| Midrand / Grand Central Water Tower Midrand | |
|---|---|
 Grand Central Water Tower, Midrand, Gauteng | |
  Location within South Africa | |
| General information | |
| Type | Water tower |
| Location | Midrand, Gauteng |
| Coordinates | 25°59′37.4″S 28°08′19.5″E / 25.993722°S 28.138750°E |
| Construction started | 1997 |
| Height | |
| Tip | 40 m (131 ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | GAPP Architects & Urban Designers |
The Grand Central Water Tower Midrand near Johannesburg in South Africa is an exceptional water tower, both considering its design as a concrete container in the shape of an inverted cone, and also considering the volume of the tower: 6500 m³.[1] It was built in 1997 and is located near Grand Central Airport in Midrand.
The Midrand Water Tower, an architectural marvel designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers in collaboration, stands as an iconic structure in Midrand, South Africa. Constructed in 1996, this elegant concrete spiral reaches a height of approximately 40 meters (131 feet) and was recognized with a prestigious SAIA award in 1997.
Serving as both a functional water storage facility and the potential of a commercial space on the top, the tower has a storage capacity of 2 million gallons (approximately 6.5 million liters).
A notable local and regional landmark, the Midrand Water Tower has gained recognition beyond its immediate surroundings. It was prominently featured in the book "This Brutal World" by author Peter Chadwick, showcasing its significance in the realm of "concrete industrial landscapes." Its distinctive boxy design pays homage to brutalism.
The vacant areas surrounding the tower were intentionally designed to accommodate a commercial heart developed around the Midrand Gautrain Station, featuring a green spine. The water tower is positioned on axis, emphasizing a multi-functional approach to urban design. Referred to by its creators as an "urban sculpture," the tower's spiraling, tornado-like form makes it an unmistakable and visually striking presence in the area. The project's excellence was further acknowledged when it received the SAICE Durban Branch Award for Excellence in Civil Engineering. Stocks Roads (Pty) Ltd served as the main contractors, and the consulting engineers for the project were Van Niekerk, Kleyn, and Edwards.
The Midrand Water Tower stands as a testament to innovative design, seamlessly blending functionality, aesthetics, and commercial utility within a single architectural masterpiece.
Further reading
- Christina Muwanga: South Africa: a guide to recent architecture. Ellipsis, London 1999, ISBN 1899858563, S. 216–217.
References
- ↑ "Johannesburg Grand Central Water Tower". Structurae. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
