Full treatise document the design of an international convention centre for nelson mandela bay

2016

The The

‘a new paradigm for convention’ i

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P SULLIVAN 2016

Treatise Promoter: Jean-Pierre Basson BAS (NMMU); M.Arch (NMMU); ITCL

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Masters of Architecture

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The Design of an

International Convention Centre for Nelson Mandela Bay [NMB]

I, PRESTON JAMES SULLIVAN [207009561], hereby declare that the treatise for the degree Master of Architecture is my own work and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment or completion of any post-graduate qualification to another university or for another qualification.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree in Masters of Architecture (MArch Professional)

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University School of Architecture Faculty of Arts

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Creating a meaningful space to a disconnected urban fabric - as a new paradigm for convention through integration.

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Acknowledgments I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the NMMU Department of Architecture and especially to the following people for their support, wisdom and guidance over the past year:    

Andrew Palframan Boban Varghese Prof. Gavin McLachlan Dirk Naudé

My sincere thanks go my promoter, J.P. Basson, for his on-going support, guidance and motivation as a friend and, mentor throughout my journey in being able to complete my treatise. His influence and contribution have been invaluable.

I would also like to thank the CTICC staff for their assistance; WBHO; the NMMM Town Planning Department, Architectural Plans and Designs; Grant Thornton and Stauch Vorster Architects for their involvement and help throughout my treatise.

To my language editor, my thanks for her contribution to this process of producing this written document.

A big thanks to Tracy Haupt and to all my friends for their ongoing willingness to help, whether with keeping my mind at ease, motivation, guidance towards time management, and especially all the hours necessary for model building.

Ultimately, I would like to thank my parents, Peter and Ingrid Sullivan, my brothers and my entire family for their continuous love and support throughout my entire architectural journey.

A special mention has to go to my girlfriend, Nicole Schroeder. For her never ending love and encouragement, not only throughout this year especially, but as well as the duration of my studies, always pushing me to be the best. She kept me focused in finally achieving an M.Arch Professional. Without her, I would never have made it…

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Treatise Abstract

T

he notion of convention seen as a flexible gathering space within a city space has evolved and become a centre which lacks the ability to become a meaningful public space.

This design treatise will investigate and challenge the convention typology and its adaptable function through a catalyst application of a building, in the hope of achieving an urban reconnection to a historic City Centre undergoing urban decay.

This will be achieved by an investigation through precedent studies focused on a series of issues relating to the spatial, form, site, context and theoretical aspects towards achieving a new language expressing a unique sense of place.

Finally, the outcome of this design treatise is presented as a set of architectural drawings and a model(s).

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List of figures

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Figure 1: Pantheon, Rome.

Figure 2: Plan of the Agora at the height of its development. http://mitchtestone.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-athenian-agora.html.

Figure 3: The Colosseum. http://nuke.romeheritagetours.com/COLOSSEUMROMANFORUMTOUR/tabid/468/Default.aspx.

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Figure 4: The Roman Forum ruins.

Figure 5: Plan of the roman Forum.

Figure 6: Qatar National Convention Centre, by Yamasaki Architects 2011.

Figure 7: Kaiser Convention Centre, Oakland Civic Auditorium circa 1917.

Figure 8: Roman forum (old image).

Figure 9: Inside the Crystal Palace.

Figure 10: The crystal Palace, artists drawing.

Figure 11: View of Crystal Palace.

Figure 12: The inside of an Auditorium/Concert Hall.

Figure 13: Event held within an exhibition hall.

Figure 14: Types of meeting spaces.

Figure 15: Port Elizabeth tourist attractions.

Figure 16: Entrance (Convention) CTICC. Figure 17: Tourism spending in South Africa, (Tourism satellite account for South Africa, 2013, http://www.statssa.gov.za/).

Figure 18: How a convention centre can benefit a city.

(The global association of the exhibition industry, the role of exhibitions in the marketing mix, n.d:33).

Figure 19: Venues and capacities in South Africa.

Figure 20: SAACI - Southern Africa Association for the Conference Industry (logo).

Figure 21: CTICC - Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Figure 22: Durban International Convention Centre.

Figure 23: East London Convention Centre.

Figure 24: Sandton Convention Centre.

Figure 25: Analysis of conference venues by number and type in NMB. (Conference and conventions, 2008).

Figure 26: Conference facilities within Nelson Mandela Bay. Figure 27: Conferencing facilities Port Elizabeth. (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Tourism Master Plan, 2007:17).

Figure 28: Koega Harbour.

Figure 29: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.

Figure 30: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Figure 31: Drawing illustrating Earthworks Landscape Architects proposed urban redevelopment plan of King's Beach. (http://elastudio.co.za/projects/kings-beach-redevelopment/).

Figure 32: Proposed illustrated for the waterfront environment for Port Elizabeth. (http://ports.co.za/news/article_2009_05_5_5258.html).

Figure 33: GAPP urban development proposal as a mandate.

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Figure 34: Public gathering space, as square.

Figure 35: The transformation to a classic industrial city 1850-1945.

Figure 36: The 21st Century Public Space as described in Public Spaces -Public Life. (Gehl. 1987) .

Figure 37: People dominated spaces, high activity and use of the bicycle as a mode of transport.

Figure 38: Street as shopping space.

Figure 39: Traditional city spaces.

Figure 40: Invaded city spaces.

Figure 41: Abandoned city spaces.

Figure 42: Reinstated city spaces.

Figure 43: Traditional and modern public spaces.

Figure 44: Parma, figure-ground plan.

Figure 45: Le Corbusier: project for Saint-Dié, figure ground plan.

Figure 46: Attributes of good public spaces (c) Project for Public Spaces (http://www.pps.org).

Figure 47: Building living out on to the public edge.

Figure 48: Public space active towards building edge.

Figure 49: Market Square as it is today, desolate vast open space, lost its sense of place.

Figure 50: Market Square in the old days, an inviting space.

Figure 51: Diagram illustrating a traditional town, enclave space and urban sprawl.

Figure 52: Difference between modern and traditional city. (Frederick, 2007).

Figure 53: Traditional urban city grain of fabric Figure 54: Morphology of city space, to an unwanted space.

Figure 55: Positive and negative space.

Figure 56: Creation of positive space. (Matthew Frederick, 101 Things I learned in architecture school, 2007, The MIT press, London).

Figure 57: Positive space created. (Llewellyn – Davies, urban design compendium, English partnership – the housing corporation, n.d.).

Figure 58: Principles of spatial containment and enclosure (source: adapted from Booth, 1983).

Figure 59: City square conditions.

Figure 60: Square in section.

Figure 61: Active public square.

Figure 62: Section through different street conditions.

Figure 63: Street variations as sections.

Figure 64: Square vs Street.

Figure 65: Poland, Krakow, Main square, active building edge.

Figure 66: Port Elizabeth, Greenacres Shopping Centre, defensible space.

Figure 67: Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elisabeth, street as connection.

Figure 68: Boardwalk, Port Elisabeth, public space as market space.

Figure 69: Kings Beach informal public space as market space.

Figure 70: Donkin Reserve as meeting space.

Figure 71: Public space as meeting space. Market Square.

Figure 72: Sense of place.

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Figure 73: What makes up the sense of place.

Figure 74: Sense of place, activity and meaning diagram.

Figure 75: A Genius loci.

Figure 76: Uniformity, Donkin Row houses.

Figure 77: Active Square, England, Trafalgar Square.

Figure 78: City as a museum, Collosseum.

Figure 79: Foreground building and background buildings.

Figure 80: Typical plan of a convention centre.

Figure 81: Liner spatial organisation.

Figure 82: Diagrammatic plan of public to private thresholds between meetings rooms. (Conventional wisdom corp, n.d.).

Figure 83: Spatial relationships, space linked by common space.

Figure 84: Spatial layout and relationship of ballroom to other spaces. (Conventional wisdom corp, n.d.).

Figure 85: Exhibition hall plan diagram, showing circulation. (Conventional wisdom corp, n.d.).

Figure 86: Adaption. Seattle Public Library, Rem Koolhaas and OMA. Figure 87: Transformation. Bengt Sjostrom Starlight: Theatre Studio, Gang Architects.

Figure 88: Movability. Mobile Dwelling Unit: LOT-EK. Figure 89: Interaction. Smart-wrap Building, Kieran Timberlake.

Figure 90: Plan diagram of convention centre, need for active edges.

Figure 91: Linear organising principle, pass through, by and too spaces. (Ching. 2007).

Figure 92: Basic section of a convention centre. Internalised spaces, a need for connectivity.

Figure 93: Pass by, though, and terminate in a space organisation principle. Path – space relationship.

Figure 94: Inner city location.

Figure 95: Outside city location, city fringe space location.

Figure 96: Diébédo Francis Kéré's Great Mosque.

Figure 97: Barndominium.

Figure 98: Vernacular architecture.

Figure 99: Abstract expression. Frank O. Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles – USA. Figure 100: Critical regionalist expression. Alvar Aalto, Saynatsalo Town Hall (1952), Finland.

Figure 101: Universal Modernist expression. Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House.

Figure 102: Landscape orientated expression. UNStudio’s, Ponte Parodi, waterfront design, Genoa Italy.

Figure 103: Buro Sant en Co, Four Harbour Roof Park.

Figure 104: Nanyang Technological University, Figure 105: Aldo Rossi, Quartier Schützenstraße, Berlin.

Figure 106: Reiach and Hall, Dundee House, Dundee.

Figure 107: Neo Modernist Hotel (Nesign Concept).

Figure 108: CTICC, column free flexible spaces.

Figure 109: Section through convention centre, column free spaces.

Figure 110: CTICC exhibition Hall.

Figure 111: Large column spacing open plan steel construction.

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Figure 112: CTICC square and context.

Figure 113: Durban ICC and context.

Figure 114: CTICC parking map.

Figure 115: CTICC basement floor plan.

Figure 116: Durban ICC urban plan.

Figure 117: Durban ICC parking map.

Figure 118: CTICC parking facility beneath flyover.

Figure 119: CTICC urban plan.

Figure 120: Vancouver Convention Centre Figure 121: Fukuoka building with Roof garden, in Fukuoka city, Japan.

Figure 122: The BedZED development in South London.

Figure 123: CTICC first proposal - sustainable sectional plan.

Figure 124: Solar sustainable principles.

Figure 125: Atrium used for light well.

Figure 126: Passive ventilation.

Figure 127: BP Headquarters Cape Town.

Figure 128: BP Headquarters passive ventilation.

Figure 129: Diagrams expressing different solar sustainable principles.

Figure 130: Use of daylight in buildings.

Figure 131: Diagram showing flexibility and adaptability of exhibition space.

Figure 132: Human scaling elements.

Figure 133: Human scaling principles.

Figure 134: Aerial view of the Nashville Music City Centre.

Figure 135: Nashville Music City Centre and context.

Figure 136: Nashville Music City Centre entrance.

Figure 137: Nashville Music City Centre green roof plan.

Figure 138: Spatial qualities inside and outside the MCC. Figure 139: Floor plans of the MCC. Figure 140: Views of the Nashville Music City Centre.

Figure 141: Cross-section through the MCC. Figure 142: Proposed Port Elizabeth Convention Centre.

Figure 143: Proposed Baywest Convention Centre.

Figure 144: Aerial view of the CTICC. Figure 145: CTICC and the city surrounds.

Figure 146: CTICC and 5star hotel.

Figure 147: CTICC aerial view showing corner condition.

Figure 148: External material language expression.

Figure 149: Internal material language expression of the CTICC. Figure 150: Ground floor plan.

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Figure 151: 3D model showing internal spaces.

Figure 152: New CTICC extension.

Figure 153: Photos by author of the model of the new CTICC extension.

Figure 154: Internal views of the new CTICC extension.

Figure 155: Aerial view of Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 156: Durban Convention Centre and surroundings.

Figure 157: Durban Convention Centre entrance.

Figure 158: Ground floor plan of the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 159: Internal and external views of spaces within the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 160: View of the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 161: North entrance to the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 162: South entrance to the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 163: Aerial view of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Figure 164: Views of the three main spaces and activities of the ICC Sydney.

Figure 165: The ICC Sydney Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct.

Figure 166: Level 1 floor plan.

Figure 167: Level 2 floor plan.

Figure 168: Elevation of the ICC Sydney, theatre; exhibitions; and conventions.

Figure 169: Section through the auditorium of the ICC Sydney.

Figure 170: Site plan of the ICC Sydney complex.

Figure 171: The three main spaces of the ICC Sydney complex 3d renders.

Figure 172: Aerial view of the Sydney convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct.

Figure 173: Aerial view of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Figure 174: Vancouver Convention Centre connection to the water’s edge.

Figure 175: The Vancouver Convention Centre’s floor plans.

Figure 176: Internal views showing the use of material inside the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Figure 177: Exploded model showing different aspects of the building.

Figure 178: Vancouver Convention Centre building sections.

Figure 179: Views showing the green roof of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Figure 180: Sustainable response of the Vancouver Convention Centre to the marine life.

Figure 181: The mechanical heating and cooling system.

Figure 182: San Diego street façade.

Figure 183: Vancouver ICC entrance.

Figure 184: Durban ICC entrance.

Figure 185: Public to private layering of space.

Figure 186: Spatial layering.

Figure 187: Disconnected vs connected spaces.

Figure 188: Public and private space representation within a city by Leon Krier.

Figure 189: Christchurch Convention Centre.

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Figure 190: Building edge response.

Figure 191: Solid edge response.

Figure 192: Building to street edge response.

Figure 193: Soft edge response.

Figure 194: Semi-solid edge response.

Figure 195: San Diego Convention Centre.

Figure 196: Brisbane International Convention Centre.

Figure 197: Christchurch Convention Centre.

Figure 198: Active street edge.

Figure 199: Corner response.

Figure 200: Sandton Convention Centre.

Figure 201: Housing project, IBA, berlin, Peter Eisenman.

Figure 202: Hatfield 109 - “architects� studios, accommodation and shop, Cape Town.

Figure 203: Red Location Museum, Port Elizabeth.

Figure 204: Aerial view of Red Location museum showing a corner subtraction response.

Figure 205: Agora of Assos, Asia Minor, 2nd Century B.C. Figure 206: Durban ICC showing its configuration to parallel plans in plan.

Figure 207: Nalanda Mahavihara. Bihar, India, 6th-7th century A.D. Figure 208: Congress Centre, Turkmenistan, Saravia + Associados, Awaza.

Figure 209: The Zentrum Paul Klee, Renzo Piano. Awaza.

Figure 210: National Assembly building, Hangladesh, Louis Khan.

Figure 211: D house, Brittany, France, Lode Architecture.

Figure 212: South Africa by author.

Figure 213: Eastern Cape by author.

Figure 214: Map of Eastern Cape by author.

Figure 215: Port Elizabeth in relation to Africa.

Figure 216: Historic, cultural and tourist sites and attractions in Port Elizabeth.

Figure 217: Sites and attractions of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 218: Scale of Cape Feet, Port Elizabeth 1849.

Figure 219: 1888 Gale (source: u.n, 2012).

Figure 220: The disastrous South East Gale at Port Elizabeth, Algoa Bay, Aug 30th 1888.

Figure 221: Algoa Bay plan of the Town 1849.

Figure 222: Cape Colony map of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 223: Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth old map.

Figure 224: Collection of old photos of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 225: Diagrams by author of the morphology of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 226: Diagram by author, present Port Elizabeth.

Figure 227: Views from the Dokin.

Figure 228: Views down Baakens valley.

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Figure 229: Diagram by author, morphology summary.

Figure 230: Old photo showing views from the Donkin.

Figure 231: Old photo showing views down Baakens valley.

Figure 232: Collection of images showing the spirit of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 233: Map by author, identifying precinct and placement within a city framework.

Figure 234: Aerial view of South End. Figure 235: Old photo depicting a typical South End house.

Figure 236: South End fire station.

Figure 237: Old photo of South End. Figure 238: View of harbour from South End. Figure 239: Views around Humerail.

Figure 240: View of harbour from Humerail.

Figure 241: Office block in Humerail.

Figure 242: Old photo of King’s Beach.

Figure 243: Aerial view of King’s Beach.

Figure 244: Views of King’s Beach and surrounds.

Figure 245: Port Elizabeth’s harbour from CBD. Figure 246: Old photo of Port Elizabeth’s harbor.

Figure 247: Port Elizabeth’s harbor.

Figure 248: Views of Port Elizabeth’s harbor.

Figure 249: Map by author showing proximities of convention centre’s precinct to surrounding amenities.

Figure 250: Hotels in and around Port Elizabeth.

Figure 251: Feather Market Hall Port Elizabeth.

Figure 252: Inside the Feather Market Hall.

Figure 253: St George’s stadium.

Figure 254: Duck Pond End St George’s stadium.

Figure 255: St George’s stadium has catering facilities with a marquee.

Figure 256: Map by author showing 1:10000 vehicular routes.

Figure 257: Map by the author showing 1:20000 Port Elizabeth macro constraints and informants.

Figure 258: Map by author 1 5000 urban precinct and enclave of show.

Figure 259: Map by author 1: 5000 barriers and disconnection.

Figure 260: Images of the flyovers in Port Elizabeth acting as barriers to the CBD. Figure 261: Map by the author 1:5000 harbour and surrounding enclose of spaces.

Figure 262: Cesar Pelli, Patronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Figure 263: Daniel Libeskind, Molocaust Museum, Berlin, Germany.

Figure 264: Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, Pompidou Centre, Paris, France.

Figure 265: Traditional urban spaces.

Figure 266: Modernist urban spaces.

Figure 267: Residenzplatz Salzburg, Austria.

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Figure 268: Pompidou Centre, Paris, France.

Figure 269: Map by author 1:5000 - buildings of significant.

Figure 270: Map by author 1:5000 - connection established.

Figure 271: Map by author 1:5000 - hierarchy of movement.

Figure 272: Map by author 1:5000 - green structure.

Figure 273: Map b author 1:5000 - enclaves of space and spatial connection.

Figure 274: Map by author 1:5000 - gateways and views.

Figure 275: Map by author 1:5000 - green spaces with urban intervention as superblocks.

Figure 276: Map by author 1:5000 - permeability, vehicular access.

Figure 277: Map by author 1:5000 - hierarchy of public spaces.

Figure 278: Map by author 1:5000 - shafs of space.

Figure 279: Map by author 1:5000 - non - motorised transport.

Figure 280: Map by author 1:5000 - hierarchy of motorised transport.

Figure 281: Map by author 1:5000 - hierarchy of public institutions.

Figure 282: Map by author 1:5000 - intervention grain of fabric.

Figure 283: Map by author 1:2000 - composite constraints and informants of urban context.

Figure 284: Images showing hydrogen powered tramway system used in Dubai.

Figure 285: Apple express.

Figure 286: Images showing the existing tramway system of Port Elizabeth’s apple express.

Figure 287: Map by author 1:2000 - showing proposed urban intervention.

Figure 288: 3D render by author of urban intervention.

Figure 289: 3D render showing gateway to proposed intervention kings beach.

Figure 290: Map by author 1:2000 - showing proposed land use of urban intervention.

Figure 291: 3D renders showing various views of urban intervention including an aerial land use image.

Figure 292: Sketch up model by author showing proposed urban intervention and its context including its land use activities.

Figure 293: Diagram by author showing a city fringe site location.

Figure 294: Map by author 1:2000 - showing accommodation and main commercial and leisure activity.

Figure 295: Map by author 1:2000 - showing proposed site.

Figure 296: Map by author showing proposed grain of fabric.

Figure 297: Map by author showing existing grain of fabric.

Figure 298: Maps showing land use to harbour area.

Figure 299: Zoning map by author of urban intervention.

Figure 300: Map by author 1:1000 - showing climatic conditions related to proposed site.

Figure 301: Section BB by author.

Figure 302: Images by author showing natural vegetation around site.

Figure 303: Topography diagram by author of site.

Figure 304: Map by author 1:2000 - showing main vehicular routes.

Figure 305: Map by author 1:2000 - showing non - motorised transport.

Figure 306: Views of the site and its immediate context.

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Figure 307: Site contextual analysis by author.

Figure 308: Photos showing the view of site from Humerail by author.

Figure 309: Proposed waterfront development by GAAP architects.

Figure 310: Diagram by author showing urban intervention being placed within the GAAP architects waterfront development.

Figure 311: Fredrick, M.Sense of place, genius loci. 101 things I learned in Architecture School Figure 312: Nature of space to circulation.

Figure 313: Diagrammatic plan of a convention centre.

Figure 314: Super block expressing levels of permeability.

Figure 315: Articulation of form through a corner response.

Figure 316: Affects of slopes on building design.

Figure 317: Hydrogen-powered tramway system.

Figure 318: Example of articulation of form.

Figure 319: Articulation of form directly responds to the space in plan.

Figure 320: Sustainable methods towards articulating the form of the building.

Figure 321: Design concept sketches by the author, as a design process towards an end product.

Figure 322: The sketching diagrammatically spatial of the beginnings of the author's first design concept for proposal.

Figure 323: Basic constraints and informants on chosen site.

Figure 324: Diagramatically illustrating energies, privacy gradients and a spacial allocation to spaces.

Figure 325: Massing model, illustrating where is all began as a 'building' connected to the author's proposed urban design intervention.

Figure 326: 3D massing models expressing main spaces of the building.

Figure 327: Exploded model of June 2015 portfolio hand in.

Figure 328: June portfolio's convention centre proposal, Ground Floor Plan, 2015.

Figure 329: June portfolio's convention centre proposal, Second Floor Plan, 2015.

Figure 330: June portfolio's convention centre proposal, First Floor Plan, 2015.

Figure 331: 3D representation as modelled renders of June 2015 portfolio's convention centre.

Figure 332: Above viewing along the activity edge as street. Below entrance foyer.

Figure 333: 3D representation as convention centre proposal two’s north elevation.

Figure 334: 3D model north visualisation.

Figure 335: Proposal three convention centre 3D model renders.

Figure 336: 3D model south visualisation.

Figure 337: Proposal three floor plans.

Figure 338: Proposal three ground floor plam.

Figure 339: Proposal three first and second floor plans.

Figure 340: Proposal three technical section BB. Figure 341: Proposal three technical section AA and details.

Figure 342: Photos by author of proposal three physical model within context.

Figure 343: Photo by author of physical model sitting within its urban context.

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Jellicoe, G., Jellicoe, S. & Waymark, J. 1995. The landscape of man: Shaping the environment from prehistory to the present day. London: Thames & Hudson.

Harold Proshansky, Abbe Fabian, and Robert Kiminoff. “Place-Identity”: 1983.

Dolores Hayden. 1995. Urban Landscape History: ‘The Scene of Place & Politics of Space’.

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(Great public spaces – characteristics and guidelines for designation. 2015, American planning association - APA) Website Editor, 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601.

More than just space - quality public spaces hold great benefits for cities (c) Project for Public Spaces (http://www.pps.org) Attributes of good public spaces (c) Project for Public Spaces (http://www.pps.org) Ramaswamy, G.S. n.d. Roofing large column-free areas. Available online at: http://www.buildnova.com/.

Fine arts site, world museum. A history of architecture – critical regionalism. 2015. < http://historiasztuki.com.pl/kodowane/003-02-05-ARCHWSPREGIONALIZM-eng.php> (CTICC) Cape Town International Convention Centre - Annual Performance Report. 2007. Graphco Media

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Dr. Crispian Olver. May 2008. Report on Relocation of Port Elizabeth Manganese Terminal and Tank Farm.

Alan Straton. July 2, 2012. Port Elizabeth’s waterfront development. MYPE NEWS. 8Linkd. September 22, 2010. A review of proposed land use scenarios for the Port Elizabeth harbour in relation to current economic trends.

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Fig (site chap 3) http://www.portelizabethforever.co.za/port-elizabeth-flora.html ICCA, 2013. International congress and convention association, http://www.iccaworld.com/aeps/aeitem.cfm?aeid=909 Paul Ricour. A history of architecture – critical regionalism. 2015 G.S.Ramaswamy, roofing large column free areas, n.d. < http://www.buildnova.com/> Threshold: what is it? Catherine Dee in her book ‘Form and Fabric in Architecture’ (2001) Building edge response, Lamprecht Van der Spuy, 2012:102 https://rinbo.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/form-space-order-summary.pdf Hummon, D.M. 1992. “Community attachment. Local sentiment and sense of Place”, in Place attachment, (ed). By Altman, I & M. Low, S.M. pp.253-278. New York: Plenum Press.

Jellicoe, G., Jellicoe,S. & Waymark, J. 1995. ThelLandscape of man. London: Thames & Hudson.

Proshansky, H.M., Fabian, A.K. & Kaminoff, R. Missing info?

Dee, C. 2001. Form & fabric in landscape architecture: A visual introduction. London: Taylor & Francis.

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Oxford Dictionary 2015. , London: Oxford University Press [online] Available at :<http:// http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/> Mauzy. 2006. Plan of the Agora at the height of its development in ca. A.D. 150. [Digital image] Available at: http://agora.ascsa.net/image?type=preview&id=Agora%3AImage%3A2008.18.0013

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Figure 8: Stage of Augustus Design (source: us14.stalnakerb, 2012) us14.stalnakerb. (2012) Stage of Augustus Design. (Digital image) Available at: http://ancient-roman-structures.wikispaces.com/file/view/Rostra.jpg/341201340/489x320/Rostra.jpg [Accessed March 2015].

Figure 11: Colosseum Roman Architecture (source: Jack Black, 2015) Black, J. 2015. Colosseum Roman Architecture. (Digital image) Available at: http://7-themes.com/data_images/out/71/7013371-colosseum-roman-architecture.jpg [Accessed March 2015].

Figure 12: Port Elizabeth Market Square (source: Jonker, 2012) Jonker, F. 2012. Port Elizabeth Market Square. (Digital image) Available at: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTBgvsa6K1s/UA_1ATGnBOI/AAAAAAAAHrk/jyHyHuEjXzA/s1600/022+ (2).jpg [Accessed March 2012].

Figure 13: PE Market Square 60's (Source: Etiennedup, 2009) Etiennedup. (2009) PE Market Square 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Digital Image) Available at: http://s79.photobucket.com/user/saafs/media/Port_Elizabeth_Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s_Garden.jpg.html.

Figure 14: Port Elizabeth Climate and Weather Climatemps 2015. Available at: http://www.port-elizabeth.climatemps.com/index.php#top>[Accessed 20 March 2015].

Figure 18: Bars on the Plaza Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain. (Source: Segre, n.d.)

Segre, A. (n.d.). Bars on the Plaza Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain. (Digital image) Available at: http://cache4.asset-cache.net/gc/517861153-local-landmarksgettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=sNv9VDCrZfw%2b%2fcWmgD7VpsxRCAqLDPF5nf1HWwVhqfqtGvPQc4%2f8JddGC8EvNmsq [Accessed April 2015].

Figure 19: The Roman Forum and the Colosseum (Source: Historvius, 2010) Historvius. (2010) The Roman Forum and the Colosseum (Digital Image) Available at: http://www.historvius.com/userfiles/colosseum-italy-top-ten (1).jpg. http://saia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ASA-52.pdf 1a Figure 1: 1888 Gale (source: unknown, 2012) Unkown. 2012. 1888 Gale. (Photograph). Available at: http://www.amethyst.co.za/FamilyTree/18880830-Shipwreck1.jpg.

Figure 2: The disastrous South East gale at Port Elizabeth, Algoa Bay Aug 30th 1888 (source: Redwood & Kelly, undated) Redwood, E.J. & Kelly, J. (undated). Artists impression of the 1888 gale at Port Elizabeth (artwork) Available at: http://www.amethyst.co.za/FamilyTree/18880830-Shipwreck2.jpg.

Figure 3: View of the Crystal Palace (source: Mullen, 2013) precursors

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Mullen, E. 2013. View of the Crystal Palace (artwork). Available at: http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/resurrect-midland-crystal-palace3906790 [Accessed 12 August 15].

Figure 4: Crystal Palace (source: Hammontree, 1851).

Hammontree, M. (1851), Crystal Palace (photograph). Available at: https://aehistory.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/crystal-palace2.jpeg?w=684 [Accessed 12 August 15].

Figure 6: Forum Romanum & surrounding buildings. Britannica. 9th edition. 1898 map (source: Antique Print Gallery, n.d.)

Antique Print Gallery (undated) Forum Romanum & surrounding buildings (photograph) Available at: http://www.antiquaprintgallery.com/ekmps/shops/richben90/images/rome-forum-romanum-surrounding-buildings.-britannica-9th-edition-1898-map158557-p[ekm]400x278[ekm].jpg [Accessed 6 July 2015].

Fig 4. Plan of the Agora at the height of its development in ca. A.D. 150. (Source: Mauzy, 2006:9, fig.10.)

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Table of contents

PART A

What

Chapter 01 Section _ i

Section _ ii

PRECURSORS

Preliminary [Introduction] Introducing the treatise Background Problem statement Proposal Rationale, aims and objectives of the treatise

2

Research discourse Methodology

8 8

Introduction Research questions Research design Conclusion

PART B

Why

Chapter 02 Section _ i

3 4 5 6

8 8 9

BUILDING

Research and Investigation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; [a-contextual] Introducing the meeting industry Introduction Evolution of the meeting industry When did the convention typology begin?

