Building

Design Brief 26
Out of this world! That’s how architects at the prestigious architectural firm, Foster + Partners, must have felt when they earned a commission to design the futuristic operations centre that will house Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic venture, the world’s first commercial spaceflight company. Not only is it futuristic in design and purpose, but also in the eco-sensitive way it has been conceived.

Design Brief 25
It may have been President Obama's office that coined the phrase ‘opportunities of crisis’, but it’s a term the South African architectural and construction sector is becoming familiar with as it grapples with today’s challenges – environmental and financial.

Design Brief 23
The recently launched 2010 products from Autodesk offer unprecedented functionality, including hundreds of innovative features that allow you to better experience your ideas digitally.

Design Brief 22
With an 18-storey curved, glazed façade, the mixed-use development, Legacy Corner, is tipped to become the new landmark of Sandton’s business hub, north of Johannesburg.

Design Brief 21
Simplicity and sustainability prevailed in the 2008 OpenThinkBox ChildZone design competition with an adaptable, modular design of a low-cost, day-time children’s care facility, by Johannesburg candidate architect Rohan Eicker, winning the professional category of the competition.

Design Brief 20
Technology is central to the development of sustainable practices for the South African construction industry. This is the view of architect and technology specialist Erin Rae Hoffer, Autodesk’s industry programmes manager.

Design Brief 19
If an overwhelming workload, aggravated by a skills shortage, is demotivating your team, it’s time to consider how building information modelling (BIM) technology can re-energise your practice.

Design Mind
At no cost, thanks to support from design software company, Autodesk®, design professionals are free to collaborate & network with building industry professionals.

Open Thinkbox
Children are our hope, our future – but many of them don’t get to enjoy the kinds of spaces that allow them to nurture their talents. Children also explore space with all their senses, and have stronger sensations and reactions to the qualities and dimensions of an environment.

Design Brief – Edition 17
Converts to Revit Architecture are enthusiastic about the gains they have achieved through use of the design software. Increased profits, reduced time and resources and rapid visualisation of design options are just some of the benefits.

Design Brief – Edition 14
Architecture has an important role to play in reflecting the ethos and changing values of a transforming society. This requires new directions in South African architecture, and new approaches to design that provide opportunities for relevance and innovation.

Design Brief – Edition 13
Autodesk’s new strategic direction, announced recently by president and chief executive officer Carl Bass,articulates the company’s vision of a fundamental transformation in the design process to encompass performance, aesthetics and user experience.

Design Brief – Edition 12
The Bridge Precinct in lower Braamfontein has taken on the challenge of refurbishing existing buildings within Johannesburg’s inner city.

Design Brief – Edition 11
Sustainability is the new business reality. That’s according to business icon, Carol Bartz, executive chairman of the board of Autodesk Inc.

Design Brief – Edition 10
In South Africa, as in cities all over the world, new and innovative uses are being found for existing buildings and the spaces between them, utilising existing infrastructure.

Design Brief – Edition 9
South Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth in the construction industry, and architectural practices are struggling to find competent and experienced staff.

Design Brief – Edition 8
The search for a legitimate architecture that appropriately addresses the shifting paradigms and energies of society, both locally and globally, is becoming of increasing concern to architects.

Design Brief – Edition 7
South Africa is home to many talented, experienced and inspired architects and designers. Yet one might be forgiven, when viewing the urban fabric of any local city or town, for thinking that design culture in this country is at an all-time low.This may be due to the unprecedented growth of the construction industry, or developments that have profit as their primary objective, or a lack of understanding by buyers about what they are investing in, and what services the architectural profession is able to offer.

Design Brief – Edition 6
The harsh social realities facing a developing country like South Africa have put much needed housing and other social services high on government’s agenda. The development of a local design culture is a luxury, left to the private sector to cultivate.