THE ROMALDO GIURGOLA AWARD FOR PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
Botswana High Commission
Guida Moseley Brown Architects
Canberra’s original embassy precinct located in the upper reaches of Yarralumla has utilised most available sites prompting the development of another embassy precinct in West Deakin. It is within this new diplomatic area that the Botswana High Commission is located. On a corner block, highly visible to the passing public, the Botswana High Commission presents a strong and colourful presence and communicates that it is indeed a special building.
One of the building’s distinctive features is the curved free-standing entry wall created with glazed brickwork in a highly colourful and striking design. Derived from traditional patterns found in Botswana’s famous woven baskets, the architects have up-scaled and worked the patterns into the glazed brick bonding. The ‘super graphic’ wall has created a strikingly recognisable African connection.
The building is planned with clear delineation between public spaces and the secure secretariat and High Commissioner’s suite.The public spaces and offices on the first level are linked via a small bridge which connects the public and the workings of the embassy without security issues. Despite the embassy’s relatively modest size, the architects have created an appropriate sense of ceremony through a memorable entry sequence culminating in the sizeable Ceremonial Hall where major cultural events are conducted. There seems to be just the right amount of formality in the architecture. The Hall is a wonderful and unusual space with its oval plan shape influenced by the traditional dwellings and meeting places of the Tswana people. The Hall opens onto extensive gardens and terracing that provide for outdoor functions and allows for viewing of the basket weave pattern on the outside walls of the Hall.
Throughout the embassy there are large rugs, that were specifically commissioned, with abstract patterning that has been inspired by the Botswana landscape and traditional domestic designs. A subtle zebra pattern, enlarged and abstracted, is used as a decorative wall finish in the entry and foyer spaces.
The architects have very successfully imbued the building with readable references to traditional crafts and building forms of Botswana. The result is a building that clearly speaks of its purpose and is a fine addition to the new embassy precinct.
ART IN ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Botswana High Commission
Guida Moseley Brown Architects
As a public building the Botswana High Commission has optimised the ability to showcase the traditional art and craft of this country within an architectural framework. The architects have worked to integrate references to traditional forms and crafts of Botswana throughout the building in a distinctive and considered manner.
The design of the High Commission is essentially contained in three elements; the curved entry wall, the administration building and the ceremonial hall. The curved brick wall celebrates the entry to this building. Coloured glazed bricks form a bold pattern, reflective of the basket weaving patterns of Botswana.
Artistic elements within the administration building are incorporated within the architectural interiors, including the perforated stainless steel panelling in the foyer which seeks-through abstract expression-to interpret animals symbolic to Botswana. The majestic rugs which line the hallways and boardroom have been designed by the architects and echo desert patterns within the weaving and sophisticated colour palette.
Within the Ceremonial Hall, the ovaloid form references the meeting places of the Tswana people. The striking timber panelling around this room engages the viewer and contributes to the formal atmosphere of the hall.
This minimal yet resolute interpretation of the arts and crafts of Botswana within the Botswana High Commission has been highly controlled and integrated within the design of the building. The jury felt that the Botswana High Commission is an excellent collaboration between architect, client and craftspeople and is a project well deserving of the Art and Architecture Award.
Project Team
Architect/Practice: Guida Moseley Brown Architects
Practice Team: Hal Guida (Design Architect), Tim Brown (Administration Partner), Will Gardner (Project Architect), Ben Howard (Project Team Leader)
Consultant Team: Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty Ltd (Structural Consultant / Civil Consultant), Heggies Pty Ltd (Acoustic Consultant), Tennant Hydraulic Consulting Services (Hydraulic Consultant), Certified Building Solutions(Certifier), Fire Safety Science Pty Ltd (Fire Consultant), Redbox Design Group Pty Ltd (Landscape Consultant), Rudds Consulting Engineers (Mechanical Consultant), Rudds Consulting Engineers (Electrical Consultant), Eric Martin (Access Consultant)
Construction Team: Kell & Rigby A.C.T Pty Ltd (Builder)
Photographer: John Gollings
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