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6 PARTICIPATION

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. First Stage

2. Second Stage

Answers are provided in red below each question.
1. First Stage
 
No buildings may be placed on the botanical reserves of the competition site and no buildings may be placed on the Heritage Site (erf 364).
The rest of the competition site (apart from road reserves) is open to sensitive development.    
SEE 3.5. THE COMPETITION SITE under THE SITE.
1. If it is prohibited to build on the Heritage Site (erf 3164) then what is the meaning of figure 40 in the appendix of the photographs? This photograph appears to anticipate proposed structures at a distance of as little as 20m from the grave site. This would be impossible if one cannot build on this erf. I would appreciate it if you could clarify this for me
  Please ignore the drawn components of Fig.40.  Follow instructions as per the brief.
2. The total indoor floor area should not exceed 3000sqm and the Non-assignable area are not to exceed 30% of the assignable total area. Does that mean that the total indoor floor area (including non-assignable areas) should not exceed 3900sqm?
  Yes 3 900sqm.
3. What is the building line for the areas next to the road (R331)
  In terms of the Eastern Cape Roads Act the Building Restriction of 95 m applies as measured for the centre line of Main Road 400 . On request the Building Restriction may be relaxed to 20 m  as measured from the road reserve boundary . As the legal road reserve is 25 m it means that the effective building restriction that applies will be 32.5 m from centre line.
4. Can you give us some idea of what cultural activities will take plant in the out door spaces?
  Traditional dance, rituals, celebrations and poetry readings will take place here.
5. Is there a limitation on the text that will appear on the A1 posters?
  No.
6. I would like to know if the Department of Tourism and the Department of Arts and Culture have already formulated any development frameworks for the region at a “master-plan” scale (i.e has the Eastern Cape government already formulated a large-scale urban design scheme to the region?) If this is the case, please direct me to the person/s responsible, so that I may obtain further information from them –David White,
  A ‘master-plan’ has not been proposed for the region yet.
7. Can the whole competition site be utilised (other than designated protected sites or areas) for accommodation?
  See Fig. 48 under SITE DOCUMENTATION.  No development may take place on areas marked “ Botanical Reserve” (dark green) on this map, nor on the Heritage Site (Erf 3164). Refer also to Section 3.5, under COMPETITION SITE. This should guide the placement of the building(s).
8. What water is available to the centre for general irrigation or for water elements: valley catchment streams (presumably not perennial), borehole water, town water?
  The town of Hankey will supply all water needed for the Centre.
9. The submission requirements state that only English and no other language may be used. Where suitable in submitting drawings or documentation, can the Khoisan language or words be used?
  Yes if deemed appropriate.
10. The Inau concept mentioned in the Sarah Bartmann legacy project garden: Is this a main theme of Khoisan culture and will it then be a main them for the centre and development or can it be integrated as part of the Khoisan cultural centre with other Khoisan symbolism?
  It may form part of other Khoisan symbolism or be the central theme. This is not specified
11. On the Google image and figure 48 – the site (northern boundary) seems to run through an existing building close to the school. What building is this and does it fall within the site for the centre?
  The small building referred to is situated on the school site and is of minor importance.  There are no existing buildings on the competition site.
12. On the Google image – the top of the burial seems to have patches of open ground with pathways. There is a patch where about 6 rectangular open areas or structures exist next to the grave. What are these structures or shapes? Sarah’s grave, the sundial and interlinking pathways are the only elements that exist on this site?
  The gravesite on top of the koppie and the sundial, with connecting pathways  are the only  elements on the heritage site. What is seen as “6 rectangular open areas or structures” is lettering in white on the hillside depicting the name of the town, ie. HANKEY. 
13. 30 parking bays with 2 bus lanes are specified on the accommodation schedule. Does this parking figure include staff parking?
  No, staff parking needs to be provided in addition to this.
14. What is envisaged for the overnight accommodation for the scholars? Will it be halls to accommodate large amounts or rooms up to 4-6 people?
