Tourism initiative conference center | IDC Consultants

The Mvezo project is a tourism initiative conference center in the Tembuland region. In this pristine rural environment the birthplace of Nelson Mandela will reflect a legacy that has been built up over many generations of rich Tembu heritage and traditions. The region of Tembuland is responsible for the creation for the creation of our great leaders. We are compelled to ask what sets of historical and traditional circumstances prevail which have propagated a culture of resistance to oppression and the final liberation of all South Africans from a sordid past. Informants and Constraints Conclusions: •Tying an aesthetic together –there must be continuity in the architectural language adopted. •The use of irregular jagged Lathe roofs, sensible colors, flat-roofs and irregular random geometries help to blend the site into its environment. •Strong lines used in the structure serve as to counter and balance this tendency to integrate into the natural setting. . An appropriate response •Use of figurative motifs derived from natural forms located on site. •How do we create a sense of place and belonging? What architectural language is necessary to achieve this? •How do we best express ‘place’ in our architectural vocabulary? •Understanding and sensitivity to the site. •Situated ‘within the site’ as opposed to ‘separate from the site’ •Emphasizes a play between outside and inside. •A feeling is created of moving through landscape and architecture, the two blended together. •A building is not simply a shelter but rather an extension of the site. Community Facilitation & Sustainability •Need to incorporate current skills and develop new skill sets within the community. •Need to create responses that speak to sustainable skills that will enhance and aid in skill creation and income retention •Incorporation of simple materials in traditional builMding patterns and manners. The Design Response was developed out of these key Informants and Constraints Conclusions. Thus Designing and developing a project that evolved out of context, respected traditions and Created a sense of place for the locate community.