Types of meeting spaces

Seminar, Training, or Workshop Convention, Conference or Congress, Meeting

Why is there a need for a meeting space and by whom?

How and why can a city benefit from conventions?

The South African conference industry The conference industry in Nelson Mandela Bay The constraints of present conference facilities within Nelson Mandela Bay Why there is a need for a conference industry in Nelson Mandela Bay?

13 13 13 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 27 precursors

xxii

Conclusion

Identification of the challenges facing the establishment of an international conference centre in NMB

Section _ ii

Study of public gathering space Introduction What is a public gathering space?

What is a space?

What is a public space?

The change in public spaces within a city

Conclusion

51 53

The study of a sense of place Introduction Creating a sense of place and vibrancy What is a sense of place?

What creates a sense of place (identity)?

How can identity influence a sense of place?

Conclusion

Identification of the challenges facing the creation of a sense of place in NMB

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31 31 31

37 38 41 42 43

Uniformity Generosity Sense of history Variety

Section _ iv

30

Traditional spaces vs 21st century modern public spaces What makes a successful gathering place?

What is the value of a public space in relationship to a public building?

What is the function/meaning of a public gathering space to the city in a 21st century?

How can active gathering spaces be achieved in the city?

Return to traditional urban space Creating positive spaces Street and square effect The building edge effect What is the meaning of public gathering spaces within NMB?

Section _ iii

30

Exploring issues relating to convention centres Introduction Convention centre as a building type

54 54 54 58

60 61 61 61

What is an international convention centre (ICC)?

What is the nature of the building?

Categorisation of space and analysis of function How buildings’ physical spatial impact and scale are determined Spatial concerns of a convention centre Programmatic issues Adaptability Internal circulation and movement

61 62 62 64 65

Physical concerns of a convention centre Context location

71 71

Exploration of expressions

73

Engineering Managing movement and its context

80 82

Investigating sustainability

84

Outside the inner city Within the inner city City fringe space

Vernacular expression Abstract expression Critical regionalist expression Modernist ‘universal’ expression Landscape-orientated expression Neo-Rationalism

Relation to context and site Access, visibility, parking

Introduction Building planning and design Passive ventilation – ‘The stack effect’ The use of the sun’s energy and daylight

Socio-economic concerns of a convention centre

89

Section _ v

Introducing convention centre planning Introduction How is the building diagram generated?

Responding to human scale Conclusion

90 90 90 91 92

Section _ vi

Exploration through precedence the architectural issues of convention centres Introduction Contextual precedent

93 93 93 precursors

xxiv

Nashville Music City Centre

Functional precedent towards typology

Previously proposed Convention Centres within Port Elizabeth

Local

Cape Town International Convention Centre Durban Convention Centre

International

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Vancouver Convention Centre Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Formal precedent study Main architectural issues of a convention centre Disconnected vs connected spaces Building edge design The resolution of the corner Built form and spatial characteristics Form Space Order

Materials and tectonics Monumentality vs Ephemerality

Conclusion Identifying the main challenge(s) and objective(s) for this design treatise

PART C

Where

Chapter 03

98 99

100 108

118 119 119 212 125 127

131

133 133

SITE

Site investigation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; [contextual]

Section _ i

Introducing Port Elizabeth Introduction Climate conditions of Port Elizabeth Morphology of Port Elizabeth Spirit of place - Port Elizabeth

139 139 141 144 149

Section _ ii

Introducing the urban context Introduction

150 150

Spatial placement within a city framework

Historical relevance of context in relation to Port Elizabeth South End Humerail

xxv

94

precursors

151

Kings Beach Port Elizabeth harbour

Technical constraints for an international convention centre within context Site criteria for a convention centre Availability of facilities within context Section _ iii

The establishment of urban related issues Nelson Mandela Bay in context Precinct identification and analytical study for urban development Urban issues discussed

Enclave (â&#x20AC;&#x153;pass byâ&#x20AC;?) system The nature of the architectural expression of a large scale building The relationship between a large scale building and its urban spaces it addresses Extroverted vs introverted approach

Conclusion Section _ iv

Urban design framework Introduction Urban catalyst theory Premise and objectives Urban design generators and structuring principles Conclusion

Composite constraints and informants of urban context

Proposed tramway transportation system Proposed intervention

Proposed urban intervention as a super block representation Proposed land use identification to urban intervention Visual analysis of urban intervention

Section _ v

Introducing the site Site selection criteria Explaining the process for site selection Accommodation location - Main leisure and commercial activity Proposed site Man-made features Grain of fabric Land use of site and surrounding context Proposed land use for urban intervention Site related issues

154

157 157 158 159

164 165 165 165 166 167 171 172 174

178 178 180 181

184 precursors

xxvi

Natural surface features

184

Movement and integration

188

Aesthetic factors

190

Site contextual analysis Conclusion

191 192

Climatic conditions Topography â&#x20AC;&#x201C; natural environment Natural vegetation Dealing with the levels of site Site sections Major vehicular routes relating to context Hierarchy of main vehicular routes relating to site Pedestrian and non-motorised transport related to site Views and vistas

Section _ vi

PART D

How

Chapter 04

193 193 193

195

DESIGN

Brief development

Section _ i

Formulating the design brief Introduction Design objectives identified for creating such a facility: Spatial relationships Technical exploration

200

Section _ ii

Accommodation schedule

210

Chapter 05 Section _ i

xxvii

Urban proposition Introduction Urban design intention Introduction GAPP proposal Vision towards the urban intervention Conclusion

precursors

Design development Conceptualising the concept

217 218

Introduction Theoretical position statement Design generators Programmatic response Responding to introverted nature of building Permeability Contextual response Corner edge condition Dealing with levels Implemented public transport system Edge response Concept development

218 218 218 219 220

222

Section _ ii

Exploration of concept

223

Section _ iii

Design proposals Proposal 1 [June Portfolio] Proposal 2 Proposal 3 Proposal 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FINAL DESIGN

224 224 228 230 238

Section _ iv

Final design presentation

239

Chapter 06

Bibliography

Section _ i

Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E

256 257 258 259 261 262

Section _ ii

References

263

precursors

xxviii

xxix

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xxx

Chapter 01

Introduction and methodology Part A (What) of the document, the PRELIMINARY. Announces to the reader the way in which the researcher conducted the treatise, its outline, direction and the structure for this following document.

preliminary

2

Section _ i

Introducing the Treatise

Background

M

odern cities of the 21st century have been shaped by a variety of historical and economic factors, with the most significant being the arrival of modern architecture and its inherent trend of urban sprawl.

However this devastating impact on city centres around the world has left in its wake a state of urban decay and a social disconnection from these once rich historically embedded city centres, each of which pertains their own unique character and sense of place.

With the development and advance of techniques, including the evolution of the automotive industry, has directly affected the urban social condition within these public spaces. Resulting in, such spaces, being left abandoned from their intended purpose. Thus a loss of physical social interaction within these city spaces has and is being witnessed.

Most of these modern cities are witnessing a developmental shift from industrial ports towards waterfront environments. As these cities are realizing there is a major economic opportunity in converting and integrating industrial harbours with leisure and commercial activities.

As a result, this has increased an overall demand for a reconnection back towards these activity pockets, being our city centres and harbor front environments. Therefore, a need for meaningful meeting and gathering spaces, which ultimately pertain an identity through its inherent sense of place. Meeting the social demands of the world we live in today.

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preliminary

South African cities, especially the city of Port Elizabeth share the same urban, social and spatial issues. This city, in terms of its social and spatial conditions, will be investigated as part of the argument outlined in this treatise. The variety of historical and economic factors that have developed and shaped the city of Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) and its harbour, has led to Port Elizabeth establishing itself as a metropolis, where the inner city has been subject to segregation in terms of its urban activities. Furthermore, the Group Areas Act, which was passed in 1950, has had adverse effects on NMB during this apartheid era, especially regarding South End and the ongoing struggle, the pressing issue of urban sprawl has left a historically significant city centre in a state of decay.

Historically, cities are formed as a result of economic activities or available natural resources and evolve through the construction of both civic and public natured buildings, and the creation of traditional urban spaces.

Since the influence of Modernism and the start of Modernist Ideologies, and a rapid growth in world population due to the Industrial Revolution.

People started to move out of the inner city for residential and lodging purposes. During the past few decades, businesses also moved out of the historical cores of cities as a result of urban sprawl. The result is that visitors to cities, for both business and travelling reasons, are forced to lodge outside of the inner city and travel great distances by car or public transport to experience, and make use of the facilities of cities.

Port Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner city core is an example of an abandoned urban core.

As a significant contributing factor, the high-speed Settlers Way freeway bypasses the central business district and takes people to various parts of the city where business, industrial and residential activity takes place owing to the urban sprawl. This, as a result, has left the historical precinct, of rich heritage value, being underutilised.

Problem statement Port Elizabeth, a city in the heartland of Mandela’s birthplace, has been cast into a political wasteland, continuously suffering recurring economic hardship. With the establishment of the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) in 2004, the vision of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) to ‘revitalise and re-engineer’ the inner city was given momentum in an ambitious plan to turn Port Elizabeth into the focal point for growth for the region. A project, with catalyst proportions, is seen as a driving force for an urban intervention which can provide a solution towards the disconnection of city centre spaces. With the establishment of an international convention centre as the catalyst, subsequently, activity will be generated within the area. Such a development has the potential to become an icon for the city that will not only highlight the unique attributes that the city, and the surrounding regions have to offer, but provide a platform for an opportunity for the city to capitalise on business tourism, which inherently contributes towards the Vision 2020 laid out by the NMMM.

Port Elizabeth should top the list of South African secondary cities en route to becoming a mega city within our country. The city is developing at a rapid rate with Coega providing the platform of growth on an industrial scale. There is a disconnection of a city’s heart to an active urban built fabric, due to the freeway created due to the motor industry, the rail lines and the industrial warehouses. This disconnection is, due to modernist city planning and urban sprawl. The affecting issues further enforce a lost connection to the sea and sense of place.

According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Board (NMBT), the conference industry is rapidly growing across the Bay and the need exists for a place of international standards to host the forthcoming events. Grant Thornton conducted a feasibility study as an analysis of economic potential for such a building as an ICC, showing the predicted financial gain of such development on a socio-economic, tourism and employment growth. This ICC would provide a major economic catalyst for NMB and the Eastern Cape in general, as ICC’s worldwide have been proven to contribute to economic, tourism and employment growth as predicted and stated in the NMMM vision 2020. ‘’In order to contribute in developing our status as a growing firstclass African city, new products need to be developed to ensure that NMB continues to grow as an exciting, hospitable and world-class commercial city. In line with this approach, government and the private sector recognised the role played by the property investment in retail, residential and economic catalytic stimulus,’’ (Maphazi, 2008).

As the client for this project and urban development, the Mandela Bay Developing Agencies (MBDA), will oversee this development for the entire duration: from its inception, to concept and finally the construction and development. Holistically this forms part of the process to ‘revitalise and re-engineer’ the inner city of Nelson Mandela Bay.

preliminary

4

Proposal What: The design of an international convention centre for Nelson Mandela Bay presents a building as a catalyst to promote an urban infrastructure contributing to the urban renewal development plan for the inner city area and surrounds. This centre provides a platform for a connection establishing the development of a leisure corridor for activity, stretching from King’s Beach to a historically significant CBD, which as a development in itself inherently contributes to a potential waterfront development.

Showcasing the (ICC) as a sustainable expression of gathering space within an urban environment provides an opportunity to explore the typology of convention and building as landscape and the thresholds that define the paradigm of a building of this nature.

Why: The vision of the NMMM has been to ‘revitalise and re-engineer’ the inner city through urban renewal to turn Port Elizabeth into the focal point for growth in this region. Included in this mandate is the inner city redevelopment, the King’s Beach urban recreational development, a waterfront development and the relocation of the manganese ore facility and tank farm. This mandate to revitalise the city centre and surrounds include the implementation of projects such as an (ICC). This building will provides a catalyst for constructive future development and interest in retail, tourism, leisure, entertainment, office and residential. The ICC will create an element to connect urban fabric, thus presenting a starting point for a renewal development. An ICC will also generate interest within the area and set up a framework for a public node of activities supporting the ICC as well as a proposed waterfront development as developed by GAPP Architects and Urban Design.

5

preliminary

Where: The location used to demonstrate the physical aspects of this treatise is, that of Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Port Elizabeth as a city was chosen for two main reasons; 1. Port Elizabeth suffers from heavy disconnections within its city fabric. These have a direct reflection of the prosperity of the city with regards to its economics.

2. Previous, current and future projects which aim to rejuvenate and reconnect the inner city of Port Elizabeth have been established. Through this understanding, the author intends to meet pre-existing municipal visions, therefore proposed within an urban design intervention and included in thus proposal, a building with catalytic proportions. Such as a convention centre will pertain the physical aspects of this treatise.

How: This project will form part of a framework in the future development of a waterfront environment, contributing to a meaningful harbour front city fringe area which, in turn, will contribute towards a socio-economical uplift in the face of Port Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela Bay. The (ICC) will act as a catalyst in the first phase of development, reconnecting the urban fabric with a commercial corridor. Respecting existing heritage and opening up connecting possibilities towards activities, pedestrians and the CBD, this project amongst other building which are civic in nature, will act as beads or nodes along a string of commercial activity or, in a sense, the pedestrianfriendly stepping stones towards a successful connection. This urban intervention holistically will ultimately act as a catalyst for a bigger picture which forms the waterfront development in this harbour front environment as a whole.

Rationale, Aims and Objectives of the treatise

T

he purpose of this treatise is to do research specifically concerned with inner city contexts and the effect of Modernist ideologies within such contexts. The motivation behind this treatise is the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to be a part of the redevelopment of the harbour as a waterfront development, and to holistically add an asset to the city. Commercially reconnecting the cities fabric back to that of its historically rich CBD. Through the successful use of urban catalyst theories towards urban development.

A building type will be proposed to achieve the following: o o o o o o

A contemporary building in a city fringe urban waterfront environment; Revitalise a city centre suffering badly from urban decay; Introduce an environment which will reconnect activity towards the CBD; Design a prestigious structure with international standard facilities; Achieve a unique sense of place through genius loci; and Develop a new typology for a gathering space as a convention centre.

The overall aim of this treatise is to provide a solution towards the identified problem which Port Elizabeth sees itself, through its disconnection. The premise is to create a platform for an urban development along the lines of the NMMM vision for an inner city urban renewal. Supporting such and being a resultant through which the implementation of catalytic natured building as a supporting project within an urban scheme. To therefore strengthen the proposed platform for the urban development, implemented on a three (3) stage basis. The initial stage to commence to intently generate revenue to further support the intervention towards the waterfront development.

A building such as the design of an ICC for Nelson Mandela Bay is proposed in order to solidify a framework towards this urban intervention. The proposed building acts as a stepping stone towards the notion to reconnect an urban fabric through a public nodal corridor of activity. The convention centre will act as a catalyst, providing a positive meeting place for the city and therefore becoming an identity towards Nelson Mandela Bay and Port Elizabeth.

In realistically achieving the aim outlined in this treatise, that being of a reconnection. The researcher positions himself within the context by taking the existing harbour conditions as they are today. The previously proposed MBDA future development plan needs to be kept in mind as a vision towards a waterfront development, plugging into this connecting corridor, and further reconnecting activity towards the seafront. The identification of the possible constraints and informants expresses this disconnection within a city fringe space. Where by provides a set of urban informants towards this identified city fringe spaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possibility by the careful analysis and understanding of the disconnecting nature of the space. This possible reconnection of activities towards the CBD, would further financially be the contributing factor to accelerate and fund the relocation of the manganese ore facility and tank farm, and furthermore to develop a waterfront, filling the gap of what was the industrial city harbour of Port Elizabeth.

An international convention centre as typology presents a suitable meeting place for an urban gathering space that becomes the stepping stone to the reconnection of commercial and leisure activities to a historically significant CBD. The nature of the building will express a new identity for Port Elizabeth, as it becomes a platform which is set against a future vision for Nelson Mandela Bay as a better connected urban fabric.

preliminary

6

As a building of this nature, which has been for many years generally unsustainable. In recent years’ sustainable techniques have been implemented and as such, the adoption of these principles have changed the face of the convention industry today. To further maintain this image of sustainability and to further discover a new typology, becoming the ideology of what convention is as a building for time to come. This provides an opportunity in bearing an image for sustainability at a civic level. The nature of the proposed site, which has been identified as a positive city fringe space that fills the disconnecting void of space between Humerail and the existing harbour precincts edge. A sustainable approach towards a building and public space, provides a positive impact on its immediate and surrounding context, through a positive involvement of public activity, enforcing a positive social condition. This proposed site condition presents a suitable location for this new high-tech multi-purpose conference centre which will support local sustainable principles and design methods, holistically contributing towards a sustainable vision for Port Elizabeth’s future developments.

7

preliminary

Objectives to be achieved: To be a key catalyst project for development; To create a place for social and cultural gathering; To create a venue for exhibition and interaction; To create interactive spaces and landscaping to generate public interest;  To create a landmark through contemporary architectural features;  To explore how an international convention centre (ICC) proves beneficial for urban growth; and  To create a sense of place in a city fringe space.    

Section _ ii

Research Discourse

Methodology Introduction

T

he methodology towards the development of this treatise will be conducted in a series of steps. The first stage will be extensive research pertaining to the feasibility of an international convention centre within the NMB context. As such, interviews will be conducted with CTICC management, WBHO and Grant Thornton, with regards to the current development proposal. Furthermore, an investigation will be conducted into documentation pertaining to the feasibility of such a project.

Conclusions will be derived, by the fulfilment in providing the necessary answers and outcomes to a set of research questions, through which sets the framework for the lens through which this research methodology will be constructed by the researcher.

Research question(s) o o o o o

Convention as a building for a gathering space within a city and the need and search for a new typology?

The effect of urban sprawl on industrial cities towards modernist city planning?

Genius loci, what is a sense of place and how this can be achieved?

Sustainable responses to convention centres?

Urban connection and reconnection?

Research design A sequential argument to inform the design process will conclude the treatise document by qualitative means of primary and secondary research method(s), through a-contextual and contextual exploration. This is a process through which the collection and analysis of research material are conducted through a set of systems or method(s) towards the fulfilment of overall objectives which have been set in place, in order to achieve a complete understanding of the overall approach. The approach will then be applied towards developing a research paradigm, to be inherently utilised in developing the end product (building).

The research methodology used in the development of this treatise document will be done through a systematic approach to the method(s) or step(s): Firstly, a feasibility study will be conducted for a convention centre within the proposed context whereby various interviews will be conducted.

Secondly, an investigation will be conducted through research documentation pertaining to that of the architectural and theoretical aspects of a convention centre, by means of a literature study utilising qualitative research method(s).

Thirdly, a collection of the raw, unprocessed data will be analysed and interpreted in order to identify valid issues pertaining to the development of a convention centre and supporting theoretical discourses.

Furthermore, a literature survey will be conducted. The established objectives will provide the researcher with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and overall approach towards the building as an end product.

preliminary

8

o o

o o

o

9

The literature study will be conducted by the researcher, utilising qualitative research method(s).

The literature survey will consist of a: physical site analysis and observations; a document analysis; studio design critiques with the designated design master(s); the use of online information; articles; past treatise documentation; source literature and through arranged interviews with various relevant organisations and departments.

This process of research will be conducted as an unstructured approach, which is circular in nature, towards a research exploration.

Through qualitative measures, the researcher will explore an empirical strategy towards pure applied research method(s) on primary and secondary data which will outline valid issues and concerns, which are drawn from the findings.

In order to further understand all issues, theoretically and have inferences and observations drawn from the understanding towards the main issue outlined in this treatise. The researcher will hope to achieve a holistic understanding of the overall objectives presented.

Allowing the researcher to empirically arrive at a research paradigm and distinctive intervention strategy as a working hypothesis.

preliminary

Conclusion Collectively this is an investigation towards the creation of unique spaces with the intent towards a sense of place, to an understood disconnection to an urban city fabric, as a theoretical arrival towards a resolution to a new paradigm of convention typology, by sustainably establishing genius loci.

In the outcome of the proposed investigation, the researcher hopes to achieve and devise an intervention strategy, which will generate informants towards a design response. The researcher aims to achieve sound approaches in the direction through the analysis of the investigation, in order to arrive at a suitable working hypothesis for this treatise, through which the best-suited outcome (building) is established as a solution towards the issue outlining this design treatise.

preliminary

10

Chapter 02

Research and Investigation [a-contextual]

Part B (Why) of the document establishes the BUILDING. Presented to the reader convention centres and the problems regarding an introverted ‘place’ followed by the idea of a new paradigm through dynamic, meaningful gathering ‘space’

research and investigation

12

Section _ i

Introducing the meeting industry

Introduction The following section of this treatise is the starting point of this argument. It provides the reader with the basic understanding of the meeting industry, from its inception to its current position within the 21st century. It examines why there is a need for such an industry and how this industry, supporting convention centres can benefit a city. The local industry, the need for such an industry and furthermore the need for an internationally standard convention facility within Nelson Mandela Bay will also be discussed.

Evolution of the meeting industry

P

eople have been gathering for centuries in towns and cities, with spaces always existing for congregation of the masses. In ancient Rome, numerous buildings were especially used for holding debates and meetings. The Roman Forum, a public square located in the centre of a city, was used for public discussion, judicial matters, and other business. Political debates and historical speeches were held at the Rostra, while meetings of the Senate took place at the Comitium. However, only now in the past two centuries, were the foundations for the modern convention industry laid. The industry has established a prominent status as a building type within our society.

Figure 1: Pantheon, Rome.

Many terms used in the convention industry today are based on Latin terms, for example, ‘conference’ stems from the medieval conferential (‘to bring together’), and ‘auditorium’ originates from auditorius (‘place to hear’) (Thompson, 1995) The best known examples of such spaces of the ancient world, which are still evident today, are the Agora of Athens which was the centre of the ancient Greek city (5th century BC), the Roman Forum (7th century BC) and the Colosseum. It was from these spaces, primarily the agora, and forum, that during the time of the industrial revolution and the advances in technology, there was a shift from having meetings in outdoor public spaces to more internal environments, showcasing such technologies. The city/town halls at this stage served as convention centres.

Figure 2: Plan of the Agora at the height of its development.

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research and investigation

Figure 4: The Roman Forum ruins.

Figure 3: The Colosseum.

This changed again in the 1950s to- 1960s with the growth of the meeting industry. As such, more spacious venues were required, such as fairgrounds, stadiums, expo halls and, finally, convention centres.

Technology over the past half century has continued to develop especially the new forms of communication (digital media) which have been developed. This, in turn, has changed manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements towards the meeting industry and the way convention centres are meant to function. These technologies are constantly evolving and therefore so will the convention centre.

Figure 5: Plan of the roman Forum.

Figure 6: Qatar National Convention Centre, by Yamasaki Architects 2011.

Figure 8: Kaiser Convention Centre, Oakland Civic Auditorium circa 1917.

Figure 7: Roman forum (old image).

research and investigation

14

When did the convention typology begin?

A convention is defined in the Oxford Dictionary (2015); as a large meeting or conference, especially of members of a political party or a particular profession or group.

The most common conventions are based upon industry, profession, and the followers of such. Trade conventions typically focus on a particular industry or industry segment, and feature keynote speakers, vendor displays, and other information and activities of interest to the event organisers and attendees. Professional conventions focus on issues of concern to the profession and advancements in the profession. Such conventions are generally organised by societies dedicated to promotion of the topic of interest (definitions.net, 2015).

In 1851, when the Industrial Revolution was at its peak in Great Britain, it was decided to celebrate its achievements by constructing a temporary structure for the event in Hyde Park, London called The Great Exhibition. The theme was manifest in the design of the structure, an engineering and architectural triumph.

Designed by Joseph Paxton, this primarily cast-iron and glass structure was called The Crystal Palace. The building provided exhibition space for more than 14 000 international exhibitors. The Crystal Palace established an architectural standard for later international fairs and exhibitions that, likewise, were housed in glass conservatories and a series of World Fair exhibitions and this saw the beginnings of the convention centre as we know it today.

Figure 10: View of Crystal Palace.

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research and investigation

Figure 9: Inside the Crystal Palace.

Figure 11: The crystal Palace, artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawing.

Types of meeting spaces -

Seminar, Training, or Workshop

These could be lectures, presentations and/or open dialogues which allow participants to share experiences in a particular field under the guidance of an expert discussion leader or trainer. This formalised training is provided to attendeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in order to deliver instruction on a specific topic or range of topics which increases the attendeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge, skills, and competencies. This could be either open to the general public or closed to invited guests only. The event should take place within a dedicated event venue.

-

Forum or Symposium

A forum is an event consisting of an open discussion format with an audience, a panel and a moderator. A meeting or part of a meeting is set aside for an open discussion by recognised participants on subjects of public interest. The event should take place within a dedicated event venue.

-

Colloquium

Figure 12: The inside of an Auditorium/Concert Hall.

This is a programme in which participants determine the matter to be discussed and the leader constructs the programme around the most frequently mentioned problems. Meetings of this kind have equal emphasis on instruction and discussion.

-

Conference

A participatory meeting designed for discussion, fact finding, problem solving and consultation is known as a conference. It can also be an event used by any organisation to meet and exchange views, convey a message, open a debate or give publicity to some area of opinion on a specific issue. No tradition, continuity or periodicity is required to convene a conference. Although not generally limited in time, conferences are usually of short duration with specific objectives. Conferences are generally on a smaller scale than congresses.

Figure 13: Event held within an exhibition hall.

-

Congress

1. Firstly, this can be the regular coming together of large groups of individuals, generally to discuss a particular subject. A congress will often last several days and have several simultaneous sessions. The length of time between congresses is usually established in advance of the implementation stage, and can be either pluri-annual or annual. Most international or world congresses are of the former type while national congresses are more frequently held annually. (International congress and convention association, ICCA, 2013).

2. Secondly, a congress can also be a meeting of an association of delegates or representatives from constituent organisations. research and investigation

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Convention

An event where the primary activity of the attendees is to attend educational sessions, participate in meetings/discussions, socialise, or attend other organized events is known as a convention. There is a secondary exhibit (exhibition) component.

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Meeting

1. A meeting is a gathering of two or more people that has been convened for the purpose of achieving a common goal through verbal interaction, such as sharing information or reaching agreement.

2. A meeting is also an event where the primary activity of the attendees is to attend educational sessions, participate in meetings/ discussions, socialise, or attend other organised events. There is no exhibit (exhibition) component to this event.

Source: Definition of terms exhibition and convention sector, Saudi exhibition & convention bureau, (secb.gov.sa)

Figure 14: Types of meeting spaces.

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Why is there a need for a meeting space and by whom?

The main factor that contributes to the continuing demand for meetings and meeting spaces is the need for communication through a physical reading, particularly from those who are involved with problem solving and innovation to exchanging ideas, thoughts or views a matter.

The conference industry is a dynamic industry which is growing and maturing at a rapid rate. From its origins in Europe and North America, it is now a truly international industry, witnessing huge investments across all continents. Its youthfulness, however, does mean that it lacks some of the necessary characteristics of more established industries, such as well-defined terminology, adequate market intelligence, appropriate education and training structures and clear entry routes. Conferences are part of the business tourism (or business events) sector, a major though often under-valued sector of the wider tourism industry.

Public conferences and meetings are the most suitable medium to exchange ideas, open up debates and solve social, political, cultural and economic issues.

The main purposes of conference and meeting spaces are to: o o o o o o

Conduct an organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business; Give new information to delegates; Exchange ideas; Meet socially with colleagues; Train; and Solve problems

Figure 15: Port Elizabeth tourist attractions.

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Exhibition venues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The global situation

Source, The global association of the exhibition industry, the role of exhibitions in the marketing mix, n.d:37 (8 UFI (http://www.ufi.org/media/publicationspress/2007_ufi_world_map_of_exhibition_venues.pdf)

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How and why can a city benefit from conventions?

Conventions represent a special form of tourism with a high degree of ecological differentiation from the host society. The encapsulation of conventioneers in highly planned convention activity creates an intrusion-reaction response from the host city - particularly when the convention reaches a size threshold that makes it a mega-event. Conventions can be analytically distinguished from conferences and the characteristics of conventions as mega-events can be identified.

The prime benefit to a region is the direct impact that this industry has on a country`s tourism and economic sector. Forming part of the tourism sector, the convention industry is one of the sectors which yield the highest per capita expenditure from conference visitors when compared to tourists in general.

The main periods of demand are also during intermediary seasons, outside peak times for leisure tourism.

This helps to sustain the economy during this time. This type of industry is also a relatively stable one, and organisation and marketing are fairly simple when compared to other sectors of tourism.

There are also secondary benefits which arise, namely the establishment of businesses and job creation owing to the hosting of conventions and conferences.

This develops the local economy of a region even further. The holding of conventions can also make the region an international holiday destination if successful. Finally, one of the other benefits of a convention centre is that it does not have just one use. It is multifunctional and can be used for a wide range of activities, from meetings, to concerts and trade shows, in fact, practically anything that involves the gathering of groups of people.

