precedent study - the ubuntu centre

A precedent study is done on an existing building for the purpose of inspiration for your design proposal. you identify positive aspects of the building as well as the parts that dont necessarily work wellin the existing design. i have chosen to analyse the Ubuntu Centre.

the Ubuntu Centre designed by Field Architects, a California based firm, located in Zwide, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. According to Field Architecture (2010), the community centre was designed to present sustainable development into the Zwide Township.

The Ubuntu centre is constructed using multiple large volumes of folded concrete to create the idea of leaning on each other for support. The building is designed in such a way that it allows for pedestrians to walk freely around the building and the pathways of the surrounding township lead towards the entrances of the building. Leading pathways encourages movement of the passers-by into the building thus creating a sense of community.

The Ubuntu Centre consists of a resource and computer centre, multi-purpose hall, community kitchen, staff lounge, paediatric HIV and TB clinic, Pharmacy, entrance hall, flexible and expandable meeting room, parking and a sustainable rooftop vegetable garden.

the Ubuntu centre is a good source of inspiration as many features can be strongly related to my proposed community centre, through the services offered as well as design elements .

" The building is designed in such a way that it allows for pedestrians to walk freely around the building "

The concept of UBUNTU will be used throughout the Abantu community centre design. .

x