GERMISTON LIBRARY
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & THEORY 2018
CREATING AN AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY FABRIC
2016-2017-2018
RELEBOGILE MABASA
ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO
Libraries house the history and future of the wolrd, this architecture attempts to create a dialogue with all its users and non-users, through the facade, materiality and movement. It's eruption from the ground symbolic how everything was created from the ground up and the city it is located in, was created because of what the people mined from the ground.
(REVIT 2018 + PHOTOSHOP 2018)
PERSONAL CONTACT
RELEBOGILE MABASA
Name & Surname
Part I Architectural Assistant/ Architectural Technologist
Occupation
+44 (0) 74052 97200
Phone Number
RELEBOGILEMABASO@GMAIL.COM
Email
RELEBOGILE MABASA
Name & Surname
https://www.linkedin.com/in/relebogile-mabasa-361b09178
LinkedIn Profile
34 Marlborough Avenue
London
E8 4JP
Address
1997-03-05
Date of Birth
EDUCATION
SECONDARY EDUCATION
St barnabas college, Johannesburg
Admission to bachelors degree
English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language
Mathematics
Life Orientation
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Dramatic Arts
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg bachelor of architectural studies
Architectural Design and Theory
Theory and Practice of Construction
Histories and Theories of Architecture
Small Office
Civil Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Furniture Making
Architectural Representation
Architectural Structures
POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg bachelor of architectural studies (Honours)
Advanced Design Studio
Design Studio
Advanced Theory and Practice of Construction
Advanced Histories and Theories of Architecture
Contemporary Theory of Architecture
Research Project 2
CERTIFICATES
TRAINING
2016: AUTOCAD ARCHITECTURE TRAINING Completed
2017: REVIT FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING Completed
2017: FURNITURE MAKING TRAINING Completed
2018: ADVANCED REVIT TRAINING Completed
2019: BIM FUNDAMENTALS TRAINING Completed
SHORT COURSE
2023:
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN, RONDEBOSCH
Construction Management Completed
PG BISON COMPETITION
Architectural Ruins
Location: Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Sector: Recreaional and Educational
Year: 2016
Status: First Year Design Project Programs: AUTOCAD 2018 + PHOTOSHOP 2018
The Johannesburg Gas Works is one of the most significant industrial landmarks in the city, reflecting a time when gas production played a vital role in South Africa’s economy. Although production has ceased, the building remains as an abandoned yet evocative reminder of its past. The concept for the refurbishment aimed to celebrate this history by creating user-friendly ruins, maintaining the character of the original structure rather than completely renewing it. Materials removed during the refurbishment were to be reused, emphasizing the building’s aging process and preserving its story. The historical columns were intentionally highlighted in the design to underscore the building’s age and industrial legacy.
The floor plan responded organically to the site’s existing trees and the original building structure, with movement serving as a central concept. The ground floor was programmed for public use, allowing ongoing activities on the site to integrate seamlessly with the refurbished design. Unlike the original rigid industrial structure, the new design introduced a modern intervention with a dynamic, fluid floor plan, blending the contemporary with the historical. This juxtaposition created a dialogue between the old and the new, enhancing the user experience while retaining the essence of the site’s heritage.
This was one of my first-year projects and remains a personal favorite. It was a competition to refurbish an existing historical building in South Africa, and I have always been drawn to historical architecture and the idea of breathing life into ruins. I worked through sketches, translating them into 2D AutoCAD drawings a challenge, as I had not yet mastered 3D modeling. Despite the technical hurdles, I was proud of the outcome. The project allowed me to explore the concept of creating architectural spaces that respect the existing history and texture of the site, turning abandoned ruins into accessible and usable environments.
One of the most compelling aspects of the design was the emphasis on integrating the existing trees into the structure. The trees informed the placement and form of the new intervention, with columns mimicking tree trunks and acting as structural roots that supported the overarching idea of blending nature with architecture. This approach can be seen in the plan, where the building appears to emerge organically from the ground, with a central point opening outward. The result was a design that felt grounded in its context yet celebrated its historical significance, offering a harmonious blend of nature, history, and modernity.
This competition gave me a profound appreciation for working with historical sites. It challenged me to think critically about preserving a building’s character while adapting it for new uses and inspired my passion for creating spaces that honor their past while serving present and future needs.
