SD Issue 2 Digital

1 Golden Rules

If you are considering to go the DIY way for your tiling, these 14 Golden Rules (and the
top 10 reasons for tile fixing failures) will come in handy for your project.
4

1. Tiles must be dry and the back of the tile clean. 6. No not fix tiles over skinned adhesive.

2. The surface being tiled should be true and even and 7. Allow the adhesive to set before grouting: usually no
free from grease, wax, oil, curing compounds, and all less than 24 hours. During this time the tiles must be
forms of contamination. protected from potentially harmful factors like weather
and water penetration.
3. Adhesive should be applied using the appropriate
notched trowel. Do not use the spot fixing method, 8. Adhesives must be used strictly in accordance with
and always apply adhesive horizontally with a notched the manufacturer’s instructions.
trowel, rather than in a swirling motion.
9. To achieve greater adhesion and a longer open time,
4. The whole back of each tile must be in good contact with porous concrete should be dampened with water prior
the adhesive. Press tiles firmly into the adhesive bed and to tiling with cement based adhesives.
ensure that no voids occurs beneath tiles. See rule 5...
10. Any loose powder on the backs of tiles should be
5. Every now and then, lift a tile from the adhesive to check removed.
that complete contact with the adhesive is being made.
11. Appropriate movement joints must be used and
construction joints must not be tiled over. See DIY Fact
Sheet Wall and Floor Surfaces for more details.

12. For thin bed fixing of tiles, the minimum finished
thickness of the adhesive should not be less than 3mm.

13. Hairline cracks of up to 2mm in concrete should be
bridged. Clean and prime the surface, allow to dry, and
apply a liberal coat of ABA Barrierflex as a one-to-one
mixture. Inbed a reinforcement mat and immediately apply
a second coat of Barrierflex. Allow to cure before tiling.

14. Tiles must never be stored in direct sunlight prior
to fixing.

51

TOTAL

CERAMIC SOLUTIONS

YES

WE HAVE
THEM IN

STOCK

FLOOR TILES | WALL TILES | SANITARY WARE | ACCESSORIES

Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. VOLUME EIGHT 77

The Top 10 Reasons for Tile Fixing Failures: 5. Poor or incorrect surface preparation.
1. Incorrect or no expansion joints: failure 6. Poor adhesive coverage. This can result
to use the correct expansion joints and from not using the correct notched trowel,
tiling over construction joints will make your using the spot fixing method, or allowing
tiles too rigid, and they will crack during voids behind the tiles.
movement or expansion and contraction of 7. Unsatisfactory bed thickness. Ensure that
the building. you use the correct notched trowel when
2. Incorrect choice of adhesive. This is applying adhesive.
one of the most common causes of tile 8. Excessive movement in the substrate.
fixing failure that we see. See our page on 9. Dust or loose backwash not removed
Adhesives and Grout for more information. from the backs of tiles. Ensure that you clean
3. Adhesive skins before tile is bedded in. and dry the backs of tiles before laying.
Do not allow your adhesive to dry before 10. Incorrect mixing ratio of adhesive
fixing the tiles. powder and liquid. Always follow the
4. Contaminated background. Ensure that manufacturer’s directions, and always
the surface and area that you are tiling is add the adhesive to the water to ensure a
properly cleaned before commencing tiling. smooth mixture

53

BUILDING SOLUTIONS DISASTER RELIEF
ARCHITECTURE

HE southern Africa and Indian Ocean innovative approaches for disaster resilience in human
region is extremely vulnerable to cyclones, settlements and the built environment of southern
floods, droughts and tropical storms. These Africa, and witnessed an impressive number of risk
recurrent climate-related shocks negatively reduction practices. The cornerstone of the adaptive
affect the highly sensitive livelihoods and economies approach to human settlements is to demonstrate
in the region, and erode communities’ ability to fully through practical implementation that this approach to
recover, leading to increased fragility and vulnerability disaster-prone human settlements
to subsequent disasters. can go a long way in reducing
risks. Cities and towns are not yet
The nature and pattern of weather-related disasters equipped to mitigate and adapt
is shifting, becoming unpredictable, and increasing to the impacts of climate change
in frequency, intensity and magnitude as a result of and increased natural hazards,
climate change. The European Commission’s Office for while they are becoming more and
Humanitarian Affairs (ECHO) has actively engaged in more vulnerable due to their fast
the region through the Disaster Preparedness ECHO growth, mostly unplanned, and the
(DIPECHO) programme since 2009, supporting multi- concentration of people.
sectorial disaster risk reduction interventions in food
security and agriculture, infrastructure and adapted This is adapted from a larger study
architecture, information and knowledge management, documenting adaptive architecture,
water, sanitation and hygiene, and health. Taking Stock of Disaster Risk Reduction Architecture
in Southern Africa: lessons learned from 10 years of
This programme operates with two objectives, notably: adaptive architecture for practitioners, decision-makers
◼ Emergency preparedness by building local and field workers in disaster-prone countries of southern
Africa and south-west Indian Ocean.
capacities for sustainable weather-hazard
preparedness and management, including seasonal The southern African region is highly exposed to
preparedness plans, training, emergency stocks and natural hazards, i.e. cyclones, floods, droughts
rescue equipment, as well as Early Warning Systems. and earthquakes. For instance, countries such as
◼ Empowering communities through multi-sectorial Mozambique (nine international rivers; 2 700 km
and multilevel approaches with DRR mainstreamed of coast; the Great Rift Valley; semi-arid areas);
as a central component and improved food and
nutrition security as an outcome. This is done in
alignment with national and regional strategies
and frameworks.

For DIPECHO, one of the main measures of success
is replicability. To this end, technical support through
guidelines established for DRR implementers is a
welcome output of the DIPECHO interventions in the
region. ECHO has supported regional partners, namely
COOPI, FAO, UN-Habitat and UN-OCHA, to enhance
the resilience of vulnerable populations in southern
Africa by providing the funding to field-test and
establish good practices, and to develop a toolkit for
their replication in southern Africa. It is the aim of the
European Commission Office for Humanitarian Affairs
and its partners to fulfil the two objectives sustainably
and efficiently through the practices contained in this
toolkit to ensure the increased resilience of the most
vulnerable populations in the region.

In the last decade, the United Nations Human
Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has developed

54 structure & design

Madagascar (island in the cyclone-prolific south- to conceptualize, design and build human settlements
western Indian Ocean; semi-arid areas); and Malawi in a way that takes into account the risk profile of the
(large river basins on the edge of the Rift Valley; semi- countries. There are hundreds of examples of adaptive
arid areas) share an extreme natural hazard profile. architecture in southern Africa, using both local and
Cyclones and floods, in particular, have recurrent, conventional materials and techniques. The objective here
immensely destructive effects on the built environment: is to offer an overview of the wealth of experiences so as
each year, hundreds of houses, school buildings and to take stock and transform experience into capitalized
basic community infrastructures are destroyed, with practices, normal disaster-resistant constructive
lives lost and enormous impacts on the economy. behaviour and, ultimately, enforceable policies.

These events result in lives being lost, often due to a The richness of examples in the field has not yet been
lack of shelter during the peak of the events, as well as compiled and analysed in all its potential at country or
loss of assets, including dwelling units, bridges, roads, regional level.
railways, the uprooting of transmission towers and,
importantly, key basic infrastructure, such as schools. Sometimes, examples are replicated spontaneously by
The effort to reconstruct and recover from the loss of the communities and by the local authorities; however,
property and assets is so demanding that sustainable more often than not, they remain isolated cases, with
development is at stake each year. Furthermore, it is limited room for large scale replication. There is a need
now a fact that meteorological events are becoming to take stock of these experiences to mainstream the
more severe as a result of the changing climate, approach to the built environment in all communities,
especially in coastal cities of Mozambique, Madagascar and rural, peri-urban and rural settlements. All cost-
and Namibia (rise in sea-level; stronger cyclones and benefit analyses (a list of complete references and
winds; and food insecurity as a consequence of lower background is offered in the bibliography) agree that
supply from rural areas). with an increase of 5 to 10 percent in the construction
of buildings, communities and conventional builders –
Fortunately, there is a growing consensus on the need including the state – can save up to 30 to 40 percent

55

BUILDING SOLUTIONS > of funds otherwise used for infrastructure construction and
emergency and reconstruction reconstruction are analysed and
– not to mention avoiding lessons learned. In effect, there
the setbacks experienced by are hundreds of practices in the
communities which recurrently sub-region, both in local and
lose their schools, houses and conventional material, including
assets. In line with the priorities community shelters, housing,
of the Hyogo Framework for schools, crèches and health clinics.
Action and the Making Cities
Resilient Campaign, there Why adaptive architecture?
is room to ‘learn how to live
with the hazards‘ in the built To a large extent, the risks of
environment, to adopt adaptive disasters and their impact on the
policies as a normal practice in built environment can be mitigated
communities, to develop and through a disaster sensitive
approve disaster resilient norms approach to construction, planning
and building codes, and to develop the capacity to of settlements, maintenance and reconstruction (the
enforce them as a priority. Building Back Better approach).
In other terms, the examples developed in southern
Africa by communities, national governments, the local This is known as DRR Architecture and Planning, the
authorities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and Disaster-Resistant Approach to the Built Environment or,
international technical cooperation agencies should simply:
be recognized and, when relevant, capitalized into Adaptive Architecture
practices and policies. To do this, increasingly aware
national and local institutions demand that sound, What’s new, it may be asked? Communities in southern
evidence-based good practices in the area of disaster- Africa and the south-west Indian Ocean have traditionally
resistant basic housing, shelter and community adapted to the environment. In Madagascar, for instance,
in several areas of the country there are traditional
56 structure & design builders with a profound knowledge of the hazards and
how to adapt to them. Nonetheless, the recurring nature
and strength of the hazards, coupled with unplanned
growth in settlements, exceeds communities’ capacities
to construct appropriately. This also concerns the more
formal built environment that, in the haste of building
rapidly and cheaply, often disregards the very concepts of
adaptation to the environment.

