Zeitz MOCAA
In September 2017, South Africa’s largest contemporary art museum was unveiled ahead of its public opening later in the month.
By hollowing out the interior of an historic grain silo building, British architect Thomas Heatherwick has designed what he calls ‘the world’s tubiest building’.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, or Zeitz MOCAA, will serve as an exhibition space for African art on Cape Town’s waterfront. The Grain Silo Complex dates back to the 1920s when it was the city’s tallest building, but it has been disused since 1990.
The centre of the 6,000 sq. m museum is built around a huge atrium, based on the shape of a single grain. This was then scaled up to span the full 27 m-height of the structure. Enormous sections were carved out of the building’s dense structure of 42 tubes to create a complex network of 80 gallery spaces. Heatherwick has described the space as being ‘like a vaulted cathedral’.
Where they have been cut back, the edges of the tubes have been polished, creating a visible contrast with the rough aesthetic of the older concrete. A mirrored finish was added by laminated glass.
Positioned within the existing concrete frame, bulging windows formed of faceted glass panels draw natural light down into the atrium, acting as Heatherwick has said, ‘like mirror balls’.
The museum is one of several facilities that Heatherwick Studio is creating within the grain silo building, which forms part of the V&A Waterfront, a harbour-side complex filled with bars and restaurants, which attracts around 180,000 visitors every day in peak season.
Content and images courtesy of Studio Heatherwick.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.