MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA MACRO LOCALITY The urban fabric is a that of a finegrained informal settlement Proposed mall Proposed council building
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA MICRO LOCALITY The predetermined precinct proposal, into which the council building will be integrated, includes the expansion of an existing retail centre along Malamulele s main road. Pedestrian access is encouraged from the piazza to the south of the site.
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING LIMPOPO, SOUTH AFRICA Erf 53 Erf 41 PROPOSED NEW COUNCIL BUILDING Saselemani Road Erf 40 Proposed new mall expansion and renovation Existing taxi rank Existing civic centre Main Road MASTERPLAN
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT DESIGN EXPLORATION AND EVOLUTION Early conceptual sketches explore the relationship between rational and organic influences, translated into an architectural dialogue between the formal municipal offices and spaces for the community functions. This responds to both the man-made, such as the city grid, and natural conditions that includes the topography.
M DESIGN EXPLORATION AND EVOLUTION THE SCREEN Early design sketches express the formative ideas. Where rational forms define the formal municipal offices, public functions are given expression on the emotive building facade, The facade is explored as a dynamic double-functioned response to both the exterior context (in the creation of sheltered and shaded public spaces) and interior functions, by accommodating the programme within.
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING A- RATIONAL: PRIVATE B- ORGANIC: PUBLIC C- BLURRING BOUNDARIES A1. SERVED AND SERVANT SPACES WITHIN DEPARTMENTS Each department has a clear identity and address B1. PUBLIC FUNCTIONS Organic forms define the public and community functions and contrast with the rational offices. The hierarchic dominant is the council chamber, by inference all public functions reflect this amorphic nature. C1. INTERSTITIAL SPACES The boundaries between rational and organic, government and community, are blurred creating indoor/outdoor interstitial spaces. A2. STAGGERED DEPARTMENTAL LAYOUT Splitting and staggering the diagram heightens the address and identity of each department while creating intimate and defined external spaces. Public functions -Council chamber -Meeting rooms -Library C2. BIOPHILIA Within this realm, a biophilic design approach is explored through the introduction of indigenous scented gardens in the courtyard spaces. planting B2. STAFF BREAKAWAY AND OUTDOOR MEETING SPACES A or B indicate future departmental growth A3. DEPARTMENTAL SUBDIVISIONS C3. SCREENS A latticed veil defines the extent of the public spaces externally and internally. semi-transparent screens permeable screens Staff ablutions, kitchenette and formal meeting rooms Cores Offices for departments Cellular offices Staff breakaway and meeting spaces DESIGN INTENTIONS
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING COMBINED DIAGRAM MOVEMENT BREEZES SCENTED BY COURTYARD GARDENS Staff Public DESIGN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING SITE PLAN 1:500
BASEMENT PLAN 1:500
GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:500
FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1:500
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING LOCALLY SOURCED GRANITE is dry-packed to create a winding stone wall that forms seating along the western facade. TERRAZZO FLOORS subtly reflect light throughout the internal walkways and courtyards. LOW MAINTENANCE FACE-BRICK is used to express the office blocks. BRICK SCREENS on the southern facade allow filtered light into the interior office spaces while fostering discrete views and natural ventilation. A TIMBER SCREEN articulates and contains the organic forms like a latticed veil. TRANSLUCENT POLYCARBONATE SCREENS surround the library, public meeting spaces and council chamber. PLANTING defines the internal courtyards and promotes the concepts of biophilia. MATERIALITY Materials employed in the design are cost-effective, locally available and reflective of local trade and skills.
SOUTH ELEVATION scale 1:200 NORTH ELEVATION scale 1:200
EAST ELEVATION scale 1:200 WEST ELEVATION scale 1:200
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW O F MAIN ENTRANCE
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW OF COVERED OUTDOOR WAITING S PACE
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW O F MAIN ENTRANCE
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW OF COURTYARD WITH INDIG ENOUS S CENTED G ARDENS
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW OF INTERNAL BREEZEWAYS
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING V IEW FROM S A S ELEMANI ROAD
MALAMU LELE COUN C IL BU ILDING N I G HT VIEW FROM S A S ELEMANI ROAD