African Design Magazine October 2016 | Page 49

African project GE Africa Innovation Centre – South Africa

• Occupancy controlled lighting
• Substantial external views for occupants
• Acousticly tested and designed environments
• Efficient water usage
• Onus on socio-economic credits in the construction phase
Aiming for LEED The brief from the client was clear that to be an innovation centre , it had to prescribe to global and local best practice towards a more sustainable built environment . Through the design process this was quintessential whilst developing forward and currently the building is being evaluated and seeks to achieve GBCSA Green Star 5 Interior As Built rating and LEED Gold As Built rating . Combining international best practice and localized product in a LEED / GBSCA rated interiors , whilst tying this back to the overall narrative concept and facilitating GE ’ s high performance criteria and brand dynamics , was a challenging aspect of the brief .
Inspiration for the interiors The fit-out was designed to be a dynamic and versatile , multi-floor space , with innovative and mobile structural elements and furniture . Its flexible environment fluidly facilitates collaboration , interaction , and innovation for all users .
Conceptually , the space is informed by an African geometric design language , drawn from African settlements , fabrics and surfaces : abstracted circular , angular and linear fractal elements , which are integrated into the structural and aesthetic elements of the GEAIC , creating a uniquely African , but global , contemporary corporate spatial design .
The goal was to create a mixed-use , flexible , functional , robust and sustainable environment , highlighting the key principles of GE , industrial innovation and African collaboration .
As such , the fit-out through the use of the Customer Experience centre , healthcare experience , and training and development centre , showcases and teaches users about GE ’ S technology towards African Localised sustainability in the industries of energy , aviation , healthcare , oil and gas and transportation .
This ethos is drawn through the use of local African materials and products , facilitated through the most contemporary and innovative of African industrial design and interior design .
Sustainability Through the localization process undertaken in the project , it became clear that an onus in the industry needs to be placed on leveraging African creativity and innovative means to solve the challenge locally . It proved difficult to utilise / procure local product / skills which meet the legislation and performance requirements set in the GBCSA / LEED accreditation requirements .
The building is still very new and its spatial planning and flexible nature do not fit the standard mold , constant training and user outreach is being undertaken by the facilities team to establish a set user guide . Common teething issues are more pronounced in the more mechanical systems with regards to user comfort and system usage , as these not only have to provide for all other use cases , but still need to meet the sustainability goals .
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