Research Post: Peter Rich

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Peter Rich is a South African architect and I have chosen him to research because he is known for combining African culture, aesthetics, architecture and also sustainable building practices in his work. His works are known to reflect the heritage of Africa and is also dedicated to exploring and preserving it as well. "Through the lessons learnt from the modest African vernacular and his engagement with grassroots communities, combined with a thorough Modernist background, Peter was increasingly able to distil and develop an architectural language pertinent to the socio-economic circumstances of the African continent" (Artefacts, 2011). The building I will be looking at is the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre located in Limpopo, South Africa.

Mapangubwe 09 09 2016_5053.jpg

Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre by Peter Rich (2009)

This building is located at the Mapungubwe National Park situated at the meeting point of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers which forms parts of the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and it was designed to house artifacts of the location's history. The design and materials of the building heavily drew its inspiration from the local landscape and history of Mapungubwe. One of its most distinctive features is the use of timbrel vaulting technique. This technique was used to create the dome and arches of the building, it used soil tiles which were locally sourced, the material combined with the technique allows the building to form such shapes without the help of steel reinforcement or framework (Designboom, 2009). This method reduces the environmental impact while also ensuring the structure holds. This use of vernacular architecture also inspired me when choosing my building materials and I also considered the implementation of timbrel vaulting and its compatibility with it as well.

The shape and layout of the design was inspired by the surrounding landscape and also his choice of materials. He used soil to create the tiles for the roof and also gypsum mortar. These materials minimize carbon footprint and also relies more on the local community as its provider. "The complex rocky landscape was both the inspiration for the design and the source of the materials for the construction of the new Interpretation Centre, resulting in a composition of structures that are authentically rooted to their location." (PeterRichArchitects, 2018). Peter Rich took note of his environment which influenced his choice of material. My location is in Durban, South Africa and is also near the coast of the beach which can influence my choice and what type of materials can be used. I could also try to factor in the history of Durban and its architecture and use that to influence my choice of materials too.

The centre is also a significant cultural landmark and was built to pay homage to the history of the site. The rough edges on the vaults symbolize the archaeological discoveries of the place and also the use of different motifs further links the building to and tells the story of the region (Aga Khan Development Network, n.d.). The building shows how much culture can influence a design and how sustainable and vernacular architecture can be easily implemented in this


References

Aga Khan Development Network. (n.d.). Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre. [online] Available at: https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/akaa/mapungubwe-interpretation-centre [Accessed 18 May 2024].

Artefacts (2011). RICH, Peter. [online] www.artefacts.co.za. Available at: https://www.artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/archframes.php?archid=2161 [Accessed 18 May 2024].

Designboom (2009). peter rich architects: mapungubwe interpretation center, south africa. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/peter-rich-architects-mapungubwe-interpretation-center-south-africa/ [Accessed 17 May 2024].

PeterRichArchitects (2018). Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre | Peter Rich Architects. [online] Peter Rich Architect. Available at: https://www.peterricharchitects.com/mapungubwe-interpretation-centre [Accessed 18 May 2024].

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