DAVID ROSSOUW
UCT School of Architecture Planning and Geomatics BLA hons (First Class), B.Arch(with distinction) | 2022
DAVID ROSSOUW
BLA(hons) (in the First Class)
BAS (With Distinction)
davidrossouw1999@gmail.com
(+27) 71-621-3170 - RSA
(+39) 340-199-9813 - ITALY
ARCHITECT’S
ROLE IN DESIGN
Landscape is a tapestry of interwoven historical, cultural, physical and biological processes that constitute a set of social values whereby people interact and inhabit the natural environment. The role of an architect is to acknowledge these processes and capture their essence in architectural space.
LANGUAGES
+ English
+ Afrikaans (Dutch dialect)
Mother Tongue
Mother Tongue
PROGRAMS SKILLS
+ Photoshop
+ InDesign
+ Illustrator
+ QGIS
+ Enscape
+ Revit
+ Autocad
+ Sketch-Up
+ Archicad
+ Lumion
2022
2021
2018 - 2021
2015 - 2016
EDUCATION
+ Young Architects Competitions Academy & SANAA & WWF Workshop | Italy
Architecture for Landscape Higher Learning Course
+ University of Cape Town School of Architecture Planning and Geomatics| South Africa
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) In the First Class (Top Student)
+ University of Cape Town School of Architecture Planning and Geomatics | South Africa
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) With Distinction
+ Cambridge University Assessment International Education | Cape Town Based AS Level English Literature certificate
EXPERIENCE
2022
October
2022
January - September
+ Orizzontale Architettura & Unipol | Milan, Italy
Architectural Collaborator
Projects: “Re-interpretation”
Role: Collaboration with Orizzontale & Unipol on an E-Waste awareness initiative, which was an ‘on-site design and construct’ process with recycled materials.
+ Bomax Architects | Cape Town
Candidate Architectural Technologist - Design Team Member
Projects: Sancape (high end residential)
Role: Design and drafting team member focused on renovation and interior design. My role covered the first 5 architectural phases for the interior & exterior works contract.
2021 - 2022
Aug 2021 - Sept 2022
+ Kevin Kimwelle Architect (RDI and NGO Work) | Cape Town
Volunteer Architect - Part Time
Project: Waterfront Recycled Pavilion
Role: Collaboration on an experimental NGO project, focused on designing and constructing with reclaimed and recycled materials for the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
2021 - 2023
October 2021 - Present
2021 Two Weeks
+ Podhaus | Cape Tow n
Collaborative Designer - Part Time
Role: Design Collaborator with Podhaus, a modular home company that seeks to design and build flexible, eco-friendly homes for clients in and around Cape Town (South Africa).
+ STARC Architects | C ape Town
Architectural Intern
Project: 190 Main Road, Muizenberg
Role: Site documentation and initial analysis phase drawings.
ACHIEVEMENTS
COMPETITIONS
+ Saint-Gobain Multi-comfort Student Competition
TERTIARY EDUCATION (UCT)
3rd Place in RSA Finals
+ OVP Associates Prize Top student in BLA(Hons)
+ University Class Medal
+ Cape Institutes for Architects Prize
+ Holm Jordaan Architects & Urban Designers
+ The Lisa Blane Memorial Prize
+ The Reuben Stubbs Award
+ Faculty Scholarship
+ Dean’s Merit Listing (3 consecutive years)
+ 82% GPA for Undergraduate Studies
Top Design and Theory ll Student
Top Design and Theory ll Student
Merit in Sustainable Design
Top Technology ll Student
Best project in Structure and Design
Engineering and Built Environment
Engineering and Built Environment Faculty
Post-Studies NQF 8 e NQF 7 e AS Level LEVEL
2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
2020
2020 2021
2018-2020
SELECTED ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
TRANSPORTATION
Salt River Early Development Centre Scape Creation Parc Du Ciel South Road Revival Musician’s Home Macassar Sport Centre Arbor Building Edge Museum Clan William Rock Art Museum Macassar Community Centre 8 21
CULTURE RESIDENTIAL
WELLNESS
SELECTED
LANDSCAPING PROJECTS
Noordhoek
Pink Habitat
Breaking The Edge
TRUP Connection
Plants and Design
WORK EXPERIENCE PROJECTS Internship - STARC Sancape Oakburn Podhaus 27 Leeukoppie Steensway 190 Main Road 13 4 18 CONTENTS | 3 ANALYSIS INTERIORS LANDSCAPE EDUCATION
Philippi Horticultural Area SELECTED
PINK HABITAT
A MONUMENT TO HISTORIES OF STRUGGLE
ROBBEN ISLAND CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
TYPE:
YEAR:
Memorial Intervention
2021
PINK HABITAT | 4
HISTORICAL
The blue stone quarry is located on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The stone from the quarry was used to build and maintain the prison buildings. Thus, the quarry was a symbol of oppression.