There is the need to reintroduce basic concepts of
adaptation on the one hand, and to disseminate
economically viable solutions on the other. In the last
decade, southern Africa was a laboratory of examples
of resistant housing, shelter and basic infrastructure
both in local and conventional materials. Some of
these cases are showcased here, and a more complete
assessment is available in the bibliography. In effect, also
through DIPECHO I to III, national and local authorities,
communities, NGOs and the United Nations have
constructed a number of architectural solutions for disaster
risk reduction in the sub-region during the past decade.
The purpose of this action, overall, was to demonstrate that
adaptive architectural solutions contribute to:

◼ Directly protecting lives through the provision
of safer houses, for example, in the case of non-
engineered dwellings;

◼ Directly protecting lives during and in the
aftermath of an emergency, through transforming
basic infrastructure (schools, kindergartens) into
safe havens;

◼ Directly saving economic and physical assets from

the effects of disasters; traditional construction
◼ Indirectly saving economic assets through Building or commonly used public
building specifications to
Back Better after disasters, so as to mitigate the risk provide affordable and
of occurrence in the future; and appropriate solutions.
◼ Indirectly sustaining the effort of sustainable
development, by avoiding disruption of social, Within this approach, there
economic, cultural and educational activities of are a number of areas for
societies. action:
◼ Increasing awareness
Learning to live with hazards
through simple, user-
The concept of adaptive architecture is part of friendly materials.
“learning how to live with hazards”, which includes: ◼ Creating understanding
1) understanding risks and vulnerabilities; 2) to foster an appreciation
planning settlements in a participatory and resilient of safe versus unsafe buildings in the context of the
manner; 3) adopting resilient basic service provision disaster related to additional forces, loads and effects.
in terms of drainage, solid waste management and ◼ Facilitating application by creating an enabling
water management; 4) building safely; 5) rebuilding environment for application of the appropriate
improved structures after disasters; and 6) learning norms to ensure structural safety. In effect, even
preparedness and preventive measures in schools, when communities are aware, they often lack
community exchanges and families. training and capacities within the community, which
needs to be addressed through on-the-job training.
In general, poverty inhibits the use of better materials
or skills. Spontaneous constructions, regardless Given the breadth of experiences in southern Africa,
of regulations, with little support from more skilled stock can be taken of promising practices studied to
technicians and authorities, also contribute to influence constructive behaviour. The challenge, given
vulnerability. Notwithstanding this, it is a common the immense diversity and richness of cultures in the
misconception that local non-engineered constructions sub-region, is to find a common ground for extracting
are necessarily more vulnerable than those constructed lessons. Understanding the potential or proven impact
with conventional materials. Evidence suggests that of a given solution is a good filter for lessons, i.e. How
formal constructions, including public constructions (such many people are safer thanks to the intervention in the
as formal schools), may also be vulnerable to hazards. long run? In general, there is
Non-resistant constructions are often the tangible result of consensus on the following:
a series of factors. These include lack of land ownership
or tenancy rights; poor physical planning that disregards ◼ Coordination provides a wider
natural hazards; insufficient or unenforced building impact and further replication
regulations; weak technical know-how in construction possibilities for best practices
or not valorizing local traditional knowledge; and lack of in construction;
preparedness, among other factors.
◼ Community mobilization
Applied local solutions and participation should be
gender balanced and
Architecture is adaptive when it is able to adjust its inclusive of vulnerable groups
structure, behaviour and resources to local climatic from the design stage; this is
and geologic conditions; i.e. a robust structure is able crucial for the project’s
to sustain the impact of severe natural hazards or success;
contribute to easing the life of communities, is adjusted
to the local context, and is therefore sustainable. The ◼ To ensure technical viability,
combination of robustness and sustainability results in communities need small,
increased community resilience, and is defined in this simple, labour intensive,
sector as the capability of a system: economically and socially
viable projects, which can be
1) to maintain acceptable levels of functionality during maintained and operated by
and after disruptive events; the communities themselves
2) to recover full functionality within a specified period in a sustainable way;
of time after the event; and
3) to provide communities with additional tools to ◼ Existing knowledge/practices
face adverse climates. In simpler terms, adaptive should be the basis for all
architecture must learn from the local context, i.e. from intervention;

◼ Hardware (construction) must
go hand in hand with software (awareness, training)
activities for maximum, sustainable impact;

57

BUILDING SOLUTIONS climate change, which assumes that these
events will recur more frequently and with
◼ Partnership among communities, greater impacts – a hypothesis increasingly
governments and other supported by data. To calculate the
organizations (UN/NGOs) is a economic benefits derived from applying
critical success factor and resistant measures from the start, the cost
enables better access to the of these measures can be subtracted from
affected communities; the cost of potential impact, More resistant
construction costs less in the long term (or
◼ User-friendly materials should be in the medium term, given the recurrence
disseminated for training of of cyclones) than a school that has to be
builders; rebuilt every time a severe natural event
occurs. This example does not include the
◼ Prototypes, if used as premises for estimated costs of recurrent disruption of
local committees, also increase educational services over the long term.
their visibility;
Considering the expected economic
◼ Isolated practices of pilot and social benefit, the following can be
construction, which do not build recommended:
on lessons learned and are not
part of a wider strategy of ◼ The progressive adoption of improved
awareness and stock-taking with reconstruction (Building Back Better)
local and national institutions, techniques, where a dwelling or a public
should be discontinued; and infrastructure is affected by a natural
event, by including it in the contingency
◼ Local materials are low-cost budget of reconstruction projects.
and easy to reproduce; however,
institutions in some countries ◼ Launch national and regional
sometimes disregard them. campaigns to raise awareness and
Advocacy on their relevance evaluate the level of vulnerability of the
should be promoted consistently building assets.

Cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit ◼ Carry out actions to maintain and retrofit
In short, building ‘adaptive‘, is building assets, in order to reduce the
cheaper than reconstructing. vulnerability of existing buildings.
Recurrent destruction of houses
and other public infrastructures There are a number of interesting,
documented in each natural sustainable and replicable experiences
disaster in the sub-region simply to be taken stock of in southern Africa
demonstrates that a portion of the and the south-west Indian Ocean. The
financial resources invested by or selection of experiences presented here is
within every country is lost annually only a fraction of the possible alternatives
in the recovery of the infrastructures. which are limited only by knowledge of
Considering the risk/vulnerability the local context, the requirements of
profile of most of southern African the communities and creativity. A more
countries, investment in hazard- complete compendium can be accessed
resistant measures translates into on the website of UN-Habitat and the DRR
medium- to long-term savings and Portal (www.seadrr.org).
a maintained focus on achieving
national development and poverty Introducing more resistant measures in
reduction objectives. This is even the construction of public buildings is not
more relevant in the context of optional, considering the risk profile of the
sub-region. The benefits, both in terms of
safety and investment, are too great not to
be transformed into national practices. On
the other hand, the experiences of local
material construction attest that, through
local knowledge and know-how, different
solutions can be devised and replicated to
scale thanks to the low cost, simplicity of
execution and potential to raise awareness.

58 structure & design

59

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FOCUS Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
Turning a Vision into Reality

Words by Kristin Dispenza/ Structure and Design

Zaha Hadid Architects’ 57,519 m2 (approx. 619,129 sq. ft.) Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, a mixed-use venue featuring a conference hall,
library, and museum, was scheduled to open in September 2011 in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan.

Heydar Aliyev Centre
Baku, Azerbaijan
2007 – 2012
The Republic of Azerbaijan
Built
101,801m2
Building: 57,519m²
Site: 111,292m²
Footprint: 15,514m²
.
Zaha Hadid Architects was appointed as design
architects of the Heydar Aliyev Center
following a competition in 2007. The Center,
designed to become the primary building for the
nation’s cultural programs, breaks from the rigid
and often monumental Soviet architecture
that is so prevalent in Baku, aspiring instead to
express the sensibilities of Azeri culture and
the optimism of a nation that looks to the future.
This project was big in the architecture and
engineering world, putting ZHA on the lips for
many years afterward.
60 structure & design

THE SETTING

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
was one of many buildings that
were erected in Azerbaijan that
year, and it is one of several
projects exhibiting progressive
design elements and cutting-
edge engineering solutions.

