The Western Cape Municipality appointed a consortium of architects to provide additional office accommodation and a new 400-seat council chamber for the amalgamated municipalities. The project replaced the chamber in the existing Council Podium Block on the Foreshore.
The existing Modern Brutalist building, constructed during apartheid, was extensively remodelled. Its cruciform plan was hollowed out at the centre to accommodate a suspended steel platform supporting the new council chamber above.
The tiered, horseshoe-shaped seating and podium are pierced at the centre by a dramatic steel cone housing the fire-damping system. The cone rises above the roof in concentric circles and is surrounded by glazing that fills the chamber with natural light.
The curved public gallery is lined with acoustic material and light-oak timber battens. Additional offices were constructed above the podium block using steel portal frames clad in zinc-alum sheeting, with planted courtyards providing natural light and ventilation.
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- New Western Cape Municipality Council Chamber
