David Klaaste Multipurpose Centre - CS Studio

CS Studio Architects is an Architectural practise located in Cape Town, Sea point. The practise is run by an exceptional women known as Carin Smuts, whom in all her works tries to achieve a holistic and sustainable design solutions in order to create a balance between social, economical and environmental aspects.

The David Klaaste Multipurpose Centre is a good example of this...

ENVIRONMENT

The Multipurpose Centre is located in a small town known as Laingsburg. This town is situated in a semi-dessert region known as the Great Karroo. The weather conditions could be described as extreme, ranging from very hot, to very cold- even snow in surrounding areas. With temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees on an average day and rainfall at a low of 150mm per year. The topography with which Laingsburg is surrounded, consists of fossilised mud stone and a unique white quartzite band which runs across the velds leaving tell tale signs of continental drift. 

BRIEF

The design process in which the Multipurpose Centre followed was a very unique and interesting one. It all started with the Laingsburg floods of 1981. The small town experienced a flood which changed the lives of many people, both in a positive and a negative way. Many people passed away due to drowning and many had lost there homes or even witnessed there loved ones drowning. 

Arial picture of Swartberg Street after  the flood.

The team of CS Studio together with a well known poet Diana Ferrus, used the flood and trauma experienced by the people to spark up the design process and give the end product more meaning. They did this by interviewing victims of the Laingsburg flood. Giving them the opportunity to speak about what they experienced and how they felt about it. This was the major step which led this project to success.

Some of the people interviewed.

Diana Ferrus, after listening and understanding what the people went through, had gone and written many poems for the individuals. At the end of this year long process, she had then compiled one poem summarising the experiences and emotions of the victims interviewed. This poem was then to be used as the basis to spark the design process.

               THE LAINGSBURG FLOOD VICTIM OF 1981

               THE WIND BLOWS THROUGH THE TREES
               TELLINGLY TOUCHING HIM
               WHO SWALLOWED STORIES
               THAT NOW
               SUDDENLY SURFACE.
               STORMS, FORGOTTEN ONES
               ARE SAVAGELY
               UNEARTHED.
               THE BLIZZARD,
                       A RAGING RED BULL
               BURIES BOYS AND GIRLS,
               WOMEN AND MEN.
               HE BURIES HIS FACE
               INTO HIS SOAKED BLUE SHIRT.
               WATER HAMMERS AGAINST
               HIS TEMPLES.
               THE PRESENT COLLAPSES,
               THE STORM –
               RELIVED!

               DIANA FERRUS

Above, the poem written by Diana. Incorporating quotes of words and phrases spoken by the victims themselves.  

EXISTING

The basis of the Multipurpose Centre consists of two portal frame structures. One of which was bricked up and the other being a simple frame. These structures where re-used and incorporated into the design.

To the left- Frame structure and to the right, Frame structure bricked up.

CONTEXT

The context in which the Multipurpose centre is located in, is fairly simple. Yet its characteristics calls for certain design elements to be considered. The earth/ ground is made of sedimentary rock which is stable and suitable for almost any form of construction. The site is situated on an old rugby field which contained two old sheds- portal frame structures- which where to be re-used in the project. 

PLAN

The plan is some what basic. Consisting of a central axis flanked by two symmetrically balanced rectangles- old sheds- which in turn are flanked by to quadrilaterals- the new ablutions. The one rectangle- offices- faces North, while the other rectangle- hall and workshop- faces South. The central axis is a double volume space which terminates into two main parts of the building while serving all other points.

TECHNOLOGY

The Multipurpose Centre is a steel frame structure. It is made up of steel frames, metal-cladded angular forms a windmill sculpture and a concrete viaduct- elevating the train coach. The ventilation is simplistic and relies on no airconditioning. It works on the principal of 'hot air rises and cold air sinks', by using low-level louvered doors/ openings and high level whirly extractors- in roof. There is an overhang- extended structure- on the West, providing cover from harsh west sun. The extension of the exposed portal frame shown in red above, is angled and distort, symbolising the legs of the 'water kriek' found back in the day in Laingsburg. The lighting in the building is about 70% natural light, by means of translucent roof sheeting and large east facing openings, ensuring a sustainable approach in design.

All and all the building consists of three main materials, being steel, concrete and glass. 

INTERESTING INFO

Windmill and Train

The bullet like steel frame windmill is a symbol of the Karroo, to the people of Laingsburg. The train, is a recycled coach which has been placed on a concrete viaduct and turned into a restaurant which can be easily and directly accessed via the concrete ramp on the outside.

Colours and Cladding

The colour choice of 'red'. Was an influence from one of the descriptions of the flood by one of the victims whom described the flood as a, "raging red bull". The cladding is made up of the iron roof sheets recycled from the previous buildings.

Models

A series of models where built by various people who where a part of the team who ensured the success of this project. Here's TWO...

Model made of recycled scrap metal by artist Willie Bester

Model by CS Studio Architects

Balustrades

One of the most unique parts of this building in my own opinion, is the balustrades. The balustrades where done by a group of young unskilled men whom, where trained by artist Willie Bester how to weld and make there own balustrades using recycled scrap metal. They where taught by Willie during a workshop run by him.

Teaching in progress.

                                     

Of the men who made the balustrades.

Balustrades brought to life with a coat of paint.

These balustrades have shapes of birds in them.

CAPTION

The David Klaaste multipurpose Centre is now a half way station. The police and ambulance in circumstances such bus accidents ect. use the centre as a place where they bring victims whom where not critically injured in the accidents, so they can be looked after until other transport can be arranged. They are given food and warm blankets.