African Design Magazine ADM #43 August 2018 | Page 38

HILL ON EMPIRE
minimal glass, and glazed to have sun
screens for energy efficiency. The glass
link bridge, with its steel structural V
bracing, is echoed in Building C and D,
and widely celebrated as an architectural
feature. The white cube elements are
now more eroded and manipulated to
create interesting forms and window
opportunities.
The concept evolved of a building wing
made of a concrete vertical ‘fin’ wall that
is turned horizontally to create the roof.
This encases a glass box which contains
the projecting graphic solid white cube
elements that project opposite the fin,
creating shaded balconies on these
exposed facades. The two wings are
alternated against each other with a
glass recessed core element, essentially
creating an H plan to each building. The
concept is of a family of buildings, all
clearly related aesthetically, but each with
a unique and different personality.
The development of Building C is set to
start soon and will continue the themes
and scales set in Buildings B and D, with
a taller block capturing the Northern
and Southern city views. If the demand
calls for it, there is the option of adding
another bridge to the site, this will link
buildings C and D in order to create one
large 20,000m² building.
Landscaping is an important aspect of
corporate and office park development;
in this case the landscaping has been
designed to provide a green pedestrian
scaled interface. The central square is
built on a basement that has sunken
bins to provide for tree planting, lawns,
and garden details creating a pleasant
environment for tenants and visitors
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | AUGUST 2018
alike. With the local community and
culture in mind, the Parktown Residents
Association was consulted to assist in
designing the landscaping to fit into the
urban fabric of the area.
Photos courtesy of MWLF Architects
and Abland.
Article by Jacqueline Freer