CONCEPT & BACKGROUND
The Johannesburg Gas Works is one of the most historically and architecturally significant industrial sites in Johannesburg. The gas production is South Africa is extinct but this building remains an abandoned reminder of what was on the site. The concept of the refurbishment of the building was to create user friendly ruins, instead of renewing the whole building. All materials that were going to be removed from the old building were going to be reused to maintain the aging of the
CONCEPT & BACKGROUND
PG BISON COMPETITION
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & THEORY 2018 ARCHITECTURAL RUINS
A competition with an existing historical building on site, with so many prominent arcitectural characteristics and an abandoned site that could be used for development.
(AUTOCAD 2018 + PHOTOSHOP 2018)
The Johannesburg Gas Works is one of the most historically and architecturally significant industrial sites in Johannesburg. The gas production is South ca is extinct but this building remains an abandoned reminder of what was
The concept of the refurbishment of the building was to create user friendly ins, instead of renewing the whole building. All materials that were going removed from the old building were going to be reused to maintain the the building. Historical buildings are also known to have a large number umns, this addition was to put emphasis on the age of the building.
CONCEPT & SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
The floorplan of this design was an automatic responce to the Trees of the site and the existing building on site. With movement as always my key concepts, the ground floorplan was programmed for public movement and to allow the activities that already exist on site, to continue.
The shape of the floorplan is completely different from the existing structure, this was to include modernism to the building.
AFRICAN ART MUSEUM
Wroking Drawings
Location: Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Sector: Recreational and Educational Year: 2019
Status: Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours) Programs: Revit 2020
This project was created during the final year of my Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree, combining design and construction coursework. As part of the program, I developed a design concept and concurrently produced construction drawings, allowing me to explore both creative and technical aspects of architecture. It was during this project that I discovered my passion for construction and for creating clearly defined architectural solutions.
The design was an exploration of architecture influenced by the culture and history of South Africa. However, the outcome was intentionally unconventional, departing from traditional notions of African architecture. The resulting building made a bold, contemporary statement and was recognized as one of the most striking pieces in the exhibition.
Given the building’s scale, natural light and ventilation became central design considerations. A large internal void was created, giving users the sensation of being within the building while occupying a space that felt open and unconfined. This void allowed natural light to penetrate deep into the structure and facilitated ventilation, addressing essential requirements for a space intended to house art and exhibitions. The design process began in section, focusing on how light and air would travel through the building, ensuring these elements were integral to the spatial experience.
Structurally, the project incorporated a coffered slab for the basement and a beam-and-block system for the upper levels. A rigid grid system was established to ensure structural integrity and stability. The design featured a primary core that consolidated all major services, with a secondary core dedicated to accessibility and emergency egress. This organization enhanced the building’s functionality and efficiency while maintaining a clean, coherent design.
This project also involved an in-depth exploration of building regulations and standards, which informed critical construction decisions. It was a pivotal experience that deepened my understanding of how to integrate technical rigor with architectural expression, emphasizing the importance of balancing creativity with practicality in architectural design.
SWAZILAND RAILWAY PROPOSED OFFICE
Generating a building using site, locality, assessibility and usage
Location: Unknown, Swaziland
Sector: Commercial
Year: 2019
Status: Conceptual Design
Programs: Revit 2019, Lumion 2019, Photoshop 2019 and Illustrator 2019.
The Swaziland Railway offices were envisioned as an independent yet contextually sensitive entity, unifying branding and design within a single, cohesive site. The project aimed to balance the prominence of the railway company’s identity with a thoughtful response to the surrounding environment, reflecting the organization’s responsible and forward-thinking ethos through materiality and form.
This high-pressure office proposal was developed by a pitch team within a two-week deadline, with the primary concept centered on a stepped building that separated different programs into distinct zones. Alongside this, a larger building was designed to house the primary office functions. While maintaining the stepped concept, the larger building adopted a more conventional office block form, with extensive use of glass to reflect its surrounding environment and create a visual connection to the natural landscape, blending the structure harmoniously into its context.
I played a pivotal role in shaping the project’s conceptual framework, focusing on massing, spatial planning, and materiality. My responsibilities included conducting spatial calculations, modeling the building, rendering plans and perspectives, drafting sections, and making informed materiality decisions. I collaborated closely with the rendering team and conducted extensive material research, ultimately selecting corten steel for its durability, sustainability, and aesthetic qualities. This material choice reinforced the design’s connection to the railway association while enhancing the building’s visual appeal.