Figure 16: Entrance (Convention) CTICC.

A convention centre is more than just a space for large conferences and exhibitions: it houses a variety of other functions and activities: o It is an information hub for the city and for the tourists that showcases the indigenous culture and characteristics of a region; o It is a business centre that offers various facilities to meet any business need; and o It is a vibrant gathering of restaurants, coffee shops and lounge areas where delegates and the public can meet and converse.

Figure 17: Tourism spending in South Africa, (Source, Tourism satellite account for South Africa, 2013, <http://www.statssa.gov.za/>

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Convention centres are places where people from across the globe meet and therefore they cannot be seen as massive sheds that house events, but rather as places where architecture and people meet and interact with one another. With the progress of transport and ease of movement between continents and countries, cities around the world have recognised the need for certain sectors of public to come together in an environment which allows them to interact physically.

Conventions tend to be large scale events, varying in attendance from 500 delegates up to 10,000 and more. At times different activities might occur simultaneously.

Throughout the history of architecture, a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status was directly linked to civic spaces and buildings it possessed.

Today, there is the increasing realisation that conventions can bring a city major economic upliftment, but the structures which host those events are problematic in their introverted nature, for the evolving manner in which we need and utilise space today.

Figure 18: How a convention centre can benefit a city. (The global association of the exhibition industry, the role of exhibitions in the marketing mix, n.d:33).

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The South African conference industry South Africa’s conference and exhibition industry is fast becoming one of the country's most important industry sectors, attracting foreign visitors and investment. South Africa is currently the world’s 22nd most popular location for the holding of events and has a 2.5 per cent market share, with this situation being expected to improve with the commissioning of new conference centres in major cities. Although there is healthy competition within the industry, South African cities often cooperate with one another when tendering for an international event in order to boost the national industry and benefit the country as a whole.

In 2001 more than 1900 exhibitions were held in the country, creating 246 000 jobs and contributing R17.4 billion to the economy. The high-profile World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 alone, earned the country R8 billion (Exhibitions, Trade Shows and Conferences in South Africa - Conferences and Exhibitions, 2015).

Figure 19: Venues and capacities in South Africa.

Long regarded as the underachiever in the global economic scene, Africa has over the past decade made huge strides toward becoming a strong player on the world stage. Boasting an economic growth rate that hovers around an impressive 6 per cent, the continent has caught the attention of investors from the West and the East. With continually improving infrastructure and service levels, Africa is also an attractive destination for international associations looking for new venues for conferences and opportunities to grow their membership.

Burton (2013) urges any conference organisers and international associations to take note of the key trends impacting the African conference industry today.

“With a combined economy that is expected to grow to $2.6 trillion by 2020 and widespread economic and political stability, Africa is alive with possibilities. And with more than a billion people, it offers international associations a largely untapped market for growing their membership base. By being aware of these key trends, and by partnering with a knowledgeable company that can help them successfully navigate the intricacies of hosting conferences on African soil, international associations stand to establish a strong footprint on the continent. While most developed nations struggle to overcome the challenges of a global recession, Africa offers an attractive alternative to the traditional European and North American markets, one that associations ignore at their peril.” (Burton, 2013:2).

Figure 20: SAACI - Southern Africa Association for the conference industry (logo).

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Africa may be in the midst of an economic boom and, like China and India, not putting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices at the top of the list of priorities. Any entrant to the African market must display its commitment to the long-term growth and development of the local communities, as well as take steps to preserve the often pristine natural environment, according to Burton (2013) According to the South African Conference, Exhibition and Events Guide (2013), there are currently 1,566 listed conference venues in South Africa,of which some are: Durban ICC, Cape Town ICC, Sandton ICC and East London ICC. A further estimated one hundred or more venues exist which are not yet registered.

Together, the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provide 72 per cent of the country’s conference facilities.

Figure 23: CTICC - Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Figure 22: Durban International Convention Centre.

Figure 21: Figure 23: East London Convention Centre.

Business tourism is still very much in its infancy in South Africa, but is already estimated to support around 250 000 jobs. The sector, including domestic and inbound business, is worth around R21 billion, according to Rick Taylor, one of the country’s leading business tourism consultants. International conferences alone contribute R951 million to South Africa’s gross domestic product, while creating 12 000 jobs. South Africa achieved 28th place in the International Union of Architects (UIA) rankings in 2005, and 32nd place in the ICCA rankings. The ICCA data also shows South Africa hosting some 44 per cent of Africa’s total international meetings and conventions in 2005.

Figure 24: Sandton Convention Centre.

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The conference industry in Nelson Mandela Bay According to the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Board, the conference industry is rapidly growing across the Bay. Nelson Mandela Bay is capable of handling and hosting major events such as conferences, team-building, corporate and private events and is currently blooming as an international destination for conferencing owing to its white beaches, wildlife and nature, entertainment, arts and culture, wellness and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarkable history.

If architects are to be seen affecting social, economic, urban and aesthetic prosperity, they need to get themselves co-opted by those patrons with a similar mandate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; local government. Two recent developments in the windy city of Port Elizabeth hold promise for the realisation of such lofty goals: The Interim Development Plan released by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) and the establishment of the Madiba Bay Development Agency (MBDA). The following is an attempt to carve a project from the deluge of 'challenges': In order to host international events, the building should comply with current international standards regarding structure, layout and technical facilities. A conference centre must also provide adequate services and ensure that staff possesses the required experience and skills to enable events to run efficiently and safely.

Figure 25: Analysis of conference venues by number and type in NMB. (Conference and conventions, 2008)

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The constraints of present conference facilities within Nelson Mandela Bay There are ten (10) conference venues with a reasonable calibre in the immediate area of Nelson Mandela Bay and its CBD, with a capacity of 100 or more delegates and exhibition space to match. These centres are listed below: (Tourism master plan, 2007:17): 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Feather Market Hall International Convention Centre at The Boardwalk NMMU Main Building Conference Facility and Auditorium NMMU North Campus Conference Centre Summerstrand Hotel Conference Centre EC Training Centre Pine Lodge Resort & Conference Centre King Edward Hotel and Conference Centre Centenary Hall Protea Marine Hotel

1100 1700 1526 160 340 1500 500 700 2000 200

pax pax pax pax pax pax pax pax pax pax

Most conference centres in Nelson Mandela Bay have one or more of the following constraints: o o o o o o o o

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Limited or no catering facilities; Problems in respect of ceiling height and soundproofing; Inflexibility, i.e. lack of rapid configuration potential. Few centres can rapidly adapt in one day from a conference to a launch or fund-raising function; Lack of multipurpose potential; Lack of technology, i.e. press room, translator booths, electronic delegate participating/voting system, delegate microphones; Lack of parking; Lack of proximity to accommodation facilities; and Perception of crime (particularly in respect of the inner city).

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Figure 26: Conference facilities within Nelson Mandela Bay.

Figure 27: Conferencing facilities Port Elizabeth. (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Tourism master plan, 2007:17)

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Why is there a need for a conference industry in Nelson Mandela Bay? ICCs are more consistent with the concerns (and aspirations) of local residents: Few people like to see ‘their’ city seen as simply a playground for non-resident partiers, but that is the unfortunate reputation a few heavily visited cities have secured for themselves. How much better to have your home regarded as a venue for events that bring together global expertise for serious deliberations – particularly when these complement your own aspirations for future economic and social development.

ICCs can be used to support economic policy in priority areas: Conferences and conventions focus global attention on the host community and associate it with the topics being addressed. When those areas are related to local priorities for economic and social development, the host city has an opportunity to position itself and its related industries and institutions on a global stage – and to make a statement about its own commitments and intentions in key sectors to an audience of potential supporters and investors.

ICCs enhance city exposure and image: Major events attract global attention – whether within a specialised audience or when the world as a whole is watching what is happening.

This raises city profile and prestige, particularly when the achievements of a hosted group relate to the policy objectives of local government.

Figure 30: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

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Figure 28: Koega Harbour.

Figure 29: Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has identified a need for a conference/convention centre for Pot Elizabeth and this has been approved as part of the ‘Vision 2020 Projects’. The establishment of a conference centre was identified as a priority to draw both local and international people to the city as a main venue for conferences.

With the newly built and successful convention centres in Cape Town, Durban, East London and Johannesburg, the demand for venues to host conferences have increased dramatically for both local and international delegates. Furthermore, our climate, the CBD’s accessibility from the airport and its architectural richness and tranquil beaches contribute to the fact that it is a well suited city for such a facility.

As mentioned, there are around ten respectable conference venues in Port Elizabeth. A problem is that they suffer many architectural and functional weaknesses. There is a definite need for a well accessible conference venue in the inner city to serve not only people coming from out of town, but for people working in all the government departments along Govan Mbeki Avenue and around the Market Square. It should be available for both private and government uses.

Figure 31: Drawing illustrating Earthworks Landscape Architects proposed urban redevelopment plan of King's Beach. (Source: http://elastudio.co.za/projects/kings-beach-redevelopment/)

Is there a need for such an internationally standard facility in Nelson Mandela Bay? Port Elizabeth has been planning to construct a R400-million international conference centre, according to the Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

(Percci, 2004). The development will have an undercover area of 12,730 sq.m, which will include a plenary hall with 900 retractable seats, 20 breakaway rooms, public areas, a concourse and a parking area. A multipurpose area to be built behind the plenary hall can be used for the staging of exhibitions.

According to Percci President Phil Gutshe (2004), while the harbour is central to the development of Port Elizabeth, bureaucracy is blocking the centre’s development at the harbour from all sides. A prefeasibility study, completed by Grant Thornton Kessel Feinstein, indicates that the centre is viable. The study shows that about 1,617 conferences are held in Port Elizabeth each year, and of these, 20 are international, 762 national and the rest are local.

Madiba Bay Development Agency (MBDA), based on the development agencies of Sweden and France, was established in December 2000 to co-ordinate a range of projects that would ‘reinvent’ the inner metro area to make it pleasant to visit and valuable to invest in. Apart from an as yet unprepared Redevelopment Master Plan for the demarcated area, the agency has been set the following goals that pertain to the current investigation: removal of the oil tank farm; removal of

Reasons for creating/supplying purpose-built conference venues o o o o o o o o o

To meet market demand;  Based on previous demand.

To attract business in off-peak times; To attract high levels of delegate spending; To generate economic gains for the local community; To increase hotel bookings and occupancies; To increase employment opportunities; Other towns/destinations have added conference facilities  Due to private sector investment.

To enhance urban image; To develop ruined urban areas  Due to local government investment.

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the manganese ore loading facility; removal of the Settler's Freeway; the development of a comprehensive public transport system and facilities; the location of the Nelson Mandela Freedom Statue; the rehabilitation of the Lower Baakens River valley; the redefinition of the role of the existing harbour and its railway stations (main line and Apple Express); attracting public, private and international funding and partnership; Govan Mbeki Avenue, CBD, Strand street urban design and redevelopment; Lower Baakens River valley Main railway station King's Beach redevelopment; and establishing a civic character in the metropolitan area. Furthermore, the agency should be self-funding and as financially independent as possible within a short period of time. Lastly the agency must ensure effective and sustainable urban development and reverse urban decay in the demarcated area. A secondary role of the agency is that it will become “…a major source of income for the municipality. The projects are therefore primarily focused on being reliable sources of income”. (8Linkd.2010).

Figure 32: Proposed illustrated for the waterfront environment for Port Elizabeth. (Source: http://ports.co.za/news/article_2009_05_5_5258.html)

Nelson Mandela Bay’s long-standing vision of a waterfront in the Port of Port Elizabeth is moving ever closer, albeit quietly, to becoming reality. Cities seek places of public enjoyment. They want a waterfront where there is ample visual and physical public access - all day, all year - to both the water and the land. Cities also want a waterfront that serves more than one purpose: they want it to be a place to work and to live, as well as a place to play. In other words, they want a place that contributes to the quality of life in all of its aspects - economic, social, and cultural.

The provincial government has allocated R3.6-million for the Mandela Bay Development Agency to develop the business case, while Transnet are doing their own study on the best future use of the land.

A waterfront development has the potential to boost the city’s tourism industry significantly. The progress made over the past three years on the relocation of the tank farm and manganese ore terminal from the Port Elizabeth Harbour, with a view to the eventual development of a waterfront, has been the result of a strong collaborative partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, the Coega Development Corporation, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Mandela Bay Development Agency, working together and engaging with Transnet with a long-term vision of reaping the economic and tourism benefits of this key node for the city as a whole.

Figure 33: GAPP urban development proposal as a mandate.

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“We have commitment that the tank farm lease will not be renewed when it expires in 2014, and that the manganese will be moved from 2017. “Till who gods know ehen “This is only through the strength of the partnership and by maintaining pressure on the issue.” Joint lobbying efforts have resulted in Coega being favoured as the site for the country’s new manganese export channel, rather than Saldanha as initially envisaged by Transnet. This has important positive implications for the regional economy, including the upgrading of rail linkages to the Coega IDZ which are critical for ensuring that our region is connected to the interior and the rest of the country (Hustler, 2012).

Conclusion Identification of the challenges facing the establishment of an international conference centre in NMB The aim is to provide an environment which is capable of hosting major events (which serve different functions, public realms and activities) in a set-up which is comfortable, easy-adaptable, interactive within its context and can function 24/7 whether an event takes place or not.

Challenges established: o The scale of convention centres tends to be very large. As such, they have very little relation to the human scale. Added to this, their size also has a massive impact on their urban surroundings; o Convention centres are regarded as being flexible buildings. They are, however, only flexible to the extent of increasing or reducing the size of modularised spaces within them; o Convention centres are known to be very dynamic, active buildings where people meet. This dynamism only occurs, though, when the building is in use. When the building is not in use, it becomes a large introverted shed with closed off boxes within. Thus the name: â&#x20AC;&#x153;a box with docksâ&#x20AC;?; o Owing to their scale, these buildings are unsustainable structures as they rely very much on artificial lighting and ventilation. They also have massive footprints, thus affecting the local environment to a large degree; o Convention centres are huge investment projects that increase in size over time.

They are also very uneconomical buildings as they only generate income during events; and o Convention centres are known to be destination buildings. The implication of this is that they tend not to cater for the general public, but only for parts of it.

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Section _ ii

Study of public gathering space

Introduction The previous section has established the issues regarding the conference industry and the challenges and need for such a facility within Nelson Mandela Bay. Section B will further provide the reader with an understanding and meaning of a gathering space and its position within our cities compared to that of a traditional city. The reader will be lead to understand the fundamentals in creating successful places to gather or meet, and therefore the effect of such spaces have on a building and its response.

A convention centre is regarded as a flexible gathering space thus the importance of the understanding of gathering spaces and further directly focusing these issues on the establishment of a convention centre typology.

What is a public gathering space?

What is space?

The Collins Dictionary (2015) defines space as: an extent or expanse of a surface or threedimensional area: Space is defined philosophically as the ‘possibility of being together’.

What is a public space?

“Public spaces are all places publicly owned or of public use, accessible and enjoyable by all for free and without a profit motive.” (Global toolkit for public space, UN-Habitat, 2012)

T Figure 34: Public gathering space, as square.

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he definition captures the spirit and essence of ‘public space’. The essence of public space as a common good implies its accessibility to all with no direct cost to the user, and also its spirit of ‘public service’ without any purpose other than contributing to the overall quality of urban life. The term ‘place’ is used to allude to the inherent quality all good public spaces should possess, and also because some veritable public spaces, like public libraries, cannot be properly defined as ‘spaces’.

Both publicly and privately owned public spaces are contemplated, although public ownership often guarantees more stable access and enjoyment over time. The absence of a profit motive is an integral part of the definition because many privately operated open spaces and facilities are subject

to restrictions not governed by the community and are created, rather than for the benefit of all city users, to attract consumers.

A gathering place is any place where people are able to congregate. It is important to identify the geographic, demographic, and social characteristics of the public space.

Public space has traditionally been a shared social space that theoretically belongs to everyone, and serves as a place to gather and to meet, both friends and strangers. Lofland defines public space as follows: "...those areas of a city to which, in the main, all persons have legal access. I refer to the city's street, its parks, and its places of public accommodation. I refer to its public buildings or to the "public sectors" of its private buildings. Public space may be distinguished from private space in that access to the latter may be legally restricted. A private club may deny access to all but its members and invited guests. A home owner or tenant may legally lock his door to the unwanted visitor. But a city may not restrict entrance to a public street." (Lofland, 1998:19).

The change in public spaces within a city This depicts as the following diagram shows, the morphological changes in a classic industrial city. Port Elizabeth has established itself as a port industrial city. This is a good representation of the Port Elizabeth and its change. The decentralisation of activities away from the city centre, establishing a metropole and enclaves of space; From a traditional city centre, to an abandoned city centre.

Figure 35: The transformation to a classic industrial city 1850-1945

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A look into the change in public space from the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the 21st century meeting spaces.

Over a period of fifty decades, the cities have changed owing to the influence of technology and the introduction of the motor car. Interactive meeting spaces and places changed from being a central gathering place and interactive market street to a pedestrian shopping mall, leaving the streets and public spaces empty.

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Figure 36: The 21st Century Public Space as described in Public Spaces Public Life. (Gehl. 1987)

When comparing street scenes from the turn of the previous century with present-day street scenes, an obvious change in the volume and character of public life stands out. In the bustling street scenes from around 1900 nearly all people are engaged in some type of necessary activities. People are present because they have to be, regardless of whether quality is provided or not. Use of public spaces was an important part of daily life, and the spaces were filled to overflowing with all kinds of activities, and in the process the public spaces also functioned as meeting places for people.

These types of streets scenes – filled with people using public space out of necessity – are still to be found in many countries with less developed economies.

Street scenes from our present-day society show a distinctly different use pattern. Far fewer people use public spaces out of necessity. Some walking to and from work or using public transport would be in this category, but many others have alternative options for transport for reaching services and for shopping. Services can be arranged over the Internet and shopping accomplished in the same way or in privatised out-of-town shopping centres.

The evolution of public spaces has led to the following: o

Car spaces to people spaces.

Figure 37: People dominated spaces, high activity and use of the bicycle as a mode of transport.

o

In the past the vehicle was more prominent. Now the introduction of streets instead of roads sees mankind becoming more prominent. Human activity is promoted where shops/activities are pulled onto the street edges, increasing dynamic interaction in urban recreational spaces.

Shopping space to gathering spaces.

The overall picture of the present-day public space scenes reveals that most of the people are present not because they have to be, but because they want to be; because the public spaces continue to offer valuable opportunities for people in present-day society. The optional character of most public life activities in present-day cities places very high demands on the quality offered by public spaces. If the quality is missing, people will not use the spaces. However, evidence from all over the world points to the fact that, if the quality is there – if the public spaces are well placed, well designed and inviting – people will use them. Thus, if lively, attractive and safe cities with active streets, squares and parks are to be realized in the 21st century, good quality for the pedestrian activities is vital.

Spaces and squares are created within cities and the inner cities by the revitalising of the edging to these spaces and where people have space to gather. These form an interactive, connected buzz of activity, improving the image of the city and drawing people back to the ‘streets’.

Figure 38: Street as shopping space.

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A short visual journey through time helps understand the change of space and need up and until 2000 concluding what constitutes the 21st century gathering and meeting place.  Traditional city public spaces

Figure 39: Traditional city spaces.

 The invaded city spaces – 1950s

Figure 40: Invaded city spaces.

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 Abandoned city public space – 1970s

Figure 41: Abandoned city spaces.

 The reinstated city space – 1980s

Figure 42: Reinstated city spaces.

What is meaning of public space now? The public space which was formed around buildings was concerned about the quality of space and not the quantity. Where the space is pedestrian focused and promotes dynamic positive interaction, the type public space and building formed can be classified as: Public space as connection place; Public space as market space; and Public space as meeting space. research and investigation

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Traditional spaces vs 21st century modern public spaces Faced with the empty public spaces in many new developments, as well as the more or less abandoned mistreated existing city streets, one may well ask whether access to public space as a meeting place for people is at all meaningful in the present day electronic age and privatised societies, with people living further and further apart, using still more square meters per person, and in smaller and smaller households. Would not the abandoned and deserted public realm be a logical and acceptable answer to these new challenges? Can the digital, indirect world substitute the direct contact to other people and to the surrounding society? The multifaceted use of any public spaces of good quality will in itself be an answer to these questions. The universal finding is that whenever quality is provided, people come. Access to other people, to possibilities for experience and recreation among others is in high demand, and these opportunities have important roles for upholding or strengthening the overall policies for friendly, humane, open, democratic and safe societies.

Figure 44: Parma, figure-ground plan.

Figure 45: Le Corbusier: project for Saint-DiĂŠ, figure-ground plan. .

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Figure 43: Traditional and modern public spaces.

What makes a successful gathering space?

A public space may be a gathering spot or part of a neighbourhood, downtown, special district, waterfront, or other area within the public realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. Examples include spaces such as plazas, town squares, parks, market places, public commons and malls, public greens, piers, special areas within convention centres or grounds, sites within public buildings, lobbies, concourses, or public spaces within private buildings. As with all categories of Great Places, it is important to identify what sets a space apart from others spaces to qualify it for a Great Spaces designation. Public spaces must be at least 10 years old.

(Great public spaces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; characteristics and guidelines for designation. 2015, American planning association - APA) Website Editor, 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601.

Characteristics of a Great Public Space include the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Promotes human contact and social activities; Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all users; Has design and architectural features that are visually interesting; Promotes community involvement; Reflects the local culture or history; Relates well to bordering uses; Is well maintained; and Has a unique or special character.

Description of the Public Space 1. Where is the space located, and what is its setting?

(Downtown, neighbourhood, waterfront, city centre, business or entertainment districts, historic area, parks); 2. What role, if any, did plans and planning contribute to the creation of the space? For the allowance in the creation of the space, is there special zoning or ordinances?

3. How large is the area?

4. When was the space created?

Guidelines for Great Public Spaces o o o

o o o o

Features and elements (not all may apply): What landscape and hardscape features are present? How do they contribute to the unique or special nature of the space?

How does the space accommodate pedestrians or others whose access to the space is by transit, bicycles, or other means? Is the space welcoming to those with physical disabilities or others with special needs?

Does the space accommodate multiple activities?

What purpose does it serve for the surrounding community?

How does the space utilise existing topography, vistas, or geography? Does it provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, or other qualities?

How are murals or other public art incorporated into the space?

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Great public spaces are where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges take place, friends run into each other, and cultures mix. They are the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;front porchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of our public institutions - libraries, field houses, neighbourhood schools - where we interact with each other and government. When the spaces work well, they serve as a stage for our public lives.

Represented in the following diagram, the elements unpacked for the makings of great public spaces. o

Access and linkages.

o

Comfort and image.

o

Uses and activities.

o

Sociability.

Figure 46: Attributes of good public spaces (c) Project for Public Spaces (http://www.pps.org)

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More than just space - quality public spaces hold great benefits for cities (c) Project for Public Spaces (http://www.pps.org)

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What is the value of a public space in relationship to a public building?

Public spaces are dynamic spaces that counterpart the daily living places and routines of work and home life.

The presence of a public space addresses the need of people to interact in, and creates a breathing space for the building, where the public space can flow into the building, and vice versa, where the inside of the building can spill out onto the public space.

It is important that this outdoor space(s) (square) between the building and groups of buildings remains positive by using the buildings to shape and define the space rather than creating left-over spaces that remain as negative dead space. A degree of enclosure can be given to the spaces by surrounding the spaces with wings of buildings, trees, hedges, fences, arcades and trellised walks to create an entity with a positive quality that does not spill out indefinitely (Alexander, Ishikawer, Silverstein, 1997:106).

Figure 47: Building living out on to the public edge.

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Figure 48: Public space active towards building edge.

What is the function/meaning of a public gathering space to the city in a 21st century?

Public space is important in that it helps modern cities to live up to their potential as concentrations of many people of different backgrounds and interests. It is in public spaces that these citizens can meet and interact with others. It is important that such places be open so people can choose to be social according to their schedules and where no one has to be appointed host with subsequent responsibilities.

(Oldenburg: 1991.22).

The public space which was formed around buildings was concerned about the quality of space and not the quantity, where the space is pedestrian-focused and promoted dynamic positive interaction. Thus the types of public space and building formed can be classified as: Connection: market and meeting.

Figure 49: Market square as it is today, desolate vast open space, lost its sense of place.

Figure 50: Market Square in the old days, an inviting space.

Figure 51: Diagram illustrating a traditional town, enclave space and urban sprawl.

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How can active gathering spaces be achieved in the city?

Quality open spaces have been proven to help reduce insecurity and act as interventions aimed at improving public spaces call for a new approach through community participation. There is a need for greater individual, community and civil society involvement in reclaiming public spaces that have fallen in disrepair, and converting disused areas into active spaces, such as local public parks.

Shared public spaces encourage citizens to participate and become drivers in ensuring the attainment of safety.

Through public spaces, cities can promote more inclusive, convivial and safer places for their citizens, which as a consequence will reinforce social inclusion, community organisation and participation to prevent insecurity and violence.

The relationship between the build environment and urban space, the public space: This section looks at the different ways in which a positive space can be created towards a good gathering and meeting space in the city by looking where people feel comfortable and relevant principles: o o o o

Returning to the traditional urban space; Creating positive spaces; ‘Streets’ and ‘squares’; and Edge building effect.

“If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic.

If you plan for people and spaces, you get people and places.”

FRED KENT

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Return to traditional urban space By revisiting the traditional approach to space making, it has been identified that there is a need for the creation of positive, defined space focusing on the pedestrian rather than the automobile, as seen previously throughout the change of public spaces.

Figure 53: Traditional urban city grain of fabric Figure 48: Difference between Modern and traditional city. (Matthew Frederick, 101 Things I learned in architecture school, 2007, The MIT press, London)

Exploring a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical structure and traditional topologies of the urban space. One can study their figure-ground diagrams where the human nature, needs and climate are ignored, in order to formally understand the spaces they portray.

They are described the special predicament of the Modernist City as objects and textures floating in space, where buildings are sculptures standing freely in space and where in the Traditional City, there is a relationship between building and urban space. (Colin Row, 1960).

Figure 54: Morphology of city space, to an unwanted space.

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Creating positive spaces For all 'hard' urban spaces, three major space defining elements exist: the surrounding structures; the floor; and the imaginary sphere of the sky overhead which Zucker (1959) argues is usually perceived at three to four times the height of the tallest building. Enclosure and spatial containment must therefore be considered in both plan and vertical section.

Figure 55: Positive and negative space.

Figure 56: Creation of positive space. (Matthew Frederick, 101 Things I learned in architecture school, 2007, The MIT press, London).

Figure 57: Positive space created. (Llewellyn â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Davies, urban design compendium, English partnership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the housing corporation, n.d.).

The relationship between building and urban space is of high importance, and both share an equally important role. Spaces created by the building must be designed as interactive spaces, and not just merely left as left over spaces which cannot be utilised by the building or the pedestrian.

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The weakest definition of space typically occurs when buildings are organised in a long row or sited indiscriminately with no effort to co-ordinate relationships between them.

In these situations, the buildings are individual, unrelated elements surrounded by 'negative' space without containment or focus.

Building-to-building association can be strengthened by relating built forms and lines.

An alternative to the rigidity of a rectilinear layout is where some of the building masses are at varying angles to each other, introducing a degree of variety into the layout. When several buildings or urban blocks are clustered together in a more organised manner, 'positive' spaces can be created.

When the building walls turn the corner, keeping views within the central space, a much stronger sensation of enclosure is created.

If the whole space can be easily observed, it does not invite further involvement, the resulting space can have a richer quality, with a number of hidden or partially disguised subspaces creating a sense of 'mystery' or 'intrigue'.

Figure 58: Principles of spatial containment and enclosure (source: adapted from Booth, 1983).

As a simple urban space becomes more complex, there is a danger of it perceptually breaking apart into a disjointed series of separate spaces.

A dominant spatial volume helps establish a focus for the composition, the smaller subspaces being unable to compete with the major space.

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Street and square effect o

The Square

A 'square' usually refers to an area framed by buildings. A distinction should be made between squares primarily designed for grandeur and/or to exhibit a particular building, and those designed as 'people places'.

Many public spaces function as both, though if we judge one type in terms of the other, difficulties may arise. Spaces designed to show off a particular building or for certain civic functions, for example, may be unsuccessful as people places, but successful in their more formal roles.

Figure 59: City square conditions.

Figure 60: Square in section.

Figure 61: Active public square.

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o

The Street

Streets are linear three-dimensional spaces enclosed on opposite sides by buildings. They may or may not contain roads.

A 'street' is distinct from a 'road', the primary purpose of the latter being a thoroughfare for vehicular traffic. Street form can be analysed in terms of polar qualities, the combination of which gives scope for great diversity: visually dynamic or static; enclosed or open; long or short; wide or narrow; straight or curved; and with regard to the formality or informality of the architectural treatment. To these might be added considerations such as scale, proportion, architectural rhythm, and connections to other streets and squares.

Figure 49: Active street condition.

Figure 50: Section through different street conditions.

Figure 51: Street variations as sections.