The ambitious yet expressive
nature of these new structures
represents a move away from
the country’s Soviet-dominated
past and toward a national
identity. The cultural centre,
named in honor of the late
Heydar Aliyev, National Leader
of Azerbaijan, is located close to
the city center. It was part of a
larger redevelopment area and
became a bellwether of the city’s
intellectual and cultural life.

61

62 structure & design

63

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FOCUS

The Vision

Zaha Hadid Architects created a building
form that appears to emerge from the
topography. The skin of the building – a
single curving surface – rises, undulates,
and wraps inward at its base to completely
envelop the building’s various volumes. The
curved surface allows a freedom of form that
can simultaneously differentiate and unite
the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre’s three
distinct programmatic elements. Its inward
curl is formed into stairways and ramps
that connect the lower floors to mezzanine
levels; other circulation paths also emanate
from the curves of the building envelope. An
elevated bridge connects the library to the
conference hall.Renderings

“It is difficult in general to build something
that extraordinary in a remote country where
even very basic tools must be imported
sometimes.” Thomas Winterstetter, Werner
Sobek

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre’s
conference hall contains three auditoriums.
In order to accommodate the necessary
inclined seating, this portion of the building
protrudes into the cultural plaza. Here the
mass of the structure undulates away from
the wave-like peaks that define the other two
zones of structure; at its edges it flows down
to the walking surface of the plaza.

64

65

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FOCUS

The Reality

Zaha Hadid Architects’ vision of sublimity
presented some very material challenges
for the engineers and builders. The curve of
the building’s exterior, meant to convey the
aspirations and identity of the Azerbaijan
people, needed also to function in more prosaic
terms. It was necessary to construct a building
that could seal out the elements and bear
high wind and seismic loads without relying
on interior support columns (which would
have impeded the flow of space). Ultimately, a
system was devised that utilized a space frame
as its main structural element; the cladding
is a curtain wall system comprised of various
specially fabricated panels.

Early in the design process, engineers
performed a mathematically based computer
analysis. “It’s good practice to do structural
calculations for projects of that kind with a 3D
nonlinear finite element analysis, including
special loads like earthquake and high wind
loads as present in Baku,” says Thomas
Winterstetter of Werner Sobek, project engineer
for the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre. “We did
the calculations with two separate full-model
3D finite element programs, in order to compare
the results and not to rely on a single one.”
“We focused, for example, on easy-to-clean
external cladding materials because of the
heavy air pollution… There are oil refineries
and such nearby, and the cladding is white.
That’s how glass fiber reinforced plastic
(GFRP) came up, which is dirt-repellent itself.
In general, all building systems are chosen to
have high durability and a long lifetime and low
maintenance efforts.” Thomas Winterstetter,
Werner Sobek

According to Winterstetter, the main structure of

66 structure & design

the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is a mix of can be individually molded to form the curved manufactured, no special fastener systems
reinforced concrete, steel frame structures, shapes required by the design. The panels were required. “We used standard bolts and
and composite beams and decks. The space are “cast into customized single-use molds. screws, standard drilled anchor systems for
frame is composed of a special steel tube- The molds are partly from CNC-cut 2D ribs the concrete, and so on,” says Winterstetter.
and-nodes system (a product of MERO-TSK (like a boat’s hull) and partly from 3D-milled “It is difficult in general to build something
International). styrofoam blocks,” says Winterstetter. that extraordinary in a remote country where
even very basic tools must be imported
For aesthetic purposes, the cladding Werner Sobek had to generate all of the sometimes.”
needed to give the building a monolithic production information associated with
appearance, not only to make it read as a the exterior panels, so that they could be Building in remote regions is just another
continuous volume but also to accomplish manufactured, then shipped to the site for layer of complexity in an industry that is
the transition to the plaza surface. All installation by local workers. On site, each becoming more complex by the day. While
visible seams needed to run parallel to panel is lifted by crane, then negotiated into architecture has always striven to express
one another, reinforcing the building’s position by hand (which is possible due to itself by exploring the limits of engineering
wavelike design. The cladding material had the product’s light weight). The panels are practice, it is only the current generation
to meet various practical considerations, screwed to fittings on a previously installed that has seen such rapid redefining of
such as UV resistance and light reflectivity. metal substructure. “There are about those limits.
Maintenance was a big consideration, as 15,000 panels, each with an individual
well, notes Winterstetter. “We focused, curved geometry, in sizes up to a maximum
for example, on easy-to-clean external of 1.5 m wide and 7 m long, none equal
cladding materials because of the heavy air to another one. There are 40,000 m of 3D
pollution… There are oil refineries and such computer-generated substructure metal
nearby, and the cladding is white. That’s tubes underneath the panels, no tube
how glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) equal to another one, perfectly matching
came up, which is dirt-repellent itself. In the panels and their fixing positions,” says
general, all building systems are chosen to Winterstetter.
have high durability and a long lifetime and
low maintenance efforts.” The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre’s inner
finish material also had to be shaped and fit
Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) and onto a curved metal substructure, explains
glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels Winterstetter. Here the panels are made of
are the predominant materials used in the cold-bent two-layer fiber-reinforced mineral
façade system. The panels are composed of boards. Resin panels were used for the
“various layers of fine-grain high-performance flooring.
white cement concrete, reinforced with fiber
glass mats,” says Winterstetter. ”It’s a very “It’s good practice to do structural
durable and resistive material which can calculations for projects of that kind with
be made very thin, only a few mm or cm, a 3D nonlinear finite element analysis,
because there is no concrete cover needed, including special loads like earthquake and
like for steel reinforcements.” By eliminating high wind loads as present in Baku.” Thomas
the need for steel reinforcing, the panels offer Winterstetter, Werner Sobek
a lightweight construction method, and they Although the building cladding was specially

67

68 structure & design

ZAHA HADID

AA Dipl, RIBA, ARB, BDA, Hon.F.AIA

Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid, DBE , founder of Zaha Hadid
Architects, was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004
and is internationally known for her built, theoretical and academic
work. Each of her projects builds on over thirty years of exploration
and research in the interrelated fields of urbanism, architecture and
design.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1950, Hadid studied mathematics at the London 2012 Olympics and Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku –
American University of Beirut before moving to London in 1972 to demonstrates a consistent desire to question and innovate.
attend the Architectural Association (AA) School where she was
awarded the Diploma Prize in 1977. Hadid founded Zaha Hadid Form and space are woven within structure. These are buildings which
Architects (ZHA) in 1979 and completed their first building, the Vitra emerge from their context and are also capable of knitting disparate
Fire Station, Germany in 1993. Hadid taught at the AA School until programs together; always surprising and always making connections.
1987 and held numerous chairs and guest professorships at Zaha Hadid Architects recently completed the Port House in Antwerp,
universities around the world including Columbia, Harvard, Yale and Salerno Maritime Terminal in Italy and Oxford University’s Middle East
the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Centre at St Antony’s College. The practice is currently working on a
diversity of projects worldwide including the new Beijing Airport
Hadid’s outstanding contribution to the architectural profession has Terminal Building in Daxing, China, the Sleuk Rith Institute in Phnom
been acknowledged by the world’s most respected institutions Penh, Cambodia and 520 West 28th Street in New York City, USA.
including the Forbes List of the ‘World’s Most Powerful Women’
and the Japan Art Association presenting her with the ‘Praemium Zaha Hadid Architects’ portfolio also includes cultural, corporate,
Imperiale’. academic, sporting and infrastructure projects across Asia, the Middle
East, Europe and the Americas.
In 2010 and 2011, ZHA’s designs were awarded the Stirling Prize, one
of architecture’s highest accolades, by the Royal Institute of British
Architects. Other awards include UNESCO naming Hadid as an ‘Artist
for Peace’, the Republic of France honouring Hadid with the
‘Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ and TIME magazine
included her in their list of the ‘100 Most Influential People in the
World’. In 2012, Zaha Hadid was made a Dame Commander of the
British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, and in February 2016, she
received the Royal Gold Medal.

Zaha Hadid’s pioneering vision redefined architecture and design for Each of Hadid’s designs display the innovative research and
the 21st century and captured imaginations across the globe. Zaha investigation that instigates and defines the work. As Zaha Hadid
Hadid Architects’ work sees form and space pulled into breath-taking, stated in her 2011 conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist, co-director of
fluid spatial progressions. Enticingly contextual, these buildings the Serpentine Galleries, “I know from my experience that without
transform notions of what can be achieved in concrete, steel , and research and experimentation not much can be discovered. With
glass; combining her unwavering belief in the power of invention and experimentation, you think you’re going to find out one thing, but you
optimism for the future with concepts of fluidity and connectivity. actually discover something else. That’s what I think is really exciting.
You discover much more than you bargain for. I think there should be
The evolution of Hadid’s buildings – from the interlocking forms of the no end to experimentation.”
Vitra Fire Station to the awesome, flowing urban spaces of the MAXXI
Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome, London Aquatics Centre for the Zaha Hadid died on Thursday, 31st March 2016 in Miami, USA

69

INSIGHTS MAKING AFRICA: A Continent of Contemporary Design

HE Making Africa: A Continent of Contemporary The presented works deliberately occupy the grey area
Design exhibition showcases work from a diverse between the disciplines, yet they provide concrete
range of creative fields: object and furniture answers to the question of what 21st-century design
design, graphic arts, illustration, fashion, architecture, can and should achieve. They are rarely created in large
urban planning, art, craft, film, photography, and more. quantities, but often by a collective of individuals. Their
production is decentralized, though typically done in an
urban context. They are more oriented to the process
than the result. They often emerge from the informal
maker culture in which something existing is reworked,
or new work is produced with traditional and electronic
tools. They establish connections between the digital
revolution and our analogue existence. They radically
rethink materials. They reflect a sense of responsibility
towards society rather than the market and, last but not
least, they make bold statements about the future.

