Landscape Design The landscape design for the Department of Statistics SA was informed by three core components . These include the outer landscape , the inner landscape and a central spine that orders the exterior environment .
The outer landscape deals with the perimeter of the campus and responds to the public realm , such as the streetscape , public square and pedestrian access .
The inner landscape deals with specialised and controlled open space within the campus and supports the function of the buildings . It provides environments for relaxation , social interaction , heritage and nature conservation as well as places of contemplation .
The central spine is a ribbon that connects the inner and the outer landscape with the surrounding urban context . It entails a progressive movement from the Public Square , through the Campus to the Heritage Village and Salvokop Freedom Park .
Design Concept The design concept is a progression of various spaces that are linked like beads on a string and that are interwoven along a central spine .
From the public interface at the Public Square in the northern corner of the site , the design flows through an internal street with private courtyards towards a multi-functional transition space that connects the new build form with the restored NZASM Heritage Court , from where it moves through a rehabilitated Bankenveld landscape that connects to the Freedom Park Museum .
The landscape design is best illustrated graphically as per the sketch plan . Some core
components that informed the design are as follows :
Public Square A multi-functional pedestrian space forms the gateway from the railway pedestrian bridge into the campus as well as the Salvokop precinct . In future , the public square will be further defined by future buildings along the northern edge . The space provides for hard surfacing , shade trees , seating , exhibition space and public art .
Arrival Court There is a seamless transition from the public square to the arrival court . Although access controlled , the arrival court forms part of the public realm as this space can facilitate large-scale events . Generous steps , high impact graphic landscaping and a cascading water feature welcome pedestrians and visitors onto the campus .
Atrium Street A weather-protected Atrium street , with a leafy urban street feeling , directs visitors and employees to the various facilities within the campus . Acclimatised Ficus street trees , seating , textured tiles are provided along the internal street that acts as a spine linking the public realm with the inner campus landscape .
Private Courtyards Three east-facing courtyards , with distant city views , are accessible from the auditorium , meeting rooms , internal street or canteen area . These spaces are optimally designed as small-scale pedestrian environments for social interaction ,
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
58 Stats SA