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Square

Figure 52: Square vs Street.

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Street

The building edge effect Dead edge vs active edge ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Active building edge.

Figure 53: Poland, Krakow, Main square, active building edge.

ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Dead edge, building acting as an island within a large parking space.

Figure 54: Port Elizabeth, Greenacres shopping centre, defensible space.

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What is the meaning of public gathering spaces within NMB?

ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Public space as connection space; Govan Mbeki Avenue

Figure 55: Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elizabeth, street as connection.

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ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Public space as market space; The Boardwalk (formal) and Kings Beach market (informal)

Figure 56: Boardwalk, Port Elisabeth, public space as market space.

Figure 57: Kings Beach informal public space as market space.

ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Public space as meeting space; Market Square and Donkin Reserve

Figure 59: Public space as meeting space. Market Square.

Figure 58: Donkin Reserve as meeting space.

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Conclusion Identification of the following challenges facing gathering spaces in NMB: o o o o

Vast socially abandoned spaces; Spaces given preference to the vehicle rather than the pedestrian; Loss of identity to the spaces and their sense of place; and Socially inactive and unsuccessful as a gathering space.

Through the identification of issues facing NMB and its public gathering spaces, the researcher makes presumptions towards a theoretical approach: that the disconnected desolated spaces, having being occupied by the motor vehicle, have been rendered inactive. This inability to be socially active in these spaces leads to the loss of its sense of place, within a city space.

The need, therefore, is positive public spaces creation. This has lead the researcher towards the notion of positive public spaces, which, as established, are evidently lacking within the city structure of NMB. These positive, active and socially met traits in the making of positive space will be the lens through which this researcher will focus this treatise towards an outcome, thus being the manifestation of such meaningful positive spaces in which to gather and reconnect the urban fabric of the city.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.â&#x20AC;?

LOUIS KAHN

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Section _ iii The study of a sense of place Introduction “Genius loci literally means ‘genius of place’. It is used to describe places that are deeply memorable for their architectural and experiential qualities.” (D-Hansathit. 2012:9).

In classical Roman religion a genius loci was the protective spirit of a place.

T

he place phenomenon, according to Oxford Dictionary of Geography (2009), the word ‘place’ is defined as a specific point on the earth identifiable for a location in which human values were formed and grown. According to Webster's Dictionary of English (1828), in addition to the geographical concept, ‘place’ refers to the placement of individuals in society and in certain areas (social aspects of space). Place is part of space with specific value and meaning (MadaniPoor, 2000). Afsharnaderi (1998) thought that place is the result of interaction of the three components: Human behaviors, concepts, and physical features.

Creating a sense of place and vibrancy What is a sense of place?

A sense of place in architecture is about context as well as the identity or unique characteristics of a building or space that create meaning for an occupant. A sense of place can be derived by incorporating vernacular design elements, local materials and craftsmanship and connecting to the natural and cultural resources of a community. Sense of place has also been defined as people’s perceptions and experiences of an environment (Hummon, 1992: 235-278).

Creating a sense of place involves understanding how people develop place attachment and feel part of their physical and social environment. This attachment is often based on a community’s cultural response to the environment’s features, the role that a place plays in satisfying human needs, historical meanings and symbolism embedded in the location, and the possibilities for individuals and groups to identify with the space. This latter phenomenon is sometimes called place identity. Sense of place is believed to contribute to a social group’s caring and preservation for an environment.

Scale, materials and vernacular design elements all contribute to creating a sense of place. Genius loci, the recognition and expression of the spirit of a place, can help guide the development of a unique and memorable place. research and investigation

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What creates a sense of place (identity)?

A 'sense of place' Scale, materials and vernacular design elements all contribute to creating a sense of place.

Genius loci, the recognition and expression of the spirit of a place, can help guide the development of a unique and memorable place (Jellicoe, Jellicoe, Waymark, 1995).

A sense of place can be considered as the character or atmosphere of a place and the connection felt by people with that place. A positive sense of place is fundamental to a richer and more fulfilling environment. It comes largely from creating a strong relationship between the street and the buildings and spaces that frame it. A positive sense of place encompasses a number of aspects, most notably the streets: o o o

Local distinctiveness; Visual quality; and Potential to encourage social and economic activity.

Figure 60: Sense of place.

Place identity is a core concept in the field of environmental psychology which proposes that identities form in relation to environments. The term was introduced by environmental and social psychologists Proshansky, Fabian and Kaminoff, who argue that place identity is a sub-structure of a person’s self-identity, and consists of knowledge and feelings developed through everyday experiences of physical spaces. A sense of place identity derives from the multiple ways in which place functions to provide a sense of belonging, construct meaning, foster attachments, and mediate change. (Proshansky, Fabian, and Kaminoff, “Place-Identity” 1983).

Place makes memories cohere in complex ways. People’s experiences of the urban landscape intertwine the sense of place and the politics of space (Hayden, 1995).

Any consideration of place making begins with an understanding of what place is and why it is valued as an objective. Place can define a location, a personal relationship to an environment or act as a re-presentation of the spirit of the land and our unspoken communion with it. In the simplest terms ‘place is a space that has a distinct character’. At its most complex, it embodies the essence of a location, its community, spiritual beliefs, stories, history and aspirations.

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This essence or sense of place is its genius loci, its ‘place-ness’. Norberg-Schulz, (1980) defines the genius loci as what a thing or place is and also what it wants to be and reflects the focus of the first era of place making; that is, delivering place character, identity or meaning.

Placemaking is:  Community-driven  Visionary  Function before form  Adaptable  Inclusive  Focused on creating destinations  Context-specific  Dynamic  Trans-disciplinary  Transformative  Flexible  Collaborative  Sociable

Place making is “…the collaborative process of creating, enhancing and managing people focused places that reflect and respect the unique qualities of each location.” (PPS, what is place making, n.d.). This definition aims to be both a process diagram for our work and a synthesis of place making history, theory and best practice. It considers the uniqueness of each location, the values and aspirations of the community and it does not discount the economic rationale behind many of our projects. In fact, understanding the value proposition of any place making work is fundamental, whether the goal is economic, social, cultural or physical improvements (PPS, what is place making, n.d.).

Placemaking is not:  Top-down  Reactionary  Design-driven  A blanket solution or quick fix  Exclusionary  Car-centric  One-size-fits-all  Static  Discipline-driven  One-dimensional  Dependent on regulatory controls  A cost/benefit analysis  Project-focused Figure 61: What makes up the sense of place.

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Figure 74: Sense of place, activity and meaning diagram.

Figure 75: A genius loci.

How places affect identity and how we see identities in places Ethnicity and Place o Ethnicity: people are bound in a certain place over time; o ethnos – ‘people’; o Human creatures perceive a sense of place; and o Ethnic identity is greatly affected by scale and place.

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How can identity influence a sense of place?

Uniformity o

The use of elements which belong to a place.

Generosity o

Figure 76: Uniformity, Donkin row houses.

Creating interactive public spaces.

Figure 77: Active Square, England, Trafalgar square.

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Sense of history o

The city to form part of the history, as a museum.

Figure 78: City as a museum, Collosseum.

Variety o

Foreground & Background.

Figure 79: Foreground building and background buildings.

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Conclusion Identification of the challenges facing the creation of a sense of place in NMB A ‘place’ is established by a configuration of architectural elements that seems (to the mind inform by its senses) to accommodate, or offer the possibility of accommodation to, a person, an object, an activity, a mood, a spirit, a god.

‘Places’ mediate between life and the wider world – its surroundings.

Through identifying ‘places’ and organizing them, you make sense of the world you inhabit (Unwin, 2009).

The exploration and effects of a genius loci upon public spaces, and the notion of creating or giving sense to a public space has been explored. As identified in the previous section, the researcher has understood the importance of space and the quality in the making thereof through understanding this, and that of a sense of place. This understanding provides the researcher with, clarity towards stating a hypothesis for this treatise, which will be introduced in the Design chapter of this document.

A building as a convention centre having catalytic proportions will further be investigated in order to achieve this ‘positive gathering space’ that will act as a connecting medium to the disconnected urban fabric of NMB.

“There is an intangible spirit at the place where sea meets land, where each exerts its influence but neither dominate. In this strange meeting is a strange mystery.” (Lindley, 1928:160) KENNETH LINDLEY research and investigation

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Section _ iv Exploring issues relating to Convention Centres Introduction Section_(iv) provides the reader with a formal understanding of convention as a building. This is provided by outlining the nature of the building typology as a Convention Centre and an exploration through both the physical and spatial concerns of such a typology and its effect towards a location and context within a city.

Convention centre as a building type Introduction - What is an international convention centre (ICC)?

A

convention centre is a dedicated venue designed for the purpose of hosting conventions, and other events. The building should be a purpose-built facility and not converted from a previous use. The venue should have at least one large general session space (or auditorium) and a variety of smaller meeting and event spaces. The building can be publically or privately owned and publically or privately managed.

These are independent facilities that are not part of a hotel, university or other venue.

To fulfil its primary purpose, an international convention centre needs to be large enough to accommodate plenary sessions of thousands of delegates, as well as trade exhibitions such as motor shows, while providing all the attendant breakaway and meeting rooms, auditoria, banqueting halls, kitchens, bathrooms and the like. Yet to succeed on an operational level it must also have facilities that can comfortably cater for smaller functions such as weddings, product launches and cultural events.

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What is the nature of the building?

Categorisation of space and analysis of function General Features: It is essential that the proposed convention centre should contain at least one convention hall, two mini convention halls, one exhibition hall, one restaurant and parking facilities as per details given below:

1. The MAIN FOYER - This space allows for the main circulation through the building, connecting different functions and entrances to meeting rooms and exhibition spaces; 2. CONVENTION HALL - The Convention Hall, as the name suggests should have audio visual conferencing equipment, a facility for high fidelity recording, video projection / video graphs and skilled manpower at various levels. The seating capacity in the hall may be in a classroom style in the following category: (a) Above 1500 pax or (b) 1200-1500 pax or (c) 800-1200 pax or (d) 300-800 pax; 3. MINI CONVENTION HALLS - Mini convention halls are equally important in convention centres as these halls are required for various seminars, committees, and meetings. The seating capacity therefore, may be in a theatrical or classroom style to seat as follows: (a) 200-300 pax or (b) 100-200 pax or (c) 50-100 pax or (d) 20-50 pax; 4. EXHIBITION HALL - The Exhibition Hall is another important feature in a convention centre.

Delegates to the convention as well as trade relative promoters take part in trade shows to promote their products during conventions. As such, it is essential that such an exhibition hall should have a capacity to accommodate at least 20 booths of 3 m by 3 m in size, excluding passages in between the booths; 5. PLENARY - where delegates are seated for presentations. Normally an auditorium or space that can be configured in a classroom or theatre configuration or seating arrangement (refer to Appendix C); 6. BALLROOM - or Banquet Room where dinners or cocktail parties are hosted. An open floor space where table and chairs can be configured for different events. These spaces are supported by smaller meeting rooms, boardrooms and multi-functional spaces; 7. BREAKOUT SPACES - Areas that allow delegates to break away from the main space of activity; 8. RESTAURANTS - Restaurants in the convention centres should conform to theme and guidelines set out by management; 9. PARKING - Parking facility for no fewer than 50 cars and five (5) busses or as per specifications; (refer to Appendix E); research and investigation

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10. RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR DELEGATES/ PARTICIPANTS - Applicable only if promoters desire to have residential accommodation in the convention complex and the guidelines in respect of stipulated star category hotels will apply; 11. MAIN KITCHEN - Large areas needed for catering purposes and will be located away from the public side of the building. The main kitchen will connect through the building’s service circulation to smaller ‘satellite kitchens’ which support and feed the spaces mentioned above; (refer to Appendix B); and 12. MARSHAL YARD - An area where deliveries and preparations can take place to set up and service the infrastructure for large events.

In addition to the above facilities, a convention centre should include the following: Infrastructural facilities: 1. Landscaped forefront; 2. Exhibition management centre; 3. Administrative facilities for corporate office including IITTM/ Internet; 4. Trade Show / Fair facilities such as tourist office, bank and money changing facilities, travel desk, STD/ISD, press lounge, VIP lounges; 5. Technical facilities such as plant room, electric substation, stores, electric power back-up-system, fire hydrant; 6. Gate complex for stipulating entry and exit; 7. Information booths; 8. Public conveniences; 9. Stationary shops and kiosks; 10. Public address system; 11. First aid with doctor on call facilities; 12. Security office and booths for security arrangements; 13. Storage complex for custom storage and handling; 14. Fire safety arrangements; 15. Locker facilities; and 16. Both public and private parking as per specifications and requirements.

Source: Ministry of Tourism, guidelines and application proforma approval convention centre: 2014, National Informatics Centre (NIC), DeitY, MoCIT, Government of India. (india.gov.in/guidelines-and-application-proforma-approval-convention-centre)

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How buildings physical spatial impact and scale are determined The physical impact of the building must first be considered in order to ensure that the site can support the scale and variety of activities. These limitations become an imperative design factor: o Size and fit: The ability to build a large convention centre on the site and the possibility for future expansion; o Access and ability to handle a mass influx of people, vehicles, deliveries and service providers. Surrounding roads and site capacity; and o Support to the site in terms of city infrastructure and service delivery: waste removal, electricity, water, upkeep of surrounding areas, security and safety services.

In order to further provide the reader with an understanding of the approximate footprint of space required, the current ICCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s within South Africa are compared.

This includes: All event spaces, foyers, circulation, offices and administration space; Public space, pavements and outdoor event or gathering spaces; Retail, commercial and rentable spaces; Parking for both public and staff, and designated drop-off areas; and Service yards, kitchen, delivery and storages spaces.

Cape Town International Convention Centre 54, 000 sq.m

Durban Convention Centre 13, 500 sq.m

Durban International Convention Centre 50, 000 sq.m (Nel. 2010)

Figure 80: Typical plan of a convention centre.

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Spatial concerns of a convention centre ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Programmatic issues o

Spatial organisation: Linear spatial organisation A linear sequence of repetiative spaces.

Figure 81: Liner spatial organisation.

o

For spatial continuity within a convention centre, especially due to the size of the structure and in general cases its length.

This organisation allows for ease of circulation. These linear spaces also provide ample space for a break out of people to gather, between functions.

Spatial relationships:

Spaces linked by a common space; Two spaces may rely on an intermediate space for their relationship.

This spatial organization allows for common spaces, utilized as shared gathering spaces, and in turn promotes the social interaction between people.

The design of these spaces becomes imperative towards having a meaningful space in which to gather.

(Ching. 2007).

Figure 83: Spatial relationships, space linked by common space.

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Figure 82: Diagrammatic plan of public to private thresholds between meetings rooms. (Conventional wisdom corp, n.d.)

Figure 84: Spatial layout and relationship of Ballroom to other spaces.

(Conventional wisdom corp. n.d.)

Figure 85: Exhibition hall plan diagram, showing circulation. (Conventional wisdom corp, n.d.)

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 Adaptability / Flexibility A flexible strategy taken by researcher: Definition: The nature of change and evolution. Where a space has various functions, such as formal conferences to casual meetings. The ability to reconfigure environments through intelligent sensor systems, mobility, and visual and physical transformation. Form follows function. (Vision for Australian capital strategy, architectural design8.).

Robert Kronenburg’s four (4) types of flexible strategies that result in ‘flexible architecture’: 1. Adaption Open plan spaces: the spaces between the floors of the building allow for a range of functions: work, relaxation, and entertainment.

Seattle Public Library, Rem Koolhaas and OMA.

Figure 86: Adaption. Seattle Public Library, Rem Koolhaas and OMA.

2. Transformation Sections showing the origami-like roof being opened and closed – to allow natural light in and to connect to the surroundings.

Bengt Sjostrom Starlight: Theatre Studio, Gang Architects.

Figure 87: Transformation. Bengt Sjostrom Starlight: Theatre Studio, Gang Architects.

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3. Movability A plug-in-house infrastructure. Intended for people constantly traveling around the world. A container contains sub-spaces of sleeping, working, and eating.

Mobile Dwelling Unit: LOT-EK.

Figure 88: Movability. Mobile Dwelling Unit: LOT-EK.

4. Interaction A thin plastic designed plane to act as an intelligent wall. Its functions are to insulate, store energy, digitally regulate temperature, and provide and control light through user interaction.

Smartwrap Building, Kieran Timberlake.

Figure 89: Interaction. Smart-wrap Building, Kieran Timberlake.

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ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Internal circulation and movement

Figure 90: Plan diagram of convention centre, need for active edges.

Configuration of path: Linear Organising element for a series of space.It can be curvelinear or segmented , intersect other paths have pranches or form a loop.

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Figure 91: Linear organising principle, pass through, by and too spaces. (Ching. 2007).

Creating spaces with mix-use, the ground floor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; relating to human scale.

The circulation creates a strong barrier between functions, leaving edges dead. Can the circulation be seen as a journey, a path between spaces, pausing and interacting with the fellow conference attendees, promoting mingling and networking?

Figure 92: Basic section of a convention centre.

Internalised spaces, a need for connectivity.

Circulation routes vertically and horizontally interrupt the flow of hierarchy and layering of space, creating expressways of traffic moving from point A to point B as fast as possible, leaving dead and neglected spaces on either side instead of dynamic pauses.

The question that arises is: Can this long space not become more dynamic? This will result in a livelier space where people can be seen moving, pausing, interacting, and where even the vertical circulation is seen as a dynamic element and not a barrier, thus creating a more positive lively space in the building.

Pass-by spaces Integrity of each space is manipulated; Flexible configuration of path; and Mediating spaces can be used to link path with space.

Form of the circulation space.

Pass-through spaces May pass through space axially; In cutting through a space, the path creates patterns of rest and movement.

Terminate in a space Location of space determines path; Used to approach and entre functionally or symbolically important spaces.

Figure 93: Pass by, though, and terminate in a space organisation principle. Path â&#x20AC;&#x201C; space relationship.

(Ching. 2007).

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Physical concerns of a convention centre Context location When it comes to considering a site for a new convention centre development, it must be understood that there are certain criteria to be met that go beyond the particulars of a given site. There are certain questions that arise such as accessibility to airports, the city and other areas. These influence where a convention centre might be considered for development.

In the past, the general rule for the preferred location for buildings of this nature was to place them in the inner city or at the centre of a resort. With changes in the urban fabric of cities and their expansion, the preferred siting for such buildings today is towards more peripherally located sites. Owing to the trend of preferring outer city locations being a recent one, very few buildings may be found as precedence when compared to inner city convention centres. Both types of locations, however, will be analysed in order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Figure 94: Inner city location

Figure 95: Outside city location, city fringe space location.

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 Outside the inner city This location sees many issues with regards to ease of access and distance from significant activities transport, yet can promote a further growth or expansion of urban design within a city. This also allows for further expansion of a building to suit certain needs and demands without being restricted with a dense urban fabric. This location creates a building as a destination and becomes a single-use structure which also draws opportunities away from the city centre, further contributing towards the issue of urban sprawl.  Within the inner city Based on the location attributes identified above, a CBD location is highly advantageous as an option for an international convention centre. This is primarily because the CBD is the only precinct that provides the critical mass of appropriate accommodation to support the centre’s operation. Furthermore, existing transport links and infrastructure have been designed to primarily service the CBD area, and the CBD has the greatest concentration of existing meetings infrastructure and entertainment facilities. There is an opportunity towards giving the city an iconic structure that becomes a landmark, yet availability of suitable sites with the necessary size or developmental possibilities for further future expansion is always limited.  City fringe space For the purpose of this study we have interpreted city fringe to be the area of Port Elizabeth as the harbour / waterfront area. This precinct is an area identified for significant redevelopment and therefore has appeal in terms of the potential to create a site of appropriate size (including flexibility for future expansion).

The key disadvantages of this precinct include the relative distance from most hotel accommodation and the transport links.

These precinct attributes may, of course, be remedied over time but will have implications regarding the timeframes for development of a convention centre and the ability to contribute and resolve further pressing urban issues as the city has presented. Therefore, for the purpose of this treatise this location is seen as the most advantageous option for such a facility.

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Exploration of expressions The proposed building’s expression as a manifestation of culture and place is an important factor to consider as it could contribute to a building which is well rooted in its macro context with all the diverse cultural influences.

Six (6) opposing expressions are discussed in this chapter which could influence the proposed building.

They are: o o o o o o

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Vernacular expression Abstract expression Critical regionalist expression Modernist ‘universal’ expression Landscape-orientated expression Neo-Rationalism

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o

Vernacular expression

Figure 96: Diébédo Francis Kéré's Great Mosque

Figure 97: Barndominium.

Figure 98: Vernacular architecture.

Vernacular architecture is a category of architecture based on local needs, construction materials and methods and reflecting local traditions – An indigenous architecture.

This term relates to a dialect of a place, region, or country which relates to the characteristics of a period, place, or group; especially of, relating to, or being the common building style of a period or place.

(Wikipedia, 2015).

Vernacular architecture provides shelter and comfort with the evolution of craft passed down through generations. Because local residents build using local materials, vernacular architecture inevitably expresses the culture of both the people and the area. Indigenous buildings, repeated over generations, become timetested responses to local climate conditions as well.

Elements making up a vernacular architecture: o o o o o

Materials and construction techniques Sense of place Site and topography Response to climate Abstract expression

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o

Abstract expression

Expressionist architecture was an architectural movement that developed in Europe during the first decades of the 20th century in parallel with the Expressionist visually and the performing arts dominated in Germany.

Characterised by an early-modernist adoption of novel materials, formal innovation, and very unusual massing, sometimes inspired by natural biomorphic forms, sometimes by the new technical possibilities (Wikipedia.

2015).

Figure 99: Abstract expression. Frank O. Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles – USA.

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In this way of thinking, inspiration is drawn from nonelements found in the context. It is interpreted conventional in an abstract manner by an individual and with a high risk of alienating its users. The layman who lacks architectural knowledge, would most possibly interpret a building as arbitrary and containings ‘random’ spaces.

o

Critical regionalist expression

Figure 100: Critical regionalist expression. Alvar Aalto, Saynatsalo Town Hall (1952), Finland.

Critical regionalism strives to respond to all the informers of a particular place and context. It adopts modernist architecture for its universal progressive qualities, but at the same time values the geographical context of the building, which includes factors like topography, climate, light, tectonics, and form.

The expression of critical regionalism seeks to provide an architecture rooted in the modern tradition, but tied to geographical and cultural context. Its philosophy roots go back to that of the notion, phenomenology. The track of phenomenology in critical regionalism can be read with an attitude, according to which any forms of modernism can be criticised without prejudice, but as it is. For which it may not bear the responsibility of any modernist spatial or architectural issues, even though the expression was born from modernism. In this perspective, critical regionalism should be treated as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reformed modernismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Wikipedia. 2015).

The main problem of critical regionalism is to seek answers to the question of Paul Ricour: "How to be modern and to continue the tradition? How to revive an old dormant civilization as part of universal civilization?" (2015).

These informers are used to mold a building resulting in a site and place specific architecture.

The design of the Town Hall, as illustrated above, saw a courtyard spatial arrangement, while the main programme of the building is housed within a heavy brick envelope, and the courtyard is bordered by a glass-enclosed circulation space which can be linked to the model of an arcade-bordered piazza.

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Modernist ‘universal’ expression

Figure 101: Universal Modernist expression. Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House.

Modern architectural typography was a reaction against the perceived decadence of typography and design of the late 19th century, with emphasis more on architectural style, form and aesthetics rather than the social aspects of the modern movement. This reflected a modern, universal method of communication. This design concept assumes a passive, almost automatic - subconscious visual experience. It counts on rationality of both graphic designer/producer of the message and the audience that is receiving the message.

It is an expression which strives towards a universal placelessness driven solely by function with no architectural ornamentation or decoration. Buildings are characterised by a machine-like expression. This is achieved by the use of pure forms reduced to basic geometries that only express function. Not only is it a universal expression in response to a site and place, but also a timeless expression (Van der Spuy, 2012:113).

In the Fansworth House, Van der Rohe explored the relationship between people, shelter, and nature. The glass pavilion is raised six feet above a floodplain next to the Fox River, surrounded by forest and rural prairies. The Farnsworth House is an embodiment of Van der Rohe's mature vision of modern architecture for the new technological age: a single unencumbered space within a minimal ‘skin and bones’ framework, a clearly understandable arrangement of architectural parts. His ideas are stated with clarity and simplicity, using materials that are configured to express their own individual character (Wikipedia, 2015).

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Landscape-orientated expression

Figure 102: Landscape orientated expression.

UNStudioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ponte Parodi, waterfront design, Genoa Italy.

Figure 103: Buro Sant en Co, Four Harbour Roof Park.

Figure 104: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, incorporating aspects of botany, horticulture, the fine arts, architecture, industrial design, soil sciences, environmental psychology, geography, and ecology.

Landscape-orientated architecture is the design of outdoor public areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes. It involves the systematic investigation of existing social, ecological, and soil conditions and processes in the landscape, and the design of interventions that will produce the desired outcome. The scope of the profession includes landscape design; site; planning; storm water management; environmental restoration; parks and recreation planning; visual resource management; green infrastructure planning and provision; and private estate and residence landscape master planning and design, all at varying scales of design, planning and management. A practitioner in the profession of landscape architecture is called a landscape architect (Wikipedia, 2015).

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Neo-Rationalism

Figure 105: Aldo Rossi, Quartier SchĂźtzenstraĂ&#x;e, Berlin.

Figure 106: Reiach and Hall, Dundee House, Dundee.

Figure 107: Neo-Modernist Hotel (Nesign Concept).

We can divide the 20th century rationalism into two parts: Early 20th century rationalism and the neo-rationalism of the late 1950s. Its concept was derived from a close to logic rationality, which was based on pure rhythm and the simple constructiveness. The reason for this was based on the availability of resources and needs. The neo-rationalists all hoped to adapt the conditions of architectural production to the world industry.

Rationalist movement emerged in architecture, claiming inspiration from both the Enlightenment and early-20th century rationalists. Like the earlier rationalists, the movement, known as the Tendenza, was centred in Italy Neo-rationalists worked against the background of historical awareness, of studying the shape or morphology of the city and of responding to current needs in the light of past heritage. So they were keen to build sensitively, but imaginatively in the great cities of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and to avoid their domination by modernism, by the brash values of consumerist society or by the often crass designs of the communist countries of eastern Europe. They wanted to build new buildings, but structures that showed an awareness of and sensitivity to the past (Wikipedia. 2015).

Rational aesthetics: Truthfulness, Simplicity, Materiality

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Engineering o

Large column spacing for free open uninterrupted spaces for flexible programme and use

Steel space frames provide an elegant and economical means of roofing large column free spaces for a variety of applications such as covered stadia, aircraft hangars, exhibition halls, railway station platforms and industrial sheds. The design for a space frame to cover the Sydney Football stadium is an example.

Having an elliptical shape in plan, with a major axis of 185m and a minor axis of 148m, supported on just four columns, demonstrated possibilities in, with currently available technology.

Steel space frames are an example of pre-engineered construction wherein the two precisely factorymanufactured components involved tubular members and hollow spherical node connectors to join them together are assembled on the ground in simple mechano fashion and hoisted into the final position by jacks, cranes or derricks. The hoisting operation can often be accomplished in one day (Ramaswamy, n.d.).

The column-free design of space for the purpose of flexibility to easily adapt, forms a large â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;industrial shedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-type structure forming no identity to place, time, space or relationship to human scale - a shell where any activity can happen instead of well-designed space.

Figure 108: CTICC, column free flexible spaces.

Figure 109: Section through convention centre, column free spaces.

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Advantages offered by steel space frames for long span construction may be summed up as follows: o o o

They are light, structurally efficient and use a minimum of materials to maximum structural advantage; They are inherently very stiff and hence deflexions are very small, even when the spans are very large; and They offer unlimited freedom to the architect for locating supports and sub-dividing the enclosed space.

Because they are put together out of precisely-made factory produced components in simple mechano fashion, unskilled labour is adequate for their assembly.

Services such as air-conditioning ducts and lighting fixtures can be housed in the space frame itself and their installation can be done at the ground level, obviating the hazards of working at heights.

Cranes and docking systems in maintenance hangars can be hung from the space frame itself, freeing ground space. Space frames may be categorised as double-layer or multilayer flat space frames, braced barrel vaults, and domes.

Figure 110: CTICC exhibition Hall.

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Figure 111: Large column spacing open plan steel construction.

Managing movement and its context Relation to context and site

Figure 112: CTICC square and context

Convention centres are large by nature in order to accommodate large numbers of people, but with the large identity, the architecture becomes impersonal.

How is a convention centre placed and integrated in relationship to its context?

The relationship between inside and outside spaces.

Figure 113: Durban ICC and context.

Lost space: Can this space not become a layer between inside and outside, acting as an interactive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; full of activity and gathering possibilities?

Access. Visibility. Parking

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How is entrance handled when there is more than one entrance, but still keeping a sense of hierarchy?

Can a parking lot or parking garage become an architectural feature instead of a dead â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;storageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; space?

Figure 114: CTICC parking map.

Figure 115: CTICC basement floor plan.

