World Design Capital 2014 - Cape Town

What is WDC2014?

For those who do not already know, this prestigious status is designated by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), to cities whom are dedicated to using design for various social, cultural and economic development. This title will specifically give Cape Town a chance to embrace and showcase its talent and aspirations it has to offer, throughout this year through various design events, conferences and activities.

LIVE DESIGN.

TRANSFORM 

LIFE.

Cape Town is anticipated to host over 460 Transforming Design Projects throughout the year of 2014. The central theme, being 'Live Design, Transform Life', which led to being the city's focal point of the successful bid. 

The Bidding Story

Cape Town could be perceived as a contrast of two cities merged into one. On the one side, a wild beauty and sophisticated generation enriched with a fast-paced society; on the other, a story of poverty and urban segregation. The difference, is what connects us four million inhabitants, who share the same hopes, depend on the same resources and whose future prospects are inseparable.

Through design, the city is able to be reshaped for a better, more efficient living environment for all residents of Cape Town. That is why the World Design Capital 2014 is not just a scheme of events, but a mere step in the future of various events. Events on how the city and the people of the city approach development and at the same time, approach design in a manner to transform beautiful Cape Town. 

Four themes have been developed to simplify the submissions of the various proposed projects.

01.   African Innovation. Global Conversation.

02.   Bridging the divide.

03.   Today for tomorrow.

04.   Beautiful Space. Beautiful Things.

HATFIELD 109. wDC. SAOTA 

Internship. Episode #05

Friday, Cake-day. I seem to have gotten fairly used to this trend around the dhk office. Every Friday cake is served, in celebration of any given staff member, if their birthday was in the week. A great incentive, I think!

Nonetheless, the past week week I continued with the Council Submission drawings for President Motors. 

On Friday, we were back on site. Not only for a site visit and to monitor progress, but also to attend a site Meeting with the clients of the Mill Square and Eikestad Redevelopment project and the rest of the consultants. Rather intimidating I would have to say. Anyhow, below are a few images taken on site. Interesting to see how it is shaping up - slowly but surely. 

All images are copyrighted: Vikash Parbhoo Photography

-archivikash-

Internship. Episode #04

Back to the dhk office and my ocean-facing 'cubicle'!

Having no other option than pull one or two all-nighters during the block week, due to the minimal time to meet the allocated deadline, I was rather exhausted when it came to Monday. Nonetheless, a morning cup of good coffee always seems to do the job (in short bursts). 

Work wise, I continued where I left off with the Construction drawings for Mill Square. Various amendments to sectional and plan details. I had the opportunity of designing an ablution layout too, located on the 3rd floor at the West-end of the building. In correlation with the overall 4th floor plan, the 4 external elevations had to be amended, accordingly. 

Balancing two projects at once? That's correct. 

I was introduced to the BP President Motors refurbishment project, of the Retail and Store areas. This is where the conformity of a Council Submission drawing was laid out to me - my first Council Submission drawing! A locality plan with boundaries, servitude's, erf numbers, the works; together with a General floor plan, accompanied by external and internal elevations. 

Of course, if there is a proposed shop-front or door, a schedule has to be drawn up. My first of many schedules for the year I suppose. Luckily just one external aluminium shop-front schedule for President Motors. 

-archivikash-

Internship. Episode #03

A week out of the office and back to the books!

This past week was a 'block session week' - where all the 2nd year students were required to partake in a group work project back at the University of Technology. The project was to be completed and submitted at the end of the week for evaluation by a board of lecturers. 

'Pop-Up Store', was the name of the allocated project. Basically, a mobile structure had to be designed to serve the purpose of a shop for retail purposes or providing services to the community of both Khayelitsha and tourists, whom would be visiting the Makhaza Wetlands Park, which houses a lovely interactive park, outdoor gym facilities and a nearby river for in-season water-sports. 

Timber framework and decking was used for the intended structure, raised above the ground, to compensate for overflowing of the nearby river during the Winter seasons. Below are a few basic sketch designs of the culmination of ideas.

All images are copyrighted: Vikash Parbhoo

-archivikash-

Internship. Episode #02

It's a pleasure being apart of the dhk group for this year. Settling in slowly but surely the past couple of days. One thing for sure, is that I have a great view from my own work space. Early mornings, indulging upon the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Town CBD. 

Currently, I been involved in one of the Construction phases of the Eikestad Redevelopment project - Mill Square; a 4-storey building which will house a 'boutique food court' on the ground floor with A-grade offices spaces situated above. Currently under construction in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. 

The work thus far includes drawings for Information and Construction. 

Namely, ablution layouts for the 2nd floor, amendments to sectional, plan and eave details. 

I had the great opportunity of going on site too, this afternoon. Being able to visualize in reality with what I am working with. Of course, taking in the stunning views that Stellenbosch has to offer. Below you'll find images taken of the construction process on the 3rd and 4th floors. 

 

All images are copyrighted: Vikash Parbhoo Photography

-archivikash-

Internship. Episode #01

Embarking on an Internship Journey as of the 3rd February 2014, employed under the well-known South African architectural firm, dhk architects. Under a full-time, one year Internship basis, I will be situated at the dhk Cape Town office, housed on the 6th floor, De Waterkant Centre; Green Point. In addition, there are dhk offices in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and consortium offices elsewhere in Africa. 

"The dhk group is an established, full-service architectural practice competing successfully at the highest level of the profession." - dhk

The integrated dhk firm offers architectural, urban design and interior design consulting services under 3 individual brands. Standing proud as a configuration of design-based disciplines, dhk is able to offer clients comprehensive services utilizing in house skills to the best of their ability by all means possible. 

During my year period at dhk architects, I will be working as an Intern Student architect, together with an intimate team of architects and technologists. 

Join me on this journey of mine. Indulging upon the office life of an architectural intern; reviewing South African gems and houses abroad, and appreciating local design, trends & architecture as a whole. 

-archivikash-