ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Podium at Menlyn in Pretoria, South Africa by Boogertman + PartnersSeptember 25th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Boogertman + Partners Podium at Menlyn has become the gateway to the Menlyn node, which is fast becoming an A-grade business hub. The success of the project can be attributed to the unbeatable combination of creative design talent, technical and project management expertise, the support of a dynamic interior department and a client who had complete faith.
The seamless triangular union of glass and off-shutter concrete was inspired by the ancient engraved artworks found in the Blombos Caves on the southern Cape coast of South Africa. This symbolises a bridge between a 77 000-year-old culture and the future of South Africa. Inspiration was also drawn from the ancient Chinese tangram dissection puzzle. The design team met the client’s “Icon” part of the brief by transforming this ancient game into a magnificent triangular grid, which features on the eastern and southern facades of the building. The abstract design is produced as a modular unit that can be configured into a geometric grid, making the implementation of the design an exact science and representing a synthesis of mathematics, symbolic systems and art. Even the basement and lift lobby artwork make use of these tans to create a “geometrical garden” within an urban space, giving the feeling of being in a digital landscape. The artwork transforms a once dull basement into an exciting space through which to enter for a day’s work. The design suggests both the archaic nature of its origins and the sophistication of 21st-century technology. Actor Steve Martin once said, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” We believe Podium at Menlyn cannot be ignored. At the 2013 Fulton Awards, Podium at Menlyn was recognised as the winner in the Innovative Construction category, and also received a commendation for Architectural Concrete. Contact Boogertman + Partners
Tags: PRETORIA, South Africa Category: Office Building |