Over a two-year research period, numerous think tanks
and interviews were held in major African cities such
as Lagos, Dakar, Cape Town, Cairo and Nairobi. During
these sessions, some 70 designers, artists, researchers,
architects, gallerists and curators were consulted. In the
process, a unique resource of primary research material on
African design was compiled, which further supports and
enriches the exhibition and its accompanying catalogue.

The exhibition was curated by Amelie is accompanied by a 352-page publication, Cape Town, and with Mugendi M’Rithaa,
Klein, Curator at the Vitra Design Museum. which offers a first-ever comprehensive Professor of Design at Cape Peninsula
Consulting Curator was Okwui Enwezor, overview of African contemporary design. University of Technology, who speaks about
Director of Haus der Kunst in Munich and Contributions include Okwui Enwezor’s object and material culture in Africa. A
Director of the 56th Venice Biennale in new definition of a design vocabulary second part of the publication shows all of
2015. Following its premiere at the Vitra and Koyo Kouoh’s examination of social the exhibits in a comprehensive catalogue
Design Museum, the exhibition will be design. Other features are interviews with of objects and contains summaries
presented at the Guggenheim Museum the renowned urbanist Edgar Pieterse, of interviews conducted during the
Bilbao from autumn 2015. The exhibition founder of the African Centre for Cities in exhibition’s research phase.

Illustration: Olalekan Jeyifous
Title: Hillbrow Community [Johannesburg 2081 A.D.]

70 structure & design

EKOATLANTIC

EKO ATLANTIC IS AN ENTIRE NEW COASTAL CITY BEING BUILT ON VICTORIA ISLAND ADJACENT TO LAGOS, NIGERIA, TO SOLVE THE
CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF REAL ESTATE IN THE WORLD’S FASTEST-GROWING MEGACITY.

T IS A focal point for investors
capitalising on rich development growth
based on massive demand – and a
gateway to emerging markets of the
continent. Standing on 10 million square
metres of land reclaimed from the ocean and protected
by an 8.5 kilometre long sea wall, Eko Atlantic will
be the size of Manhattan’s skyscraper district. Self-
sufficient and sustainable, it includes state-of-the-art
urban design, its own power, clean water, advanced
telecommunications, spacious roads and 110,000
trees.

Upon completion, the new peninsula, which is still
under development is anticipating at least 250,000
residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters. The
development will also have a positive environmental
impact, as it will help in stopping the erosion of Lagos
State’s coastline.

The city adjoins Victoria Island district of Lagos city and
the Phase 1 area of Lekki, to the north, while the entire
Western, eastern and southern borders is a coastline.
Eko Atlantic is expected to rise as the next generation
of property on the African continent; having a total of
10 districts, spread across a land area of approximately
10 square kilometres (3.9 sq mi), the city will satisfy
needs for financial, commercial, residential and tourist
accommodations, with a state of the art high tech
infrastructure in line with modern and environmental
standards.

Eko Atlantic development is being carried out as a
Public–private partnership, with private companies
and investors providing the funding, whilst Lagos State
Government is a strategic partner, with the support of
the Federal Government.

The Contractors are China Communications
Construction Group, a company that works in the field
of marine dredging and landfill operation. Consultants
are Royal Haskoning (traffic and transport expertise)
and ar+h Architects. South Energyx Nigeria Ltd. a
subsidiary of the Chagoury group was specifically
created to undertake the development. Testing of the
sea defence system took place at the DHI Institute
in Copenhagen, Denmark, where models were
successfully tested for one-in-a-hundred-year ocean
surges, and one-in-120-year, one-in-150-year and one-
in-1,000-year storms.

71

DESIGN & TRAVEL LAND RECLAIMING
& SEA REVETMENT

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY water utility services are already installed below street
level. With the foundations in place, this magnificent
Eko Atlantic is a marvel of modern engineering and engineering and technological city is now rising
technology, and a testament to the rise of Nigeria
on the world stage. This new city has evolved rapidly Eko Atlantic will satisfy needs for financial, commercial,
from a visionary design concept into a technological residential and tourist accommodations, with a state
reality. Infrastructural road works and underground of the arthigh tech infrastructure in line with modern
surface drainage pipes are already laid along major and environmental standards. These standards will
routes across the new city. Piling works are complete offer the city’s residents quality water, modern waste
for the many bridges. And The Great Wall of Lagos sea management, security and transportation systems.
revetment, which is being built more than two kilometres
offshore at eight-and-a-half metres above sea level, has The city will also have an independent source of energy
surpassed 5 kilometres in length and is now protecting generated specifically for the city.
over 5 million square metres of Eko Atlantic and Victoria The Eko Atlantic City project received global attention in
Island. Across Eko Atlantic, independent reliable 2009, as the Lagos State Government and its private
electricity, advanced fibre optic telecoms, and clean sector partners on the Project, South Energyx, received
the Clinton Global Initiative Commitment Certificate.

DISTRICTS

Eko Atlantic is master-planned to contain ten districts
which are as follows:
• Harbour Lights
• Business District
• Marina
• Downtown
• Eko Island
• Avenues
• Four Bridges
• Eko Drive
• East Side Marina
• Ocean Front

72 structure & design

CONSTRUCTION

73

DESIGN & TRAVEL

DESIGN CONCEPTS

For a virtual tour: http://www.ekoatlantic.com/wp-
content/tour-new/index.html

74 structure & design

2 TESTIMONIES 75

Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

DRIVE DESIGN SCANIA

FOR RELIABILITY for efficiency

Products and Services That Surpass With a higher chassis for improved ground clearance
Your Value for Money and Scania Opticruise with new Off-road Mode, this
range is more robust than ever and full of new features
Scanlink (Pvt.) Ltd are the sole distributors of Scania to enhance the driving experience.
products in Zimbabwe. The company offers vehicle
sales and after sales support for Scania vehicles in the To optimise your up time they have many ways to
country. Scania also offer a wide range of generators support you and your operation:
• Scania’s dealer network backed by Scania
TRUCKS
Assistance – expert standby just a phone call away.
Scania trucks are renowned for their reliability, great • Scania Field Workshops which cater for your
fuel economy and exceptional uptime. There are no
exceptions when it comes to their long haulage range of maintenance needs, on-site and cutting repair time
vehicles, designed for the most demanding conditions. to a minimum.
• All workshops are staffed by dedicated
professionals and stocked with Genuine Scania parts

Whether you choose their legendary Scania V8 or Distribution Range
their renowned inline 6 cylinder engines, you can
always rely on great performance and reliability. If you are in the business of distribution, delivery and
Their extended range provides you with options from logistics, you demand continuous vehicle availability in
the lower 250Hp engine escalating up to 620Hp. All order to serve your customers on time. Your reputation
engines are standardised on Euro 3 emission level, and your profits depend on an unbroken supply chain.
however, Scania can provide engines meeting the Euro
5 standard when required. Scania trucks, with their robust chassis and
powertrains, provide the productivity you need for
Off-road Range today’s competitive environment. Every distribution
vehicle from Scania is ready to be integrated with
The Scania Off-road trucks are made for rough and tailored services to keep your business in motion.
demanding environments, with the reliability that will
take you wherever you need to go. Scania vehicles are renowned for excellent reliability,

76 structure & design

low fuel consumption and for consistently meeting and This range gives you the ability to choose the most
beating increasingly restrictive emission requirements. suitable cab for your operation.

Scania have boosted their engines’ environmental Cabs consist of three different ranges, which are
performance and added the option of renewable fuels, to available in different heights and lengths:
address the special environment concerns of driving in urban
areas. Their vehicles offer an outstanding total operating P-Series:
economy, independent of emission levels and/or fuel type.
Scania’s P-series cab is available in different heights
Chassis ready for work and lengths:
• The short and compact P-cab, CP14/CP16, allows
Scania’s chassis are adapted from factory for bodywork
and auxiliary equipment, from pre-routed cable full-length bodywork which maximises your loads.
harnesses to a variety of pre-drilled whole patterns – It is equipped with a fully adjustable air suspended
improving quality and vehicle deliver time. driver’s seat, ensuring maximum comfort.
• The P sleeper cab, CP19, has the same driver
Long haul Range comfort as the short cab, but is equipped with a full-
sized bed behind the driver’s seat. This cab provides
Scania trucks are renowned for their reliability, great extra space for storage and rest between shifts.
fuel economy and exceptional uptime. There are no
exceptions when it comes to long haulage range of G-Series:
vehicles, designed for the most demanding conditions.
The G-Series cab is also available in different heights
Choosing the right cab and lengths, making an excellent combination with
their more powerful engines.
Scania designs cabs to offer every driver a more • The shorter, CG14/CG16, version is ideal for
productive, stress free and safe working environment.
demanding construction assignments and is well
insulated to minimize noise.