In recent years, there has been a call to rebuild the quarry wall, which prevented the ocean water from washing into the mining area. Rather than replicating the historical wall, this project serves as a
monument to the historical wall as well as the new natural processes that occur on the site, since the closing of the political prison.
CHANGING COLOURS March April June Aug Dec
HEIGHT OF HISTORICAL WALL
ECOLOGICAL
Since the closing of the prison, the ocean has been able to wash away the historical wall, leaving only remnants. As the ocean water has been allowed into the quarry, the oyster catchers and penguins have made it a new
habitat for swimming and breeding. Since there are no oysters found in the quarry water the faeces produced by the birds have caused a rise in micro-organisms that during warmer months turn the water pink. This event
is an expression of the new biological processed that are found on the site. The wall monument was designed to allow for ocean water to wash into the quarry, while still memorialising the historical significance.
March June Aug Oct Dec
FORM DEVELOPMENT
The from was developed through a creative process that used a series of model making exercises and drawing exercises to interpret the experience of the site. The accompanying models are expressions
of associated emotions. when visiting the site. The project called for a way to inhabit the quarry to view the historical wall and changing colour of the quarry without disturbing the oyster catcher’s habitat.
The solution was to have intersecting ribbons, that responded to the topography and form of the historical wall. These ribbons formed the new monument walls and a defined walkway for people to inhabit.
UNITY PRIDE CARESS
PACKED WALL (reflecting historical height)
WASHED WALL (allowing ocean water into the quarry)
STONE PACKING STRATEGY
EXPRESSIONS OF PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE
A cultural practice when visiting Robben Island is to add a stone to rock piles created by previous visitors. These piles , known as “Isivivane Soluwasse” serve to remind visitors of the collective struggle of Apartheid.
The stone piles are allowed to to form between the monument walls, keeping the cultural practice to stay alive. The piles can be washed away by the ocean, the same way, the historical wall used to be washed away.
After the piles are washed away, the visitors can slowly over time rebuild them, just as the island prisoners used to do. The wall therefore, has a dynamic nature that responds on a historical and biological front.
MONUMENT WALLS
OBSERVATION OF QUARRY
OBSERVATION OF OCEAN
CLEAN WALL PACKED WALL WASHING OF THE WALL
INTERSECTION
PARC DU CIEL
“PARK OF THE SKY” - MULTI-COMFORT STUDENT CONTEST
SAINT-DENIS PARIS , FRANCE
COMPETITION:
TYPE: YEAR:
POSITION:
Saint-Gobain Multicomfort Contest
Urban Park Scheme
2020
3rd place in RSA Finals
PARC DU CIEL | 8
CONCEPT
PRESERVATION RECONNECTION DE-DENSIFICATION
The site in Saint-Denis, France houses the world’s oldest steel reinforced concrete building. In light of the 2024 Olympics, the site has been identified as key to future urban development. The Multi-comfort SaintGobain competition required the designing of an urban park in anarea of increasing density.
Accompanying the park, the brief required 250 to 300 residential apartments, a school and a community centre to activate the post-industrial area. Parc Du Ciel is a proposal that contends densifying urban space by grounding the sky into the park. The scheme sets itself to order to preserve the openness
of the park and lay emphasis on the historical buildings on the site. It further proposes a reconnection strategy between historical nodes in the SaintDenis area that has been interrupted by a railway system.
