The urban precinct of Sandton is one where motor vehicles and parking spaces overpower pedestrian movement. The project recognises this notion with an artwork which sheds a colourful light upon a staircase linking the street level to the urban piazza of the precinct. This project takes the form of an artwork made of tiles adorning the staircase.

A pattern composed of ‘arrow-like’ shapes was generated in response to an analysis of the geometric composition of the building - the immediate context of the artwork. These shapes are a directional device guiding movement up and down the staircase. A palette of primary colours on a white ‘canvas’ of tiles was selected to enliven the site which is largely composed of grey tones.  

Rather than an imposed object in the space, the artwork is the space itself. When viewed in elevation from across the street, the artwork presents itself as a flat image. As one approaches the piazza, the artwork starts to loosen as the faceted canvas seems to tilt with the changing field of view.

Credits

Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa

For: Abland Property Developers

Date: 2017

Architects: Paragon Group

Collaborators: Parts&Labour

Photographer: Dharmaratna Saraswati