A state-of-the-art and dedicated parking management system allows Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to manage and control some 1,100 parking bays in two garages on a daily basis. The software links the parking garage equipment with a computerised database in the Parking Control Room, enabling parking controllers to monitor all parking activities. This computer programme also automatically provides the information for the electronic variable message signage, positioned around and along the roads surrounding the CTICC.

Owning to the scale of a single volume unit facility, it stands out as an island building living inwards, surrounded by large parking lots, ignoring the surround fabric (material), scale and mass. There is a lack of creating meaningful urban spaces that relate to the urban fabric around them and between the edge Figure 116: Durban ICC urban plan. and greater public space.

Figure 117: Durban ICC parking map.

Figure 118: CTICC parking facility beneath flyover.

Figure 119: CTICC urban plan.

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Investigating sustainability Introduction There are two fundamental ways in which buildings can be designed with respect to the environment: ď&#x192;&#x2DC; The first is to design buildings that are air-conditioned, have the deepest possible spaces and are as long as they are wide. ď&#x192;&#x2DC; The second is to design a building making use of basic elements like air and sunlight.

These aspects fundamentally change the form and, in return, the aesthetics of the building.

Environmentally-sound buildings respond to these aspects so that the overall shape of the building can cause ventilating air to move through it. The facades respond to sunlight to maximise the use of natural light or use the light to generate energy.

The main aim of environmental design is to reduce a building`s reliance on fossil fuel-derived high-grade energy and yet still provide comfort inside for the occupants.

Figure 120: Vancouver Convention Centre

Figure 121: Fukuoka building with roof garden, in Fukuoka city, Japan.

Figure 122: The BedZED development in south London.

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Building planning and design

Figure 124: Solar sustainable principles.

Figure 123: CTICC first proposal - sustainable sectional plan.

Methods for achieving sustainable design: o o o

Economy of resources; Life cycle design; and Humane design.

Building planning and design takes the shape, size, the ‘body’ and the issue of internal organization into consideration. The orientation of the building is imperative and should be north facing to take advantage of the sun’s energy. The form of the building is governed by a number of considerations which include:  The use of the sun’s energy and daylight, and  The need for ventilation.

Figure 125: Atrium used for light well.

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Passive ventilation – ‘The stack effect’ The stack effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings and is driven by buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs due to a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. The greater the height of the structure, the greater the buoyancy force, and thus the stack effect.

An understanding of the physics and principles of the stack effect in buildings is imperative: Warm indoor air rises up through the building and escapes at the top either through open windows or ventilation openings/ducts. Rising warm air reduces the pressure in the base of the building, drawing cold air in through either open doors, windows or other openings.

Cross ventilation relies on wind to force cool exterior air into the building through an inlet and to force warm interior air out of the building through an outlet (Thomas, Fordham & Partners, 1996:178) .

Figure 127: BP Headquarters Cape Town.

Figure 126: Passive ventilation.

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Figure 128: BP Headquartersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passive ventilation.

The use of the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy and daylight

Daylight availability varies enormously and is a key design issue. The level of lighting in a space is very important and could be regulated in a number of ways: The most popular ways are clerestory, windows, roof/sky light and light shafts.

Figure 129: Diagrams expressing different solar sustainable principles.

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General principles of a passive solar building: Buildings should be at least zero carbon on balance, when totalling the impacts of materials, construction, use and demolition. Features of this are to: o o o o

minimise the use of fossil fuel energy during the supply chain and process of construction; encourage the use of materials which store atmospheric carbon in the fabric of the building; encourage the generation and even export of renewable energy by the building; and construct and manage it in such a way that it minimises the emission of greenhouse gases during its lifetime and eventual demolition.

Right: Possible building designs for maximising the use of day-lighting.

To conclude: The use of basic sustainable design principles is imperative in response to the realities which face the 21st century. Although wind and too much sunlight can be seen as nuisances by individuals, they it should be used as design informers to create buildings responding to these factors in a positive way.

If used appropriately, together with a properly designed building, they could radically reduce the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliance on fossil-fuel energies in the form of electricity to provide power for airconditioning and artificial light devises.

Figure 130: Use of daylight in buildings.

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Socio-economic concerns of a convention centre In consideration of the socio-economic concerns towards a convention centre, the CTICC in Cape Town is presented as an example of the effect such a facility can have on a city.

Cape Town - The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) hit a record high in its tenth year of operations and added R2.99bn to the national economy and more than R1bn to the Western Cape’s coffers.

During the financial year of 2012/2013, the centre alone achieved a net profit before tax of R27m, the highest in the centre’s (10) ten-year history.

In addition, the centre generated revenue and other income in excess of R158m, an R18m increase from the R140m of the previous year.

“More importantly, the centre continued to make a valuable contribution to driving job creation and skills development in South Africa,” said Toefy (CTICC Annual Performance Report, 2007).

The CTICC capped the year at 537 events, compared to the 514 in the 2011/2012 financial year and reached another significant milestone, when it generated over 1.3 million delegate and visitor days. This is a 15 per cent increase from 2012 and is the highest figure recorded over the past ten years.

Through the Centre’s activities more than 7 500 direct and indirect jobs were created nationally during the period under review.

“Visitor numbers are expected to increase to over 1.7 million over the next five years,” said Toefy.

The centre has a sustainable forward book and several large-scale international conferences have been secured until 2020. These include the 35th International Geological Congress in 2016 and the World Congress of Internal Medicine in 2018.

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Section _ v

Introducing convention centre planning

Introduction Section_(v) of this treatise introduces the issues relating to the planning of convention centres through the establishment of a planning diagram and a technical exploration of spaces, their relationships and specific requirements towards achieving the adequate spatial flow within the building and specifications for the required spaces.

How is the building diagram generated?

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onvention centres aim to satisfy the needs of event organisers, who have specific needs in terms of the layout, size, and flexibility of spaces. The popularity that this building type has reached across the world can be attributed to the fact that it is a one-stop-shop that hosts an array of spaces and functions that event organisers and attendees require. All the activities can be hosted within one facility or under one roof.

The concept has resulted in a typical diagram on which almost every convention centre is based.

X number of delegates X sq.m/person = size of hall in sq.m.

To accommodate all the activities under one roof space requires flexible layout. Therefore, the space is not designed for a specific activity but for any activity that could be required.

The result of the diagram is an open space that can be configured in different ways and becomes shed-like in nature.

Figure 131: Diagram showing flexibility and adaptability of exhibition space.

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Responding to human scale Public and private are social constructs that conceptualise different domains of everyday life from the interiority and privacy of our bodies and homes to the publicness of city streets and public space. In common usage it refers to the degree of access granted to ‘outsiders,’ however outsiders are defined. But despite digital privacy agreements and no-trespassing signs, the boundaries between public and private are often ill-defined and contested. Rather than existing in a binary opposition, public and private spaces operate at a variety of scales that overlap and intersect, creating a mosaic of spaces and degrees of access. Rarely is a space either public or private, but is instead multi-layered and often disputed physically and politically.

Spaces are vast and barren and require extensive decoration in order for these spaces to be aesthetically pleasing. The human scale is lost within the massive volume.

As, “form follows function”, the exterior expression of the building becomes shed-like, industrial natured and insensitive to the human scale.

The mere size of the structure subjects it to difficulty in responding to a sensitive urban grain of fabric and become imposing on its context, even within a CBD.

Figure 132: Human scaling elements.

‘Intimate, human scale’ is a phrase which is heard often in conjunction with space requirements (Brown, 1971). o Range of sizes.

Human scale does not imply that everything is small. o Human sizes.

There is the need for the big and small in human environments. o Reference dimensions.

A third principle comes into play, however, and it is closely related to the other two. This is the idea of reference dimensions: common measurements which derive from and refer to human activities and physique. These might include: window sill height, first floor height, household window width, and shoulder height.

Human scale definition should embody all three of these principles.

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Figure 133: Human scaling principles.

Conclusion Convention centres are usually introverted buildings by nature, thus providing a fundamental concern as the building is seen as a part of a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civic structure. This can lead to the improvement or upliftment of urban public spaces and, as discussed previously in Section_(ii), the quality of public gathering spaces. Therefore, there is a need for a more connected, flexible space that may inform a genius loci which is rooted within the theoretical lens of this treatise towards the establishment and design of a Convention Centre.

The aim is to develop a multi-purpose, high-tech dynamic 24/7 convention centre in Nelson Mandela Bay, with unique characteristics. Conferences will form the basis for the centre, but other events such as concerts, sporting events and launches will be introduced. It should address the defining of a public edge where convention users and the community can gather and interact by supplying good quality of space that is flexible, easily adaptable and interactive with its context.

In the following Section_(vi), through an exploration of precedence, a further understanding of the issues discussed above will be enabled, issues regarding convention centres and their programmes.

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Section _ vi Exploration through precedence the architectural issues of convention centres Introduction

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he previous chapters have analysed and investigated problems pertaining to meeting gathering spaces within a city, the nature of the building, exploring both physical and spatial concerns, socio-economic factors, and an investigation through sustainability. Through this process problems have been established which lead to design intentions.

The following chapters are based on precedents from which a-contextual principles are obtained. It is necessary for these principles to be applied in the design process as they relate to programmatic concerns, the spatial and physical manifestation and theoretical approach.

The precedents are divided into the following three categories: o o o

Contextual precedent; Functional precedent; and Formal precedent.

Contextual precedent This refers to the study of building(s) which have different programmatic responses to the building the researcher is investigating, which occurs in a similar context.

The following building(s) are analysed in this chapter: ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Nashville Music City Centre

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Nashville Music City Centre Contextual In 2004, Metro Nashville started development of a new downtown convention centre which was completed and opened its doors in 2013.

Located along Fifth Avenue, just a few blocks from the historic Ryman Auditorium and numerous other music and cultural venues, the Music City Convention Centre was planned to bring new life to the South of Broadway (SOBRO) neighbourhood of Nashville.

Figure 134: Aerial view of the Nashville Music City Centre.

Figure 135: Nashville Music City Centre and context.

The building fills the site, which in itself was a combination of three (3) city blocks. It is a mass of a building in respect to the existing grain of fabric. Yet, the plan for the Music City Convention Centre (MCC) was designed to serve as a catalyst for new business by respecting the surrounding neighbourhood and turning a welcoming face to the community. It strove it strives to connect the rich music history of Nashville to a new home for expositions, meetings and tourism.

Figure 136: Nashville Music City Centre entrance.

Figure 137: Nashville Music City Centre green roof plan.

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Spatial This visual permeability is crucial to making a convention centre "more than a box with docks," says Andrew McLean, the TVS principal for the MCC. "You lay a glass corridor along the street, and it activates the façade, makes it seem friendlier." Conventioneers can see out to the city, and the citizens can see in.

The Music City Centre proves to be the perfect venue for any size event, from a small, private dinner to a large-scale convention. There is the space and flexibility to provide many unique options for any event. Whether an executive board room or a spacious ballroom is required, the Music City Centre can fit the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Guests can also enjoy beautiful views of downtown Nashville from the numerous outdoor terraces.

The event spaces are: 353,143 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

The largest Grand Ballroom in the state, with 57,500 sq. ft. of space.

18,000 sq. ft. Davidson Ballroom.

60 meeting rooms that occupy 90,000 sq. ft.

1,800 space parking garage.

Source: Convention planners: 2004, Nashville Music City Centre (MCC). (http://www.nashvillemusiccitycenter.com/planners).

Figure 138: Spatial qualities inside and outside the MCC.

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Physical

Figure 139: Floor plans of the MCC.

This building represents the use of materials through hi-tech yet delicately articulating a softness with the use of timber. Large timber columns express the shear mass of a structure. A playful use of modernistic pure geometric forms against an organic fluidity is expressed in both the roof and its faรงade. This playful expression of form, space and order sees a unique expression the MCC presents itself boldly as a statement whereby building as convention meets an artistic cultural musical expression.

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Theoretical The MCC really pushes the design envelope. Indeed, the architects, not only push, but also pull, curve and wave the building's form in ways startlingly new to the city. The facility's wavy roof recalls both the rolling hills of the region and the lyrical flow of music, conceptually speaking.

This is a building of great plasticity; planes that curve, advance and recede with apparent unpredictability; and structural audacity. The boldest gesture of all is the undulating roof, which unifies the composition.

Nashville's status as Music City led to the influence of musical instruments on form and materials. This is a dynamic building of real architectural inventiveness with literally stunning interior spaces. On the other hand, it is all about motion. The structure, through its aversion to the flat surface, embodies the rhetoric of a city proud of its present "it" status.

Figure 141: Cross-section through the MCC

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Figure 140: Views of the Nashville Music City Centre.

Functional precedent towards typology The analysis of functional precedent is concerned with the various ways in which buildings, of a similar programmatic nature, have been designed. Real life buildings are analysed and conclusions are made based on spatial relationships, typical spatial types, general planning principles and general expression of the typology.

The following buildings are analysed in this chapter: Previously proposed convention centres within Port Elizabeth. o

Local:  Cape Town International Convention Centre; and  Durban Convention Centre.

o

International:  Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre; and  Vancouver Convention Centre.

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Figure 142: Proposed Port Elizabeth convention centre.

Previously proposed convention centres within Port Elizabeth a)

The site chosen as proposed is located on prime land and the scenic properties of the site are not explored. There is no provision made for interaction with the public.

The building is placed on the site as an island, with no interaction with the site and it can be perceived as an object. Therefore, there is no definition towards the street edge. The building is placed deep into the site, not responding to the street condition, thus no interaction.

The plan can be seen as a standard plan that all convention centres follow: the site was not considered during the design process. No clues are taken from site and it can be seen as an alien object that has just been dropped in this location.

The form chosen also has no relationship to the location and is very much introverted with no activities that spill out onto public spaces. The building is elevated and no edge dialogue can take place. There is no connection to the current activities along the beach front, especially the market spaces that form a large tourist attraction.

b) The location of Baywest ICC is ideally situated, far from the congestion around the city centre.

Port Elizabeth could soon become a world class conference destination, according to the Baywest International Convention Centre Project coordinator Mazizi Msutu.

The idea here was to develop a state of the art multipurpose, hi-tech convention centre with attendant accommodation that will have a competitive edge in respect of its unique characteristics.

Figure 143: Proposed Bay West Convention centre.

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Local:

Cape Town International Convention Centre Contextual The Cape Town International Convention Centre, built in 2003, boasts a sophisticated design and carefully planned interior layout, on par with the best in the world.

A multi-purpose conference and exhibition centre in the hub of Cape Town’s business and entertainment centre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) was designed to amaze with the possibilities.

The building as large as it is acts as both a catalyst and a link between the city and its surrounding seafront environment.

Filling the entire site, the CTICC occupies the space left between the flyovers and CBD very well.

It utilises the left over flyover, as well as the space it creates beneath.

This is clever utilisation of ‘waisted space’ as the parking area for the CTICC has saved on cost as well as the overall size of the building. The approximate number of parking bays needed for such a venue is roughly around 1000 parking bays. Included in this, parking for the hotel needed to be incorporated.

Figure 144: Aerial view of the CTICC.

Given the size and the scale of the building, plus the fact that the facade extends over an expanse of three hundred metres, the individual components were designed to express themselves as separate identities on a human scale, as opposed to being experienced as a single homogenous form.

Figure 145: CTICC and the city surrounds.

Figure 146: CTICC and 5star hotel.

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Spatial The design concept separates internal traffic flow by utilising the ground floor for exhibitions, with conference and meeting rooms concentrated on the two floors above, providing highly advanced technology services, large-scale capacity venues, fully equipped boardrooms and on-site five-star accommodation.

A triple level gallery or spine is the cohesive element that extends the full length of the centre and links all elements of the building in a logical, unified system.

It houses the main exhibition space on ground level with supporting main kitchen space on basement level one. More private spaces are located on the first and second levels.

Figure 147: CTICC aerial view showing corner condition.

The windowless character of the exhibition halls contrasts strongly with the transparency of other aspects of the centre, opening it up to the public and the city. This provides the connectivity needed in the design brief.

Figure 148: External material language expression.

Figure 149: Internal material language expression of the CTICC.

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Physical Materials chosen were light in tone, neutral in colour and capable of being a canvas to an unlimited variety of decorations and branding during events, without appearing vacant or bland between engagements.

Extensive light wood panelling complemented by sandstone and travertine surfaces establishes the basis for a warm, light and neutral environment.

The stone-faced surfaces, wood panelling and glass, offset by exposed structural steel elements, all strike a good balance. The building is flexible and modular, yet it does not give the impression of being repetitive. The scale of the indoor spaces is comfortable, even when empty.

Figure 150: Ground floor plan.

Figure 151: 3D model showing internal spaces.

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Figure 152: New CTICC extension.

Theoretical The architectural concept was a direct response to the operators' requirements and the characteristics of the site. Conceived early in the design process, the overall design concept remained little changed throughout.

The building is broken up into its separate elements being held together by the circulation spine that provides the backbone to the convention centre.

The proposed extension to the CTICC continues the idea and premise of the original building.

Connecting to the extension by a sky walk it links and provides a further addition to the exhibition spaces provided in the CTICC, thus allowing the centre to cater to any clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific needs.

Figure 154: Internal views of the new CTICC extension.

Figure 153: Photos by author of the model of the new CTICC extension.

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Durban Convention Centre Contextual Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Centrally located on the edge of the CBD, just 35 minutes from King Shaka International Airport, the ICC Durban (eThekwini) is just minutes away from Durbanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxury hotels and beachfront.

The ICC Durban is purpose-built, fully air-conditioned and comprises six convention halls that are interlinked, but separate.

The building was extended in 2006, when a multi-use arena was added to the south end of the building.

The building is an object in space, with its massive roofed structure spanning 3 city blocks. The space between the convention centre and the exhibition hall creates a boulevard space.

Figure 155: Aerial view of Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 156: Durban Convention Centre and surroundings.

There is a lack of meaningful urban spaces that relate to urban fabric which is set up by the public spaces between buildings.

Figure 157: Durban Convention Centre entrance.

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Spatial The ICC Durban facilities at a glance: A raked auditorium can accommodate 1,800 delegates or be subdivided into two catering for 840 guests each; The multi-purpose ICC arena can accommodate between 6 000 and 9,000 guests depending on whether guests are seated or standing; Plenary sessions for up to 3 000 delegates can be held within the multi-purpose arena; There are 23 meeting rooms ranging from 43m² to 396m² in area; It has 7,000m² of column-free floor space; It can feed 4,000 banquet guests at a single function; There are three outdoor courtyard venues totaling 2,000m² in area; There is central kitchen with 16 satellite kitchens; A business complex with banking and foreign exchange facilities; Medical services and hospitality suites; High-tech audio visual facilities and interpretation facilities; and Undercover parking for 1 200 cars.

The halls 1-3 are classic convention and meetings spaces whilst halls 4-6 double as convention and meetings spaces and the flat floor space for the ICC arena. Alternatively, the halls can be opened up to form one large venue with seating for 5,000 delegates or 7,000 sq.m of column free floor space. Together with its sister venue, the Durban Exhibition Centre, the ICC can double its capacity to accommodate 10,000 conference delegates.

Figure 158: Ground floor plan of the Durban Convention Centre.

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Physical A light-weight, shed-like vaulted roof covers the three major halls, which are laid out in tandem. The entrance foyer at the head and the access concourse along one side are wrapped entirely in full-height glass, while the other side of the structure is given over to servicing facilities.

Flexibility of use is enabled by movable wall panels and hinged seating banks in the plenary hall. In keeping with the variegated volumes of the space, the roofs of the concourse and service spaces undulate.

Figure 159: Internal and external views of spaces within the Durban Convention Centre.

Figure 160: View of the Durban Convention Centre.

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Theoretical The concept of the building as both an integrator and generator of public movement was developed together with the belief that the activities and events within should be visible and arouse public curiosity and result in an ever-increasing awareness and participation for the people of Durban with the building.

The undulating curves of the roof of the ICC, with their reference to ocean swells that form Durbanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surf, have become an icon for modern, outward-looking Durban. The original concept, devised by Lance Smith who led the design process, was a wave forming a cross section. However, the large volume spatial requirements of the conference and exhibition areas required a simple long-span uncomplicated roof enclosure. A single flowing roof form rises to acknowledge the double-storey break-away venues and then dips over the single-level sections of the concourse to create a cyclical rhythm as an organic response to the design requirements.

Figure 161: North entrance to the Durban Convention Centre.

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Figure 162: South entrance to the Durban Convention Centre.

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International:

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Contextual Opening in December 2016, ICC Sydney will be Asia Pacific's premier integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct, underlining Sydney's place as one of the world's most desirable meeting and event destinations and providing the ideal platform to collaborate and innovate.

The re-making of Darling Harbour is a rare opportunity to design a significant new quarter within the central city. Importantly, it extends the urban fabric and re-connects the city too Ultimo and Pyrmont.

Figure 163: Aerial view of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Sydney Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment precinct is seen as the final piece in the development of the CBDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s western corridor. It will be a catalyst that will not only revitalise the site; it will create economic and cultural benefits well beyond its boundaries. It will be a mixture of architecture and landscape, indoor and outdoor living, creative working and entertainment.

Figure 164: Views of the three main spaces and activities of the ICC Sydney.

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Figure 165: The ICC Sydney Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment precinct.

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Spatial The five original exhibition halls each measure 5,000 sq.m in gross floor area and although they are contiguous, their alignment is staggered. Consequently, the divisibility of the halls is less flexible than in a state-of-the-art exhibition facility.

The largest plenary hall or theatre, with a capacity for 3,500 delegates, is located in the Bayside Convention Centre. It sub-divides only once, into two theatres with seating for 950 and 2,485 pax.

Figure 166: Level 1 floor plan.

The largest ballroom in the venue is the Bayside Grand Hall, with capacity for 1,550 in a banquet setting. It is a semi-circular hall with entrances on the straight side of the hall and service corridors on the circular sides of the hall. Columns in the Bayside Grand Hall can obstruct views and otherwise interfere with event set up.

A second ball room with banquet capacity of 1,000 is located in the Parkside Convention Centre. This hall divides into two sections with an operable wall, but more optimally, a banquet hall of this size would divide in half and in thirds, providing more flexibility.

Thirty meeting rooms with a total of 6,076 sq.m of floor area serve the SCEC. One block of meeting rooms is clustered around the Bayside Auditorium and two large meeting rooms are located in the Parkside Convention Centre. Like the exhibit halls, the blocks of meeting rooms lack divisibility that would allow them to be used in various combinations and sizes.

Figure 167: Level 2 floor plan.

Other amenities in the venue include the Bayside Gallery, a multi-purpose function space with panoramic views of the harbour, and the Bayside Terrace, a banquet hall serving up to 200 persons that also offers stunning views of the city and Darling Harbour. The overall setting for the SCEC is exceptional with its access to the harbour and nearby dining and entertainment venues.

Figure 168: Elevation of the ICC Sydney, theatre; exhibitions; and conventions.

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Physical The convention centre will have a reflective skin to mirror the harbour outlook. The rest of the precinct looks onto parkland with building boundaries set back, so the landscape becomes part of the building, with circulation and meeting spaces open to the park, and terraces functioning as meeting spaces.

ICC Sydney has a unique double-stacked configuration, allowing three major conventions to run simultaneously. The venue is fully integrated with world-class technology, creating a connective hub for the world’s brightest minds to meet, connect, inspire and engage in future business ventures.

There will be total exhibition capacity of 40,000 sq.m, a huge external events deck of 5,000 sq.m with great city views, and a plenary hall which can be converted to an entertainment theatre with a seating capacity of 8,000 delegates.

Figure 169: Section through the Auditorium of the ICC Sydney.

Theoretical

Figure 170: Site plan of the ICC Sydney complex.

The convention centre demonstrates the hallmarks of the architect’s style: strong sculptural invention, clearly articulated service elements and a powerful sequence of spaces. The building contains a number of excellent auditoria and meeting spaces. Visitors to the building experience a strong ‘sense of place’ with dramatic views over the harbour towards the city skyline.

Once built, ICC Sydney is expected to operate with optimal resource efficiency because of smart, design strategies integrated with cost efficient and renewable technologies.

For example, rainwater harvesting and reuse plus additional hydraulic design aim to reduce potable water use by 14 per cent; and a centralised main plant is expected to save 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Building Code of Australia standard.

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Figure 171: The three main spaces of the ICC Sydney complex 3D renders.

Figure 172: Aerial view of the Sydney Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment precinct.

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Vancouver Convention Centre Contextual Located on Vancouver’s waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop. The Vancouver Convention Centre consists of two uniquely designed buildings, the iconic East and West building connected buildings. With 466,500 square feet of pre-function, meeting, exhibition and ballroom space, the facility is able to host multiple, simultaneous events as well as large single events with upwards of 16,000 delegates.

As a convention centre, the building's vast programme encompasses at once a single building and a new urban district.

It occupies a former brownfield site on the downtown waterfront.

Figure 173: Aerial view of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Figure 174: Vancouver Convention Centre connection to the water’s edge.

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The design knits the convention centre experience into the urban fabric of the downtown core, using the building to frame public open space and extend the city’s pedestrian activity to the waterfront. Connecting to an existing harbour greenbelt, it continues a public promenade and bike trail across the site, completing an important link in the city’s park system.

Spatial The building is designed to provide the users with maximum flexibility over the life of the building. The exhibit hall, ballroom, and meeting rooms are all designed to adapt to a variety of conference, exhibition, and convention business requirements. The exhibition hall is set up on a 75 x 75m module that allows for efficient layout of 25 x 25m booths.

Because the floor and parts of the ceiling are filled with multiple utility locations, the space is quite flexible to accommodate a variety of needs. The ballroom is set up to be one large space or broken down into four smaller spaces to meet the needs of the individual shows. The meeting rooms are arranged in a variety of sizes and configurations to allow for multiple arrangements of meeting space sizes. Several rooms can also be subdivided.

To accommodate up to 15,000 visitors at once, with capacity for 5,000 people for dinner, large spaces and open volumes of building were indispensable. To avoid blocking the view of residents in nearby high-rise buildings, the roof height was restricted, leaving minimum depth for structure. To optimise depth and achieve long span with heavy loading, a unique layout of multiple story-deep trusses was used to accommodate door openings and passageways suitable to the building function.

Figure 175: The Vancouver Convention Centre's floor plans.

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Physical The architectural expression embodies the diverse elements that define its place. Use of folded landforms blurs the distinction between building and landscape, urbanity and nature, creating a major civic plaza and a prominent feature to be recognised around the world is the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six-acre living roof, which is Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and the biggest non-industrial living roof in North America. Landscaped with 400,000 native plants and grasses, the green roof acts as an insulator to mediate the exterior air temperature, as well as contributing to the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storm water utilisation and integrating with the waterfront landscape ecosystem.

Wood, a traditional interior finish material, was used in a contemporary way for the convention centre. Douglas fir slats (harvested locally) run along the underside of the roof plane. Their lines help articulates shifts in slope, even from vantage points far outside the building envelope, since they are visible through the glass curtain walls. They also provide a sense of scale for large interior floor spaces below.

Figure 176: Internal views showing the use of material inside the Vancouver Convention Centre.

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Figure 177: Exploded model showing different aspects of the building.

Theoretical With the Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada is seen to house one of the best â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; convention centres in the world with relationship to sustainable principles and green design guidelines that include a large green roof that acts as an insulator; a restored marine habitat, improving the water quality; a blackwater plant system used to water the plants on the roof; and naturally lit and ventilated spaces formings a major part of the building, with strategic openings for maximum effect.

Seattle-based LMN architects designed the Vancouver Convention Centre West as a compelling vision of how a civic building can be a celebration of people and place and a model of sustainability. The central design challenge was to create and integrate a 22-acre development programme at the intersection of the urban realm and the marine habitat, tripling the size of the existing convention district. Each environmental interface is carefully considered, roughly grouped into a landscape habitat, a marine habitat, and a human habitat. The project defines an urban district that is the focal point of the downtown waterfront in a city of intense civic involvement and environmental awareness.

Figure 178: Vancouver Convention Centre building sections.

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Figure 180: Sustainable response of the Vancouver Convention Centre to the marine life.

Figure 179: Views showing the green roof to the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Figure 181: The mechanical heating and cooling system.

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Formal precedent study Following the precedents relating to function and programme, formal precedents are concerned with issues of form, structure, and scale and investigate how forms are put together. The buildings discussed in Section_(vi) do not necessarily have any relation to the programme of the proposed building, but are rather concerned with architectural and urban issues identified earlier in the document: o o o o o

Disconnected vs connected spaces; Building edge design; The resolution of a corner condition; Built form and spatial characteristics; and Materials and tectonics.

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Main architectural issues of a convention centre Disconnected vs connected spaces

Figure 182: San Diego Street Faรงade.

Figure 183: Vancouver ICC entrance.

Figure 184: Durban ICC entrance.

One of the problem that arises in convention centres is the relationship between outside and inside, particularly along the edges to the public`s eye. These buildings are characterised as being very introverted buildings which relate very little to public spaces around them. A predominant characteristic could also be that there is a lack of spatial layering in the planning of the building. Very few buildings of this nature have transition spaces between exterior and interior as well as between interior spaces.

Figure 185: Public to private layering of space.

