3.5 THE COMPETITION SITE

The Site includes the entire area occupied by the consolidation of Farms 184 and 185 and the undivided State Land to the West of the Erf 3164, a National Heritage Site, as indicated on the aerial photograph. (see fig. 9)

The area marked A has been designated as the most appropriate place for development on the site. This will mark the point of arrival as well as the location of the more active, educational and economic components of the development, ie those activities not suited to the more sacred focus of the burial hill and Heritage Site to the south. It is these activities that one will engage with at the beginning of the total experience, ie. arrival, reception, administration, multi-purpose hall, accommodation and education facilities. Vehicles will be confined to this area of the Site.

This area adjacent to the road is relatively flat. The undulating hills further north of this area should remain undeveloped with raised boardwalks and walking trails giving access to the unspoilt natural vegetation.

An integrated natural and cultural sensitivity map is included, which indicates contours, streams and critical slopes of greater than 25 degrees. Botanical reserves, natural areas and potential development areas are also indicated in terms of ecological sensitivity. No buildings may be placed on the botanical reserves.

The tarred road (the R331, a regional road off the N2 between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town) should not be viewed as an intrusion or negative element which divides the Site, but rather as a device to mediate between the more sacred and utilitarian components of the accommodation schedule, as the components of the architectural brief differ widely in character and purpose. These differences should inform the appropriate use of the Site in terms of zoning and spatial relationships.

It is intended that a pedestrian underpass will give access to the southern portion of the Site, which includes the largest sundial in the southern hemisphere, and the burial hill on the Heritage Site. No buildings may be placed on the Heritage Site.

From the lower south-western slopes of the burial hill, on the undivided State Land, one has rewarding views over the Gamtoos River Valley. The name of the river is linked with the Gamtkwa tribe of the KhoiSan people who are still resident in this area therefore a visual connection to the Valley is of significance to the development of the Site.

The Western boundary of the Site on the undivided State Land, adjoins the historic core of the town of Hankey and this invites a connection, possibly a winding pedestrian path linking Site and Town.

Any development on this southern section of the Site would need to consider the symbolic and physical presence of Sarah Bartmann's burial place on top of the evocative natural mound of Verkykerskop, also known as the Place of Gathering. The existing focus of the burial hill could be reinforced by the creation of a Sacred or Great Place which belongs to all the people of South Africa, dedicated to their peaceful and respectful co-existence.

The placement of activities could be aligned with the journey that begins on the northern part of the Site, skirts the sundial and climaxes at the burial place of Sarah Bartmann.

It is crucial that the proposed development be conceived of as single integrated whole includes the sundial, the koppie, the Gamtoos Valley, the Great Place and the Town.

For aerial photographs and site information see figures 1 to 49 in the Appendix.

The architectural challenge is to honour this Place in a way that attracts the attention of the whole world and makes it an international destination and a Place of Memory, Hope, Healing and Celebration for all.