OH3 City Centred

We cut a metaphorical cross section through the city starting underground at the Prestwich Memorial and ending up on the roof of the tallest building – BP Centre. One of the highlights was visiting no 9 Dorp Street – the premises of the Western Cape Provincial Government, which is truly a remarkable building. PJ Putting of Revel Fox and Partners explained how the building was very much inspired by the low energy use demands made during the 1970’s oil crisis…mmm deja vu, here??? Anyway Corb’s buildings at Chandigarh also made an impact as one can see from the formal resolution of the shading system on the facades. The Prestwich Memorial is, in my opinion, too quiet a building on such a significant site. The best part is the window treatment on the Strand Street façade which is clever and intriguing. There is still, however, an opportunity to play with the idea of display and memory.


9 Dorp Street - Revel Fox and Partners
Photo: Ches Besada



Prestwich Memorial, Lucien Le Grange,
Photo by: Grant Mclachlan, Matthew Schnetler

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  2. This exploration through the city offers a fascinating perspective on architecture and its evolution over time. Starting at the Prestwich Memorial and concluding at the BP Centre, the journey highlights how the built environment tells the story of both historical and modern challenges. The visit to 9 Dorp Street stands out as a remarkable example of design, rooted in the practical need for energy efficiency during the 1970s oil crisis, yet still echoing the influence of Le Corbusier's work in Chandigarh. The Prestwich Memorial, while an important site, could benefit from a more dynamic presence, particularly given the significance of its location. The window treatment on the Strand Street façade is a clever touch, offering potential for deeper engagement with the themes of memory and display. There's much to appreciate in this cross-section of the city's architecture, from the historical to the contemporary.

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