I contributed to several RIBA Stages 1 to 3, including the preparation of an informative brief, ensuring compliance with Swaziland’s building regulations, and addressing accessibility requirements for diverse user groups. The design strategically located public interfaces and staff areas within shaded, open-air spill-out spaces, enhancing usability and comfort while connecting with the natural environment.
The building integrates sustainable strategies, such as minimizing site excavation by embedding parking into the site’s natural slope, which is topped with a vegetated landscaped deck. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also restores the site’s green footprint. Access to the development is thoughtfully routed through Mantenga Road, avoiding a hazardous junction along the MR103 and ensuring efficient circulation for users.
ACCESS & DESIGN DECISIONS
Access to the new development would be from the Mantenga road, thus avoiding another potentially dangerous junction along the MR103 (bearing in mind the new Swaziland development opposite the site) and permitting ease of access during arrival and departure during the working day (adequate queuing distance onto
CONCEPT AND BACKGROUND
is a truncated triangle and fits snuggly between the main Ezulwini road to and the secondary road, Mantenga, to the west. It has a pronounced fall 18 meters across the site. The site is nestled in between the Ezulwini valley east and Sheba's Brest Mountains to the west and is thus blessed with allround views.
The site’s unique characteristics a pronounced 18-meter slope and its location between Ezulwini Valley and Sheba’s Breast Mountains were integral to the design process. All-round views were leveraged to enhance the building’s relationship with its surroundings. These contextual elements informed the spatial organization and the placement of courtyards, maximizing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
CONCEPT AND BACKGROUND
This project allowed me to lead the conceptual development of a building and collaborate within a high-performing team to execute the vision. It deepened my expertise in materiality, refined my conceptual thinking, and strengthened my ability to integrate innovative and sustainable solutions into a complex architectural narrative.
The site is a truncated triangle and fits snuggly between the main Ezulwini road to the east and the secondary road, Mantenga, to the west. It has a pronounced fall of some 18 meters across the site. The site is nestled in between the Ezulwini valley to the east and Sheba's Brest Mountains to the west and is thus blessed with allround views.
SWAZILAND RAILWAY PROPOSED OFFICE
BOTSWANA RETREAT CENTRE
Proposed Library and Student Accomodation
PARAGONARCHITECTSLTD2019
GENERATING A BUILDING USING SITE, LOCALITY, ASSESSIBILITY AND USAGE
Location: Unknown, Botswana
Sector: Leisure and Hotel
Swaziland Railway offices would be an independent entity that ties branding and context on a single site. Responding to the site through design while remaining the pronounced entity within, the design reflects the mindful and responsible nature of the company through materiality and form
Year: 2019
Status: Conceptual Design
Programs: Revit 2019, Lumion 2019, Photoshop 2019 and Illustrator 2019.
This project was a high-pressure holiday retreat center proposal, developed as part of a pitch team with a 1.5-week deadline. I played a significant role in conceptualizing the room designs and creating five distinct typologies based on a strong central idea: a large wall that houses all back-of-house functions requiring privacy. This conceptual framework guided the spatial organization and ensured a consistent narrative throughout the design.
My responsibilities included spatial calculations, modeling the room typologies, rendering plans and perspectives, drafting sections, and making critical materiality decisions. I worked closely with the rendering team and conducted material research, which led to rammed earth being selected as the primary construction material for its sustainability and visual appeal.
I contributed to various RIBA Stages 1 to 3, including developing an informative brief, ensuring the typologies adhered to Botswana’s building regulations, and accommodating accessibility requirements for diverse user groups. Thoughtful spatial planning ensured the typologies could cater to various parties, including families, couples, and individuals with accessibility needs.
This project allowed me to explore materiality in depth, refine my conceptual thinking, and develop innovative designs under a tight timeline. Collaborating with a fast-paced team taught me how to balance creativity with practicality while maintaining the project’s core vision.
GENERATING A BUILDING USING SITE, LOCALITY, ASSESSIBILITY AND USAGE
The Swaziland Railway offices would be an independent entity that ties branding and context on a single site. Responding to the site through design while remaining the pronounced entity within, the design reflects the mindful and responsible nature of the company through materiality and form
CENTERED CIRCULATION
CENTERED CIRCULATION
IMPACT ON NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
IMPACT ON NAURAL ENVIRONMENT
[Renders generated by Paragon Render Team] (Revit 2019 + Lumion 2019 + Photoshop 2019 + Illustrator 2019)
DESIGN DECISIONS
Views to the river were the main focus of this design
There are 5 typologies of room for this design but all follow the strong conceptual idea. The conceptual idea was to have a large wall that houses all the programs you would considered as back of the house and that need the most privacy.