  This decision should be guided by the information given in 2.4 (NATURE OF THE SPACES) and 2.5 (CONSIDERATIONS).
15. The indigenous garden (and nursery) in the accommodation requirements – does this refer to the Sarah Bartmann legacy project of Yvette Abrahams?
  Yes.
16. Regarding soil: is there a lot of clay in the soil? Is the soil suitable for use in any of concrete mixes? Is oil suitable for use in rammed earth walls? Is there rock in the soil that could be used for the construction of stone walls, if so, how much and what kind of stone is it? If one wished to do substantial excavation, are there a lot of big boulders under the soil, and if so, what type of rock?
  This information is not yet available.
17. Regarding the Admin space requirements in the accommodation schedule: Of the list of spaces required under Admin, which are included in the 18 sq.m shown on the schedule? It does not appear that they can be accommodated within the 18 sq.m
  This is a typing error and should read 180 sq.m.
18. Can the route of the access road off the R331 which goes past the sundial be changed?
  Yes.
19. Would it be possible to show on the google map or other, using arrows and numbers, where the photos were taken from and in which direction you are looking?
  Yes, it will be posted soon.
20. Does the heritage site include everything in erf 3164 as indicated in fig.16, or is it just a small component of said erf? Would it be possible to post a drawing showing the exact extents of the heritage site where we are not allowed to build, on the website?
  The heritage site includes everything on Erf3164, as indicated in Fig 16, as well as in Fig 48.
21. More information required with regard to the administration spaces. The spaces required in the brief exceed the allowable area of 18m2 by far. Please assign areas to the specific spaces required.
  This is a typing error and the total floor area for the administration spaces should read 180 sq.m.
22. The auditorium: does it have a direct relationship with the exhibition areas or is it more of general purpose auditorium to be equally used by the teaching section?
  The auditorium is envisaged as a multi-purpose space not necessarily in direct relationship with the exhibition spaces.
23. What is understood as “only traditional building materials to be used” as stated in the competition brief.
  Nowhere in the brief is it stated that “only traditional building materials” are to be used.
24. What type of artefacts are to be exhibited in the Sarah Bartmann exhibition space?
  Photographs, paintings, maps, documents and objects associated with her life may be exhibited there.
Contour plan
25. Are the z coordinates for the contour points available on the provided site plan? ( in digital format?)
  No, these contours were generated from aerial photography as the terrain size and vegetation makes it very expensive to do a physical survey. As a result no xyz values exists.
26. Update the contour plan with the site boundaries.
  The official property boundaries is on the contour plan supplied. The site boundaries are approximate.
27. What are the units of the contours indicated on the site plan?
  The contours are at 2,00 metres intervals.
28. Is it possible to be a more accurate scale   attached to the "Potential Development Sites" as shown on your Integrated Natural and Cultural Map maybe in CAD format?
  No
29. The Northern boundary near the school of your site documentation maps differs from the   Land Surveyors drawing. Please inform which is correct.
  Our contour plan info is correct as shown on the Land Surveyors drawing.
30. Assuming that the CAD drawing class 'KAD' is the site extents, it does not corrolate with the site extents indicated on Diagrams 48 and49 (Appendix 5.2).
  Please refer to fig. 48 for the correct boundaries
31. Please can the school buildings etc be indicated on the CAD drawing. Its location/proximity is quite important even if the area under discussion in 'Site Extents', does not form part of the site. In the same way, the Municipal Bulk Storage Tanks, particularly the one closest to the site (see attached picture) does have a visual impact and should at least be indicated, and considered.
  No, please scale it from the photograph
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2. Second Stage
1. Soil Test: Would the competition board be willing to have the soil on the site tested to ascertain its composition and suitability as a building material and make this information available to all finalists? We can provide the list of information that should be tested.
  A soil test will not be carried out
2. Weather Data: Would the competition board be willing to pay and make available to all finalists the weather data for the area?
  Weather data Is available under the site details on the website
3. Underpass: Can you please clarify the length of the underpass. Will it need to go under the road reserve too, making it almost 70m long?
