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The design studio pursues a sophisticated experiential architectural language where the building and spaces within are designed and shaped by artistically organizing the key social elements that make up a building, these being:

movement,

event &

service spaces.

Architecture is after all made for people to live, work, play, perform, find shelter, manufacture and gather.

This human centered design approach, ensures buildings are designed from the inside out making sure all social aspects are considered, depending on the specific programme of the building. 

The studio questions the process of design specific to each site and brief; experiment with new technologies; and practice innovation in the application of ideas and fresh solutions to meet the changing needs of our dynamic society and business environment.

The architecture is thus not defined by its “formal” shape, but rather by its combinations of

interconnected spaces,

artistic movement patterns,

and social events,

shaping people’s

experience of

everyday life in

unique ways. 

Collaboration

+ I need you, you need me +

Architecture is not defined by stylistic preferences, but by the complex dialogue that evolves between client, architect, contractor and sub-contractors and members of the professional team, influenced by market demands, societal trends, local conditions, and external forces. Great architecture is a team effort and never fully reliant on the knowledge and success of one individual or practice. Collaboration with other designers and engineers is necessary to create the best design solutions .

Contextual

+ local is lekker +

The design process is driven by a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research in the location the building ultimately finds itself - the site. Central to this methodology is a strong belief that architecture and urbanism is a ‘device’ which can shape and improve our environment and daily lives. A building does not function and exist in isolation - hence contextual design needs to take into consideration all aspects effecting the building directly and indirectly, from the inside and outside. These aspects are: local climate, zoning (defines the height/size and programme), site slope/location, potential materials as per climate or local construction industry, surrounding movement patterns and spatial configurations, and social / economic / political factors. 

Materiality

+ elementary building blocks +

Architecture is a material practice. It is important for the materials that are used express themselves as naturally as possible - in their application, strength, durability and purpose. There is no vail - the appropriate material, true to itself, exposed as nature intended.

A great deal of time is spent researching and investigating new materials. Material technology is constantly changing and new material innovations and explorations are key to construct sustainable and ever evolving architecture and interiors.

Sustainability

+ future proof  +

The studio is committed to the practice of sustainable design and fundamentally responding to our collective responsibility to contribute to society. Sustainability is a holistic concept which stretches far beyond energy-performance to include added-value, resilience, and the quality of user's experience. This can be achieved through smarter passive designed buildings and urban environments, and a more positive balance between cities and nature. This implies not only using renewable energy sources (including wind, sun and water), but designing energy efficient buildings and masterplans that encourage compact, sustainable urban development as well as vegetation and biodiversity.

To effectively future-proof the future of our cites, buildings and homes, we need to think beyond architecture: to create truly sustainable designs we need a better understanding of how people will live, move, learn and work in the future. 

Value

+ useful design +

FIFTY8 TWELVE DESIGN regards architecture as an integral part of everyday life and an active agent in shaping culture. A design should be the most efficient expression of the conditions under which it is created, whether they be low-cost or high value. Architecture, development and interior design are ultimately long-term investments for the future and the end user must receive the maximum value out of the final design. Creating this value requires asking questions such as 'what can a project contribute to its users and context?' and 'what will be the most important aspects of its successful realization?'

Exemplary design solutions allow the public to understand the contribution and message of a project, so that design becomes a democratic and social product; architectural design can directly influence the quality of people’s everyday lives. If the design of our built environments is cohesive, clear and understandable, both in its conception and its realization, the public and the local community can engage with a design, and place value in its quality.

Technology

+ Building Information Modelling +

The studio is focused on using the most current 3D computer technology in its design process,  a BIM (Building Information Modelling) software called Revit, both to understand the design and to communicate the design to clients. Constant training in BIM technology ensures the studio can deliver the best design in the shortest period of time through design parameters and 3-Dimensional explorations.