77

DRIVE DESIGN • The longer cab, CG19, allows for a more spacious and productivity, ultimately expanding your business and
sleeper version and provides a generous amount of keeping it moving forward.
storage space, giving you the option to specify
two bunks. When you go to their workshops you can be assured that their
professional service staff will provide you with the support
R-Series: and knowledge that your transport operation requires.

The high-end luxurious R-cab provides you with the space A Network
and comfort which is needed for long haul. The cab has
been designed to allow the ability to move freely between When transporting in Zimbabwe,
the driving and sleeping area whilst standing up-right. their workshops in Harare and
Bulawayo, ensure that you are
The R-cabs come standard with an upper and lower bed and backed by the greatest service
has the largest storage compartments without their range networks. In addition,the
coverage stretches throughout
KEY FETAURES OF SCANIA VEHICLES Southern Africa.
• Reliability
• Fuel-efficient With more than 1000 service
• High performance staff throughout the region, they
• Maximum productivity certainly have lots of dedicated
• Minimum downtime minds and hands at work.
• Excellent value for money.
Certified Scania technicians will ensure your vehicle is
Parts back on the road within minimal time.

Scania genuine parts add value to your business by They do not only service your vehicle professionally on
maximising your uptime. Their high quality is specifically every occasion, they also advise you about preventive
engineered for ultimate performance endurance, fuel maintenance, maintenance intervals and associated parts.
economy and safety.
Breakdown Assistance
With product know-how, they can identify and organise the
parts you require quickly and efficiently. Scania Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week – 365 days a year. This service is provided
The majority of their parts are kept in stock and are throughout Zimbabwe and Southern Africa for all valued
available over the counter. If not, an advanced logistic Scania Customers.
network ensures that you don’t wait long for your part.
Well-equipped Scania service vans are ready to respond
Workshop Services with any of their trained and certified Scania technicians.
Whether you have a minor breakdown or unforeseen
Scania services help you to achieve the highest up time accidents, Breakdown Assistance is only a phone call away.

78 structure & design

THE NEW-LOOK ISUZU KB 4634/49607 ADMAKERS.COM
HARD WORK
NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

The boldly styled Isuzu KB has what it takes to deliver in all
conditions. Superior loading and towing capabilities plus
legendary Isuzu comfort makes the Isuzu Single Cab the bakkie
your business needs to get the job done.

Terms and Conditions Apply. Model/s shown may differ.
Errors & Omissions Excepted.

AUTOWORLD ZIMBABWE

HARARE NEW VEHICLE SALES – 24 SILWOOD CLOSE, CHISIPITE • 04-442 738/40 OR 867 700 4334
HARARE SERVICE CENTRE AND PARTS – 679 FABER ROAD, BLUFFHILL • 04-305 461/4 OR 867 700 4312
PAZA BUSTER CAR SALES - SEKE ROAD, HARARE • 04-748 505 OR 867 700 4333
BULAWAYO SHOWROOM, SERVICE CENTRE AND PARTS - CNR. 12TH AVENUE & JASON MOYO STREET • TEL: 09-70905/7 OR 867 700 43375 9

DRIVE DESIGN

the ISUZU KB extended cab

ISUZU KB EXTENDED CAB bakkie makes business a pleasure. Flex The deep seats create a spacious
Doors provide easy access to storage environment for a genuinely rewarding
With the strengths of two bakkies, the ever space behind the driver’s seat so that the drive.
industrious KB Extended Cab combines KB Extended Cab easily adapts to fit your
the benefits of the Single Cab and Double lifestyle. Automatic: Want smooth sailing? Then
Cab, making it ideal for small to medium consider the ALL NEW auto in the Isuzu
businesses. FlexDoors: With four doors instead of two, KB Extended Cab. Settle in for a relaxing
the Isuzu KB Extended Cab boasts FlexDoors drive - wherever you’re going!
Value for Money: This model is available that provide easy access to the storage box
with the updated, fuel-efficient 2.5 litre behind the driver’s seat. Integrated Sound System: Hit the road
diesel engine - one of the reasons it boasts with music via CDs, MP3s and USB and
class-leading Cost of Ownership figures. Front-end Design: The new, aerodynamically Bluetooth audio streaming devices.
crafted front-grille design is bolder and more Because no Isuzu driver should have to
Smart Efficiency: The newly designed striking than ever before. listen to static.
instrument cluster features a shift
indicator to tell you when it’s the optimal Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights: Storage: Multiple storage compartments
time to shift gear. Available on LX models. Integrated LED Daytime Running Lights allow the user to store and use items
complement the new front-end styling on safely and securely. The LX models have
Vehicle Safety: Travel in exceptional LX models and increase the visibility of your convenient lockable storage space behind
safety with Traction Control and Electronic vehicle, ensuring a safer drive. the seats.
Stability Control, including ABS, EBD and
Brake Assist, as well as airbags for the Alloy Wheels: Newly designed 16” and 18” Cruise Control: Steering wheel mounted
driver and passenger on selected models. alloy wheels grab your attention as much as cruise control makes long distance
they grab onto any road surface. driving pleasure. Available on LX models
only.
Technology and Convenience: Rear Park Assist: The Extended Cab LX
State-of-the-art technology gives you music comes standard with Rear Park Assist, AUTOWORLD ZIMBABWE
via CD, MP3, USB and Bluetooth audio helping you navigate the tough parking spots HARARE NEW VEHICLE SALES –
streaming, as well as added safety, with of the urban jungle. 24 SILWOOD CLOSE, CHISIPITE
LED Daytime Running Lights. • 04-442 738/40 OR 867 700 4334,
Interior Features: A modern interior delivers HARARE
Exterior Features: This hardworking comfort and style with advanced technology.

80 structure & design

Q: What is Fluid and Power
Technologies (FPT)?

A: We are a renowned Engineering solutions providing
company, we do provide essential goods and services to
a number of critical sectors of the economy, talk of your
Agriculture sector, manufacturing sector, the mining sector,
construction industry, printing industry, the fast emerging
borehole drilling industry and the auto-motive industry.

Q: When and why was it formed?

A: We are relatively a company in its infancy in terms of
corporate formation, but our staff including management
is proud of a cumulative successful management and
executive experience spanning over a period of thirty
(30) years having worked for a number of reputable
corporations before, the accumulated exposure has helped
to make FPT a very successful client focused and oriented
and tangible results delivery company.

Q. Describe your product range and after sales
services?

A : Our product and services range is very varied and
diverse, we provide hydraulic hoses and fittings, pneumatic
hoses and fittings, hydraulic ram services, power cleaning
machines new and old for service, rubber lining services,
conveyor belts, belt splicing, instrumentation, tools and
equipment, lawn mowers and lawn mower servicing, brake
pipes, steering pipes.

Q: Who can use fluid and power?

A: There are a number of companies that may get valuable
services from our company as well as take comfort in
using our various product range, these include but not
limited to mining companies, manufacturing companies,
haulage trucking companies, farming companies, printing
companies, borehole drilling companies, construction
companies and many more.

Q: Enlighten us on pneumatics and hydraulic systems.
- Pneumatics vs Hydraulics (difference in principle)
- Highlight the different uses and benefits?

A: Hydraulic and pneumatic systems are basically load
easing systems or lifting systems in a lay man’s language
and for easier understanding to those who are less
technical, these systems that are used where there is load
to be lifted and or transported from point A to point B. For
easy of understanding and clarification an identification of
equipment which uses and or have hydraulic systems and
pneumatic pipes would make people understand.

Front end loaders, Tipper trucks, forklifts, JCBs, road
graders, borehole drilling machinery, large (heavy) printing
machinery.