DESIGN DECISIONS
There are 5 typologies of room for this design but all follow the strong conceptual idea. The conceptual idea was to have a large wall that houses all the programs you would considered as back of the house and that need the most privacy.
TYPOLOGY 1
2
TYPOLOGY 2
TYPOLOGY 3 TYPOLOGY 4 TYPOLOGY 5
Programs: Revit 2019, Enscape 2019, Photoshop 2019 and Illus
This project was a proposed office building situated on a site zoned for private residential use. I was tasked with conceptualizing a design for a house that would function as an office. I worked independently on this project under the guidance of an architect, navigating the unique challenge of balancing residential zoning requirements with the
The overall intention was to create a bespoke, austere beauty soft ened by carefully crafted materials and tiered yet unified program relationships. Simplicity and a sense of gravity were central to the scheme, with the steeply sloping site introducing a shearing dynamic that informed the program’s spatial organization. On one side, the design presents as a two-volume mass that cascades backward to reveal three distinct masses spilling over onto a garden, accentuat ed by expansive glazing offering panoramic views. The facades are punctuated with strategically placed openings, while areas without
The building was envisioned as a legible composition of interlock a rich interplay of horizontal and vertical elements. The scheme features three primary volumes anchored by concrete walls that abruptly terminate the building’s edges, containing the spaces while offering moments of openness. The exterior elements are bal anced with internal spatial dynamics, which include double volumes transitioning into single volumes and a series of steel bridges and expe riences, offering alternating moments of enclosure and openness as
I contributed to various RIBA Stages 1 to 3, including creating an in formative brief, conducting spatial calculations, developing massing models, and ensuring compliance with Kenyan building regulations
This project offered me the opportunity to engage in extensive mass ing studies under the mentorship of an award-winning African archi tect, refining my ability to create cohesive, functional, and visually
The office building is conceived as a readily legible building - a rich explores a series of three boxes as the grounding horizontal elements, walls that suddenly terminate the extents of the building; the aim being
REINFORCED SHEER WALLS
ROOFTOP TERRACE
BOARDROOM
ENTRANCE AND LOBBY
HEALTH AND FITNESS GYM
BOARDROOM TERRACE
FLAT BEAM SYSTEM
CHANGE ROOM
DROP -OFF
READING + ROOM
Proposed Library and Student Accomodation
Location: ERF 2007, Orange Grove, Johannesburg Sector: Multi-Use, Housing and Educational Year: 2021
Status: Honours Degree Consruction Assignment Programs: Revit 2022
The Reading + Room project was part of my Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honors) degree, combining both design and construction courses. This mixed-use proposal included a library, reading room, and student accommodation, situated in Orange Grove, Johannesburg, on a site adjacent to the historic Paterson Park. The project drew inspiration from the area’s history as a nursery and orange grove, merging the urban fabric with a natural setting. It sought to create a community-focused space where programs overlapped seamlessly, centered around a multi-use courtyard that blurred the boundary between architecture and nature.
A key feature of the design was the floating appearance of the building masses, achieved through a structure inspired by bridge engineering. This involved large roof trusses and axial load-bearing cables, designed to support the occupancy loads of the suspended forms. Concrete cores at each end of the masses absorbed the reactions from the structural system, ensuring stability and balance. The structural grid was complex, driven by the need to eliminate columns and create open, uninterrupted spaces. Developing this concept required extensive research into structural systems, and while I lacked access to a structural engineer, I enjoyed exploring how bridge-like mechanics could be adapted for architectural use.
In addition to designing the building, I created detailed working drawings, focusing on the interplay between structure and form. The use of timber brise-soleil for the façade allowed users to control privacy and sunlight, while the courtyard encouraged interaction and celebrated the surrounding green context. The project also tackled construction challenges, such as incorporating multiple entrances to promote accessibility and integrating complex systems that supported the building’s ambitious structural design.
This project pushed me to think critically about how structural solutions inform architectural outcomes. It taught me how to adapt infrastructure-inspired systems for new programs and showed me the importance of working across disciplines to achieve innovative designs. Although working without engineering input was challenging, it deepened my understanding of how structural decisions shape spatial experiences and architectural possibilities.
