Ponte City: 'Back To The Future'

THE BIG IDEA

The re-development project, New Ponte, was put in motion early last year, and over the next few years, the Johannesburg Development Agency is investing around R900 million in the areas around Ponte. This includes the massive Ellis Park Precinct project, as well as an upgrade of Hillbrow and Berea.

The focus of Odile Kgaswe Architects was to turn around the perception people had of the building and make it a modern and fashionable place to be. The concept was to reorganise the access to the building by addressing the security, but also the clarity of movement through out the building. Kgaswe says that she has a huge amount of respect for the original architect, Rodney Grosskopf. “Ponte City is a brilliant, beautiful building – like a giant sculpture.

Unfortunately there have been a number of details within the building that have been obscured over time. We want to uncover the original design. At the same time, we intend to create new features that enhance the structure, whilst also bringing the building up to date.” This she wanted to achieve by bringing a more whimsical feeling to the building, adding more light, more romance and more magic. “We want to bring back the notion of ‘city living’ but in a way that is totally new, totally original.”

”The entrance area is an important element of the building. We are taking the idea of Ponte City literally and creating a meeting place on the ground floor, much like a European piazza,” Kgaswe says. The reception area will be accessible from outside, as well as the core of the building, creating a strong link between the two.

The retail space will undergo a total revamp; the piazza will accommodate street cafés overlooking the city landscape. “Although Ponte City itself is an island, it doesn't turn its back on the city – there is a constant, 360º visual connection to all of Johannesburg,” she explains.