81

MATERIAL FOCUS THE NEW
CONCRETE

New advancements in concrete we build and what we build with concrete. test experiments showed exceptional results
and cement-based products are light-transmitting-luccon. for resistance to catastrophic loadings,
completely changing the design and Adding optical fibers to a concrete mix including fire, wind, and tornados.
construction worlds. generates translucent concrete. This “see- REINFORCEMENT
DECORATIVE CONCRETE through” development is changing the Post-Tensioning has new construction and
White cement is the key ingredient in perception of concrete’s opaque mass. retrofit applications. An intumescent material
decorative concrete. New coloring agents Reactive powder concrete is extremely creates fire-resistant PT strands for bridge
and admixtures help create beautiful workable, durable and yields ultra-high deck and parking garages. The “Spider”
structures and landscapes. Imagine the strengths without using coarse aggregates. method retrofits buildings for earthquake
possibilities! Read more on decorative Reaching compressive strengths of 30,000 protection, while External Post-Tensioning
concrete. pounds per square inch (psi), this new-age (EPT) helps solve strength and serviceability
FORMWORK concrete also has tensile strength with the problems.
With the explosive growth in high-rise inclusion of steel and synthetic fibers. Self Fabrication and corrosion are the crux of
residential construction, the Load-Bearing Consolidating Concrete (SCC) eliminates most rebar issues. “Reinforcement Carpet”
Wall (LBW) system is gaining recognition. The the need for mechanical consolidation and gives a unique solution to reduce shipping
walls and slab are poured simultaneously yields a smooth surface finish without mix and erection costs.
when using the innovative tunnelform segregation. Read more on self consolidating With little waste, this innovative tool may
construction method. Since the forms are concrete. greatly change the speed and precision of
stripped in 24 hours, the daily cycle meets PRECAST INDUSTRY concrete mat construction. Galvanized and
the demand of fast-track construction for SCC and computerized precision color are stainless clad rebar offer less expensive, but
repetitive cell layouts, synonymous with revolutionizing the precast industry. corrosion-resistant alternatives to stainless
many hotel and condominium projects. Ultralite panels are being manufactured steel rebar. The latest technology of MMFX
LOAD-BEARING WALLS with Carbon Cast, a grid of carbon fiber microcomposite steel gives a high-strength,
The Tilt-Up industry is reaching new heights reinforcing. The resulting weight reduction corrosion-resistant product with a cost-
with the record lift nearing 100 feet. generates savings in shipping, erection, and effective price.
Production is streamlined with embedded substructure costs. www.cement.org
facers cast integrally with wall panel to The new P.O.S.T. (Prestressed Open Space
greatly reduce labor requirements with Truss) provides a solution for long-spans,
conventional brick and mortar veneer. while maintaining the shallow floor depth of
Lightweight Masonry takes the form of a flat plate system. This system works well
Aerated Autoclaved Concrete block (AAC). for hotel and condominium applications,
With sufficient structural capacity to be used especially with coveted parking spaces in the
as low-rise bearing walls, AAC block greatly lower levels.
reduces masonry partition wall weights Hybrid construction marries the benefits
for elevated slab construction. Masonry of PC and CIP for a desired result, such
construction is also making a new visual as seismic performance, cost savings, or
statement with the use of colored grouts. schedule implications.
The pigmentation of white cement is helping Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls are
architects provide a new unity or contrast gaining popularity in the residential nad
look to the typical brick and mortar façade. commercial markets. In addition to rapid
NEW TECHNOLOGIES construction, energy savings and increased
Many new technologies are changing the way durability, owners also gain a healthier and
quieter environment. Most recently, blast-

82 structure & design TESTIMONIES Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

35 Shepperton Road, Graniteside, Harare VOLUME SEVEN 57
Tel: +263 4 757 008 / +263 4 757 009
Cell: +263 733 412 563 / +263 783 610 800
E-mail: [email protected]

Uplift your home with
great Stone IdeasRevelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

35 Shepperton Road, Graniteside, Harare
Tel: +263 4 757 008 / +263 4 757 009
Cell: +263 733 412 563 / +263 783 610 800
E-mail: [email protected]

UpliTfhteyboesutranhdowmelel ewquiitphped VOLUME SEVEN 57
greadtrilSlintogncoenItrdaectaosrs in Zimbabwe!Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

5 Shepperton Road, Graniteside, Harare
elml:la:+i+2ldT:h26rdTise63lhrlaib3ienl4lelgeibs7nstce37g@oas35nntctd7kor4aoawnn10cdTntdet20hrroalilea8rwlk5elscib.q6/enticneoul3g+olsirZpte.sc2/izpmqoa6iw+ennubnd32atidZprbdT64iapwwhmr3cieeleet7lbdi!7boln5aler8gbe7ss3tcqwio0anu6enn0iZ1t!dp9ri0apmwceet8bdol0lares0bqiwnuieZp!ipmebdabwe!

Uplift your home with

reat Stone Ideaslation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. VOLUME SEVEN 57

Borehole Drilling Borehole Drilling

Borehole Flushing Borehole Flushing

Maintenance Maintenance

12 Shepperton Rd, 12 Shepperton Rd, Submersible pump, bush puBmopreShuoblmeeDrsrBiibolllerinephguomlep,Dbruilslhinpgump

Submersible pBuomrephM,obaleuinsFthleunpsauhnmincpgeheir testimETGHCoeemrnaG1ylla,r/l2aRfn:aroFeirvira+lSaett:ehlne2axhe,gtysi6:oiZleilntoo3+divpe1bmee227sdp:a167nib1leod3dAat2rnterbh42dtiewotl5irh7lenilei74yvne2h6sgRa5ev4@ev16de5cn2og5,unm/nqStu7oeah7rdeie3edla.t7hpchi.m5op3bmey trhteoblonodRof tdhe,LaGCHETmbeemraallarn/laRdn:aFeibvir+lyaet:elet2axh,gtsie6:oZlinwo3+di1obme22r7d:a167ob1lf3dAa2thnrb4e2diirwtDl5h7lteeie7s4yneti2h6mgas5vo4@ein65ygc,og5fnonm/qru7otiiehan7nrefeiy3dlslg.o7hicvtirm5eoadar3bmnyilongltthatdehaebtilrtoiiloioinvdeoosnsSfentvtheueaanaLuanblnmnltobdamddaetnadcithewboo.y trnhmaeswtoimoeVbrfOdroiLlafsUsethsMleyliirEDpsottBeEtseyIntuGieomspHiommninrTeyg,egfssonpr5hotMiih7,nneofybslgaolivtreeuiadarnnislonFgltthatdlhaeeutirtinpilisoinveoauhsnsenvntmieaannacunlnpgneltodaddetacithwoo. nmatomeVfOriLasUssMlyliEsotEtyInGepHimnTegss587 3

84 structure & design

LASTIC SHEETING IN
CONSTRUCTION

The question has arisen- can construction grade polyethylene plastic
sheeting be used for various construction projects?

The answer is it depends! It is critical to understand that not all plastics the usefulness of the film. Added substance, for example, U.V. inhibitors,
are created equal. Some are made from post consumer recycled fire retardants, hostile to static added substances are included so every
goods, reground resins and absolute least expensive resins. These variety can best serve its expected use.
films are not guaranteed to be pinhole free, and can be defective. It is
best to do your homework and ensure that you pick the right plastic
made for longevity or superior strength. The key term is film, not the mil
thickness. The bigger the mil numbers the thicker the plastic.

Polyethylene sheeting under concrete slab Polyethylene-poly film

Under slab vapor retarders play a very important role in retarding Polyethylene sheeting has a major part in offering plastic assurance.
moisture from coming up through the concrete into the structure. It It is utilized as a part of development as vapor retarders, window
is wise to use films specifically engineered for use as vapor retarders movies, deck and ledge insurance, and can be used to close rooms,
only. These products are made from 100% virgin resins and have cover building materials. There are such varieties of the film, each
excellent quality control testing the standards of vapor retarders in built for its venture. The key is to teach yourself of the alternatives so
contact with soil or granular fill used under concrete slabs. They are you get the most helpful film to make your occupation simpler. For
engineered not to decay in this type of application whereas most instance, why utilize a drop material on covering when you can utilize
begin breaking down almost immediately and lose their structural self-glue plastic that adheres to the covering. On the off chance that
integrity within a two year period. It is ok to use retarders with a low you thump over the paint can, the cover won’t get demolished. A
percentage point depending on your venture but if you are considering drop material can undoubtedly be moved and not secure where you
hardwood flooring then critically consider application of 100 % virgin believed it was.
resins vapor retarders.
Despite the fact that polyethylene sheeting takes a hit from tree
Polyethylene sheeting has many names. huggers for its moderate rate of disintegration, HDPE plastic sheeting
is there to shield the ground water from dangerous chemicals from oil
It passes by the names poly sheeting, plastic sheeting, plastic penetrating or from landfills. It is used to moderate, and keep running
film,polyethylene sheet, and poly film to give some examples. Polyethylene off on slopes, and keep lead out of low laying areas prone to flooding
sheeting is a plastic film produced using petroleum. That is the reason or collection of stagnant water bodies i.e. swamps amid building
the cost of the item can change contingent upon what oil costs are doing. ventures. Polyethylene sheeting is such an adaptable item utilized as
It is sold in rolls where in added substances can be added to change a part of all parts of life.