THAI SUMMIT SOUTH AFRICA FACTORY
Location: ERF 1, Nellmapius Extension 27
Sector: Industrial and Manufacturing
Year: 2021
Status:: Completed
This project marked my first experience with a design-and-build approach, where the architectural firm was responsible for both project management and the building’s design. The scale of the project was substantial, and much of the design work was handled by me and the lead architect. Together, we developed not only the building’s structural design but also the interior layout and spatial planning for the office spaces, as well as the interior design of the canteens.
This project’s brief focused solely on configuring the factory space within the site procured by the manufacturing company. It was the architectural firm’s responsibility to design the supporting structures in compliance with South African building standards for occupant safety.
I was given the opportunity to work on the tender and construction drawings under the supervision of the lead architect, who reviewed and approved all issued work. I contributed to various RIBA Stages 1 to 5, including preparation and brief, concept, developed and technical design, as well as construction.
I particularly enjoyed developing extensive construction details, which strengthened my expertise in brick detailing and industrial building regulations. These details were carefully reviewed and refined before issuance. Site visits were a highlight of the project, as I observed large-scale industrial construction processes and learned about site-specific challenges, such as managing clay soil and underground water.
Challenges included creating a detailed brief for supporting structures, including an on-site office block (which later became the main office building), a factory worker canteen, ablution facilities, a parking area, and a security guardhouse. Communication with the Chinese client was conducted through a translator, and pitching these necessary but initially perceived unnecessary additions required strategic persuasion.
I left the company to work in the United Kingdom while the project was still under construction.
ASHWORTH ROAD
Refurbishment, extension and garden room
Location: 19 Ashworth Road, London, W9 1JW
Sector: Private Residential
Year: 2022
Status: Completed Program: ArchiCad 22
This project was my frst project in the united kingdom where I was given the opportnity to produce tender drawings under the guidance of an arhitect. I had no prior knowlegde on the Unied Kingdom building standards and I was eager to learn.
This project gave me the opportunity to understand the building requirements and regulations in the united kingdom. liasing with building conntrol and the council as well as going through the tender process with the clients. I contributed to various RIBA Stages 3 to 6, including developed and technical design, consruction as well as the hand over. I co ordinating information provided by the structural enineer and liased the party wall agreement requirements with the party wall surveyor. During the consruction stage, I worked along side an techinical architect who overlooked the role of the my role as the technical designer during the consruction process.
Challenges included understanding the u-value requiremets for buildings in the united kingdom. I initially designed the roof build up as a cold roof similar to the construction of cold roofs in South Africa. This roof however did not meet the building requirements in the united kingdom. I was tasked to come up with a solution that will be approved by the building inspector. The contractor had already constructed most of the roof, and the solution had to ensure that the client will surfer any additional costs for the construction of the roof.
I introduced vent pipes to the roof, a common roof curculation system in south african roofing architecture. As corss ventilation could not be achieved because of the skylights.
The entire project allowed me understand the building processes in the united kingdom and see through the enite process of construction of a building.
PARKHALL ROAD
Refurbishment and extension.
Location: 20 ParkHall Road, London, N2 9PU
Sector: Private Residential
Year: 2023
Status: In progress
Program; ArchiCad 24
This project was my frst project I was given the opportnity to be the lead achitectural technician and oversee the tender and construction progress by myself. I produced tender drawings and construction drawings while co-ordinating informations from precured consultants.
This project gave me the opportunity to oversee the construction and refurbishment of the project. I contributed to various RIBA Stages 3 to 5, including presenting the tender to the clients, interviewing the biding contractors, conducting site visits and issuing out the interim certificates to the contractor.
Challenges included challenges that rose during the demoliion stage where the roofing of the outrigger did not include any in sulation nor did we have space consruct a warm roof. The solution was to improve the exising roof by adding insulation while keeping the roof structure and ensuring the cold roof continued to maintain the building regulations, this was also decided to manage the additional cos the client had to take.. The contractor decided to remove the remove the roof sructure despites the structural engineer and building control approval of the proposed detail.
The detail was revised and met the building requirements. I also had a challenge working with a contractor that would often order to costruct elements without recieving approval. We have had to recall certain decisions and works on site.
This project highlighed the communicaion and how information is processed through all cosultants in the construction process.
