Umakoti Wesakhiwo - A Bride for a Building

Umakoti Wesakhiwo

Over decades South African businesses have relocated their offices from Johannesburg CBD to newly developed, upmarket business hubs, resulting in the abandonment of many large buildings within the CBD. Over time these abandoned structures have become housing solutions for low-income families.

An unfortunate repeated cycle of bankrupt municipalities and continuous disruption of basic services, resulted in infrastructural neglect over decades, creating unfavourable living conditions Many of these abandoned structures have been hijacked, one of these, is Vannin Court in Hillbrow, 8 story residential structure

The solution is to return light and hope

South Africa is a blend of colourful cultures. One of these is the Zulu culture which celebrates the use of colour. A perfect example is the extravagant marriage-union celebration, the Zulu bride traditionally wears a large hat, the vibrancy and size represent status, the bride also wears a large, beaded necklace, each bead colour is representative of an omen of good fortune. This design concept celebrates the tradition found in this ceremony called “umbo”, which means the gift of the Zulu bride, she brings light and life.

The Umakoti Wesakhiwo installation is a suspended aluminium frame, reflecting light into the Vannin Court, fenestration courtyard, much like the Zulu bride, this installation brings new light and life.

The installation is entirely suspended, utilizing stainless steel cables anchored to the load-bearing walls of Vannin Court, while the installation in its entirety is 15 meters high and 6 meters wide, the installation’s lowest point is 13 meters above the NGL. The three components are individually suspended to optimize weight distribution.

Sunlight Reflection.

From sunrise to sunset the installation is optimal at a 13-degree tilt to capture sunlight and redirect the reflection into the fenestration court. The intention for the reflection of natural light into this largely enclosed fenestration court is to reduce electricity consumption for tenants,

After sunset, the coloured Perspex panels provide a fluorescent glow to Vannin Court’s fenestration court for up to 5 hours. The ambient light contributes to lower demand for electricity consumption at night

The hat frame is constructed from tinted red, polished aluminium, while the voids consist of a tensioned aluminium net.

The second and third components, representative of the Zulu bride necklace, the individual perspex panels are hung at variable heights to mimic the beaded patterns of a Zulu bride’s necklace.

This design will reduce the need for artificial light while inspiring the joy of the cultural community.