85

86 structure & design
36 TESTIMONIES
Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Paul Eis,

Colouring Berlin

erman photographer and aspiring architect, facades. That works as a characterizing part which he
Paul Eis, an 18 year old born in Berlin is says allows his images to be recognized as one series.
adding a bit of colour to the streets of Berlin. It also focuses the viewer’s eye on the building itself and
He’s currently studying architecture at the does not distract him. Besides in all pictures, except a very
University of Art and Industrial Design in Linz few, are the buildings photographed from the front and
(Austria) whilst enjoying a huge following on photography I applied a perspective correction on them so all vertical
website/app Instagram under the handle the_architecture_ lines of the building are also vertical in the image. That lets
photographer. With his combined interests of photography the building appear monumental and stoic. But because
and architecture he has embarked on a mission to re- I photographed all with a wide angle lens, all the images
appropriate the streetscapes of Berlin and turn the “dull grey also have a sense of depth.
tones” into a flamboyant spectrum of colours.
Asked about his favourite artwork, The Marco Polo
“I have had an interest in architecture and buildings since I Tower by Behnisch Architekten, he remarked: “It’s a
can remember. Naturally, not like how i look at architecture very special building. It’s standing in a new developed
today. I was fascinated by skyscrapers and I just wanted to area in the harbor of Hamburg, which is called
draw the tallest ones I knew. My real interest in architecture ‘Hafencity’. Even there, where most of the buildings
came with photography when I became aware of the are characterized by modern and often spectacular
architecture and the structures of the city around me,” he shapes, this tower sticks out with its curvy and
confessed, in an interview with Dezeen. powerful design.

“Berlin’s architecture has so many faces that it wouldn’t be “The building stands almost alone on the dock and
possible to describe all of them. On the edges of the city are guarantees it’s inhabitants a “million dollar view”
mainly social housing districts, there are the socialist buildings over the whole harbor with hundreds of huge ships
in the east of Berlin. And also in western Berlin are huge coming and going each day. However, that’s also the
social housing districts, but with a totally different and not so problem for this development. Firstly, the inhabitants
monotonous architecture and also a different social structure. are completely exposed to the harbour fumes and
secondly all the smoke turns the bright white facade
“In the center areas of Berlin is a total mixture of dirty and gray. So the effect which the building should
architectural styles. I would maybe even say that there is actually achieve is almost nullified. I think my colorful
chaos; mainly as a result of the destruction in the second edit gives the building its effect back and allows it
world war. Besides the splendid historic buildings of the to look more spectacular and beautiful than it ever
19th century there are a lot of post- war buildings which are looked when it was all white. So it looks for me like a
often very gray and monotonous.” colorful Coral (which is also the title i gave the image).”

He said his idea of adding colour to the buildings came
almost by accident. When viewing some photos of buildings
that he had shot, he realized how grey the cityscape of
Berlin is in general. He thought of a way to make the
buildings look more interesting than they actually are.

“The first buildings where I tried this “experiment“, had been
some of the strong rectangular social housing estates of the
former GDR. The geometric shape fascinated me, but all the
buildings looked very similar. So I added colourful patterns
on the facade to create unique images. I think colour also
helps to understand the structure of the building or at least
arouse interest for the building. In a world of grey, good
architecture can often not be perceived.”

Every image has the same background. Except the full frame

87

88 structure & design

n unto death. Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. VOLUME EIGHT 89

Revelation 12:11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. VOLUME EIGHT 89

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & GARDENING

MAKING
TERRARIUMS

90 structure & design

N THE pursuit of both an terrariums can also be open to the plants evaporates in the elevated
interesting interior and the atmosphere rather than being sealed. temperatures inside the terrarium.
need to bring plants indoors, Terrariums are often kept as decorative This water vapour then condenses on
we did some research. Indoor plants or ornamental items. the walls of the container, and eventually
have always been a celebrated part of falls back to the plants and soil below.
interior design, whether in the home or in Closed terrariums create a unique This contributes to creating an ideal
an office. We found out about Terrariums environment for plant growth, as the environment for growing plants due to
in the process and thought we should transparent walls allow for both heat the constant supply of water, thereby
share, whilst going through the process. and light to enter the terrarium. The preventing the plants from becoming
sealed container combined with the over dry. In addition to this, the light that
Terrariums are usually sealable glass heat entering the terrarium allows passes through the transparent material
containers containing soil and plants, for the creation of a small scale of the terrarium allows for the plants
and can be opened for maintenance water cycle. This happens because within to photosynthesize, an important
to access the plants inside. However, moisture from both the soil and aspect of plant growth.

91

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & GARDENING According to Wikipedia, goes that Ward hired
the first terrarium was carpenters to build his
developed by botanist Wardian Cases to export
Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward native British plants to
in 1842. Ward had an Sydney, Australia. After
interest in observing months of travel, the
insect behaviour and plants arrived well and
accidentally left one of thriving. Likewise, plants
the jars unattended. A from Australia were sent
fern spore in the jar grew, to London using the
germinated into a plant, same method and Ward
and the terrarium was received his Australian
born. The trend quickly plants in perfect
spread in the Victorian condition. His experiment
Era amongst the English. indicated that plants can
Instead of the terrarium, be sealed in glass without
it was known as the ventilation and continue
Wardian Case. The story thriving.

Closed terrariums also require a special soil mix to
ensure both good growing conditions and to reduce the
risks of microbial damage. A common medium used
is ‘peat-lite’, a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and
perlite. The mixture must be sterile in order to avoid
introducing potentially harmful microbes.

Because of the different conditions within, terrariums
can be classified into two types: closed and open.

CLOSED TERRARIUMS

Tropical plant varieties, such as mosses, orchids,
ferns, and air plants, are generally kept within closed
terrariums due to the conditions being similar to the
humid and sheltered environment of the tropics.

Keeping the terrarium sealed allows for the circulation
of water, but terrariums must be opened once a week
to remove excess moisture from the air and walls of
the container. This is done to prevent growth of mould
which could damage the plants and discolour the sides
of the terrarium. Terrariums must also be watered
occasionally, the absence of condensation on the
walls of the terrarium or any wilting of the plants is an
indicator that the terrarium requires water.

92 structure & design

Open terrariums

Open terrariums are better suited
to dry plants such as succulents.
Not all plants require or are suited
to the moist environment of closed
terrariums. For plants adapted to dry
climates, open, unsealed terrariums
are used to keep the air in the
terrarium free from excess moisture.

Open terrariums also work well
for plants that require more direct
sunlight, as closed terrariums can
trap too much heat potentially killing
any plants inside.

Some further categorize them into
Airplants, Cacti, Moss, Succulents
and Tropicals (although this covers
some of the other kinds to an extent).

Now that we know what they are, we sourced commonly asked
questions from ambius.com, a site dedicated to plant knowledge:

What supplies do you need to make a terrarium?

You’ll need the following:
• A glass or plastic container
• Rocks, if you choose
• Moss, if you choose
• Soil (growing medium)
• Plants that won’t overgrow (generally miniature or dwarf plants)
• Spoon for placing soil
• Long tweezers for putting materials into vessel

How do you make terrariums?

1. Buy a special terrarium case to hold your garden or make one
of your own out of a soda bottle, fish tank, fish bowl or vase.

2. Then fill the bottom of your container with half the amount of
the layer of soil you plan to use. You may lay rocks as your first
layer in the terrarium, but this up to personal preference.

3. Add any large rocks or pieces of driftwood that you would like to
include in your garden.

4. In the soil, make a hole big enough for the roots of the plants
to rest.

5. Remove the plant from its container – you may need to lightly
massage the roots to loosen the roots from the soil.

6. Position the plants in the thin layer of soil and add the second
layer of soil around the plants. Press somewhat firmly – the
new soil level should be about the same level as the soil of the
plant’s original root ball.

7. Get creative and mix up the plants, colors and sizes.

93

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & GARDENING

What plants work best in would be difficult to grow in dry air. What happens if my terrarium
terrariums? • They provide a confined space for gets bugs?

Typically, foliage plants and plants a garden – a ‘mini garden.’ We recommend buying insecticidal
that grow slowly work best – avoid • You can use artificial light, such soap from your local gardening
fast growing plants. store and applying it to infected
as LED or fluorescent very plants. You can also buy pebbles
For example: efficiently. or rocks to deter gnats and avoid
• Ferns – Maidenhair, Birds nest, • Terrariums don’t need to be over-watering. But, if all else fails
watered often. and the plant is still infested, it’s
Button ferns best to remove the entire plant.
• Carnivorous plants – Venus fly How do you care for terrariums?
Plants for terrariums are typically
traps, Pitcher and Sundew plants Terrariums are low maintenance for inexpensive and keeping a sick
• Dwarf palms the most part but we do have some plant in a terrarium could easily
• Airplants – Tillandsia suggestions to keep your terrarium harm other plants close by. While
• Succulents- cacti, Hawthornia, long lasting and healthy. buying plants for your terrarium,
check for bugs prior to purchasing
Echeveria, Crassula, etc. • If you choose to grow ferns, to save yourself time and money.
• Peperomia trim leaves to prevent them
from overgrowing. Do you have to water terrariums?
Ferns, carnivorous plants and
airplants are quite difficult to grow • Make sure to remove yellow Yes, but not as frequently as typical
without terrariums. So, if you would and brown leaves from any indoor plants. The types of plants
like these plants in your home, we plants in your terrarium. This is found in terrariums tend to be hardy
recommend purchasing or making typically a sign of disease plants that don’t require frequent
a terrarium. or pest. watering. Also, the greenhouse-like
structure of terrariums recycles
What are the benefits of • If you have an open terrarium, water instead of evaporating water
terrariums? monitor for pests such as gnats into the ambient air with normal
or mealy bugs. indoor plants.
There are quite a few benefits of
terrariums, such as: • If you have closed terrarium,
• They help grow plants that you may want to remove the lid
every now and then to let in
some fresh air.

