It’s actually where many of the City’s administrative offices are based and it’s called the Metropolitan Centre.
The Mayor of the City, who is chosen by the African National Congress’ national executive office, is supposed to take responsibility for the City and is head of a 10-person City Council. The looming building, found in the Civic Centre in Braamfontein, is often referred to as the City’s headquarters, as this is where the city management team gathers to implement City Council decisions.
The Civic Centre, where the Metropolitan Centre is situated, was built in 1971 after a design competition was held. A number of architects won what was called the Johannesburg Civic Centre Competition, which was held in 1962. Four practices were crowned the winners, however, in 1969 the Associated Architects for the centre changed to only three practices. We have not been able to find any reports as to why the change was made.
According to an article on www.artefacts.co.za, the names of the practices were transcribed from the title blocks of the Civic Centre drawings, which can be found in a collection belonging to Richard Latimer, an architect who worked on the project in the late 60s.
It is believed that the building looks the way it does because it is a government building, and it is supposed to dominate its surroundings – which the Metropolitan Centre certainly does. These days, it stands out like a sore thumb, with its sand colour and gigantic size, marring the bustling and vibey landscape of Braamfontein. Despite research attempts, specific information on this building was hard to find, so we’re unsure if it has been renovated or changed in any way since it was built.
Details: www.joburg.org.za
