within an informal context.
Re of ERF 193. Wynberg. Johannesburg. South Africa.
Project Type: Commercial – New Build
Client: Albert de Castro
Program: Commercial – New Build
Status: Complete – November 2013
Value: R 6 Million (US $400 000)
Area: 1 100m²
This commercial development is situated on a bustling intersection within Wynberg, on the outskirts of the Alexandra township. The architectural design responded to the very specific contextual challenges relating to the high density demographic, intense vehicular and pedestrian traffic and considerations of security.
At an urban level, we approached the Johannesburg Development Agency and the Johannesburg Roads Agency to embark on a collaborative undertaking to channel / regulate the public access / use of the wrap-around pavement area. A development plan for the generation of a cohesive whole, for mutual benefit was adopted in principle. Considerations of formalizing the informal, viability, durability and cost were developed. A dual approach was adopted: one which aimed to accommodate informal traders and related shoppers in a flexible / user friendly manner and one which did not impact negatively on the parallel commercial development of Watt Shops.
In execution, a small 2-storey mixed-use commercial hub was established. Flexibility in floor area use allowed for a tenant specific response. It was further proposed that the roof top be developed as a terrace to provide a roof bar or radio station. While this prospect was architecturally viable, it has not been implemented to date.
A defining, distinctive feature of the new structure is the steel facade created by a continuous louvre system, Clean lines create a recognizable identity and present the building as a cohesive whole.
#WattShops #OnceUponaTime #RawAndReal #UrbanIntegration @UrbanSignature_
Watt Shops
Re of ERF 193. Wynberg. Johannesburg. South Africa.
Project Type: Commercial – New Build
Client: Albert de Castro
Program : Commercial – New Build
Status: Complete – November 2013
Value: R 6 Million (US $400 000)
Area: 1 100m²
This commercial development is situated on a bustling intersection within Wynberg, on the outskirts of the Alexandra township. The architectural design responded to the very specific contextual challenges relating to the high density demographic, intense vehicular and pedestrian traffic and considerations of security.
At an urban level, we approached the Johannesburg Development Agency and the Johannesburg Roads Agency to embark on a collaborative undertaking to channel / regulate the public access / use of the wrap-around pavement area. A development plan for the generation of a cohesive whole, for mutual benefit was adopted in principle. Considerations of formalizing the informal, viability, durability and cost were developed. A dual approach was adopted: one which aimed to accommodate informal traders and related shoppers in a flexible / user friendly manner and one which did not impact negatively on the parallel commercial development of Watt Shops.
In execution, a small 2-storey mixed-use commercial hub was established. Flexibility in floor area use allowed for a tenant specific response. It was further proposed that the roof top be developed as a terrace to provide a roof bar or radio station. While this prospect was architecturally viable, it has not been implemented to date.
A defining, distinctive feature of the new structure is the steel facade created by a continuous louvre system, Clean lines create a recognizable identity and present the building as a cohesive whole.
#WattShops #OnceUponaTime #RawAndReal #UrbanIntegration @UrbanSignature_
