PG Bison Competition 2018
The Project Brief for 2018:
Introduction:
As the world moves ever faster toward renewable energies and sustainable innovation, it leaves the fossil fuel era behind with much of its landmark architecture derelict and abandoned. The historic Johannesburg Gas Works once supplied the gold mines with gas, a part of Johannesburg’s legacy, but today is merely a structure reminding of an industry that no longer represents the city.
Once a monument to the Zeitgeist of Johannesburg, today this historic building is to be re-developed, incorporating the new thinking behind a modern city and converting it into a beacon that encourages community interaction, historic architectural preservation, environmental awareness and healthy living.
The Brief:
The Johannesburg Gas Works are to be re-developed, cleaning up the brown-site to include a new boutique hotel, retail space and restaurants, offices with middle and upper-end loft apartments, student accommodations and abundant underground parking.
You are a designer who is forward-thinking, but understands the value of learning from the past and preserving important elements of architectural history. Similar to the Zeitz MOCAA grain-silo re-development in Cape Town, you value the idea that Johannesburg needs more iconic landmarks that will not only attract tourism and international interest, but also uplift and create welcoming and inclusive spaces for the community.
The old ‘Coke House’ (CWG Plant & Relief Holder Building) is one of the Gas Works historic structures, built in 1953. The building echo’s the site’s industrial heritage to passers-by as it is the most prominent building directly bordering Annet Road. Your brief is to transform the empty and derelict volume of the Coke House, blending the old historic landmark with new, modern and sustainable awareness. The design should connect to the landscape surrounding the building, and may extend into any open spaces around the structure (see schematics), including the sky if the design calls for it.
The Project:
The new icon will house a modern multipurpose exhibition space, focused on human interaction and showcasing a changing seasonal display of art and design. Your contextual research should determine and respond to what uses the multi-functional exhibit space can be used for: art, sculpture, performance, dance, fashion, product launches, corporate events, or more. The opening exhibit will be the launch event for a global theatre and performance brand of your choice. The brand’s main show will take place at various theatres throughout South Africa, but the company wishes to have their grand unveiling event and exhibition in the ‘newly redeveloped’ Coke House.
Parts of the building’s original architecture are to be preserved, referencing the historical essence that was the Gas Works, the steel construction, and masterful brick laying. Considering both natural and artificial lighting, modern innovation and materials are encouraged, with the level of technological engagement (or dis-engagement) within the space being your decision.
Night or day, the building should stand as a focal point, responding to its environment and represent an ever changing and forward-thinking Johannesburg.
Requirements and considerations
PG Bison have agreed to sponsor Dupont Corian products, so your design must include an interesting and innovative use of Corian. • Respect the historic building and the heritage relating to the Johannesburg Gas Works. Not all of the exterior may be destroyed and consideration for historical relevance and use of the old building needs to be incorporated into the design. The name ‘Coke House’ may be altered. • The space inside the ‘Coke House’ allows for designers to dig down or build up beyond the existing roof of the building. Designers should then consider making use of secondary support structures and walkways within the main volume. Considering the function of the opening exhibit - the designer can incorporate more permanent rigging, staging, lighting, sound etc. as desired. • Designers may extend their design solution into the areas surrounding the ‘Coke House’ as shown in the schematics. • Ablutions are to be located within the one-storey section of the ‘side-building.’ Entrance location to the ablutions is at the designers’ discretion
My current design for the PG Bison 2018 Competition:
For Our Computeers Class we had to complete a 3ds Max Animation:
My Presentation:
NOTE: The design, work, and animation included in this video are Intellectual Property of Juan de Villiers. Any copy or steeling conceptual ideas from this video and design will be considered fraud.
