Page 9 - Landscape-Issue155

PROJECT

an announcement for entering it. A second
one was placed on the visual axis at the
end of the precinct, adjacent to the stairs
leading up to the Doornfontein station. The
signage is visible in the background of the
entire precinct. A greening effect on the first
floor adds height to a portion of the precinct
by means of trough pots with steel mesh
frames and climbing plants.
Lighting formed an integral part of the
landscape design, comprising a double
layer, directional effect by means of street
post lighting flanking the pedestrian axis.
This is followed by uplighters at the bases
of the large trees in built up planters; they
contribute a specific ambience and at the
same time, highlight the strong tree avenue
flanking the pedestrian walkway.

Environmental and installation
challenges
A street environment poses specific
challenges due to the inherent harshness
of any inner city. Existing infrastructure
needed to be taken into account, as did
climatic conditions such as wind, cold, and
sun/shade transitions due to the high-rise
buildings flanking the precinct.
Installation challenges arose due to the
complexities of working in the Johannesburg
CBD and construction was executed under
circumstances comprising a semi-open site
which was not entirely closed off for use. It
was kept as a thoroughfare for pedestrians
to access the Doornfontein station and
building entrances were operational at all
times, allowing access to living units.
Large-scale deliveries within the CBD were
difficult due to vehicular traffic and limited
offloading space.

Other noteworthy points
The main contractor, DDT Construction and
Projects, accommodated local labour and
undertook all civil works, building of planters,
paving, finishes and lighting installation.
Gallo Precast delivered specialised
manufacturing in an artistic manner for
concrete pots, street furniture and signage
elements. The company redefines concrete
as an art form, delivering bespoke GFRC
and precast elements that elevate modern
architecture. The Davies Street project in
Johannesburg stands as a testament to their
craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment
to design excellence.
Bidvest Topturf worked as an irrigation
sub-contractor to Bertha Wium Landscape
by the client’s logo and the strong, • the lower trough pots incorporate the Development, and Worth-It Landscapes
triangular forms are created by two triangular shapes inspired by the client’s assisted with pot levelling and fixing.
contrasting concrete colours; logo in a triangular Perspex inlay; The two clients supported Language’s
• loose furniture was placed to form seating • custom-designed concrete litter bins creative vision and execution, ensuring
groups which are linked to the planter continue with the same design theme a first-class finish to the project. Their
seating walls (with timber benches); and are strategically placed at seating enthusiasm and development expertise
• large, square pots were designed in the areas and store fronts; throughout the design and construction
same contrasting concrete colours and • sculptural, custom-designed precinct phases of the project also contributed to a
emphasise the triangular shape of the signage was designed in the same successful end result.
client’s logo. The full logo is embedded contrasting concrete colours, also with a
into the concrete pots, and uses the Perspex logo inlay. Information provided by Bertha Wium
client’s actual logo colours by means of The first signage sculpture was placed at Landscape Development. Photos by Michael
Perspex material; the entrance to the pedestrian precinct as Schmucker, Studio 88 Photography. n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 7