Greater Ellis Park Development –  Johannesburg (with Albonico Sack Mzumara Architects and Urban Designers)

Project type: Urban Park

Client: Johannesburg City Parks

Landscape value: R 20 000 000

Project description: Prompted by the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, the City of Johannesburg is upgrading its greater Ellis Park Precinct – an area that was in dire need of rejuvenation. At the centre of the urban and landscape design for the greater Ellis Park Precinct is a central square linking the Ellis Park and Johannesburg stadiums. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this will be a ‘signature space’. The square acts as the node from which six other landscape zones, including streets and public open spaces, radiate and is of major importance for sport and social interaction. The design aims to increase unity and flexibility as a space through which large crowds can comfortably pass. The origin of the Jukskei River (which has since been buried beneath the ground in a channel), is celebrated within this space by means of an interactive water feature in which children can learn about this historic river system. The water feature will work in four parts. The first portion consists of fine mist sprays, which symbolise origin, followed by small jets and a transition to larger bubblers symbolizing flowing river. The feature will conclude in a waterfall structure that further enhances the idea of origin and magnitude. The piazza’s clear edges are defined by a double line of trees. The square along with its associated parks will be completed in 2009.