Department of International Relations and Co-operation, Pretoria
“The brief was a building that would promote values of democracy, justice, peace, ubuntu, batho pele (people first), human rights, and so on. But when you think about it, these concepts are very open to interpretation”
Mark
Pencharz, architect.
If this building is unknown to you, it is well worth a drive to Pretoria to view. What a surprise and a delight to come across architecture that is quite jaw dropping in its sheer magnitude and exquisite design. I later discover that this building which is quite magnificent was completed in just 24 months from the start of construction in May 2007, the DIRCO project involved bringing an unusually eclectic, asymmetrical design to reality. The importance of the building’s aesthetic appearance meant that innovative engineering solutions had to be developed for even simple structures.
The design of numerous complex spiral staircases was pivotal to ease access and traffic within the building. The DIRCO project was a flagship Public-Private Partnership contract which showcased Aurecon’s engineering capabilities. The outcome is a landmark building that was then a fitting emblem of South Africa’s democracy and successfully provided the Department of International Relations and Cooperation with a ‘home’ in which to enact its vision.
It was awarded South African building of the year by South African Property Owners’ Association in 2010. Connected by Tom Jenkins Drive to the Union Buildings the location is quite significant in being viewed as examples of 'unification' architecture.
At the time, the openness of the brief became problematic as from the outset the bidding process excluded any possibility of an interactive and iterative consultation process between designer and the end user which carries more weight in assessing the success of the end result.
The OR Tambo Building home to The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is a building designed by Mark Pencharz of TC Design Architects in joint venture with ACG Architects.
460
Soutpansberg Road, Corner Tom Jenkins Drive
The building is a multi-level
structure in concrete and glass, with imposing, repeated 'spines' and large
staircases being the visible exterior elements. It is set back from
Soutpansberg Road and surrounded by over 15 hectares of landscaping. The total
floor space is 138 570 m2, designed to accommodate about 2 500 employees
and a state of the art conference facility plus 1 500 parking bays. 
The R1.2 billion OR Tambo Building’s structure is a functional and efficient use of space for staff and the public enhanced by high standards of green design principles.
Overall winner of the 2010 SAPOA innovative excellence in property development awards at a drive past, one can see why! The OR Tambo Building was also joint winner in the office development category with The Boulevard Office Park in Cape Town, owned and developed by Faircape Property Developers, and designed by dhk Architects, Peerutin Architects and Rennie Scurr Adendorff.
Building images courtesy of Aurecon Group, 2010 and location road images courtesy Gail Mingard 2015.