Figure 186: Spatial layering.

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Areas should be layered in a certain way to provide intermediate spaces, thus avoiding abrupt changes in spatial qualities. This will provide for a gradual movement between spaces.

Added to this, to help eliminate the introverted quality of these buildings, together with layering spaces along edges, activities should also be implemented along these sides. These activities should be able to spill out or produce some sort of visual interaction between interior and exterior spaces, helping to make the building more extroverted.

Figure 187: Disconnected vs connected spaces.

Figure 188: Public and private space representation within a city by Leon Krier.

Threshold: what is it?

Dee (2001) regards it as a spatial component which provides for integrated, subtle and complex transitions. The threshold is the space that links spaces, mediums or objects. It separates the public and private sphere.

Thresholds give a spatial configuration to people’s need to adjust from one situation or experience to another. In a way, “...a threshold can often provide visual and physical integration of the landscape if it possesses qualities of both the spaces it connects, the environment that is left behind as well as the place being entered.” (Dee, 2001: 171). research and investigation

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Building edge design There are three (3) main types of edge response: Solid, semi-solid and soft.

A. Solid edges are those formed by buildings placed in a fairly compact form on the street boundary; B. Semi-solid edges are those with roughly equal proportions of solid buildings and landscape areas. In general, however, the corners of blocks should be solid; and C. Soft edges are those that remain open with just landscaping, or where the building is setback from.

(Source: Planning Partners, Urban Design Framework, 2005)

Figure 189: Christchurch Convention Centre.

Street level interface.  Regardless of the type of edge response, an active visual and functional interface between buildings and the public environment must be ensured, at least on the ground and first floors.  Functional interface means that people should be able to walk along a street in front of a building and experience an attractive environment, including some interaction between the building and the street. Entrance lobbies, shops, coffee shops, offices, and gateways into mid-block spaces, all provide functional interfaces.  Transparent surfaces, balconies and terraces provide a visual interface which means that people in the buildings and in the public environment can see life and activity occurring. This helps to make a place vibrant and interesting.  This can take place without affecting the privacy in the buildings, since uses on ground floor should be of a more public nature, while those above can be private. Small changes in levels can also help to keep an active visual interface while still creating a degree of privacy.

The drawing illustrates generically the three typical edge responses. Solid edge describes a compact building with controlled façade recesses and a few openings in the form of gateways. Soft edge is an open landscaped area, and semi-solid edge is a combination.

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Figure 190: Building edge response.

1. Solid edge response: low to medium rise buildings.

Low-to medium-rise buildings follow the same edge response principles as high-rise buildings, with some dimensional variations. o Vertical articulation: Building base on ground floor, building body on first and second floor, building top is roof space and loft, if any; o Parking structures protruding more than one meter above ground level must be setback 5 m from street boundary line, with a suitable interface; o Active uses on ground floor at least 25 per cent of the length of the block in the form of functional and visual interaction. This includes entrance lobbies, gateways to internal block areas, shops, and coffee shops; o In addition, visual interface on ground and first floors at least 25 per cent of the length of the block in the form of large window panels (glass), balconies, terraces and other so that people in the street and in the buildings can see one another; and o Uses on ground floor should be predominantly offices and retail as well as entrances to buildings.

Figure 191: Solid edge response.

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Soft edges are preferred for all edges fronting onto the open space system. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, no soft edges are permitted fronting onto the boulevard or on main linking streets, as the sense of enclosure necessary to street spaces would be lost.

Within a block with soft edge responses, some solid building elements might be created for accentuation purposes; this is limited to 10 per cent of the length of the block.

Figure 193: Soft edge response.

3. Semi-solid edge response.

This built form response consists of a combination between solid and soft edges in a proportion of about 50 to 50 per cent.

Corners of blocks should always be solid, even if that block has a soft edge indicated. This helps to define the extent of the block in visual terms.

Figure 192: Building to street edge response.

Figure 194: Semi-solid edge response.

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Figure 195: San Diego Convention Centre.

Figure 198: Active street edge.

(Van der Spuy, 2012:102)

Figure 196: Brisbane International Convention Centre.

Figure 197: Christchurch Convention Centre.

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The resolution of the corner Corner sites are visually prominent, have two frontages, and can potentially offer more entrances to different parts of the building. They therefore provide special opportunities for mixing uses. Houses on corners need to face two ways; many standard building types used by housing developers are rarely able to do this. More tailored designs will be required or new types devised. Corners are best emphasised by incorporating prominent entrances and/or windows at the apex, expressing the height by, for instance, using a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mansion blockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of apartments, or incorporating a special use into the mix.

Figure 199: Corner response.

The corner can be represented by a circular subtraction of the geometry/building, and in doing so creates a softening of the edge condition and a fluid elevation response. It is typical foreground movement and an internalised environment.

Figure 200: Sandton Convention Centre.

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The corner can be celebrated, whereby the corner is given hierarchy by placing an object in space or an object attached to the building as an addition to the geometry/building. It is a monumental expression as an approach. This is a robust way of the resolution of the corner. It expresses entry into a precinct (gateway) or the physical importance of such corner.

Figure 201: Housing project, IBA, Berlin, Peter Eisenman.

Figure 202: Hatfield 109 – ‘architects’ studios, accommodation and shop, Cape Town

The corner can be represented by the subtraction into the geometry/building and in doing so, creates an intermediate space before the actual entering of the building. This softens the corner and provides an inviting edge response for the users.

Figure 203: Red location museum, Port Elizabeth.

Figure 204: Aerial view of Red Location Museum showing a corner subtraction response.

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Built form and spatial characteristics Form:  A linear form can act as organising elements to which a variety of forms can be attached.

 A linear form can be used to front or define an edge of an exterior space or define a plane of entry to the space behind.

 Arrangement of a series of forms along a line.

 A linear form can be manipulated to enclose space.

 A linear form can be segmented or curvilinear to respond to conditions of its site as topography.

(Ching. 2007)

Figure 205: Agora of Assos, Asia Minor, 2nd Century B.C.

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Space: ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Space defined by parallel planes?

Two parallel vertical planes define a volume of space between them that is oriented axially toward both open ends of the configuration.

The directional quality and flow of the space defined by parallel planes are naturally manifested in spaces used for circulation and movement, as the streets and boulevards of towns and the halls and galleries of buildings.

Opening in one or both of the planes can introduce secondary axes to the field and modulate the directional quality of the space.

Figure 206: Durban ICC showing its configuration to parallel planes in plan.

The flow of the space defined by parallel planes corresponds naturally to the paths of movement within a building.

The parallel planes that define a circulation space can be solid and opaque to provide privacy along the circulation path.

The planes can also be established by a row of columns so that the circulation can open up on both sides (Ching, 2007).

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ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Linear spatial configuration Linear organisation of space o o o

A linear organisation consists essentially of a series of spaces. These spaces can either be directly related to one another or be linked through a separate and distinct linear space; A linear organisation usually consists of repetitive spaces which are alike in size, form, and function; and It may also consist of a single linear space that organises along its length a series of space that differ in size, form, or function. In both cases, each space along the sequence has an exterior exposure.

Spaces that are functionally or symbolically important to the organisation can occur anywhere along the linear sequence and have their importance articulated by their size and form. Their significance can also be emphasised by their location: o o o

At the end of the linear sequence; Offset from the linear organization; At pivotal points of a segmented linear form;

o o o

Linking and organising them along its length; Serving as a wall or barrier to separate them into different fields; and Surrounding and enclosing them within a field of space.

(Ching. 2007)

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Order.

A datum is a form which ties together or anchors all other elements of the design. It can be a line, like a road with houses arranged along its length, a flat plane, or even a 3D space. Many buildings all share a plane which acts as a clear datum.

To be an effective ordering device, a line datum must have sufficient visual continuity to cut through or bypass all of the elements being organised. If planar or volumetric in form, a datum must have sufficient size, closure and regularity to be seen as a figure that can embrace or gather together the elements being organised within its field (Ching, 2007).

A datum can organise elements in the following ways: Line; Plane; and Volume.

o Line A line can cut through or form a common edge for the pattern, while a grid of lines can form a neutral, unifying field for the pattern.

Figure 207: Nalanda Mahavihara. Bihar, India, 6th-7th century A.D.

(Ching. 2007) https://rinbo.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/form-space-order-summary.pdf.

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Materials and Tectonics Monumentality vs. Ephemerality o

Monumentality

Figure 208: Congress Centre, Turkmenistan, Saraiva + Associados, Awaza.

o

Intimacy

Figure 209: The Zentrum Paul Klee, Renzo Piano. Awaza.

.

Monumentality lies in a sense of permanence. These buildings have good vertical qualities and are usually coarse-grained and not fragmented.

It marks a point in space and has a heavy physical connection to the earth.

In terms of expression and massing, the facades do not possess elements that relate to human scale.

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This approach is the direct opposite of monumentality.

Intimacy in form lies in the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to respond to a human scale. The overall composition is horizontal rather than vertical to capture intimacy.

o

Permanent

o

Ephemeral

Figure 210: National Assembly Building, Bangladesh, Louis Khan.

Figure 211: D house, Brittany, France, Lode Architecture.

A sense of permanence conveys a strong connection with the earth. Massing, load bearing structures and a horizontal presence communicate permanence in a building. In these buildings materials from the earth, such as masonry and concrete, are used.

Light materials and structures are characteristics of this material/tectonic expression. A general loose-fit structureto-membrane relationship is evident.

Timber and steel are typical materials used in ephemeral building.

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Conclusion This treatise thus far has presented an understanding of the convention industry generally and specifically to NMB: a theoretical understanding of space and the need for active gathering spaces, have been established, along with; the problems and issues regarding a convention centre’s typology and it’s planning.

Convention centres as a single-use building fail to provide a city with meaningful civic spaces. The attempt to host all functions under a single roof requires a high degree of flexibility to its planning and spatial configuration and renders an unsustainable environment. Therefore, as discussed previously, there is a need not only for flexible and adaptable spaces but also for a building that can serve the same purpose, creating a functionable, usable, active public civic space.

“It is important, naturally, to be able to stand in public spaces, but the key word is: ‘staying’.”

(GEHL, 1987)

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Identifying the main challenge(s) and objective(s) for this design treatise Urban Related: o o o o

Relate well in scale, form and appearance to the existing buildings and spaces; Make carefully considered connections with the main pedestrian routes and public transport; Incorporate historical elements (reinstating the tramway system as a public transport system); and Increase diversity.

Socially Related: o o o

Create a pleasant and vibrant environment for users; Create a platform for social interaction and a social reconnection within the Nelson Mandela Bay; Provide a facility that could act as an attraction for international tourists to visit Nelson Mandela Bay.

Economically Related: o o

Robust enough to change/adapt and suit any required need; Flexible spaces to encourage a mixed use of these spaces.

Programme Related: o o o o o o o

Connecting of spaces and urban fabric; Creating good public spaces to accommodate interaction; Creating good thresholds providing the necessary public to private spatial relationship; Reinforcing lower level for public interaction and stimulation; Providing a 24/7 dynamic building, with a programme that is flexible in order to accommodate young and old, national and international guests; Maintaining significant views and vistas towards the ocean within the design; and Considering nature and sustainable issues.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is my belief that existing things happen when a variety of overlapping activities designed for all people, the old and the young, the blue and white collar; the local inhabitant and the visitor. Different activities for different occasions meet in flexible environment, opening up the possibility of interaction outside the confines of institutional limits. When this takes place, deprived areas welcome dynamic places for those who live, work and visit; places where all can participate, rather than less or more beautiful ghettos.â&#x20AC;?

RICHARD ROGERS

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Chapter 03

Site investigation [contextual]

Part C (Where) of the document outlines the SITE. Introduced to the reader to Port Elizabeth and discussed the problems and issues regarding the site.

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Section _ i

Introducing Port Elizabeth

Introduction

I

t is predicted that the waterfront of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) will be redeveloped in the near future. As such, it is imperative that an international convention centre forms part of this future theoretical framework.

In this section the researcher introduces the City of Port Elizabeth to the reader in the following ways: o

o

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Showing the relationship of South Africa to Africa, and to the Eastern Cape, a micro analysis of this context in terms of the socioeconomic, cultural and physical context will be conducted. Furthermore, identifying Port Elizabeth within the Eastern Cape and understanding its relationship and the role that it plays in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and its climatic characteristic along an Indian Oceanic coastal edge of South Africa.

Providing a brief history of the establishment of Port Elizabeth together with the growth of the city expanding to suburbs, abandoning the inner centre, CBD, and the consequences thereof being urban decay. This is a result of fragmentation and segregation due to the introduction of the flyovers.

site investigation

Figure 212: South Africa by author.

Johannesburg Province: Gauteng Established: 1886 Total area: 1,644.96 km² Population: 4,434,827 (2011) 26°12'16"S 28°2'44"E

Durban Province: KwaZulu-Natal Established: 1835 Total area: 1,513 km² Population: 3,442,361 (2011) 29°53'S 31°03'E

Pretoria Province: Gauteng Established: 1855 Total area: 1,644 km2 Population: 2,921,488 (2011) 25°45'12"S 28°11'13"E

Cape Town Province: Western Cape Established: 1652 Total area: 2,454.72 km² Population: 3,740,026 (2011) 33°55'31"S 18°25'26"E

NOTE: Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) or Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM) refers to the combined area of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch and the surrounding rural areas. Port Elizabeth will only be used when referring to the city itself.

Figure 113: Eastern Cape by author.

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Port Elizabeth, South Africa is at -

33°59'S, 25°36'E.

The population of all main area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.

Census 2011-10-09 Nelson Mandela Bay 1,152,915 (2011) Port Elizabeth 312,392 (2011) Located on the edge of the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth has a year-round holiday climate. The Eastern Costal regions enjoy hot summers and moderate winters, while Port Elizabeth experiences a daily average of seven hours of sunshine a day.

Climate conditions of Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth has a warm Mediterranean / dry-summer subtropical climate that is mild with dry, warm summers and moderate seasonality. Regions with this subtype of the Mediterranean climate closely resemble an oceanic climate with generally cloudier and damper conditions than typical Mediterranean climates though they are still susceptible to fire in the warm dry summer months (Köppen-Geiger classification: Csb).

According to the Holdridge life zones system of bioclimatic classification, Port Elizabeth is situated in or near the subtropical thorn woodland biome (Climatemps. 2015).

The average annual temperature is 17.3 degrees Celsius.

The total annual precipitation averages 526 mm which is equivalent to 526 litres/m².

On average there are 2818 hours of sunshine per year.

Figure 214: Map of Eastern Cape by author.

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Figure 215: Port Elizabeth in relation to Africa.

Figure 216: Historic, cultural and tourist sites and attractions in Port Elizabeth.

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(Climatemps, Port Elizabeth. 2015).

Precipitation averages Port Elizabeth

Solar averages Port Elizabeth

Temperature averages Port Elizabeth

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Figure 217: Sites and attractions of Port Elizabeth.

Figure 218: Scale of Cape Feet, Port Elizabeth 1849.

Figure 219: 1888 Gale (source: u.n, 2012).

Morphology of Port Elizabeth

O

n 14th of September 1486, the calm waters drew Bartholomew Dias and his two ships into this new and strange bay after a long and stormy trip around the Cape of Good Hope. On the approach Dias named it Bahia da Lagoa, Bay of the Lagoon, (Algoa Bay as we know it today).

Figure 220: The disastrous South East gale at Port Elizabeth, Algoa Bay Aug 30th 1888.

After the British occupation of the Colony and during the late 1790 Napoleonic Wars, the Dutch authorities were afraid that the French might be looking to colonialise the coast of Southern Africa. Governor Tulbagh then sent Beutler with the instruction to erect beacons at Algoa Bay to protect theBay against the French. Fort Frederick was then erected in 1799. On the 6th of June 1820 the Governor (Sir Rufane Donkin) presented Captain Moresby with 300 acres of land in the Baakens River Valley and asked them to name this village, Elizabeth after his beloved wife, Elizabeth Donkin, and hence the city was known as Port Elizabeth.

The township of Port Elizabeth was laid out just five years after it had been named by the Governor, with the basic function of handling goods and later processing goods and materials that were passing through the harbour. Due to the expansion of trade in the 1840s and particular the pastoral activities in the interior of South Africa, the settlement grew intensively.

The population of Port Elizabeth experienced a five-fold growth between 1910 and 1950 which led to the development of new areas for residential purposes. Urban sprawl, at its height during this time, was due to industrialisation and modernist ideals of urban planning together with South Africa's segregation due to apartheid ideologies, where people moved out of the CBD (central business district) to suburbs situated on the edge of the city.

Figure 221: Algoa Bay Plan of the Town 1849.

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Figure 222: Cape Colony map of Port Elizabeth.

Owing to the decentralisation of the CBD, manufacturing industries moved out of the city centre to cheaper suburban sites and shopping malls in the suburbs. This led to the development of hypermarkets and superstores, for example the development of Greenacres in the 1980s, Walmer Park built in 1988 and Macro malls became the gathering place and space for the city. Although today this area, the CBD, remains an important historic city core of the urban framework of Port Elizabeth, it has lost its major significance owing to the deterioration, leaving large tracts of land unproductive. This has led to grime and grime encourages urban decay.

With this movement of people out of the CBD, the city started to erect public buildings and institutions in the suburbs, for example, schools, libraries, malls, and offices. These facilities took away from the CBD Main Street (today Govan Mbeki Ave) the urban buzz that acted as the gathering place of the city, because the businesses moved from the CBD to places near or in the suburbs to be close to the 'people'. That had a devastating effect on the CBD. The CBD was left with mostly civic and industrial buildings (mostly vacant) with no or little attraction for the public. All the public attraction moved to suburban areas outside the CBD which led to people no longer visiting the CBD on a daily basis.

Today, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), previously known as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, covers the area of Port Elizabeth, the neighbouring towns of Uitenhage and Despatch together with the adjacent agricultural areas. The NMBM was formed in 2001 and named after the former president, Nelson Mandela in his honour.

Figure 223: Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth old map.

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This presents a visual expression of the character of what Port Elizabeth, its CBD and harbour area looked like through its early development. This created and established a framework and a set of systems that are still evident and resonate through the urban environment of today. By understanding a complete nature of space, one can then only start understanding and informing urban development as it stands today.

Figure 224: Collection of old photos of Port Elizabeth.

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Morphological development of Port Elizabeth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; explained through a series of diagrams:

Figure 225: Diagrams by author of the morphology of Port Elizabeth.

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Figure 226: Diagram by author, present Port Elizabeth

Figure 227: Views from the Donkin.

Figure 228: Views down Baakens Valley.

Figure 230: Old photo showing views from the Donkin.

Figure 231: Old photo showing views down Baakens Valley.

Figure 229: Diagram by author, morphology summary.

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Spirit of place - Port Elizabeth

Figure 232: Collection of images showing the spirit of Port Elizabeth.

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Section _ ii

Introducing the urban context

Introduction Spatial placement within a city framework

Figure 233: Map by author, identifying precinct and placement within a city framework.

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Historical relevance of context in relation to Port Elizabeth South End used to be a very cosmopolitan community.

Figure 234: Aerial view of South End.

People lived happily together in cultural diversity with blacks, whites, coloureds, Indians, Chinese, Jews, Greeks and many others united in their attitude towards family values, faith and morals, despite a diversity of religion, language and race. It was a suburb of Port Elizabeth located south of its commercial centre, and was originally considered by local citizens to be 'over the river'. Settlement began in the 1860s when a few fine Figure 236: South End fire station. houses were erected in the area. After the stabilisation of sand dunes began in the 1870s, there was a marked increase in its residential development, and when, in the 1880s, the Railways began to expropriate land between South End and the town centre belonging to the Malay community, these families were resettled in South End. Thereafter the suburb began to develop a racially-mixed, working class character once known as a cosmopolitan community, which it retained until the 1960s when residents who did not qualify as Whites under South Africa's apartheid laws were forcibly removed to specially Figure 235: Old photo depicting a typical South designated areas north of the city.

End house.

When the National Party was elected to power in 1948, this was the start of the implementation of a set of laws that led to what we know as apartheid. One of these laws was the Group Areas Act which required that all non-whites be removed from what were identified as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;white onlyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; suburbs. These removals were carried out by force. The coloured residents were moved to areas such as Gelvandale, Korsten, and Chetty; the Chinese people to Kabega Park; Indians to Malabar and black people to townships such as New Brighton. This meant that people had to travel long distances to get to work, school and even church and hospitals. The buildings that these people lived and worked in were destroyed with only a few left behind. Somewhere in the early 1980s they started building townhouses, and that is what most of South End is made up of today (South End Museum, History of South End: 2011).

Figure 237: Old photo of South End.

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Figure 238: View of harbour from South End.

Figure 2402: View of harbour from Humerail.

Figure 239: Views around Humerail.

Humerail historically developed as a residential area for the railway workers with railway houses, some of which are still intact. Up to 2010 the Apple Express stopped here and was the longest working narrow gauge rail system in the world and an important part of Port Elizabeth’s heritage and tourism attraction. Owning to a lack of maintenance on the track it has been discontinued. The area is still a web of railway tracks, none of which are currently in use.

Figure 241: Office block in Humerail.

King’s Beach forms the largest node of the southern beachfront and is the beach to the city, situated right next to the harbour breakwater. The area is a popular summer destination where several holiday and water sport activities take place. Public facilities such as ablutions, public swimming pools and parks make the area a valuable asset for the city and it is often the site for informal trading and busker performances.

Figure 243: Aerial view of king’s Beach.

Figure 242: Old photo of King’s Beach.

Figure 244: Views of King’s Beach and surrounds.

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Figure 246: Old photo of Port Elizabeth's harbour.

Figure 245: Port Elizabeth's harbour from CBD.

Port Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harbour is very much intertwined with the history of the city itself. Not long after European ships first skirted their way along the African coastline, ships regularly started to berth in the normally tranquil bay on which the city of Port Elizabeth was founded. The stop made fresh water and land available to crew and the two were most often welcome after long months spent at sea.

The harbour became the focal point of strong growth in Port Elizabeth and by the 1860s Port Elizabeth was the second largest city in the Colony and one of the most important ports.

The arrival of the British settlers in the 1820s catapulted Algoa Bay into a stopover of significance. The first ship to dock was the big Chapman, on 9 April 1820. The first breakwater was erected and completed by 1867. In 1877, the Bay was described as the principal port in South Africa, with exports reaching R6 million. The initial timber jetty (called North Jetty) which was destroyed owing to the extreme weather conditions, was replaced in 1870, and further replaced in 1880 by an iron stricture. It underwent expansion over the years and survived till 1976. To the south, another jetty was constructed in iron (called South Jetty). A breakwater was still needed at this stage for the protection against the weather, as the initial breakwater was flooded the year it was completed.

The breakwater construction started in 1922 and finished early in 1933. The breakwater was further lengthened to its current position in 1978. During the period of 1930-35, two commercial quays were constructed, one being situated at the North Jetty (called the Charl Malan Quay) and the later one in 1932 between the Charl Malan Quay and the old South Jetty.

Currently the harbour is in the process of its next stage of development as the completed Coega harbour will take over many of the industrial functions. Furthermore, the vision for a mixed use waterfront development for Port Elizabeth has not been abandoned as its inception in 2004 as the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) was founded to 'revitalise and re-engineerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the inner city of Port Elizabeth.

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Figure 248: Views of Port Elizabeth's harbour.

Figure 247: Port Elizabeth's harbour.

Technical constraints for an international convention centre within context Site criteria for a convention centre The attributes are summarised in order of importance: Proximity to a critical mass of appropriate standard hotel rooms is regarded as the single most important attribute owing to the convenience this provides conference organisers and delegates.

The second most important attribute has been identified as the ability to accommodate the proposed venue within the precinct.

The three following attributes all relate to components of transport and venue accessibility, including ease of pack-in /out, car parking, and public transport for surrounding areas and air travel.

The other attributes relate to profile, synergy with existing meeting infrastructure, proximity to entertainment precincts, and close proximity too historical and tourist areas for delegates.

Too further summarise: A site on the CBD fringe offers the following: o o o o o o

Proximity and connection to support structures; Accessibility size and restrictions; Possibility of an urban connection to the city; Close proximity to activities; Close proximity to airport; and Close proximity to cultural activities and tourist attractions.

Figure 249: Map by author showing proximities of convention centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s precinct to surrounding amenities.

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Figure 250: Hotels in and around Port Elizabeth.

Availability of facilities within context Name of Hotel and Approximate No of Rooms: Villa Toscana Kings Tide Boutique Chapman Hotel No 5 Boutique Art Hotel Ahoy Boutique Hotel Isango Gate Boutique Hotel Summerstrand Hotel The Beach Hotel The Windermere Hotel PE City Lodge Courtyard Hotel Singa Lodge Hotel Bishops Inn Hotel Radisson Blu Hotel The Paxton Hotel King Edward Hotel Garden Court Hotel The Kelway Hotel The SUN 1 Hotel Holiday Inn Garden Court Humewood Hotel Marine Protea Hotel Road Lodge TOTAL:

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no of rooms 7 no of rooms 10 no of rooms 15 no of rooms 7 no of rooms 9 no of rooms 10 no of rooms 200 no of rooms 58 no of rooms 210 no of rooms 147 no of rooms 64 no of rooms 12 no of rooms 45 no of rooms 173 no of rooms 83 no of rooms 96 no of rooms 285 no of rooms 95 no of rooms 88 no of rooms 58 no of rooms 67 no of rooms 100 no of rooms 92

no of rooms: 1931

o

Feather market Hall

It is utilised for conferences, exhibitions, concerts and weddings. This building is located within the CBD, off the Feather Market Square.

The building was designed originally as a large market hall for the sale of fruit, wool and especially ostrich feathers.

After renovations the Feather Market Hall, as it stands today, was converted into the city concert hall and hosts various events throughout the year. This facility can seat up to 1,600 visitors through banquet, conference and schoolroom configurations. The banquet spatial arrangement has a capacity which is limited to 700 delegates.

o

St Georges Stadium

Figure 251: Inside the Feather Market Hall.

Figure 252: Feather Market Hall Port Elizabeth.

Located in a generous park, the St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cricket Stadium hosts Port Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main cricket events. The building is also capable of hosting small-scale functions (such as dinners, conferences and weddings) in different configurations, seating up to 200 delegates.

The stadium also has the ability to host events on the open field in a marquee.

Available configurations: o Seating without dancing: o Seating with dancing: o Cocktails: o Cinema style:

180 pax 160 pax 400 pax 100 pax

Figure 253: Duck pond end St Georges Stadium.

Figure 255: St Georges Figure 254: St Georges Stadium. Stadium has catering facilities with a marquee.

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Section _ iii The establishment of urban-related issues Nelson Mandela Bay in context

A

s this project is aimed at the creation of a convention centre in Nelson Mandela Bay, it is important to contextualize the reader with that of Port Elizabeth and that of the Nelson Mandela Bay, through an analysis of a macro context, with the aim of identifying a region within the city. This is followed by an analysis of the micro context within the specific region.

Illustrating on a macro scale, the urban components of Port Elizabeth provide the reader with an idea of its commercial corridors and supporting suburbs that make up a structuring system of metropoles. A hierarchy exists in terms of the major vehicular routes. The spatial order the city spaces, surrounds and their energies that connect are illustrated. The reader therefore now can begin to further understand the urban related issues and opportunities as this treatise positions itself within a region, cantered towards the establishment of a precinct for this treatise to investigate for the establishment of a new development.

Figure 257: Map by author showing 1:20000 Port Elizabeth macro constraints and informants.

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Figure 256: Map by author showing 1:10000 vehicular routes.

Precinct identification and analytical study for urban development This region is characterised by the setup of enclaves of space, from residential to commercially predominant. City fringe spaces support these enclaves and in a sense, fill in the gaps between them and end up establishing a suitable environment for this urban connecting intervention.

These enclaves of space and their surrounds have been characterised and expressed previously within this treatise. This gives an understanding of the nature of space and place within context, after the understanding of its existence, as stated and expressed earlier.

The connection or lack thereof, of activity from Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach towards the CBD is identified as a corridor of city fridge spaces set up by barriers created.

This â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;connectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a space, will inherently reconnect a disconnected urban grain of fabric, which has become the result of the implication of this urban intervention, where by an international convention centre will be the catalytic driving force.

Figure 258: Map by author 1:5000 urban precinct and enclave of show

Figure 259: Map by author 1:5000 barriers and disconnection.

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Urban issues discussed o Enclave (“pass by”) system

Figure 260: Images of the flyovers in Port Elizabeth acting as barriers to the CBD.

In this configuration, the absolute integrity of a space is maintained. Secondary paths have to be used to link the path with the spaces, otherwise the space could be isolated and perceived as unimportant.

This is evident in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Due to the advancement of technologies with the creation of the flyovers and the morphological development of this industrial harbour city, has created a disconnection towards the sea and adjacent spaces has been created as therefore diagrammatically represented above.

Figure 261: Map by author1:5000 harbour and surrounding enclave of spaces

This region is characterised by the setup of enclave spaces, ranging from residential to commercially predominant. City fringe spaces support these enclaves and in a sense, fill in the gaps between them, resulting in the strengthened disconnection identified.

