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Durban Buildings & Architecture

Contemporary

The contemporary period In South Africa began with the country’s peaceful transition to democracy in 1994 when the late Nelson Mandela was installed as the head of a government of national unity. These were euphoric times - but as the country was re-admitted to the international community, the challenge at home was to reconstruct, develop and reflect the values enshrined in the country’s newly written constitution. In 2001, the municipality of eThekwini came into being, incorporating the existing city of Durban and its suburbs as well as the surrounding towns and townships. Substantial development was needed in terms of health, education, transport, welfare, housing (where architects have been largely excluded) and urban renewal. At the same time, architecture could no longer be viewed simply as the result of functional planning, economic considerations and sound construction. Other factors, such as the racial transformation of the profession and its associated industries, had to be considered. Additionally, new buildings had to be energy efficient, sustainable and green. But, as is always the case, the best buildings remain those which are both self-possessed and integrated with their contexts.

Researcher: Prof. Walter Peters

Photographer(s): Angela BucklandRoger JardineDennis GuichardAndrew GriffinKarl BeathGeorge ElphickDennis GilbertArup Interchange Design Group

Contributor(s): Lindsay Napier

Bay Of Plenty Upgrade

Durban Beachfront Promenade, Design Workshop: SA, 2012.

Concierge Boutique Hotel & Freedom Café

36 Campbell Ave Off Lilian Ngoyi Rd, Greyville, Architecture Fabrik With Don Albert & Partners, 2011.

EPA Studio

16 The Boulevard, Westway, Elphick Proome Architects, 2006.

Investec Regional Head Office

Ridgeside Office Park, 5 Richefond Circle, Umhlanga, Elphick Proome Architects, 2010.

Unilever

77 Riverhorse Road, Riverhorse Valley East, Elphick Proome Architects, 2010-12.

Proud Heritage

20/37 Rustic Close, Rustic Close, Briardene, sound space design cc, 2006.

Umkhumbane Community Health Centre

Cnr 7th & 8th Rd, Cato Manor, Robert Johnson Architect In Association With ZAI Consultants, 2003.

Warwick Junction

Bounded By Julius Nyerere Ave, KE Masinga And Brook St.

Electric Ladyland

5 Bellevue Rd, Kloof, OMM Design Workshop, 2000.

Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICCD)

Cnr Bram Fischer And Walnut Rd, Stauch Vorster, Hallen Custers Smith, Johnson Murray, With Philip Cox, Sydney, Australia, 1994-97.

Millennium Tower

Bluff, sound space design cc with Alex Pienaar, 2000-02.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Cnr Isaiah Ntshangase Rd And Masabalala Yengwa Ave, GMP International With Ibhola Lethu Architects, 2006-10.

Moses Mabhida Station

Isaiah Ntshangase (Walter Gilbert) Road, West of the Stadium, Stamford Hill, Arup Interchange Design Group, 2010.

Moyo Restaurant

On uShaka Pier, Koop Design Studio, 2010.