Soweto Towers 99m Soccer City 60m restaurant at the base of the tower . The slender structure of the central core and primary columns of the structure are reflected in the architecture all the way to the feature walls at the top . The building does not hide its weight or materials and the structure is exposed .
The form of the building is derived from an exploration of the parameters that dictate what a building may become ; testing the possibilities ; aspiring to make a contribution to the wellbeing of users and a positive difference to outsiders ; using resources wisely ; being as honest to the expression of structure and servicing as you can ; ensuring that local cultural , social and climate conditions are considered . In order to make the building timeless , each element is distilled to its essence . In the end , the building should reflect these concerns , thereby deriving value for the client and making a contribution for society .
Being such an integral part of the overall design aesthetic for the building the façade and roof went through numerous design iterations . The sketch and design stages were done with hand sketches which have always been a strength
Carlton Centre 223m
Ponte Towers 173m
Michelangelo Towers 140m
Southern Life Centre 139m
The Standard Bank Building 139m
Johannesburg , South Africa The Leonardo 233m
Buildings in South Africa
Dubai , United Arab Emirates The Burj Khalifa 828m
London , United Kingdom The Shard 310m
Buildings in the world and integral method of CO-ARC International Architects . Alongside the thousands of hand sketches that were done , several 3D modelling packages were used and many renderings were completed . Planning , although hectic at times , was always done in advance of the construction progress enabling the 55 floors to be planned in tune with the contractors workflow , whilst facilitating the developer ’ s and the professional team ’ s vision . In order to achieve this the architects ran parallel models illustrating potential , planned and issued conditions of the various scenarios as the development responded to the market . Close to forty 3D versions of the building , including the variations in occupancy and height options , were compiled throughout the life of the project .
In the various versions of the roof design , the architects explored the function and use of the top of the building . The starting point was a rooftop that would house services but would be accessible by tenants or the public and a variety of functions were considered . However , the final solution returned to its structural logic , celebrating the top of the building with a viewing deck which would be accessible to the public .
Conclusion The building is very much an expression of its context . Its form and shape are a product of its making . It is not another imported glass box with all its attendant problems nor a gymnastic attempt to draw attention to itself . It is instead a reflection of understated simplicity , an honest expression of what it wants to be in a particular place . It celebrates and serves all who visit and reside there . It houses some of Africa ’ s finest emerging art , undertaken by some 500 local artists which radiate its African roots and heritage . These pay homage to Johannesburg ’ s history founded out of the gold that created its urban fabric . It stands as a beacon of hope at the epicentre of Africa ’ s richest square mile .
42 The Leonardo