 

Underpass: The underpass may begin at the edge of the road, provided safety barriers are provided for the road edge in order to warn motorists of the underpass.
Overpass: An overpass must be no lower than 4.2m in order to allow trucks and vehicles to pass safely beneath. Appropriate safety measures for both vehicles and pedestrians must be provided for.
Road surface: Calming devices such as speed bumps can be suggested as well as surface changes such as paving, provided that this is does not hinder traffic movement.
4. Consultants: the second stage of the competition requires the input of a QS and probably also the services of a structural engineer. Will the successful finalist be appointed along with their consultant team?
  No
5. Phasing: How many phases does the competition board anticipate? Can you give us an indication as to the value of each stage. Can you explain the priority of various activities so that we can understand what parts will be built first.
  Phasing will vary from scheme to scheme and is up to the designer’s discretion.
6. Business Plan: Is there a business plan for the Sarah Bartmann Centre of Remembrance? If so, would it be possible for the finalist to see this plan, or parts thereof. This would help us understand the main priorities of the centre in terms of possible phasing of the project.
  No
7. Budget: Our experience is that a building of this nature can cost approx. R15 000 per square metre, inclusive of VAT, Fees and 1 year of escalation, including external works. A building of 3900 square metres would therefore cost roughly in the order of R60mil. How much money is available for this project?
  The budget is undisclosed
8. In phase 1 the following was noted after the April site visit: It is advised not to change this road dramatically, may sections of the road and verge be re-surfaced in something other than tar?
  Competitors may propose alternatives
9. Do the two interior views have to be of the same building, or may they show two different building?
  They may show different buildings
10. Are there any guidelines as to which components must form part of the first phase? Or is the phasing entirely up to the discretion of the entrants?
  Entirely up to the discretion of the entrants
11. If you calculate the indoor floor area as shown in brief, it adds up to 3100sqm.
Then it mentions that the area must be under 3000 under roof, which is under the floor area required? This does not include circulation, like passages and also ablution areas. If I am correct, it must be more or less 3100sqm (under roof as per brief) plus ablution and circulation (approx 270 -300) – total then approx 3400, which is more realistic.
  The total floor area should be calculated as 300sqm plus 30% additional space which comes to approximately 3900sqm.
12. Does the briefing team foresee any significant changes in the design brief by 8 July or can we continue with the design, based on the design brief of stage 1 and stage 1 Q and A information? Due to the limited time contestants will not be able to accommodate changes and we can therefore not wait until we receive response to stage 2 questions. We assume it will just be minor queries which will be addressed.
  No major changes
13. Just to confirm once again – we understand if couriered before before11august (date stamp) it will be accepted but if delivered personally, 14 august is acceptable.
  No, if hand delivered the date is also 11 August
14. What specific activities are to be housed in the Living Heritage Workshops? What requirements will these have in terms of servicing (eg fire, water supply, floor drains etc)?
  The workshops are envisaged as “studio” spaces for traditional crafts and skills, These “living exhibition spaces” form part of the active exhibition spaces, even though they are working spaces. They will be used for demonstrations of the making of tools, craft, music, jewellery, utensils, etc. Cultural objects and artifacts made here will be sold in the retail outlet, and it is envisaged that visitors to the Centre should be able to view the creative processes taking place in these spaces.  They should therefore be adequately ventilated, with water supply and drainage services. Access to the exterior may be an advantage.
15. What is the nature of activities in the Language Laboratory, and what special requirements will they have (eg acoustic isolation/insulation for recording, performance etc)?
  The language laboratory is envisaged as a controlled teaching space, with 10 computer workstations for students and a raised computer workstation for the teacher. Communication is conducted via headsets and microphones. Acoustic insulation and other technical requirements are similar to those for a normal computer laboratory. A Google Image search for “language laboratory” will show various layouts and configurations.
16. May the Rest & Refreshment area be considered to function as a fully-fledged light restaurant/coffee shop, possibly also able to function independently of the centre itself?
