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SA architects draw inspiration from the landscape
November 30, 2005 - Architects Anne Graupner, Henning Rasmuss and Thorsten Deckler of sharpCITY recently returned from presenting the first exhibition of contemporary South African architecture at the São Paulo International Biennale of Architecture and Design, Brazil.
sharpCITY is a Johannesburg-based urban research, exhibitions and events collective, which has implemented a number of international exhibitions on Johannesburg and South Africa. The exhibitions tell the story of contemporary post-Apartheid South Africa, focusing on architecture, planning and urban culture.
According to Rasmuss, a review of the South African exhibition reveals that local building designers are drawing inspiration from their historical, political, physical and social landscapes and using the resource to shape the identity of their work.
He says the new cultural confidence architects are building for themselves is far more relevant than the application of 'styles' to design projects.
"The stylistic debate goes nowhere - it's too subjective," says Rasmuss. "To move forward into a new future, presented by democracy, we should assess our work by a new set of measures.
"We have a responsibility to develop a better environment and should be interrogating the ethics, and not only the aesthetics, that underpin our projects."
Rasmuss says the romantic vision of the South African landscape marketed to visitors belies the political and social complexity left behind by colonialism and apartheid.
"We live in an unbelievably diverse environment. Within our new freedom we need to challenge past practices and apply the discretion of good design decisions."
He says South Africa is perceived to be on the periphery of global mainstream culture, and it is precisely this edge culture that can inspire a unique South African identity.
The exhibition showcased in Brazil comprises 50 architectural projects each of which contributes creatively towards a better environment. The curatorial concept of landscape is employed to contextualise the works within the complexity and beauty of the South African social, political and natural landscape.
The exhibition closes on 11 December 2005.
Locally, while media-led dialogue about the influx of exotic architectural styles to urban residential areas in South Africa has popularised discussion about local architecture, the stylistic debate is masking more serious issues.
"In a way, the proliferation of private security estates and the inevitable privatisation of large parts of the city are contrary to the spirit of our democracy," reflects Deckler. "If you happen to be on the outside of a complex, especially as a pedestrian, you are automatically viewed with suspicion."
It's understandable that government has had to prioritise its resources, focusing on the areas of greatest need, such as the provision of affordable housing. However, its neglect in regulating gated communities in urban areas could have serious repercussions.
Practically, the density of homes is putting pressure on the provision of utilities and other services. In addition, certain areas will not only be impassable, but also lifeless, as residents hide in their enclaves, and the belief that gated communities are safer is erroneous.
"The sterile environment of isolated complexes is, in fact, a breeding ground for crime," says Deckler.
Notwithstanding the impact of gated communities on residential areas, the trio of architects believes the richness of local diversity is beginning to emerge in South African architecture.
The South African design community has received a boost with the formalisation of an association between sharpCITY and the technology company that develops the design software, Autodesk Revit.
Autodesk Revit, which co-sponsored the Sao Paulo exhibition, will continue to support the design community by helping to fund sharpCITY projects.
"We want to help nurture local design," says Amanda Wesson, business development manager of Autodesk Revit. "It was a privilege for us to participate in showcasing South African architecture internationally and, now, we will support sharpCITY with the re-launch of the exhibition at the Design Indaba in Cape Town in Feburary 2006."
In addition, Autodesk Revit will be sponsoring Friday Sessions - a series of informal networking and debating events initiated by Anne Graupner and Thorsten Deckler of 26'10 south Architects. The aim of the sessions is to stimulate local debate and exchange around issues of design, architecture, art and urbanism.
"Autodesk Revit - Helping Build Africa"
About Autodesk
Autodesk is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximising profits.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit,
http://www.autodesk.co.za
or contact Amanda Wesson on (011) 805-1555.
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