94 structure & design

How often do you have to water Do terrariums need air? Indoor plants (houseplants)
terrariums? are typically used in terrariums.
Yes, but plants in airtight, or closed However, most plants chosen for
If closed, you might be watering terrariums, recycle air. During the terrariums are slow-growing and
them (on average) once a month but day, sunlight promotes the growth many are plants that are otherwise
this will vary depending on a variety of sugars during the process of difficult to grow without high
of factors. Open terrariums benefit photosynthesis. Photosynthesis humidity or high light.
from being watered every 3-6 weeks. converts carbon dioxide into oxygen,
Rather than watering on a schedule, releasing it into the terrarium. What type of soil works best in
check the soil to see if and how terrariums?
much water your plants need. In a closed terrarium, you may want
to remove the lid to let fresh air into Coco – coir, peat moss or
Do terrariums need sunlight? the terrarium, but a closed terrarium houseplant soil works with most
will not damage the plants. plants, besides succulents which
Most need either direct or indirect prefer a well-drained inorganic
light but artificial light may also be Which kind of containers work medium. Some people choose to
used. There are three types of light best for terrariums? make their own soil but if you’re
you can provide for your terrarium. short on time, garden store
Glass candy jars, fish tanks with light houseplant soil works just fine. For
• Direct sunlight bulbs, goldfish bowls and coffee succulents, you’ll need soil with a
• Indirect sunlight pots all work very well as terrarium sand or gravel mixture.
• Artificial light containers. You might even choose to
use a wine bottle, but planting would Do terrariums make good gifts?
It is recommended to use be difficult due to the narrow opening.
fluorescent or LED bulbs. Avoid Of course they do! Not only are
incandescent bulbs. Can you plant trees in terrariums? they low maintenance, but they’re
a beautiful addition to any home,
If you choose to place your Bonsai trees or small junipers apartment or business.
terrarium in direct sunlight, you may might work but that’s about it.
want to remove the lid on a closed Do terrariums smell?
terrarium because it might get too What are hanging terrariums?
hot for the plants with the lid on. In general, no. They actually smell
They are simply terrariums that hang quite nice with an “earthy” odor.
Do terrariums need to be airtight? from a structure, like a wall sconce.
But, if yours happens to smell
Terrariums are fine if they are What is the difference between rotten, it’s most likely a sign of root
airtight, but we suggest removing indoor plants and terrariums? rotting or overwatering.
the lid periodically (about once a
week or even daily) to allow fresh
air into your garden.

Can terrariums be made of
plastic?

Sure! Plastic containers, like
those made out of acrylic, work
just fine. You can also buy anti-
fog plastic containers, which
prevent condensation build-up and
allows better visibility – these are
generally more expensive.

How long do terrariums last?

Terrariums can last anywhere from
several years or even longer, if well
maintained.

95

DESIGN EDUCATION MUZINDA HUB TRAINING PROGRAMS The Muzinda Hub provides young Zimbabweans with access
to globally competitive digital skills training, to further
cultivate employment opportunities and effect positive social
transformation through the use and application of technology.

At Muzinda Hub, they build and support an engaged and talented
community of tech enthusiasts and IT professionals. They move
with a belief that their contributions will lead to the increased
growth and success of the Zimbabwean & African digital
economy, at large.

History

ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY MUZINDA: Established in 2014, the vision behind Muzinda Hub was to
catalyse youth job creation within Zimbabwe by providing young
We are looking for women and Program participants who adults access to IT programming and digital skills training.
men who possess a passion successfully complete the 3 key
and interest for technology (its areas of the Training Program The hope was that these newly acquired skills would make these
use and application), who are (1. Specialised e-learning individuals more marketable for employment, inspire them to
18 years and older and have a coding modules, 2. Business & develop their own websites & mobile applications, as well as
minimum of 5 O’levels. You do entrepreneurship skills training empower them to provide these services as a means to earn
not need to have prior experience and 3. The practical group income as a freelancer.
in programming or computers to project) will receive the following:
apply. The training programme In 2014, Muzinda were voted the most “Disruptive Incubator
is a five month commitment, so • An internationally recognised in Africa” by Disrupt Africa and have had over 1000 individuals
only motivated and dedicated & accredited certificate from graduate from their training program since then.
individuals need apply. USA e-learning platform,
TeamTreehouse, in the area Specialised Coding Training Modules Provided
Muzinda Hub offers beginner of specialisation (e.g. Android
and intermediate e-learning in Development, Website Design etc.)
the following: Website Design, • A certificate from the RSA
PHP, Front-End Application based organisation Ubuntu
Development, WordPress, Android Equity, related to the Business &
Development, iOS Development, Entrepreneurship Skills Training.
Python and C#.These courses are
offered as e-learning modules Outlined below are the key
through our globally recognised elements of the Training
training platform partnership with Program and whether they are
TeamTreehouse. conducted online or in-person:

The programming and business • Registration and orientation
& entrepreneurship modules (online & in-person);
offered on this Training Program • Specialised e-learning coding
are open to part-time and full- modules in conjunction with
time participants, It is up to the TeamTreehouse (online) ;
individuals to ensure they keep up- • Business & entrepreneurship
to-date regarding training content skills training (online);
and programme related activities. • Practical group project
It is best to have your own development experience (online
laptop, if you are accessing the and in-person);
training modules of the program • Additional informative
remotely online. However, we Saturday Support sessions
have a computer lab our program (in-person); a)nd Graduation
participants can make use of at (in-person).
our Harare office.

FIND THEM: 58 Alpes Road,Vainona, Harare, Zimbabwe
CONTACT: [email protected], [email protected]

96 structure & design

weseTV is a Pay-as-you-watch required to convert and decrypt the If KweseTV is to beat DSTV, it must
satellite TV service/Pay TV being signals. penetrate the market already dominated
a subscription based model that by MultiChoice. It must also deploy
was launched by Econet Global in the What is Cable TV? technologies already used by DSTV (or
beginning of 2016 and targeted towards better) to reach different platforms and
viewers in Africa. Pay TV is almost Cable TV is delivered through light waves audiences. A lot of marketing effort will
exclusively dominated by one player in over optic fibre cables or radio waves be needed to present KweseTV as a
the African market and this is none other over coaxial cables (copper core covered better alternative to DSTV.
than DSTV, a provider of popular satellite by layers of dielectric insulator, metallic
TV entertainment such as MultiChoice, shield and outer plastic sheath) Getting Agent licenses from high quality
SuperSport, MNET and GoTV. Kwese is content providers is also key to the
currently available in Ghana, Rwanda Cable TV channels can be combined with or success of KweseTV. The company has
and Zambia with more countries set provided on satellite TV channels. Examples already secured distribution rights for
to follow, the aim being 18 Countries are CNN, HBO, Eurosport and MTV. Live English Premier League matches,
in Africa. Before we get into details of which are popular in Africa and Asia.
KweseTV, let us familiarize ourselves Possibilities for KweseTV
with terms used in this industry,
particularly the types of TV transmissions Econet Global is a telecommunications
available to viewers: company that owns mobile networks
across the world .It is also involved
What is IPTV? in fiber optic installations and digital
satellite business through its Liquid
IPTV is different from Cable TV and Telecom division. Based on Econet’s
Terrestrial Satellite TV (Digital Satellite existing infrastructure on the ground,
TV).IPTV stands for (Internet Protocol the following are the possible types of TV
Television). services that the company can launch:

IPTV is transmitted via the internet • KweseTV can use its satellite platform
through streaming. A familiar online Liquid Sat to deliver Digital Satellite TV.
service which makes use of streaming is
Netflix. Streaming is a faster method of • KweseTV can use its fiber optic
playing online movies and videos when networks platform Liquid Fibre to
compared to downloading. deliver Cable TV.

There are 3 types of IPTV services: • KweseTV can use its mobile network
Live television, Replay TV and Video on operations Econet Global to deliver
Demand. Unlike internet television which IPTV, which will be streamed on
can be accessed online via a browser multiple devices such as smartphones,
app or desktop app, IPTV is accessed tablets, computers and television.
through a set-top box which makes use
of a high-speed channel provided by a Advantages of KweseTV
telecommunication network.
According to their press release, the CEO
What is Digital Satellite TV? of Econet Global Dr Strive Masiyiwa says
KweseTV aims to have a competitive
These are TV signals transmitted directly edge over DSTV by providing lower priced
from earth’s artificial satellites like better quality programs. Across Africa,
Galaxy 14 and Intelsat 20. Well known DSTV has enjoyed a monopoly for many
Digital Satellite TV providers include years, which could be their Achilles
DirectTV (bought by AT&T), Dish Network, heels. Due to lack of competition, the
BSkyB and DSTV a South African service company has received a lot of negative
offering entertainment to the African complaints from frustrated customers.
market. A decoder or set-top box is It has been accused of providing overly
priced services, repetitive shows and
content which is not worth paying for.

97

98 structure & design

80 HOMES & STYLES MAGAZINE