Civic Building:
Cultural Centre
Sector
Civic
Location
CBD, KZN
Year
2019
Design Lead
SC
Client
Public Organization
This Cultural Centre is designed to be more than just a building; it is a continuous journey from the city street to the heart of the arts. The architectural language focuses on two main ideas: Opening up and Moving through.
Instead of a solid wall, the "Street Edge" acts as a transparent filter.
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Public Invitation: By using large glass facades at the ground level, the interior becomes part of the sidewalk. People passing by can see exhibitions and performances, breaking down the "invisible barrier" between high art and everyday life.
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The Overhang: The upper floors extend out over the street. This creates a shaded public plaza, offering protection from the elements and a space for the community to gather.
Movement is the lifeblood of this project.
The "Vertical Movement Path" is designed to be sculptural and social.
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The Ribbon Stair: Rather than hiding stairs in a corner, they are placed in the center of an open atrium. This "ribbon" connects all programs—galleries, studios, and theaters—into one single experience.
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Visual Sightlines: As visitors climb, they see into different departments. This creates a "social spectacle" where people-watching becomes part of the cultural experience.
The building "speaks" through its materials:
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Solid (Concrete/Stone): Used for the theater and archive spaces to show strength and acoustic privacy.
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Light (Glass/Steel): Used for the circulation and public zones to represent openness and modern exchange.