Enclave (‘pass by’) system. o o o

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Completely disconnected from main energies; Enclaves can be next to each other, yet still completely disconnected; and Urban sprawl.

o The nature of the architectural expression of a large scale building Foreground buildings and background buildings.

Background Buildings.

Background buildings relate strongly to the scale of their context and do not make a statement pertaining to height at all. They seldom contrast to that of the expression of the surrounding buildings.

Foreground buildings.

Foreground buildings normally have important functions, as they are designed to be stand-alone places. They do not strictly relate to the scale and proportion of the context. They are typically iconic buildings which are in contrast with their surroundings.

The following factors cause a building to be a foreground building: o o o

Scale; Contrast; and Height.

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Scale o o

Large scale compared to the immediate context.

Large grain building compared to its surrounding fabric.

Contrast o o

It contrasts the context because of its form and expression.

Geometrically, it is based on radial or fractal shapes which within a context speak of strict linear geometries.

Height o

o

Buildings, because of their extreme height, stand out within their context.

Their strong verticality is different to the surrounding contrast.

The vertical â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;markerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contrasts the horizontal context.

Figure 264: Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, Pompidou Centre, Paris, France.

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Figure 263: Daniel Libeskind, Molocaust Museum, Berlin, Germany.

Figure 262: Cesar Pelli, Patronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

o The relationship between a large-scale building and the urban spaces it addresses.

Traditional urban space and Modernist urban space.

Modernist urban spaces are typically a freestanding â&#x20AC;&#x153;pavilionâ&#x20AC;? building.

Figure 266: Modernist urban spaces.

Modernist urban space is defined by a single entrance building on one side of the square. The rest of the square is defined by boundary lines of sites. The buildings which frame these spaces are normally characterised by a hard edge frontal façade, with no spatial layering and a lack of human scale.

Traditional urban spaces utilise the grain of fabric as part of the urban block, where the blocks define and enclose the space.

Figure 265: Traditional urban spaces.

The traditional arrangement ensures an active space with building frontages framing the square adequately, with a vibrant edge condition contributing to a place making.

In traditional cities, plazas/squares are framed by civic buildings of good height, creating an appropriate sense of enclosure with elements on the facades or objects placed within the plaza/square to provide a scaling element to the environment towards a relation to a human scale. site investigation

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o Extroverted vs introverted approach.

Introverted approach.

With this type of building the interior space turns it’s back on the square. There is no spatial layering to the square facing façade. This creates a non-interactive built edge, except for the single entry point.

In most cases the built edge does not relate to a human scale.

Extroverted approach.

With this approach being extroverted, the interior functions may be introverted, the buildings circulation is pushed towards the urban space and the ground floor facing the urban space is a continuous linear opening. The façade has been layered and softened to create an inviting edge.

With regard to the Pompidou Centre, the services are placed on the outside and used as spatial layering thresholds.

Figure 267: Residenzplatz Salzburg, Austria.

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Figure 268: Pompidou centre, Paris, France.

Conclusion A contemporary building which is well integrated into its context is ideal for the proposed building. The aim is to introduce a new architecture into Central which relates strongly to the culture of the city and to its physical context.

The specific traditional urban landscape in which the building is placed does not require a pure Modernist foreground building, but rather a building respecting the scale of the context with foreground moments giving it focal prominence and hinting at a destination building.

Ideally, although a destination-type building is proposed, it should be an extroverted building with multiple openings along its built edges to create a vibrant and well-activated urban space.

Establishment of urban-related issues informing urban intervention: o o o o o

Disconnection between Humerail and the city centre by South End area; Undeveloped land, ore dumps and tank farm restrict development of a waterfront; Modernist way of planning; Lack of sense of place and pedestrian movement; and Urban sprawl.

The issues relating to the site can be seen as physical factors and include the following sub-issues: o o o o o o

Topography (slopes); Existing tramway system; Working with existing services and restoring the railway line; Site responding to four different sides; Gateway and corner condition; and Long linear site.

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Section _ iv Urban design framework Introduction In this case, the chosen scheme was one produced by the researcher for the subject of Urban Design. With regards to this scheme, the following will be investigated, in order to link the project towards this new development: o An analysis of the scheme primarily pertaining to pedestrian and vehicular movement as well as the zoning of activities; and o A redevelopment towards a reconnection of the area in question in order for the site and the proposed international convention centre to be placed within the scheme.

Upon determining the general location of the site, this section of the treatise will provide the reader with a further analysis of the area through the identification of: o Man-made features which include land use, zoning, circulation, context and historical notes; o Natural surface features which include climate, topography and natural vegetation; and o Aesthetic features that will show the prominent views onto the site and also from the site.

Urban catalyst theory ban catalysts are projects, landscapes or buildings, which drive and guide urban U development and increase the number of users in an area. A catalyst should be r

conceived of as a series of projects that revive the urban fabric (Sternberg, 2002).

Note that for a catalyst to be successful, it needs to: generate social and economic activity; be located near commercial establishments (single or mixed use); be within walking distance of other developments; and have strategically planned entrance and exit points that will shape pedestrian movement patterns.

The main purpose of an urban catalyst is to provide the continuity of the regeneration of the fabric in the city and it is such a powerful element that a catalyst does not act as a single or end product; it forces the environmental factors that accelerate the subsequent development. In this regard, it can be said that a catalyst is a dynamic, a physical model and very humanist approach which sets up its own rules about human activities, network of transportation, infrastructure and formal decisions.

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Diagrammatic representation of the catalytic process image via American urban architecture.

What does a convention centre as a catalyst mean within an urban framework?

Urban design links architecture to the designed built environment and functional urban infrastructure.

Therefore, an international convention centre acts as a catalyst in a disconnected urban environment, where Nelson Mandela Bay presents itself. This will be the backbone to the theoretical direction implicated towards a suitable urban intervention.

The nature and quality of a convention centre and its powerful implicated presence on space making provides a suitable platform through which this disconnected urban space can be reconnected back, not only to the fabric of the city and its city centre, but also to that of a needed social condition within a proposed waterfront environment.

Premise and objectives The design of an urban framework for an international convention centre serves as a catalytic link to reconnect an urban fabric and its activities towards the CBD, situating itself within a harbour waterfront environment of Port Elizabeth. o o o

Reconnecting an urban fabric; Giving back the importance of space to the pedestrian; and A harbour waterfront environment towards a future vision for NMB and its harbour.

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Urban design generators and structuring principles Natural

Movement Green structure.

The diagram describes an attitude to green space within the site.

The central concern here is achieving continuities of green space to promote selfmaintenance, biodiversity and habitat selection.

Figure 272: Map by author 1:5000 -green structure.

Figure 271: Map by author 1:5000 -hierarchy of movement.

Buildings of significance

Connection â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;linkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pass by space established Buildings of significance, Heritage.

A central design issue is in respect for, and the enhancement of, historic elements and precincts of value. New development should not compete with these but should frame them and allow for breathing space.

Figure 269: Map by author 1:5000 -buildings of significant.

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Hierarchy of movement routes. A characteristics-of positively performing environments is that they have clear, legible movement hierarchy. This is a key factor in the resilience of settlements: public activities always seek out places of higher accessibility. The greater the range of choices along the continuum of publicness and privacy, the greater the ability to accommodate all activities.

Connection established.

Enclaves of space are established and further created by this disconnection the city occupies.

A connection is established towards the grain of fabric and the connecting of energies within city spaces.

Figure 270: Map by author 1:5000 -connection established.

Gateways and Views

Enclaves of space and its spatial connection Gateways and views.

The entrances into settlements should be spatially announced, as should special precincts within them. This can be achieved by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;piercingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the space, through the use of buildings or by the creating of spaces.

Enclaves and spatial connection.

Enclaves are set up due to the urban issues, yet connection possibilities present themselves in the environment towards a greater connection.

Figure 273: Map by author 1:5000 -enclaves of space and spatial connection.

Figure 274: Map by author 1:5000 -gateways and views.

Permeability

Green spaces

Permeability.

A characteristic of positive settlements is permeability: people can change direction and mode of movement quickly and easily. The most permeable form of urban structure is the grid. The grid can be fractured, and cracked to create public space.

Figure 276: Map by author 1:5000 - permeability, vehicular access.

Green spaces.

This diagram shows an attitude of green space implemented in an urban development. It allows for usable public spaces and breathing spaces for the buildings.

When there is no sense of orientation is by the natural environment, they must be created through the structural use of higher buildings at special places.

Figure 275: Map by author 1:5000 -green spaces with urban intervention as superblocks.

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Built Edge Consideration and Shafts of space

Hierarchy of space, Vistas and Viewing corridor Shafts of space.

Axial alignments and focal points. The visual experience of settlements can and should be enhanced, through the use of design devices, such as the creation of shafts of space to emphasize views and axial alignments between important elements.

Figure 278: Map by author 1:5000 -shafts of space.

This diagram also shows the need for hard, clear edges in order to discourage sprawl.

Non-Motorised Transport

Hierarchy of public space, vistas and viewing corridors.

Positive settlements are characterised by a hierarchy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of public spaces, both nodal and linear.

These spaces are the informal meeting places for settlements: they represent the highest order of social infrastructure.

Vistas and viewing corridors frame views of Figure 277: Map by author 1:5000 -hierarchy of public space. significant elements of the landscape.

Hierarchy of Motorised Transport Hierarchy of motorised transport.

The accessibility towards the public activities create this continuum of publicness and privacy.

Non-motorised transport.

It is widely agreed internationally that nonmotorised modes of movement, such as walking and cycling, should be encouraged and promoted to the greatest degree possible, for reasons of economy, health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety and comfort are also key factors in the requirement of specialised facilities.

Figure 279: Map by author 1:5000 -non-motorised transport.

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Figure 280: Map by author 1:5000 -hierarchy of motorised transport.

Hierarchy of public institutions

Grain of fabric towards the intervention Grain of fabric.

Creating this density within this city fringe space informs a quality to its public realm and a greater built form structure, through which future development can merge.

Hierarchy of public institutions.

Appropriately, the hierarchy of public institutions responds to hierarchies of access, with the highest order activities occurring at the most accessible places and spaces.

Figure 281: Map by author 1:5000 -hierarchy of public institutions.

Figure 282: Map by author 1:5000 -intervention grain of fabric.

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Conclusion Composite constraints and informants of urban context

Figure 283: Map by author 1:2000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; composite constraints and informants of urban context.

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Proposed tramway transportation system

Figure 284: Images showing hydrogen powered tramway system used in Dubai.

A convenient and user-friendly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hop-on hop-off' transit system, an all-new hydrogen â&#x20AC;&#x201C;powered zero-emission street trolley will be implemented into the urban design scheme and framework. This will add value to the residents of Port Elizabeth and visitors by offering them an attractive commuting service at the iconic locality.

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 Plans for unique ‘green trains’ to service Baywest Mall.

The iconic Apple Express railway to be revived ahead of R1.7bn mall’s opening.

Port Elizabeth – Plans are afoot to introduce custom built ‘green’ trains either solar or liquefied petroleum gas powered which will run daily along the iconic Apple Express railway line between the city’s beachfront and the R1.7bn Baywest Mall. (Specifier: 2014).

Figure 285: Apple express.

“Such a project would be a Blows: 2014-invaluable asset to the city’s tourism industry and business sector,” said Baywest MD (Blows: 2014).

The mall developers – Abacus Asset Management and Billion Group – were in full support of the initiative as it would not only boost tourism, but also help create much needed jobs in the region.

Baywest MD said, “A station has already been included in the plans for Baywest Mall, with the possibility of a tram ferrying commuters a short distance from the station to the mall and back. This is a project which would bring an entirely unique tourism experience to the city. It would mean that people could jump on the train at the beachfront, travel to Baywest Mall for some shopping and entertainment, and then return by train later.” (Blows: 2014).

Figure 286: Images showing the existing tramway system of Port Elizabeth's apple express.

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Proposed intervention ď&#x192;&#x2DC;

Proposed urban intervention as a super block representation

Figure 288: 3D render by author of urban intervention.

Figure 2893: 3D render showing gateway to proposed intervention Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach.

Figure 287: Map by author 1:2000 - showing proposed urban intervention.

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ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Proposed land use identification to urban intervention

Proposed commercial corridor boulevard Figure 290: Map by author 1:2000 - showing proposed land use of urban intervention.

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ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Visual analysis of urban intervention Figure 291: 3D renders showing various views of urban intervention including an aerial land use image.

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Urban 3D model expressing proposed urban intervention highlighting land use zoning with respect to existing fabric.

Figure 292: Sketch up model by author showing proposed urban intervention and its context including its land use activities.

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Section _ v

Introducing the site

Site selection criteria Explaining the process for selecting the site

C

onsidering the precedents that have been explored previously, three approaches towards the location of an International convention centre have been explained and outlined.

From this analysis is was decided that the best site suited for this treatise is of the city fringe space. This chosen site has proven to be the most appropriate location for a convention centre.

Although the inner city space as a site allows for great connectivity towards supporting structures and infrastructure, it has been mentioned earlier that the driving force and motivation around this treatise is a reconnection and a new development in the harbour area of Nelson Mandela Bay. A site on the city fringe of the CBD or historical core allows for the opportunity to create new urban connections with the city and its harbour and leisure activities, whilst utilising the city’s infrastructure and support services in close proximity.  The site is situated in the MBDA Mandate area;  It is part of the proposal towards the future development;  It is located just outside the city, close to the CBD and beachfront, but within an area that has ample space for an urban development informing a connection;  It boarders a prominent vehicular route (Humewood Road), that connects the site to the city and beachfront;  It is situated very close to the Humewood shopping complex and mixed use area. This provides support towards the convention centre in terms of retail and leisure, thus informing a pedestrian connection to the energies created within the intervention; and  It is situated near to suitable hotels, to meet the needs of delegates visiting the convention. The Paxton Hotel (4 star) is the closest hotel and that includes the establishment of more suitable hotels within the intervention precinct, stretching the length towards King’s Beach.

Figure 293: Diagram by author showing a city fringe site location.

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Accommodation location and main commercial and leisure activity Most of Port Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotels are located along the beachfront outside the inner city. These vary from established (4-star) hotels to (3-star) lodges and a countless number of bed-and-breakfast establishments within suburbia.

These provide visitors with a variety of hotel types and flexibility regarding prices.

Port Elizabeth, being the largest city in the Eastern Cape, becomes extremely busy during specific events-which are locally held within Port Elizabeth and mostly, during-holidays and school vacations.

The average capacity of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large-scale hotels is around 70-150 (rooms/people, per night), which reveals an increasing need for more such facilities and hotels. This is especially the case with the demand and interest, socially and economically, this urban intervention will bring to the Nelson Mandela Bay. A 2010 summary of available accommodation showed only 408 facilities in the city, with a maximum of 6878 available rooms. (Accommodation statistics, nmbt, 2010).

Between 2004 and the first quarter of 2010, domestic tourist trips to Nelson Mandela Bay increased by 19 per cent (368 700 additional visitors), while foreign tourist trips increased by 30 per cent (113 182 additional visitors).

Figure 294: Map by author 1:2000 -showing accommodation and main commercial and leisure activity.

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This means that the total value of tourism to the city increased from R3.5 billion in 2004 to R9.1 billion in 2010. Foreign tourists increased their average length of stay from three days in 2004 to four days in 2009.

Proposed site

Figure 295: Map by author 1:2000 -showing proposed site.

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Man-Made features Grain of fabric Current grain of fabric of context

Figure 297: Map by author showing existing grain of fabric.

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Proposed urban grain of fabric

Figure 296: Map by author showing proposed grain of fabric.

Land use of site and surrounding context o

Current land-use

Large areas to the south used for dry and liquid bulk are dangerous, high industrial zones and require strict security control.

On the northern side the container berth requires similar standards. However, the area in the harbour between these two zones is used by similar industries and has a direct interest in commercial activity. Fishing, ship repair, and boat clubs do not require as strict access control and lend themselves to engage with/ benefit from and even educate the public. However, the high risk areas are situated within a single enclosure that separates this thin strip of land in between from other urban areas and activity.

Figure 298: Maps showing land use to harbour area.

o

Future land-use

With removal of the dry and liquid bulk areas, a large portion of the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge will become accessible and allow the lighter industrial areas to be integrated with commercial development.

This will allow for urban areas such as Central, South End, Humerail, and Kings Beach to directly link to the harbour.

It will allow a continuation of the built fabric to connect the beachfront with the city centre, as well as provide a direct link of South End and Humerail to the ocean. This will result in a visual connection and enforce a waterfront environment.

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Figure 299: Zoning map by author of urban intervention.

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Site related issues Natural surface features Climatic conditions

Figure 300: Map by author 1:1000 -showing climatic conditions related to proposed site.

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Topography – natural environment

Figure 301: Section BB by author.

o o o o

The natural slope of the area provides unobstructed views of the harbour and invites sunlight into spaces; The natural spaces are defined by steep embankments that act as a barrier or wall; The flat open spaces are defined by breaks in the slope; and The changing contours on the site provide natural spaces for the building to relate to and allow for the massive scale of a convention centre development to be subdued by integration into the slope.

Natural vegetation

Every plant in the world has been classified to be in one of six plant kingdoms. The Eastern Cape has two of these kingdoms in its classified flora – Fynbos and Palearctic.

(Port Elizabeth flora.)

The site is categorised as a ‘Grassland’ area – as its name implies, this is a biome characterised by grasses as well as other non-woody plants.

It is generally vast and open but a few tree species occupy this site, namely: Oak tree, Acacia Karoo, and Erythrina Kaffra (also known as the Coral Tree).

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Figure 302: Images by author showing natural vegetation around site.

Dealing with the levels of site Topography diagram: The limitations and advantages of the topography and orientation of the site define certain spaces and movement paths that will in-turn inform the urban development and massing of the building.

Figure 303: Topography diagram by author of site.

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Site sections

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Movement and integration Major vehicular routes relating to context

ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Humewood Road runs parallel to the site and extends into the inner city and the highway. The opposite side becomes Marine Drive and continues along the shore. ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Marine Drive defines the edge of the build fabric on the beachfront. ď&#x192;&#x2DC; Inner-city streets are defined by building edges.

Walmer Boulevard and LeRoche Drive connect the suburbs to the west with the city centre and beachfront. Walmer Boulevard becomes Heugh Road and eventually Buffelsfontein Road, and is the most prominent movement artery along the southern side of the Baakens Valley.

Both Walmer Boulevard and LeRoche drive connect to the airport and are capable of supporting high volumes of traffic.

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Hierarchy of main vehicular routes relating to site

Figure 304: 4Map by author 1:2000 -showing main vehicular routes.

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Pedestrian and non-motorised transport related to site

Figure 305: Map by author 1:2000 -showing non-motorised transport.

Aesthetic factors Views and vistas in and around proposed site

Figure 306: Views of the site and its immediate context.

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Site contextual analysis

Figure 307: Site contextual analysis by author.

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Conclusion The siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open location in an undeveloped piece of land, sees very little influence from the surrounding context on all four sides.

The Humerail shopping complex fails to set up meaningful space between buildings: instead it is designed around a busy parking lot that forms a long negative space between buildings. The lack in density to the buildings that are closest in relation to the site lacks strong informants that may influence the context. The buildings to the North-East capitalise on the views and orientation yet fail to relate to the defining of the street edge in a positive way. On the side edges of the harbor there are a few scattered shed-like buildings within a long underdeveloped stretch between the tank farm and the container berth. Within this open stretch of land, a railway track and fence line define the edge of the harbour. This railway line forms part of the design informants and constraints and stands in line for a restoration and reimplementation, giving strength to the notion of reconnection.

After the investigation it is evident that Port Elizabeth can easily cater for approximately 2,000 delegates staying in hotel facilities, but there are a number of B&Bs and guest houses rating (3-star to 5-star), (NMBT, 2010) that visitors can also use according to their need and budget. This in turn leads the researcher to provide a suitable convention centre, with adequate space for at least 2,000 delegates. Spaces are adaptable and flexible enough to meet any convention requirements.

Figure 308: Photos showing the view of site from Humerail by author

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Section _ vi Urban proposition Introduction

T

he urban areas, as established by the researcher, lack a continuity to a built fabric and have been established as physically disconnected on two axis. Through this the researcher establishes an intervention in achieving realistic goals in towards a future vision set out by the Mandela Bay Developing Agency (MBDA).

The researcher now theoretically establishes the intention towards the development and the effect it has, informing the direction and standpoint for the convention centre.

Urban design intention Introduction A direct connection is necessary, in order to link the harbour with that of Humerail, South End and beachfront activities. Therefore a need for a catalytic project, informing an intervention which positions itself as a means to reconnect the urban fabric, provides a suitable framework for this intervention. This will inherently promote future development to this urban fabric, utilising this framework as the backbone towards a vision for this harbour environment in the future.

GAPP proposal Encompassing approximately 1,039 hectares, the ‘mandate area’ includes the old Port Elizabeth CBD, the waterfront area of the existing harbour, Central, North End and other central residential suburbs. The MBDA then called for a ‘Master Plan’ proposal with the focus on coordinating existing and new projects in the mandate area into an overall strategic spatial and implementation framework (SSIF) to guide all proposed development.

Figure 309: Proposed waterfront development by GAAP Architects.

GAPP was successful in its proposal to lead the consulting consortium and has since prepared a vision and concept for the mandate area.

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The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;catalyticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; projects that focus the Mandela Bay vision include an international convention centre, just one of many projects that have been included to revitalise a cultural and civic precinct. The study also encompasses analysis many urban, cultural and spatial issues, as they affect Port Elizabeth.

It is a landmark project in the reconstruction and development of a region historically plagued by negative growth and urban decay.

Vision towards the urban intervention Figure 310: Diagram by author showing urban intervention being placed within the GAAP Architects waterfront development.

The concept of a waterfront development in Port Elizabeth has been part of municipal and port planning processes since 1985.

GAPP Architects have developed an urban plan for a current proposed waterfront development.

An international convention centre will be a catalyst in nature. The urban connection will be created through the establishment of a commercial corridor of activity. Therefore, this intervention in itself becomes a catalyst for the predicted waterfront development towards becoming a reality.

This in a sense becomes a two-stage development where the reconnection as an intervention can exist as an entity on its own.

Then through that the waterfront development is allowed to plug into its established system created in the connection.

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Conclusion Theoretical understanding and an application towards an international convention centre within the urban intervention.

Through a thorough investigation and understanding of Port Elizabeth and that of Nelson Mandela Bay, the urban issues it has presented and the requirements of a city fringe space intend towards the development of a convention centre. It has been concluded that a catalytic project of this nature, is best suited for the problems, aims and objectives on hand. The notion of convention and gathering spaces has seen a constant introverted expression to the building and, as mentioned earlier, the need for in creating meaningful spaces that support a cultural and social order of interaction. This need has been due to the disconnection of this space and amongst a number of urban issues, has imposed on the city and its harbour waterfront environment.

The need for this reconnection and dynamic space-making presents a backbone and a lens through which the researcher can theoretically derive a position and direction towards a hypothesis, where this development will use as a structure towards the development of a new paradigm for convention centres as a wellintegrated public gathering space.

This theoretical position is thus introduced within the design development chapter of this treatise.

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Chapter 04

Brief development

Part A (What) of the document, the PRELIMINARY. Announces to the reader the way in which the researcher conducted the treatise, its outline, direction and the structure for this following document.

Part B (Why) of the document establishes the BUILDING. Presented to the reader convention centres and the problems regarding an introverted ‘place’ followed by the idea of a new paradigm through dynamic, meaningful gathering ‘space’.

Part C (Where) of the document outlines the SITE. Introduced to the reader to Port Elizabeth and discussed the problems and issues regarding the site.

Part D (How) is a combination of both part 2 and part 3. Where the DESIGN process is explained and shows the reader is shown how the ideas were generated.

As a design is developed, it forms part of a process which develops as it constantly changes. The process is illustrated through a series of sketches and diagrams towards a full presentation.

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Section _ i

Formulating the design brief

Introduction

T

his section provides a basic understanding of the brief and accommodation involved for this treatise.

The size of the facility will also be established and discussed. The intervention will be in the form of a convention centre for Nelson Mandela Bay to provide the city with a space for large meetings to occur. The project will serve as a catalytic development aimed at developing a part of the harbour, which is expected to change in the near future. The client for the project will be the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and will be the main source of finance for the project.

Design objectives identified for creating such a facility: o o o o o

o o o o o o o o o

To provide NMB with a good destination for gathering and meeting; To promote the identity of NMB; To help develop the coastal area by using the Convention Centre as a catalyst for development; To increase the amount of tourist activity in the area; To design a building which is place specific to its context; To design for the maximum integration into the surrounding environment and landscape; To promote Port Elizabeth; To be easily accessible by pedestrians and vehicles; To become a gathering destination within the city; To enhance the current environment and act as catalyst for future development; To be a place that facilitates the planned and unplanned visit; To be a place of convergence - Ubuntu [working together in unity]; To facilitate the coming together of Architecture and people; and To represent Architecture and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water edge.

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Spatial Relationships

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

PUBLIC SPACES Business Centre Financial Services Foyer Space and Registration Break-Away Rooms / Circulation Public Gathering Space / Lounges Exhibit Gallery Space Restaurant / Shops

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EVENT SPACES Meeting Rooms / Meeting Suits Boardrooms Ballroom [Banquet Hall] Exhibition Hall(s) Plenary Hall [Auditorium(s)]

PRIVATE SPACES Deliveries Services Prayer Rooms Kitchen / Preparation Areas Ablution Facilities Offices and Administration

Technical exploration Minimum space requirements o Space dedicated for delegate registration must consist of no less than 0.7 sq.m for each person times the maximum capacity of the main auditorium; o The main auditorium must seat a minimum of 300 delegates; o Breakout rooms must offer at least 80 per cent of the seating capacity of the main auditorium; o An organiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office space of 20 sq.m must be provided; o Catering areas must provide seating for a minimum of 60 per cent of the capacity of the main auditorium, allowing for 1 sq.m per delegate; o A foyer and circulation areas must be available, and provide occasional seating and refreshments service; o Exhibition space must provide sufficient access and appropriately sized delivery bay; and o Cloakrooms must have a total capacity equal to that of the maximum capacity of the main auditorium.

Main Auditorium and Breakout Rooms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Specifications (refer to Appendix D) o A ceiling height of a minimum of 3.6 m. for a room for 300 delegates, with an unobstructed view of the stage/platform; o Daylight-free or availability of total blackout; o Full climate control; o Supply of power points in all areas of the room; o Built-in audio equipment; o Broadband data connection; o Cabling and connections to permit easy installation of SI equipment; o Acoustic RT 60 < 1.2 seconds; o Isolation from external noise sources to exceed 70 dbA; o Isolation between meeting rooms to be a minimum of 55 dbA; o Dimmable lighting with a minimum of 400 lux; o Upholstered seating with a minimum seat width of 60 cm; o Row space minimum of 80 cm; o Lectern, top tables and raised podium (minimum 15 cm.); o Goods lift access minimum 4 m. by 2.5 m. available if located on upper levels; o Regular programme of maintenance and cleaning; o Fire detection and exits to meet local legal requirements; and o Full access for disabled. brief development

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Main Auditorium - Additional Requirements All of these will need to be scaled to the size of the room. Base figures are for 300 seats. o o o o

Stage should measure a minimum of 70 cm. high and 50 sq.m in area; Facilities for simultaneous interpretation to ISO 2603 standards; Permanent projection screen; and Dedicated AV/lighting/sound control room.

Exhibition Area o Minimum ceiling height 4 m; o Minimum live load capacity 10 KN per sq.m; o Electricity, data and telephone connections available to every stand; o Direct access on to exhibition floor for delivery vehicles; and o Minimum overall lighting of 300 lux.

Centre Operating Requirements: o Public address system in all foyer areas; o Medical facilities available either included in the rental fee or as an additional cost to the client; o Internal signposting; o Public telephones available; o Business centre; o Internal telephone system available in public areas; o Access for disabled to all areas; o Compliant with Health and Safety regulations of the country; o Ability to secure all rooms; and o Toilet provision to comply with international ratios of number of toilets per number of delegates.

Sales and Marketing o Sales office to provide written quotes for rental rates and periods of availability together with outline terms for provisional reservations; o Contracts to be issued upon acceptance and confirmation of provisional booking, which include all the essential legal clauses; o Sales literature available that outlines the range of facilities, together with technical information on each room; o Documented complaints procedure policy; and o Clear definition of services and facilities included in the room rental.

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Venue Management o The venue should be able to provide, upon request, an organizational structure chart showing employees and outsourced service providers; o The venue staff should be polite, friendly and accessible; o A duty manager should be available on site during the build-up, open and breakdown of an event; and o Staff should receive applicable and appropriate training to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

Supporting City Infrastructure.

Details of the following should be readily available: 1. The number of hotels rooms available on site, within walking distance and within a short taxi or bus ride in the 3,4 and 5-star categories, together with details of budget accommodation; 2. Parking facilities on site and within close proximity; 3. Transport available from the nearest airport; 4. An overview of the main tourist and leisure attractions within the immediate locale, together with a range of brochures; and 5. The range of support services available within the region, including transport companies, conference organizers, exhibition stand contractors and other meetings related services.