Saint-Denis Canal Railway Crossing
Renovation of Warehouse Coignet Maison Preservation
Views of the Basilica Cathedral of SaintDenis
DE-DENSIFICATION
Reflective Greenhouses
STRUCTURE
The Supported and Supporting
LANDSCAPE STRATEGY
Landing
HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Focused Nodes
SUSTAINABILITY
The residential circulation access sits within the greenhouse, providing private green spaces for residents to grow produce for themselves as well as to be sold at the green market located in the re-purposed warehouses.
The greenhouse structure captures rainwater, integrating it into greenhouse irrigation and residential water systems. The residential units give stability to a more independent steel greenhouse structure. Finished
with a tinting double glazed, SageGlass, the greenhouse becomes more reflective on the outer face in direct sunlight, masking the hidden built forms from park dwellers and creates privacy for the residents.
Internal Powerpoints
Electrical Car Ports
Artificial Lighting
Solar Power
Commercial Zone
Flushing Water
Bathing Water
Hot Water System
Groceries
Greenhouse Plants
Greenhouse Water
Overflow Water
Natural Rain Water
Water Treatment
10 0
INHABITATION
Accompanying the urban park proposal, was a requirement for 250 to 300 residential apartments, that have access to the park themselves. It was crucial to
blocks to inhabit the park while still keeping the area open and pleasant. The apartments were arranged into L-shaped structures
for the historical buildings in the area and to mask the surrounding industrial area while in the park. For the inhabitants, it was crucial
0 15
Ground First Floor Second Floor Third Floor Fourth Floor Fifth Floor Apartment Tenure T1a - 28m 2 --- 2 T1b - 38m 2 --- 2 T2 - 50m 2 --- 2 T3a - 58m 2 --- 4 T3b - 80m 2 --- 4 T4 - 85m 2 --- 5 Third Floor Plan
TECHNOLOGY
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SYSTEMS
Parc Du Ciel proposes the use of electro-chromic laminated IGU, double glazed SageGlass for a greenhouse space that regulates the comfort levels of the
spaces. The project was designed using the products offered by Saint Gobain. A requirement of the competition was to achieve a specific energy efficient class in
order to become a viable option . All calculations were done using the Saint-Gobain Multicomfort calculation software.
HEATED SPACE AREA & VOLUME CALCULATIONS
ENERGY EFFICIENT CLASSES
ENVELOPE - Opaque elements
ENVELOPE - Windows & Doors
Dual flow thermodynamic ventilation in winter Subterranean Heating and Cooling System Atrium Heating Passive Strategy Airtight level PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION Airtight level Airtight level PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
NOORDHOEK
FIRE SAFETY ANALYSIS OF MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
This project framed the syllabus for a Landscape Systems Analysis course. The project focused on understanding the natural and human systems that define the landscape of Noordhoek, South
Africa. Using the analysis of these systems, a design proposal was put forward to correct or improve on the landscape’s performance. A narrative of fire risks in the Noodhoek basin uncovers how
TYPE: .
NOORDHOEK, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
DURATION:
YEAR:
the lay of the land allows for a veld fire system that puts the local mountain users at risk. This project intends to identify at risk areas in Noordhoek and propose a strategy to contend fire damage.
Landscape Site Analysis and Systems Proposal
12 Week course 2021
0 1 2km
N NOORDHOEK | 13
FAULT LINE PATTERN FOLDING PATTERN DRAINAGE PATTERN
MESOTOPES
The Noordhoek basin forms part of the Cape Fold Belt which saw the African Tectonic Plate press into the Great African Plateau to form the mountain range. An
analysis of the grain of the land reveals how land-form plays a key role in the spatial arrangements of other natural systems in the basin. The basin experiences
chemical erosion which causes for harder geological material to be on the higher relief parts and softer materials towards the bottom of the basin.
