South Africa can keep up with many first-world countries across the globe when it comes to architecture. Our country boasts several iconic buildings and structures, from ultra-modern to contemporary and historical, South Africa has a myriad of buildings and landmarks to marvel at.
If you have a keen eye for the arts or appreciate architecture, here are few you need to tick off your list.
1. Diamond Building, Johannesburg
https://www.instagram.com/p/B26u0AqhvaZ/
This unique skyscraper was built in 1984, designed by architect Helmut Jahn and stands 80 metres tall. Designed to look like a diamond, the building reflects the city from every angle of the building and houses the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
2. Bosjes Chapel, Wellington
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0S1sbCHmct/
This inspiring structure in the Cape Boland is an aesthetically pleasing experssion of creativity and design. The glass-walled chapel, which features a rounded roof and overlooks a pond, was designed by Steyn Studio in London and is a much-coveted wedding venue.
3. The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cA8lbHi2l/
The luxury waterpark and resort in Rustenburg is many a South African’s favourite holiday spot. This 5-star establishment was designed by Bild Architects, first opened in 1992 and was inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom. The domed ceiling rises 25m above floor level and measures 16m in diameter, and the roof of the Crystal Court with its 29m roof span, which has to support five floors of suites above it, was tricky to construct but the finished product is marvelous.
4. Pineapple House, Bathurst
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DPYC9BtjI/
Officially the largest artificial pineapple in the world, the 16.7-metre-tall building is a tribute to the pineapple crops that were harvested in Bathurst after farmers struggled to grow any crops until they planted pineapples in the 1960s. It was later constructed by members of Bathurst’s agricultural community in the 1980s. It houses a gift shop and an observation deck that offers 360° views of the surrounding farmlands.
5. Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
This iconic landmark was designed by German studio GMP Architekten for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and took just over 33 months to complete. The stadium has since been used for many major sporting events and has a capacity of 68,000 people over three tiers.
Image: Instagram/Handassat
