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The client brief was to design a terminal that is modern, tech savvy, aesthetically pleasing and to represent its namesake, well-grounded and practical. Most importantly the terminal needed to provide a seamless experience to cruiseliner guests and visitors alike.
This terminal building was inspired by the regeneration of a decaying historic precinct, a new piece of urban jewellery and a portal to celebrate the Zulu culture. It was driven by the desire to create a bold landmark and derive an urban offering overtly celebrating the textures, colours and motifs of indigenous craft and building.
NMCT as a design solution deals with the threshold of harbour and city, vehicular and machinery movement, passenger circulation, baggage transport, and well wisher, staff, officials presence.
The Port of Durban is the ocean cruise capital of Sub-Saharan Africa. The city now enjoys a landmark cruise terminal which is both energising and catalysing in its urban context. The building’s principal engagement with the city is its spatial and visual connectivity to the historic precinct and the creation of strategic outdoor public spaces linked to the beachfront and harbour edge. Its proximity to the historic quarter and the beachfront promenade establishes a vital connection between these areas. This connectivity promotes accessibility and fosters a sense of integration between a new installation, the historic quarter, and the surrounding urban fabric. Ultimately, the site provided a magnificent opportunity to integrate an urban regenerative condition within the point precinct.
The terminal incorporates fundamental sustainability measures to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources,and promote a more sustainable maritime industry. Expansive glazed facadesthrough the full perimeter of the building allow maximised natural lighting to the voluminous internal spaces. Internally, energy-efficient lighting fixtures and equipment are implemented throughout. The envelope is designed as a ventilated façade to moderate heat exchange between the internal and external zones providing a favourable reduction of HVAC loads typically onerous within buildings of this type. To reduce grid related power consumption to the building infrastructure, future provision has been made for the implementation of a photo voltaic installation.
The terminal's architectural design stands out as a unique and visually striking structure. Its powerful form, inspired by Zulu culture, creates a memorable landmark that harmoniously integrates with the urban context. NMCT demonstrates exceptional functionality in its layout and organisation. The careful planning and design of passenger flow, vehicle traffic management, and operational spaces contribute to efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes. The terminal's adaptability as a conference centre during the off-season further highlights its versatility and well-thought-out functionality. The buildings sustainable design features and initiatives set it apart as an environmentally conscious and responsible structure. From energy-efficient measures such as natural lighting, ventilation, to renewable energy sources and water conservation strategies, the terminal showcases a commitment to sustainability and a reduced environmental footprint. The terminal's design incorporates technical innovations that enhance its functionality and efficiency. The use of advanced structural systems, ventilated facade technology, and parametric design principles demonstrates a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring cutting-edge solutions. The prioritisation the passenger experience, ensuring convenience, comfort, and engagement. From well-designed check-in and baggage handling areas to immersive external spaces, the terminal creates a welcoming and memorable environment.
Our vision for the terminal was modern, tech savvy, aesthetically pleasing and to represent its namesake, well-grounded and practical. Most importantly the terminal needed to provide a seamless experience for all our guests and the design and execution thereof have managed to achieve that vision. We believe that EPA was the most suitable firm to partner with in our endeavour and commend the firm's excellence and professionalism, which led to a world class facility for MSC Cruises to operate from
Elphick Proome Architecture was established in 1989 and has grown to become a leading architectural firm in South Africa. Committed to architectural excellence, we strive to create exciting buildings, environments and spaces that respond to the unique nature of each project with integrity and purpose. Our philosophy emphasises an architecture that responds to context, region and climate and is enduring, innovative and functional. We endeavour to design intelligent solutions which rise to the diverse challenges of our social and economic context and make a significant contribution to the African reality. EPA is based in Durban, KZN.
