By the creation of a dialogue between the courtyard and the buildings facing it , interactive activities and the sharing of ideas , an interactive design orientated centre would evolve .
The Design Centre idea took off and evolved and eventually resulted in a collaborative effort between the tenant , client and architects – the whole group was involved in authorship of the plans .
Within the idea of the creative businesses located in ‘ vibey ’ Woodstock , the client approached Ogilvy to offer them new office space . Ogilvy had been looking at relocating previously , but had not found anything satisfying . A creative working relationship between Ogilvy and the architects was established . The agency was looking for a timeless African building and after tossing around many different treatment ideas , the architects held an internal competition , a long creative process which resulted in a range of interesting , contemporary solutions .
Design Ogilvy Head Office is the refurbished original Russell House , with its tectonic conditions originating from an existing structure . A solid punctured base elevates the offices from the street level and serves as a platform for a steel and glass structure which responds to the views of the mountain , city and harbour . The building is tied onto the red “ Ogilvy Tower ”, an existing emergency staircase which anchors the building in its environment . This “ tower ” also becomes the focal point for the rest of the development . The smaller windows to the north and east are a reminder of the old office building and , in turn , are reminiscent of the more industrialised Woodstock .
The tenants were quite happy with the “ glazed box ” as it gives them visibility opportunities to project to the public , look into themselves , open up their business and expose themselves . This reflected the tenant ’ s African renaissance approach ; it reflects their progress , stimulates development and it puts them on the map .
The architecture , textures and colours of Ogilvy Head Office respond to the environment and define the brand of Ogilvy in the city . Ogilvy Head Office plays a fundamental role in the process of the regeneration of Woodstock as it works as a catalyst to the redevelopment in Woodstock .
There was a successful relationship with Heritage Western Cape . Keeping in line with its environment , the District development picks up the scale of the street and the immediate surrounding buildings . It steps down to meet the more historical part of the street . The side facing the city is more contemporary and the side facing Sir Lowry Road contains more brickwork and thus reflecting what happens in Woodstock .
PROPERTY DEVELOPER ’ S COMMENT Woodstock and District Six are set to become the city ’ s creative hub as Ogilvy , one of South Africa ’ s largest advertising agencies , moves into The District - a new creative precinct by development consortium Berman Bros and Gateway Property Developments , making a major contribution to the growth of the entire area .
Known as the Bohemian home for artists and performers until its ruin under the previous régime , District Six and Woodstock , once beset by absentee landlords and petty crime , have already begun clawing their way back to glory .
“ Be the change you seek in others ” says Ogilvy MD , Mike Abel , quoting Gandhi to explain their commitment - R70 million over a 10-year lease - to The District . “ We all believe The District will impact Woodstock in the same way as The Victoria Junction Hotel did Green Point ,” he says .
Gateway Property Developments successfully developed apartment blocks in Green Point ’ s Somerset Road and the Atlantic Seaboard
38 Ogilvy Head Office