>40% 15 - 40% 8 - 15% 3 - 8% 8 - 15% 15 - 40% >40% Slope Gradients L1 L2 L3 L4 L3 L2 L1 P1 P2 P2 P3 P4 P5 G1 G2 G3 G4 G3 G2 G1
PHASE ONE: DATA
COLLECTION
GRAIN OF THE LAND
Previously Bellow water (1,5 Million Years)
Most Prominant Peaks
10m Contours
60m Contours
Investigation Area
Winter Winds
HOUT BAY
M2
Silvermine
Nature Reserve
Chapman’s Peak
NOORDHOEK
KOMMETJIE
M2
0 1 2km N
ANTHROTOPES
The Noodhoek area is accessible via only four roads, each coming form a different part of the peninsula. As a result of this, the area is very isolated from the rest of the Cape Town Metropolitan
Area. Further investigation, shows that each of these access routes sit within the fire risk zone, meaning that emergency response teams would struggle to access the basin during a time of
fire crisis. The lack of road access is a result of the geological relief of the mountain. If one road were to be closed, the next access road would require a far detour around the mountain.
Road Centre Line Most direct access from Fire Stations Fire Risk Zones Residential Limited Use Agriculture Business Industrial Rural Public Space Well Established Trail Badly Up-kept Trail Bicyles Permitted >40% 15 - 40% 8 - 15% 3 - 8% Slope Gradients: Hiking Trails:
Fig.2 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROUTES
Fig.2 - ZONING
road network
road network ZONING HIKING ROUTES ROAD NETWORK ZONE RN1 H1 - H3 Z1 - Z6 Z1 Z2 Z2 Z3 Z3 Z3 Z4 Z4 Z6 Z5 H1 H2 H3 H1 H2 H3 H3 H3
Fig.2 - HIKING TRAILS Developed
Developed
A2 A2 0 1 2km N
PHASE TWO: DATA INTERPRETATION
ECOTOPES
IDENTIFYING PROBLEMATIC ZONES WITHIN THE CATCHMENT
Ecotopes are the smallest ecologically distinct landscape features in a landscape classification system. These ecotopes were derived through
overlaying mesotopic, hydrotopic, biotopic and anthrotopic layers over each other. Information layers that dealt with veld fire were used to identify parts of the
basin that were of higher fire risk. This study uncovered that the higher parts of the basin are of a greater fire risk, while the middle relief, holds the least risk.
1 2 3 4 6 5 8 10 9 7 11
ECOTOPE 1
ECOTOPE 3
ECOTOPE 7
ECOTOPE 1 ECOTOPE 3 ECOTOPE 4 ECOTOPE 5 ECOTOPE 6 ECOTOPE 7 ECOTOPE 9 ECOTOPE 10 ECOTOPE 11 ECOTOPE 2 ECOTOPE 8 T1 T2 T3 T1 T3 CS1 CS2 CS3 CS1 CS1 CS3 CS4 V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V4 V3 V1 N1 N2 N3 N1 N2 N1 F1 F2 F3 F1 F2 F1 C1 C2 R1 R2 R3 S1 S2 S1 S2 S1 S3 S1 S3 S3 S1 S1 S1 S1 S2 S2 U1 U2 U2 U1 U3 L1 L2 L3 L4 L3 L2 L1 P1 P2 P2 P3 P4 P5 G1 G2 G3 G4 G3 G2 G1 Z1 Z2 Z2 Z3 Z3 Z3 Z4 Z4 Z6 Z5 H1 H2 H3 H1 H2 H3 H3 H3 GEOMORPHOSPHERE PEDOSPHERE LITHOSPHERE SURFACE WATER RAINFALL UNDER GROUND WATER CATCHMENT VEGETATION CONSERVATION STATUS SOIL NUTRIENT LEVEL FIRE RISK THREAT STATUS ZONING HIKING ROUTES ROAD NETWORK ZONE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Climosphere Lithosphere Pedosphere High Fire risk Mountain Sandstone Shale Band Granite
Climosphere Lithosphere Pedosphere Low Fire risk Sandstone Benches Granite
Climosphere Lithosphere Pedosphere Relative Fire risk Granite Acidic Sand Wetland Primary Aquifer Secondary Aquifer Malmesbury Shales HIGH FIRE RISK LOW FIRE RISK MODERATE FIRE RISK
PHASE THREE: INTERVENTION STRATEGY
SAFETY PROPOSAL
This proposal attempts to improve on the existing bush fire emergency support systems in hopes of creating a safe environment for mountain users that does not compromise the natural landscape. The first strategy focuses on the
reintroduction of the fire break ring which was first introduced in 2004 by the Table Mountain National park Fire Management Plan. The second strategy sees to that people caught on the mountain have access to fire bunkers which will allow them
to wait out rescue if they are unable to get off the mountain. The last strategy is to propose a location for a fire station within the basin itself, allowing for emergency response times to be more efficient.
