architectural portfolio
KOPANONG ART CENTRE
Project Brief
As part of the second year BSc. Architecture course at the University of Pretoria, this project required the design of an art centre consisting of exhibition spaces, two artists' studios and a community workshop space. The site, forming part of the public park in front of the Pretoria art museum, includes two derelict building structures.
​
Concept
This project was used to explore the architectural applications of fabric, inspired by the artist's canvas which would be central to the building's use. The flexible nature of the material allowed the building to be expressed as an organic, serpentine form, weaving its way around the many existing trees on site while joining the two existing buildings. A jacaranda tree was used as the centrepiece of a sculpture garden and coutyard surrounded by the exhibition space. The Entire building opens up towards the public park with ample glazing and a focus on pedestrianisation.
Structure & Geometry
The main material used is an architectural canvas known as Ferrari Precontraint which is uPVC coated. The weatherproof material can be PVC welded into sheets of any size and shape.
​
Since the intention was to open the building up towards the park, the structural elements chosen were steel tubes bent along set radii, and planted into the ground. The fabric could then be fixed to the side of each tube, spanning between them with the curve form ensuring efficient drainage. While larger span elements would be planted on both sides, smaller span elements could be planted into deep foundations on only one side, using the tensional strength of the steel to create a cantilever effect, opening the structure to the side of the park.
​
Along the exhibition spaces, the central wall is split into equal straight segments set out on set radii from centre points. This would allow flat artworks to be easily hanged on the walls within the curvilinear form of the building.
Along the exhibition spaces, the central wall is split into equal straight segments set out on set radii from centre points. This would allow flat artworks to be easily hanged on the walls within the curvilinear form of the building.
The existing basement of an existing structure was redesigned as one of the two artist's studios, with the other in the canvas structure above. Elevating a new floor slab onto thin steel columns allows for glazing to be installed between the columns. As a result, the dark basement level can be given an almost spiritual feel with light flooding in from above in all directions.
​
Along the sides of the building, a stainless steel screen was designed to protect the exposed canvas material from pedestrians who might damage it. Various gates and enclosures for service spaces were all designed as integrated parts of this screen.
​
Workflow
While many drawings were done by hand, the building was also modelled using SketchUp and rendered in Indigo renderer. The Presentation, diagrams and renders were finished off in Adobe Photoshop.