A city grows from the ground and its context.
Lines represent connections between building within an urban context. Movement throughout a city determines the development of communities and this dictates how people interact with each other. A good community vibe is as a result of walkable neighbourhoods and close proximities to human needs. More people in the street provides more opportunity for social interaction.
A mixed use building facilitates these 'pathways' inside the building with all needs provided in one spot, thereby becoming the community...
Contrasting line and shape are symbolic of the architecture as well as culture in Port Elizabeth and South Africa in general. The mixture and unusual combinations of architecture, historic and contemporary, tall or short, relates to these dynamic sculptures(particularly the last, golden one). The geographic context of Central, where the proposal will take place consists of steep hills and 'cliff faces' and because of this, a common sight is buildings that see to be balancing on the edge or becoming part of the rock as if they 'grew' from it!
Trafalgar Centre (proposed building) is on top of this hilly part of central and is therefore the point where this all connects. It is fitting that the design concept should reflect this 'growing', 'developing' 'combining' idea.
