In November 2002, the Freedom Park Trust of South Africa, launched an international project competition for the design of a Museum, a Garden of Remembrance and a Memorial located on Salvakop hill, Pretoria. The organisation of the competition was executed by the Freedom Park Trust.

This complex is dedicated to South Africa’s new found democracy based on the values of human dignity, equality, human rights and freedom. The park is designed to become a symbol of the tortuous journey to and sacrifice made for freedom, a place of celebration of the achievement of democracy and a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future.

This two-stage competition, in conformity with the UNESCO-UIA Regulations, was approved by the International Union of Architects.

AIMS AND PROGRAMME

The main aim of this vast programme is the creation, on Salvokop hilltop, of a national and international icon of humanity and freedom.

Situated at the southern entrance to the city centre of South Africa’s capital, one of the main entrances, Salvokop is also a precious natural reserve and the threshold between the urban area to the north of the city and the natural environment to the south.

Covering an area of 52 hectares, the Freedom Park will include three strongly symbolic elements:

- A museum, of 4600m2, the role of which will be the preservation, presentation and narration of South Africa’s history, arts, culture and heritage and their dissemination for present and future generations.

- A garden of remembrance of approximately 25 000 m2. This space will be devoted to celebrating the memory of the heroes and heroines of South African history and will include a gathering space, to accommodate a minimum of 5000 people.

- A memorial, located at the apex of the hill, is intended as a national symbol. The memorial seeks to facilitate a communal process of commemorating the pain and celebrating true victories of the past by preserving the memory of victims of conflict and human rights abuses, caused by slavery, colonialism and racism and honouring the victims, heroes and heroines of the struggle against apartheid.

JURY

The international jury met for the final adjudication in Pretoria from 17 to 20 July 2003. At the end of the first stage adjudication, in April 2003, this jury had selected 5 projects, from amongst the 117 entries submitted.

Under the presidency of Revel Fox, (South Africa), architect and member of the Freedom Park Trust, the jury was composed of:
Dr. Wally Serote, (South Africa), poet and CEO of Freedom Park Trust
Jordi Farrando (Spain) architect
Gerrit Burger, (Namibia), architect, representing the UIA
Max Bond (USA), architect
Olufemi Majekodunmi (Nigeria) architect
Julian Beinard (USA), architect

Deputy members
Mphethi Morojele (South Africa), architect
James Ngobeni (South Africa), town planner

PRIZE WINNERS

The jury retained 3 from amongst the 5 projects submitted for the second stage. Considering that, despite their respective qualities, none of the schemes fully satisfied the expectations and requirements of the Freedom Park Trust, the jury decided to award three second prizes ex-aequo to:

OBRA Architects, Pablo Castro & Jennifer Lee (USA)

Peter To Tai Fai (Hong Kong)

Vladimir Djurovic & Imad Gemayel (Liban)

Information...

The Registrar, architectural competition
PO Box 2710
Pretoria
South Africa 0001
Fax : +27 12 321 14 04

registrar@freedompark.co.za