Architect and Builder Nov 2021 | Page 4

NEWSWATCH

THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
NEWSWORTHY
FLAGSTAFF SQUARE OPENS IN EASTERN CAPE
Rural retail development specialists , McCormick Property Development ( MPD ) have expanded their footprint in the Eastern Cape with the recent opening of Flagstaff Square . It is their second development within the Eastern Cape to date , with a third , KwaBhaca Mall in Mt Frere , currently under construction . The 10,956m 2 development is a double level mall located in the town of Flagstaff and offers the community convenient and essential retail in a first class setting . Construction on the project started in late 2020 and despite 62 days ( over 820mm ) of rain delays , the Mall opened on schedule in late October . A joint venture between locallybased Eyamampondo Properties and MPD , Flagstaff Square required a substantial amount of investment to create the support infrastructure needed to ensure the development ’ s success . The roads around the site were upgraded , a 440kVA grid tied PV rooftop system was installed and plans had to be made for sewage and water treatment plants . One of the most unique elements of Flagstaff Square is the incredible graffiti work throughout the centre . Three feature walls , designed and painted by local graffiti artists Sphesihle Langa and Mduduzi Dzabine , create eye-catching and inspiring spaces .
PG BISON 1.618 EDUCATION INITIATIVE 2021
Zander Etienne Deysel , architecture student at Nelson Mandela University , was recently announced as the winner of the prestigious 2021 PG Bison Education Initiative , winning a cash prize of R50,000 ( and R50,000 for his lecturer too ). Second place was scooped by Ashleigh Bennett , interior design student at IIE Vega , Durban , taking home R25,000 .
“ Congratulations to Zander and Ashleigh , as well as their lecturers ,” says Lian Markham , Communications Manager at PG Bison . “ We were very impressed with their submissions , which focused on creating a tourism-centered solution for the Strand Street Quarry in Cape Town . The judges felt that beyond the design elements , the winning and second-place entries also took into account the unique cultural , historical and community context of the site , which was a critical part of the brief . We wish them and the rest of the finalists well-deserved congratulations and all the best for their budding careers in architecture and interior design – we look forward to seeing the work they will produce as they enter the workplace . We hope this competition has provided a showcase for their skills and that it will unlock new opportunities for each one of them .”
Zander Etienne Deysel and Ashleigh Bennett
The Winning Entry Deysel is thrilled at taking the win , “ It is the highest honour that I have received up to this point and will help me to build and develop my career in architecture .”
His winning submission is called Four Pillar Terminal – Revitalising the Quarry . “ It is specifically designed to create social spaces for human interaction , while still incorporating the terminal aspect of the building and the environment around it . The local Bo-Kaap heritage is represented by four large pillars , each colour coded in a different colour . With beautiful views to Table Mountain , Signal Hill , Lion ’ s Head , and the ocean , this would be a building for everyone to visit .”
Deysel says the hardest part of the brief was not being from Cape Town , which meant he was unable to physically visit the site . “ The hardest part of the brief for me was designing a functional building that was sensitive to its context and integrated the local Bo-Kaap heritage and community , but I believe my building stands out because it acts as an extension to the quarry cliff with a rooftop promenade that allows for beautiful views all over Cape Town . By doing this , the building has minimal impact on the site and this allows for the site to be landscaped and social spaces to be created , revitalising the quarry , and maintaining its heritage . Retail pods were also designed for the use of the local Bo-Kaap community .”
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