Source: AIPC Conference Centre Evaluation Criteria, 2007: (www.aipc.org)

o Arrival Zone Site access should provide for an arrival zone along one face of the building that is for shuttle buses, taxis and limousines to drop off their passengers. The arrival zone configuration must accommodate the turning radius and loading for coach buses. This open air space is the rain-protected outdoor entrance to the building and should clearly establish a visual demarcation line between pedestrians and vehicles. This separation may be composed of features such as colour-banded accent pavement, bollards or planters that provide for free flow of pedestrians while restricting vehicular access. There should be no traditional â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;curbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or wheel stops that could be tripping hazards at this transition from exterior to interior space. An added benefit from this concept is complete ADA access. Offsite, directional signage to the parking area should be provided on the major approaches to the property to separate attendees whose first stop is the parking area. On site, traffic flow should allow convenient access to parking for those private vehicles unloading passengers at the door. brief development

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For feature events and more formal functions - new product unveilings, black-tie dinners or receptions - a portion of this area may be converted to a ceremonial entrance. The ‘red carpet’ treatment should be created with temporary decoration; built-in features are not desirable. Provide access and/or a staging area for limousine service and valet parking.

Specialty lighting for the canopy will be important, setting the mood for formal evening gatherings. A combination of lighting sources will be required to allow for multiple scenes to be programmed. o Registration and Pre-function Large-scale registration should occur either just inside the arrival zone or in the pre function space outside of the exhibit hall. The depth of the pre function space should allow for registration nodes to be set up in lobby vestibules or in a widened concourse so as not to interfere with lateral circulation. There should be space available to leave a small number of registration booths set up outside the exhibit area for the entire event and to use the remaining lobby area for pre-function activities.

This configuration must provide ample depth in the registration area for queuing. The openness of the lobby space should allow enough space for flexible registration setup using either strip- or island configurations. There should be adequate space in the pre function concourses for table top registration for smaller events using only the meeting rooms. o Exhibition Space This flexible space is intended to be the heart of the Convention Centre. The physical layout of this space should meet the basic requirements of an exhibit hall and the overall room should be divisible into roughly equal size compartments. The surfaces of the perimeter walls and structural columns should be durable and slightly “unfriendly” to human touch up to 2.5m to 3m above the floor. This will enhance the ability of those surfaces to require low maintenance. The basic layout of the hall follows a 9m by 9m grid derived from a 3m by 3m booth, the building block of the convention and trade show industry. The booth-aisle-booth module may be arranged along either axis depending on the particular event’s organization or preference for flow. It is generally a good idea to have the capability to locate booths so that they can back-up to the perimeter walls. If this is not possible however, at required points of access and egress, any unnecessary access points should be avoided. Entrances into supporting spaces should have doors into connecting service areas and not from inside the exhibit hall, especially if it can be anticipated that access may be required during an ongoing hall event. Column-free exhibition halls are not mandatory but are perceived as more desirable to meeting planners.

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When columns are used, their location can sometimes be more critical than spacing. If columns are used, maintain column spacing on a multiple of 9m with a 27.5m square minimum. The exhibit hall should be divisible into four or five roughly equal sections using operable walls. The minimum clear height to any obstruction should be 9m. The overhead structure should be designed to allow for lighting trusses, projection screens, banners or other convention-related materials to be hung from the ceiling at specific locations.  Design Loads The floor should be designed to accommodate 150kg per square meter loading, which is the accepted ‘industry standard’ for a trade show floor. Fixed hanging points should be coordinated with the structure overhead, braced for lateral loading.  Utility Connections Electrical power, telephone and data services should be provided in cast-in-place floor boxes on a 9m square layout grid. A combination of power configurations is required, including 208-volt 3-phase, 100-amp service and several 110-volt 20-amp circuits to convenience outlets.

For telecommunications, provide a minimum of six (6) individual Category 6 cables to each floor box for voice/data outlets with termination to patch panels located in a service closet or utility-door. Provide four (4) each single-mode and multi-mode fibre optic cables from every floor box to the nearest telephone closet, with access via patch bay to a fibre optic backbone. Provide empty conduits from selected floor locations to a service tunnel/mezzanine or other service areas for use by technical support staff to temporarily route controls, microphones, additional power and other cables. Water, drains and compressed air should be provided at perimeter walls and in selected floor boxes.  Lighting A mix of high efficiency, non-dimmable metal halide and dimmable or stepped fluorescent lighting types is recommended. The space divisions will define individual lighting control zones. Each division must be coordinated with the others when the room is used in an open configuration. Light levels shall be variable to accommodate the numerous standard conditions of use - move in/out, public assembly, trade show exhibits and multimedia presentations. Provide for feature lighting, microphones and audio-visual connections at typical head table and stage locations in each division of the hall. Remote locations for control panels will be needed.

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 HVAC Controls for HVAC systems shall be zoned to match the exhibition hall divisions.

Equipment should be enclosed in mezzanines located around the perimeter and accessible from service areas without disturbing ongoing events. Minimize vibration and sound transmission between air handling equipment and the exhibition space. o Back-of-House and Loading Dock Ideally, there should be direct access from the loading dock into the exhibit hall to facilitate move-in/move-out. Each hall division shall have its own service entrance. Crosscirculation on the loading dock shall allow each vehicle parking space to have access to each hall service entrance. Service and freight elevators shall be accessible directly from the dock. Numerous functions typically compete for space along the interior back wall of the exhibit hall. Public restrooms and concessions require visibility and signage for attendee use. Support functions will include storage rooms, workshops and closets for electrical or telephone equipment. Emergency exits from upper levels (if so configured) will either be stair towers or horizontal exits, depending on code requirements and the final approach. o Meeting Rooms – (refer to Appendix D) Groups of meeting rooms should be distributed throughout the facility. A mix of sizes is acceptable as long as access and support facilities such as restrooms, telephones and vertical circulation are conveniently located nearby, and visual cues are provided for orienting the user to the overall facility. Event registration can be set up in the concourse and/or at the entrance to individual rooms. Rooms are to be subdivided with movable partitions at 9m on centre, with the minimum room division a 30 ft. x 60 ft. module using a 9m structural grid. Optimal proportions for full-open meeting rooms are 1.5:1 and should not exceed 2:1 in any case. All divisible meeting rooms must have a 5m minimum ceiling height to accommodate the use of audio-visual projectors with a speaker’s platform.

Larger meeting rooms should increase the ceiling heights proportionally. Each meeting room will have pre-programmed lighting scenes, access to cable television hook-up, and access to nearby storage areas for stackable seating and tables. Each meeting room should have a tractable surface and picture-hanging rail on at least one permanent wall, but more durable materials should be used for at least the lowest 1.2m for ware protection and maintenance considerations. The rooms should be carpeted, using a border pattern at the perimeter and a geometric pattern repeat to assist room layout and furniture alignment.

Coffered ceilings should include incandescent fixtures for low lighting levels and a combination of incandescent and fluorescent cove lighting to be used for general illumination. Lighting controls for on/off and dimming shall be compatible with the room divisions. Provide for the use of voice reinforcement systems with jacks for microphones;

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recording and broadcast system connections for both audio and video will be required.

Sound attenuation between meeting rooms, service corridors, and mechanical systems must be addressed. Structure-borne vibration will not be acceptable. Service corridors provide access to the rear of meeting rooms. The layout should provide service access to all meeting and banquet rooms without crossing public spaces. Corridors must accommodate exiting, temporary storage and food service. If possible, a 9m modular width should be provided to accommodate all of these functions simultaneously. o Ballroom The ballroom is a large, column-free space that should be divisible into at least three sections. Its features include a finished ceiling, a mixture of lighting types including fluorescent, incandescent and specialty lighting for architectural features and special events; and a high quality carpet. Clear height to ceiling obstructions should be 9m.

The highest level of service in the ballroom will be for banquet functions. At 15,240 square meters, this room should be able to serve 3,000 people comfortably using 180cm diameter tables. Lectures or similar presentations using theatre-style seating could host up to 4,000 people.

The layout is based on a structural grid with a 9m wide service corridor across the long dimension of this space. This corridor will be used as a staging area during events. Its 9m dimension includes table and chair storage in niches, food service work areas, and food cart staging areas. Maintain 6m clear for back of house circulation and exiting. The kitchen should have direct access to the service corridor as well as to dedicated food service elevators. For general sessions or banquet presentations, lighting must have flexible circuiting and dimming controls zoned to the room divisions. The recent industry trend has been to use the ballroom for more theatrical presentations, resulting in an increased need for rigging capacity and electrical power for stage production lighting and sound systems. Each room division should have support for head table locations. Typically, these will occur once in each individual room break and at either of two walls when the room is used in the full-open condition.

Special features to occur at each location include:  Microphone jacks. Individual light circuit for featuring key speakers or dimming for A/V use.  Track lighting.  Overhead speakers wired to a kill switch to reduce feedback.

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o Central Kitchen – (refer to Appendix B) The central kitchen is initially expected to be a full-service banquet kitchen that will primarily serve the ballroom. Meals will also be served in the exhibit hall as well as the various meeting rooms. The design capacity for serving salad, a main course, vegetables and dessert shall be a production rate of 3,500 to 4,000 meals per hour. A dedicated dock area shall be provided for kitchen deliveries. A vertical core for service elevators and trash between levels is required nearby, with back-of-house access to all areas on all levels required. A separate building entrance for food service employees is desirable with staff support areas such as a locker alcove and briefing area nearby. An enclosed, airconditioned garbage room at the dock must be provided. Portable food service carts shall be used to display specialty coffees, pastries and other light food items in pre function areas. Any ‘food court’ ability will be created using these portable units, with electrical, phone, water and drain connections provided in selected areas. Built-in concession stands shall be provided in or adjacent to exhibit halls. o Client Support Areas A variety of spaces are required to support the clients of the facility, from convention attendees to show management. These include public restrooms, telephone alcoves and a concierge service or information desk. Temporary show offices, dedicated registration storage spaces and central recording rooms will be provided for event management. o Employee Support Staff support areas should be centralized near a dedicated employee entrance and have easy access to the back-of-house service corridors. Once past the building security office, full time staff members will have access to locker areas. Uniforms will be issued to parttime food service staff from an office near the kitchen. Technical support areas include central control and storage rooms for lighting, sound and distributed television systems.

Telecommunications and data support shall be located with the switch near the service entrance to the building. Engineering, electrical and maintenance shops should be located on an outside wall of the structure near the dock with easy access to the exhibition floor.

This area will house carpentry shop, electrical and radio repair functions, setup and housekeeping crews and other non-technical staff who support the daily operation of the building.

Source: Conventional wisdom corp, Exhibitor Media Group, Functions, (n.d.) <www.exhibitoronline.com>

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Section _ ii

Accommodation schedule Accommodation schedule The following accommodation schedule was derived at by: o o o

Accommodation schedule

looking at past accommodation schedules provided by the MBDA for future proposed convention centres for NMB; the analysis of existing South African Convention Centre programmes; and through literature exclusively related to the typology in question.

No:

Sq.m:

Total Sq.m:

1 4 2 2 4 1 1 2 1 1 3

2 500 9 10 10 9 20 400 25 110 144 3

2 500 36 20 20 36 20 400 50 110 114 9

3 1 1

3 346 5

9 376 5

Plenary Hall: (auditorium) 1 Seating Area for 2 000 delegates Interpretation Booth Sound Booth Projection Room Press Booth Light Control Room Main Stage Side Stage Area Actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dressing room + backstage Toilets: Male: 12 WC/ 12 Basin/ 24 Urinals Disabled Female: 39 WC/ 39 Basin 1 234 234 Disabled Foyer VIP Entrance SUB TOTAL

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Auditorium 2 Seating Area for 800 delegates Interpretation Booth Sound Booth Projection Room Press Booth Light Control Room Main Stage Side Stage Area Actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dressing room + backstage Toilets: Male: 12 WC/ 12 Basin/ 24 Urinals Disabled Female: 39 WC/ 39 Basin 1 234 234 Disabled Foyer

1 2 1 1 4 1 1 2 1 1 3

1 000 9 10 10 9 20 300 25 110 144 3

1 000 18 10 10 36 20 300 50 110 114 9

3 1

3 200

9 200

1 886

SUB TOTAL Banquet Hall (Ball Room) Banquet Hall for 1000 delegates Toilets: Male: 5 WC/ 5 Basin/ 10 Urinals Disabled Female: 15 WC/ 15 Basin Disabled

1 1 2 1 2

2 000 75 3 100 3

2 000 75 6 100 6

1 6 3 1 1 1 1

350 100 40 15 20 20 10

350 600 120 15 20 20 10

Kitchen Main Kitchen Satellite Kitchen Storage Cold-room Cleaners Store Linen Store Cutlery Store

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Office Laundry Staff Canteen

2 1 1

15 30 100

30 30 100

1 5 5 2

9 000 20 15 200

9 000 100 75 400

Convention / Exhibition Hall Exhibition and trade show space Sound Room Projection Room Storage

13 057

SUB TOTAL Conference and Exhibition Spaces Conference 1 (150 Delegates) Conference 2 (100 Delegates) Breakaway Room 1 (60 Delegates) Breakaway Room 2 (40 Delegates) Meeting Room 1 (20 Delegates) Meeting Room 2 (10 Delegates) Boardroom General: Store Room Toilets: Male: 3 WC/ 3 Basin/ 3 Urinals Disabled Female: 3 WC/ 3 Basin Disabled

2 2 3 2 2 3 3

250 150 120 80 30 15 50

500 300 360 160 60 45 150

3 3 3 3 3

40 18 3 18 3

120 54 9 54 9

1 321

SUB TOTAL Administration Spaces Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Secretary Strong Room Deputy Manager Secretary

1 1 1 1

1

9 6 12 9

17

9 6 12 9

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General Manager PR & Marketing Purchasing & Food Manager Conference Archives Administration Office Interpreters Office Personnel Manager Media Room/Press

1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1

12 12 12 100 12 15 15 30

12 12 12 100 36 15 15 30

285

SUB TOTAL Technical Services Chief Engineer Chief Electrician Server Room Stage Manager IT Manager and Speaker ready room Air Handling Substation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Generators

1 1 1 1 2 3 3

15 15 20 15 15 100 25

15 15 20 15 30 300 75

470

SUB TOTAL Employees Security Changing Room Toilets: Male: 3 WC/ 3 Basin/ 3 Urinals Disabled Female: 3 WC/ 3 Basin Disabled SUB TOTAL

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1 2 1 1 1 1

12 30 18 3 18 3

12 60 18 3 18 3

114

Public Spaces Entrance Lobby Circulation/waiting and secondary exhibition space Registration Prayer Room Travel Agency Bureau De Change Computicket Information Kiosk First Aid Toilets: Male: 3 WC/ 3 Basin/ 3 Urinals Disabled Female: 3 WC/ 3 Basin Disabled Restaurant Starbucks Coffee Shop ATM’s Train ‘Station’ SUB TOTAL

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

500 2 000 15 20 35 15 15 10 40 18 3 18 3 500 100 18 20

500 2 000 15 20 35 15 15 10 40 36 6 36 6 1 000 100 18 20

3 872

Outdoor Exhibition and Public Interactive Space 700 This area will be calculated during the design phase as it holds space for the general public Indoor/outdoor Exhibition Space Parking requirements: 0.6 per seat = 1 000 1 000 12.5 12 500

SUB-TOTAL

31 701

(excl Parking)

SUB-TOTAL

44 201

(inc Parking)

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“A proper building grows naturally, logically, and poetically out of all its conditions.”

LOUIS SULLIVAN, KINDERGARTEN

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Chapter 05

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Design development

Section _ i

Conceptualising the concept

Introduction

T

hrough the theoretical understanding of the nature of space and that of a sense of place within architecture, the researcher has established the absence of ‘space’ in convention centres, as they are seen more as an introverted destination places.

Therefore, from what was stated above, sees a movement is envisaged towards the creation of a more integrated facility that is well connected to the context, its environment, cultural roots and social interaction of people. This notion of integration, creates a building that not only serves its purpose as a convention centre, but forms a flexible, well connected urban public civic building occupying a city fringe space condition towards a waterfront environment, supporting a reconnection of an urban grain of fabric.

 Therefore, leading towards a hypothesis:

Theoretical position statement

Figure 311: Fredrick, M.Sense of place, genius loci. 101 things I learned in Architecture School.

“Creating a meaningful space to a disconnected urban fabric - as a new paradigm for convention through integration.”

Design generators An exploration of design generators regarding programme, site and the main concept that will lead to the development of the design and its final approach. This will be explored as follows: o o o

Programmatic response; Contextual response; and Concept development. design development

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Programmatic response Responding to introverted nature of building (programme) The main idea pertaining to this building is to create a building which is more dynamic, flexible in its spaces, and responds well to the context rather than the building being introverted and static in nature.

The aim is to create a positive gathering space that becomes a 24 hour building that plays an active part in the local economy. It should produce the opportunity for local talent and entrepreneur to make use of this facility for any event or function type. As such, spaces will be designed in such a way that reduces an introverted nature, and creates more flexible spaces which can be used for a variety of activities. Furthermore, edges which are in contact with the public will be activated by means of restaurants, spill-out spaces, garden, and entrances. The activation of these edges will help create intermediate spaces between the interior and exterior, and allow for a physical and visual connection to the interior spaces of the building.

Figure 312: Nature of space to circulation.

Permeability In order to reduce the scale of the convention centre, the building will be broken up into a series of parts composed of the main spaces of the building. These parts, being introverted spaces, will be connected by circulation and waiting areas.

By reducing the building into a series of introverted parts rather than one large one, the megalithic quality characteristic of these buildings will be reduced and it will respond better human scale.

The challenge therefore lies in the ability to make these introverted parts, into flexible and dynamic spaces.

Figure 314: Super block expressing levels of permeability.

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Layering of urban spaces will create a central node of activity to promote movement.

The connecting of recreational areas with similar activities, a path of movement across the site can be established.

Contextual response

Figure 313: Diagrammatic plan of a convention centre.

Contextual response Corner edge condition As mentioned earlier in the document, the chosen site is a gateway site into Port Elizabeth`s city fringe space, flanked by two roads mostly containing vehicular energy, yet promoting and informing a greater pedestrian usage.

An â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;introvertedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; corner design approach will be implemented, with visual permeability encouraging interaction between motorists and users of the building and opening up towards a visual gateway approach to the building.

Dealing with levels The context is characterized by having four distinct levels, which step their way down towards the harbour edge. As such, the building will be designed in such a way so as to take advantage of this natural characteristic, and to create points of hierarchy along the road edge as well as to create views and moments within the building.

Figure 316: Articulation of form through a corner response.

Implemented public transport system Figure 315: Affects of slopes on building design.

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The existence of the railway lines that slices the site in two gave rise to the idea for the implementation of a light â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; railway transport system. By implementing this system here, the inner city will be connected to the beachfront, the airport and the convention centre and the proposed urban activity corridor will act as an intervention. This hop-on-hop-off system will attract users and encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment. This will serve as a means of transport for tourists and delegates to get to the convention centre as well as a means of public transport in order to travel in and around the waterfront development and supporting city structures. Thus a strong link to the energies in the city will be created.

Figure 317: Hydrogen-powered tramway system.

Edge response The external edge on the Humewood Road side of the building should be robust and respond appropriately to passing by vehicular energy.

The internal edge and waterfront edge should be framed be pedestrian urban space responding accordingly with respect to scale and activity.

Figure 318: Example of articulation of form.

Figure 319: Articulation of form directly responds to the space in plan.

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Figure 320: Sustainable methods towards articulating the form of the building.

Concept development The traditional typology of gathering spaces as a centre is challenged in this project by the exploration, creating an adaptable connecting space that becomes functional as a space and building that is utilized for 24 hours, seven days a week. The establishment of an iconic medium, through which the users can connect and actively enjoy the city and its surrounding activities is envisaged.

The creation of a meeting space that invites public activity is achieved through the need for a group of buildings or a fragmented building that has become apparent. o Separating the main spaces of the building programme allows for movement patterns to penetrate the diagram. This creates a generous civic space and allows for mixed-use buildings to form part of the overall development. o It will also allow the building to fit into its urban context by fracturing the massive footprint required to accommodate a convention centre and the activities and spaces required.

For the spaces to be successful, they will be tested on: o the accessibility both visual and physically to all users; o spaces that are designed for human comfort, spaces responding to the creation of a sense of place; o the spacesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flexibility, adaptability and being well managed towards their activities; and o the ability to give all the users the choice to be either active (join in the activities) or be passive (to watch).

Figure 321: Design concept sketches by the author, as a design process towards an end product.

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Section _ ii

Exploration of concept

Figure 323: Basic constraints and informants on chosen site.

Figure 324: Diagramatically illustrating energies, privacy gradients and a spacial allocation to spaces.

Figure 325: Massing model, illustrating where is all began as a 'building' connected to the author's proposed urban design intervention.

Massing model scale 1:500

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Figure 322: The sketching diagrammatically spatial of the beginnings of the author's first design concept for proposal.

Section _ iii Design proposals Proposal 1 [June Portfolio] Diagram development 3D massing Figure 326: 3D massing models expressing main spaces of the building.

Exploded diagram of building Figure 327: Exploded model of June 2015 portfolio hand in.

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Spatial floor plans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ground Floor plan

Figure 328: June portfolio's convention centre proposal, Ground Floor Plan, 2015.

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First floor plan Figure 330: June portfolio's convention centre proposal, First Floor Plan, 2015.

Second Floor plan Figure 329 June portfolio's convention centre proposal, Second Floor Plan, 2015.

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Visual imagery of building within context 3D model representation

Figure 331: 3D representation as modelled renders of June 2015 portfolio's convention centre.

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Proposal 2

Figure 332: 3D representation as convention centre proposal two’s north elevation.

Harbor front South Elevation

o

Public active edge (energies), ‘street’ condition expressing layering of space from public to private

o

Entrance volume (circulation)

Figure 333: Above viewing along the activity edge as street. Below entrance foyer.

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3D representation (model)

o South aerial view Public active edge

o

North Humewood Road view Inactive repetitive edge Advertising and digital signage

Figure 334: 3D model north visualisation.

Figure 335: Proposal three convention centre 3D model renders.

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Figure 336: 3D model south visualisation.

Proposal 3

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Figure 337: Proposal three floor plans.

Figure 338: Proposal three ground floor plans.

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Figure 339: Proposal three first and second floor plans.

Figure 340: Proposal three technical section BB.

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Figure 341: Proposal three technical section AA and details.

Physical model sitting within its context scale 1:500.

South sea side aerial view

Public active edge living out towards the ocean Delegate drop-off, access to plaza level from Convention Drive.

Figure 342: Photos by author of proposal three physical model within context.

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Figure 343: Photo by author of physical model sitting within its urban context.

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Proposal 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FINAL DESIGN

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Section _ iv Final design presentation a.

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Site Plan and Floor Plans (NTS)

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b.

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Elevations (NTS)

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c.

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Sections, Technical Drawings and Details

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d.

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Model and Renderings

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Chapter 06

Bibliography

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Section _ i

Appendices

Appendix A - Elevators and lifts

Source: David LITTLEFIELD. 2008. Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Use of elevators and escalators for vertical circulation.

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Appendix B Kitchen requirements

Source: Paper by D. J. Cottam given to Catering Teachers Association Annual Conference, Wolverhampton, October 1969. Based on equipment by Stotts of Oldham. references

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Appendix C - Auditorium

Source: David LITTLEFIELD. 2008. Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Auditorium requirements including acoustic requirements.

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Source: Ernst and Peter NEUFERT.2000.

Architects' Data 3rd Edition. Oxford: Blackwell Science

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Appendix D - Meeting room layouts Source: Tony ROGERS. 2008. Conferences and Conventions A global Industry. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Break out room, meeting room and conference centre layout plans.

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Appendix E - Parking Source: Cliff MOUGHTIN. 2003. Urban Design: Street and Square. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Architectural Press Source: Donald WATSON. Alan PLATTUS & Robert SHIBLEY. 2003. Time-Saver Standards for Urban Design.

Massachusetts: McGraw-Hill Marshaling yard requirements need to be big enough for the Movement of large vehicles for deliveries and the servicing Of each required exhibition.

Multi-story car parks: Need to be considered I the design.

The correct parking consideration needs to be taken

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Section _ ii

References

Books Aleaxander, C. 1977. A pattern language: Towns, buildings, construction. 2nd Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

Carmona, M., Heath, T., Taner, O.C. & Tiesdell, S. 2003. Public places â&#x20AC;&#x201C; urban spaces. Kent: Architectural Press.

Ching, F.D.K. 2007. Architecture, form, space, and order. 3rd Edition. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Davies, L. (n.d.) Urban design compendium. English Partnership â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the housing corporation. Please check on name and use caps if necessary Joubert, O. 2009. 10 years + 100 buildings. Cape Town: Bell-Roberts Publishing.

Lawson, F. 2000. Congress, convention and exhibition facilities: Planning, design and management. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Lawson, F. 1981. Congress, convention and exhibition facilities: A handbook of planning, design and management. London: Architectural Press.

Littlefield, D. 2008. Metric handbook planning and design data. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Moughton, C. 2003. Urban design: Street and square. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Neufert, E. & Neufoert, P. 2000. Architects' data. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Blackwell Science.

Oldenburg, R.L. 1991. The great good place. New York: Marlowe & Company.

Redgrave, J.J. 1947. Port Elizabeth in bygone days. Wynberg: The Rustica Press.

Rogers, T. 2008. Conferences and conventions: A global industry. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Unwin, S. Analysing architecture. Architecture notebooks. 3rd Edition. 2009. London: Routledge.

Watson, D., Plattus, A. & Shibley, R. 2003. Time-saver standards for urban design. Massachusetts: McGraw-Hill.

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Treatises and dissertations Basson, J. 2011. The design of an international convention centre for Nelson Mandela Bay. M.Arch Professional. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Degan, A. 2006. City as convention centre. M.Arch Professional. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Nel, J. 2011. The design of an international convention centre for Nelson Mandela Bay. M.Arch Professional. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Nkosi, N. 2012. Ushaka Conference Resort. M.Arch Professional. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Van der Spuy, L. C. 2012. The e design of a conference centre and business hotel for Port Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner city. M.Arch Professional. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Internet sources Wikipedia, The free Encyclopedia: 2001. <http://www.wikipedia.com>.

Pintrest: 2008. <http://www.pintrest.com>.

IAPCO meeting quality: 2009. <http://www.iapco.org>.

Papers, articles and journals Unknown. (Unknown), Why Many Public Spaces Fail. Available: http://www.pps.org/articles/failedplacefeat/ Unknown. (Unknown), What Makes a Successful Place? Available: http://www.pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/ Julian Cooke. (2008), Architecture journal of the South African institute of architects, South Africa. Picasso Headline, CTP Books: Available: http://saia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ASA-52.pdf

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Municipal documentation Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. 2006. Integrated Development Plan 2006 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011 of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. 2007. Business plan for the Nelson Mandela Bay Conference Centre. Port Elizabeth: NMBM. Thornton, G. 2007. Business plan for the Nelson Mandela Bay Conference Centre. Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth

Interviews Marthinus, L. 2015. Interview on CTICC including guided tour. Interviewed by researcher. [Informal interview by the event executive, where she provided information about complexities behind the CTICC, the undertaking and hosting of various events and conferences. A complete tour of the building clarified planning and circulation issues with regards to the centres services and public active edge. The proposed expansion, through technical drawings and model, was made available to the researcher, followed by a discussion on the socio-economic impact the convention centre has had on the city of Cape Town as well as the predicted positive impact the expansion will have on the city of Cape Town and that of South Africa]. 29 June 2015.

Fourie, R. 2015. Interview on NMB development and implementation of a convention centre. Interviewed by researcher. [WBHO Project manager conducted an informal interview where the researcher stated that a multi-purpose high-tech convention centre would bring major economic upliftment to the city, creating job opportunities through the construction and the building is thought to have a catalyst implication for further urban development. His personal opinion of the fact that Port Elizabeth lacks of such a venue is that it would be a great opportunity for construction companies including themselves (WBHO) and those of Nelson Mandela Bay]. 15 June 2015.

Kilian, C. 2015. Interview on the feasibility of an international convention centre in NMB. Telephonic interview by researcher. [Being employed at Grant Thornton, the researcher was able to have a discussion on the feasibility of an international convention centre within NMB as a current issue and about the feasibility study he had conducted in 2007 as a market assessment, financial analysis and economic impact assessment done for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality for the establishment of an international convention centre]. 22 May 2015.

Vanessa. 2015. Employed by NMMM (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality) town planning department, Port Elizabeth. Informal interviews by researcher. [Vanessa was kind enough to extend her time in assisting the researcher provided various technical details subject to the proposed site for such a project. Further discussions took place on the feasibility of the concept and the idea behind the urban development of reconnection. Utilising an International convention centre as a catalyst for such development seems plausible and necessary for Nelson Mandela Bay. The newly developed Boardwalk Hotel and conference facility was also visited, and its technical drawings perused. The facility has had an unsuccessful impact on the conference industry in NMB]. April / May 2015.

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