PROPOSED FIRE BREAK AND BUNKER NETWORK
Proposed Elements
Proposed Fire Station Location
B
Proposed Fire Bunkers
Proposed Firebreaks
Access Road Firebreaks
Existing Elements
Existing Fire Stations
Existing Firebreaks
Main Access Roads
Mountain Trails
B B B B
PODHAUS
MODULAR SEGMENTED HOUSING
At the core of successful modular design, is the ability of the object to compliment the landscape it finds itself in, yet reaps the benefits of easily replicable forms. The concept for this
segmented pod was developed while working with Podhaus. The sustainable luxury housing business attempts to introduce a surprisingly customisable module into the highly diverse landscapes
of Southern Africa. Through an adaptable form and choice of cladding, this pod can mimic the language of its surroundings, giving rise to successful cohabitation.
BUSINESS:
TYPE:
YEAR:
Podhaus
Modular Housing
2022
SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA
PODHAUS | 18
ADAPTATION
FACADE BED SPACER BATHROOM KITCHEN
FOREST DESERT MOUNTAIN MARSH URBAN
ADAPT MIMIC INHABIT
NEWLANDS FOREST CAPE TOWN
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICAN PINE
TIMBER CLADDING
FORM DEVELOPMENT
MODULAR SEGMENTED HOUSING
The form of the adustable segments required a strategy that adapted to each unique location, while enhancing the experience of the internal spaces of the modular home.
The solution was to allow for an envelope that “kinked” outwards in strategic directions. The kinks would allow for larger internal spaces while providing views outwards through the
key placement of windows and clerestories. These windows allow for sun to penetrate the home according to passive heating and cooling requirements.
TECHNICAL LAYERS
The modules are steel frames with timber stud walls. The basic frame remains the same for the various locations, while the external cladding adapts to
match or compliment the colours and textures of the landscape. The segments are prefabricated at the Podhaus premesis. From there they are carried to the sites.
Upon reaching the site, the segments are fixed together. Following this process, the home recieves its waterproofing and finally the external cladding.
TYPE:
Cultural Hub
YEAR: BLACK RIVER PARK, CAPE TOWN, RSA
2020
NOORDHOEK | 21
CONCEPT
LIGHT TOUCHES THROUGH LAYERED EDGES
To achieve light and sensitive interactions between the landscape and the architectural intervention, three edge concepts were used in the design process.
The first strategy was to allow for more visible and less visible parts of the museum , using increasing spacings between slats and structural elements. The structure
also would extend and “unravel” into the landscape. The last edge strategy was to allow for the greenery in the landscape to coinhabit the structures.
PROGRAM
CREATION OF CORE SPACES FOR NAVAGATION
When dealing with disappearing edges, it was necessary to find a strategy that would help visitors navigate through the museum. The solution was to create prominent and more visible cores.
The programmatic spaces were arranged around these cores and would allow for people to walk from a dark to a light edge. To achieve this effect, it was crucial to design in section.
A model exploration process became crucial in understanding the heirarchy of spaces and the interfaces between the cores, edges and the landscape which they inhabit.
TECTONICS
TECHNICAL RESOLUTION AND PLANTS
A challenge in this project was to achieve light and thin structures with larger spans. The technical strategy to achieve the disappearing was to make use of a series of flitched beams that
are made stronger through fixed steel plates. The structural footings or foundations are driven piles with steel inset sections that connect the structural columns with the foundations.
A crucial consideration were the plants incorporated in the reflective pools. These plants were all indigenous water sensitive plants that helped filtrate the water below the structures.
Freylina Lanceolata
Wachendorfia Thyrsiflora
Cyprus Textiles
Zantedeschia
Aponogenton Distachyos
Knophofia
Linearifolia
Aethiopica
Thatching Reed
Menlianthus Major
THANK
THANK YOU
