HEC 1234

SHARED FIRST PRIZE R80.000, Julian Cooke Architect (Julian Cooke), Cape Town

From the Jury Report:

This scheme shows an excellent understanding of the site and it also reflects innovative thinking with regard to the restoration of the rich urban and social fabric that previously characterized inner cities. The proposed overall urban layout is well considered - the relationship between the public and semi-public domains, and private spaces are all well resolved. The internal central public place with its surrounding social spaces will be a natural focal point of the development. The strategy of grouping houses around smaller communal courts establishes the semi-public spaces linked to the main route. This idea also promotes incremental housing, thus supporting a participatory approach. The project allows for a process of participation by inhabitants and the proposed starter buildings on the communal courts could be a nucleus for further development in an active participatory process. The scheme offers a range of dwelling unit types for different living conditions, as well as mixed –use options along the street towards the station square and the clinic as well as within the block.

The three-storey “wall” of housing towards the station square and the clinic embraces the varied structure of lower buildings inside the block. This mixture of building types contributes towards a possible inspiring and lively urban living experience. While the concept needs further study with regard to sustainable technical system, it can be easily implemented in several stages. The urban design principle of this concept could with slight modifications be repeated when applied on a larger scale. There was however concerns about the nature of the spaces between the higher and lower buildings and this should be reconsidered.

The jury recommends that this project be implemented.