  Yes, it may be seen as a restaurant /coffee shop, although the nature of this space is open to interpretation. It may incorporate a traditional cooking area. It should have a covered component for use in bad weather. It should be easily accessible to visitors as it is another form of “living exhibition” similar to dance, music, poetry reading and crafting. Ideally it should also be able to function independently of the exhibition area.
17. Please confirm whether one is permitted to build on the “sacred” site (i.e. on the grave’s side of the road) at all. It is assumed that a pathway/boardwalk is acceptable, but could such an element include, for instance, “lookout”  platforms at intervals along its length? If so, could these be roofed? Could they be enclosed?
  No buildings are permitted on the botanical reserves (see Fig 49) or on the Heritage Site, shown on Fig 48 as Erf 3164. However, the Undivided State Land and Part of Farm 184/5 (shown in fig 48) situated on the grave (western) side of the road may be sensitively developed as per the architectural brief. Landscaped links to the actual gravesite may be suggested on the Heritage site. These should not be roofed, but may include places of rest along the pathway(s).  Sensitivity to the natural context is paramount.
18. Is a physical model an obligatory part of the submission, or can a 3D animation be considered to convey sufficient information? If a model is required, is the model itself to be submitted, or once again only photographs of it?
  A model is compulsory and must be physically submitted
19. Please confirm which identification number is to appear on the drawings: the original 7-digit one which was selected by ourselves, or the number assigned by the jury at the time of the first-phase report?
  The original 7-digit identification number
20. Can you please clarify point in 4.4.3 which stages “ there is no restriction on the use of media in the second stage”
  Corrections: any medium
21. Does the physical model referred to in item 4.4.3. need to be submitted?
  Yes
22. The photographs of the model-must they be on the A1 panels or can they be submitted as separate A4 or A5 sheets?
  The photographs must form part of the panels
23. Is there a limit to the number of panels required?
  No
24. Are axonometric/isometric drawings a requirement, or can we just submit perspectives and photos of the model?
  No, you can choose either
25. Drawings scale: 1:200 drawings will be difficult to fit on A1. Can we use larger format? Or, can we reduce the scale of the drawings and use a scale bar instead of an exact scale?
  Scale bars are not advised. To overcome this problem all panels MUST BE A0 for all finalists.
26. Sketch plans: Does this include elevations or can the elevations be shown in the 3D images of the building?
  Entries must include elevations
Questions from quantity surveyor – re- Sarah Bartmann
1. Cost estimate
  a.            Will the quantity surveyor that assists the architect be considered for appointed as a consultant for the project should the proposal be successful?
  No, not necessary
  b.            What is the required format for the cost estimate presentation? Should it be a detailed estimate or only a summary of the estimate? Will the cost estimate count towards the 5000 word limit set in item 4.4.4?
  An elemental cost analysis can be carried out (approximately 14 working hours). This will not be included in the 5000 word limit count.
  c.            What method of estimating should be used? Square meter estimate, elemental estimate, etc (Is there a specific requirement)?
  An elemental cost estimate
  d.            What should be included in the estimate? Only construction elements or should items such as equipment, audio visual equipment, furniture, artworks, etc be included in the estimate?
  All construction elements must be included plus a 10% contingency allowance.
  e.            Should infrastructure cost such as waterlines, roads, etc be included?
  No
  f.             Should other capital investment items such as professional fees, property costs, etc be included?
  Yes. There will be no property cost, but the following must be allowed for: a 10% contingency, 16% for professional fees and 14% for VAT.
  g.            Should the estimate include pre- and post contract escalation and if so what is the anticipated programme for construction?
  Yes. The construction period will last for approximately 2 years as of the 1st of February 1010. Pre-escalation and post-escalation must be accounted for.
2. Life cycle costing
  a.            What is the required format for the life cycle costing? (A summary or detailed calculation showing all elements)
  A summary
  b.            What is the period for which the life cycle costing should be determined ie 20 years?
  Yes, 20 years is appropriate.
  c.            What should be included in the life cycle costing ie only construction elements?
  Only construction elements
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