCH 12 PHOTOGRAPHER FOCUS : Simon Watson 14 FEATURE ARTICLE : Effective Communication

Louise Fenner Publisher and Editor louisef @ archibuild . co . za

16 PROJECT WATCH 68 INTERIOR WATCH 74 ADVERTISERS , SUBSCRIPTION & CONTACT INFORMATION

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Architect and Builder Jul/Aug 2023 | Page 3

Architect and Builder JUL / AUG 2023 | VOLUME 74 | ISSUE 4

Architect and Builder JUL / AUG 2023 | VOLUME 74 | ISSUE 4

CONTENTS