The village of Boschenzicht at De Zalze (constructed 2005 - 2012) nestles comfortably and timelessly into the rural landscape - stemming from the influence of urban designers and architects in Stellenbosch, who embraced the principals of "Critical Regionalism" in the 1980's. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF AN ARCHITECT
What is the responsibility of an architect? To whom is an architect responsible?
Think about it. In a little more than a 100 years from now, all of us would have passed from the face of the earth, yet, much of what we have done will still be standing and in use, some of it exactly the way we designed it. We cherish and protect the good architecture of previous generations, much of which is protected by heritage conservation legislation. Just as those who have gone before us took great care to create a beautiful built environment, so too we can play a part in leaving behind a legacy for future generations. In this regard, no architect should do less than strive for excellence in all that he does. We may think that to simply respond to satisfying our client’s requirements, means a job well done. Our responsibility extends far beyond that.
With reference to the above, it is commendable to see influences that have been set in motion in the Cape Winelands, specifically the influence of “critical regionalism”. In the early 1980’s there was a world-wide reaction to rampant, sloppy, modernism which was ruining our built environment. “Modern Architecture” itself was not at fault, as can be seen by an appreciation of the Masters of the movement, such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright who truly strove for excellence in all that they did and left behind a legacy which we revere and cherish. The reaction to modernism was evident in two main movements, “Post Modernism” (a return to classicism), and “Critical Regionalism”. Much of “Post-Modernism” is today also severely criticized, since much of it was done without a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of classical architecture. Hence, there has again been a “pendulum swing” back to modernism. The influence of “Critical Regionalism” has, however endured, even in cutting edge contemporary architecture, which has proven to be compatible with critical regionalist theory.
In Stellenbosch and the surrounding region the influence of “Critical Regionalism” is today clearly evident. It began in the early 1980’s when Claude Behrmann and other young architects and urban designers in Stellenbosch embraced its principles and developed a style of residential architecture which has popularly become known as “Cape Vernacular”. The principles of the style are today the common denominator in the Architectural Guidelines for residential estates in the region. The principles of Critical Regionalism allow for design approaches ranging from very traditional to cutting edge contemporary. Ironically, some examples of very contemporary work, resonate the most sympathetically with existing historical architecture, because the designs are done with a deep understanding of the enduring principles of good architecture. When all is said and done, that is what really counts; to strive for excellence, which has enduring principles of good design as its foundation.
What is the responsibility of an architect? To whom is an architect responsible?
Think about it. In a little more than a 100 years from now, all of us would have passed from the face of the earth, yet, much of what we have done will still be standing and in use, some of it exactly the way we designed it. We cherish and protect the good architecture of previous generations, much of which is protected by heritage conservation legislation. Just as those who have gone before us took great care to create a beautiful built environment, so too we can play a part in leaving behind a legacy for future generations. In this regard, no architect should do less than strive for excellence in all that he does. We may think that to simply respond to satisfying our client’s requirements, means a job well done. Our responsibility extends far beyond that.
With reference to the above, it is commendable to see influences that have been set in motion in the Cape Winelands, specifically the influence of “critical regionalism”. In the early 1980’s there was a world-wide reaction to rampant, sloppy, modernism which was ruining our built environment. “Modern Architecture” itself was not at fault, as can be seen by an appreciation of the Masters of the movement, such as Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright who truly strove for excellence in all that they did and left behind a legacy which we revere and cherish. The reaction to modernism was evident in two main movements, “Post Modernism” (a return to classicism), and “Critical Regionalism”. Much of “Post-Modernism” is today also severely criticized, since much of it was done without a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of classical architecture. Hence, there has again been a “pendulum swing” back to modernism. The influence of “Critical Regionalism” has, however endured, even in cutting edge contemporary architecture, which has proven to be compatible with critical regionalist theory.
In Stellenbosch and the surrounding region the influence of “Critical Regionalism” is today clearly evident. It began in the early 1980’s when Claude Behrmann and other young architects and urban designers in Stellenbosch embraced its principles and developed a style of residential architecture which has popularly become known as “Cape Vernacular”. The principles of the style are today the common denominator in the Architectural Guidelines for residential estates in the region. The principles of Critical Regionalism allow for design approaches ranging from very traditional to cutting edge contemporary. Ironically, some examples of very contemporary work, resonate the most sympathetically with existing historical architecture, because the designs are done with a deep understanding of the enduring principles of good architecture. When all is said and done, that is what really counts; to strive for excellence, which has enduring principles of good design as its foundation.
Historical precedent: A photograph of the village of Worcester taken in 1878, shows the character and charm of an early Cape settlement.
