DesignMind Investigates The Gautrain Project – An Example of Distinctly South African Design?
What defines South African design? What is distinctly South African architecture? The debate is open-ended– and one that the architects working on the much-anticipated Gautrain project considered at length, as the importance of this identity-forming becomes especially patent in a public transport system.

Gauteng’s largest infrastructural transport investment to date – the Gautrain project – is a fascinating example of innovative, South African design and architecture. The project, costing R4m an hour to construct, has been an incredible collaborative effort and has been recognised globally as a benchmark PPP project, utilizing advanced, awarded Project Management Systems.

DesignMind investigates the design philosophies behind the Gautrain, with the help of involved Gauteng architect Tom Steer – and uncovers how the Gautrain instills traditional African culture in its architecture and design.

Gautrain: Metaphorical Representation Becomes Structurally South African Design

The general design philosophy for the project is based on the South African rural tradition of the connection of communities and place making. The key design elements incorporate the tradition of using trees as a landmark, meeting place for indabas and discussion between tribes. The trees used were most often distinctive, umbrella-shaped Acacias. This curvature, openness and pathways are communicated into the design elements of the Gautrain stations.

The station designs introduce state-of-the-art architecture- while blending into the surrounding area. The station entrances will capture light and air to create a relaxing atmosphere for passengers. This also reflects the tradition of an open-air meeting place.

Image: www.gautrain.co.za

The Sandton station is exemplary in this respect. The use of tiered, imbricated roofing sections reminds one of the structure of a tree – the different levels and branches jutting out. The green light furthers this impression. The lines are interesting to the eye – the building does not seem stagnant, it moves, it speaks to you. It reflects the idea of a meeting place, a connection- communication.

Image: www.gautrain.co.za

The Centurion station also recognisably communicates the South African design philosophy. The curvature of the roof is reminiscent of an acacia tree in silhouette. The columniation stretches outwards – similar to the branches of a tree, in an almost Belvedere fashion. It’s open, with large glass sections allowing light and again, the idea of openness. The staircases on the right of the structure open up in the acacia, umbrella shape.

The design philosophy of the Gautrain stations further instills ‘South Africanness’ with the metaphorical incorporation of the message in a poem by a Gauteng poet that begins with the line, roughly translated as “Grounded, Gauteng, grounded.” The Gautrain links the Gauteng region– pulls the community together. It’s a cohesive idea.

Gauteng architect who worked on the Gautrain project, Tom Steer, explains the importance of having a recognizable, collective design plan for Gautrain stations. The idea of associated design elements in public transport is internationally utilized as it not only forms an identity for the Gautrain – it also allows foreigners to easily identify stations, signage and Gautrain facilities. “It creates an affinity for the project” Steer says, “It ensures that the public and tourists can recognize that they are in a Gautrain precinct.” They have therefore instilled Gautrain System Identity – creating an architectural manual called the GSI Manual so that anyone working on the Gautrain has a set of guidelines to work from, spelling out key design elements, structural considerations, icons, colour palette, and landscaping.

With five packs of architects working on one project – these guidelines have been unbelievably useful. Steer said that obviously “design is personal,” often making collaboration quite testing, but the Gautrain is proof of how “good architects can create wonderful design within any restrictions.”

Basic Station Design: The Necessities and No ‘gap’!

Each station will have the basic necessities. It will offer the infrastructure for a feeder Gautrain bus system to collect and drop off commuters.

Unlike in London, there will be no ‘gap’ as the platforms will be straight. This also allows for those with disabilities to use the Gautrain with ease. Engineering News reports that “other bare minimum facilities to be found at stations will be parking facilities, drop-off zones, ticketing machines; public toilets; a transfer corridor for various modes of transport, such as Metrobus; two platforms, 165 m in length and five metres wide; electronic information signage indicating when the next train will arrive; general signage; advertising space; waste bins; benches; a closed-circuit television system; and a public-address system.

Signage will be in Gauteng's four predominant languages, namely Sesotho, Zulu, Afrikaans and English. However, pictograms (such as an arrow indicating the exit) will be used to a great extent, largely obviating the use for written language.”

Steer also ensures us that this system will change the way we see public transport. “The way in which the Gautrain stations will be built and presented to the public will ensure they change their view of public transport as being grimy and unreliable. It's going to ensure a paradigm shift.”

The Gautrain is an undeniable forward-thinking initiative on the part of our Government and private investors. From an architectural perspective the design was an integrated effort. Architectural minds from around the world collaborated and generated an incredible sharing of ideas and innovation. Tom Steer believes that the input of architects from other countries, who are experienced in rail architecture, was invaluable.

“Its difficult to get a handle on the vastness of the Gautrain because you never get to see it in its entirety.” Thus there have been plans drawn up for a visitor’s centre where we can all discover more about the Gautrain. It will include interactive displays and a plethora of relevant information.
Gautrain– Proudly South African?
In summation we would like to ask our community to engage: Do you believe that the Gautrain reflects a certain South African flavour in its architecture and design? Have you had any experience working on the project? What do you think of the station designs? Give us your feedback on www.designmind.co.za and let’s start the discussion!

Source: www.gautrain.co.za