Architect and Builder Magazine South Africa November/December 2014 | Page 35

Rabie Director, John Chapman, involved
Bam Architects from the earliest conceptual
stages of The Quays and, consequently, they
were able to influence the entire strategic
macro planning of the precinct. As part
of Rabie’s inclusive policy, there is also a
residents’ design review committee, which
is effective in assisting the achievement of a
successful result.
Developer’s Brief
Bam says that Chapman wanted a
residential development that would speak
to the company’s design philosophy of
new urbanism, and set the tone for similar
future projects.
The architect’s response to this has been
what he describes as a positive street edge,
with the buildings defining the street and its
function, rather than bordering what is often
alien space. Bam says the design team chose
to reinforce a village feel for the entire project.
Although the architectural tone is modern,
an intentional sense of historic progression
and growth is represented by changes in

Quays

colour and massing, and the variations in the
fabric of the buildings.

THIS SPREAD:
Quays

Sense of Community
The traditional sense of community is
emphasised by the interaction between
the public and private realm. This includes
a waterside central piazza with restaurant
and tower, the removal of vehicles, which
have an alienating influence, and emphasis
on providing individual access to the streets
where possible.
Design
The design is focused on the key elements of a
positive environment that include maintaining
a human scale and the harmonious
interaction between the buildings and their
surrounding spaces. This has created a
modern interpretation of a traditional village
– but with no architectural design references
to antiquity or vernacular, other than scale
and articulation.
Varying the roofscape, as a result of double
volumes in some units, has also emphasised

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