Soccer City v2

SPECIAL REPORT: SOCCER CITY

Soccer City -

from opening cerem

Architecture by Boogertman + Partners Architects in partnership with Populous

Johannesburg

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associate offices in Mauritius and Dubai

mony to final whistle

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Soccer City > Africa’s melting pot

By Bev Hermanson

Soccer City is possibly one of the most symbolic stadiums to be constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There have been a number of notable design elements that had to be researched and sourced, making this a groundbreaking project for South Africa.

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Every four years, the FIFA Soccer World Cup is followed by billions across the globe, igniting the passion and camaraderie of many nations. In 2010, as we all well know, this event is due to be hosted in South Africa, a first time occasion for the continent of Africa. The throngs of supporters that will be lucky enough to join the festivities in the flesh will be testing our infrastructures, our hospitality, our security, our communications

systems and above all, the facilities at the stadiums that have been prepared in readiness for the event.

Johannesburg boasts two stadiums that will be used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ – Ellis Park and Soccer City. But it is the latter that will claim the bulk of the glory, as the opening games and the final match will be played there.

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The design secured the deal Risk in the architectural profession is a stark reality.

However, that is what Boogertman, Urban Edge + Partners, the architects, did when pitching to do the design and architecture for Soccer City.

“In 2000, we put together a proposal to do a head office for the SA Football Association. The location suggested was a sports field in the Wits University/Empire Road area. At the time, SAFA was preparing to bid for the

hosting of the Soccer World Cup. We already had various concepts for stadiums that had been put together, including a possible rugby stadium in Midrand, proposed for the Golden Lions, so we were naturally interested in seeing what we could do for them,” says Bob van Bebber, Project Director: Boogertman Urban Edge + Partners.

“To help them prepare for the bid, we started looking at some design options and consulted with the technical team that was responsible for the staging of the Rugby

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World Cup back in 1995. In the beginning, all the designs included structures to support roofing, but we eventually cut the roof back, with a saving of R360-million, and that was the design choice that went into the bid books for 2006 and 2010.”

When South Africa won the 2010 bid, the pressure was intensified enormously. All aspects of the planning for the World Cup were examined microscopically.

During the 2006 Africa Cup staged in Egypt, opinions were being bandied about that the design for the lead

stadium wasn’t iconic enough for a continent such as Africa. SAFA rose to the challenge and asked Boogertman Urban Edge + Partners to come up with some more ideas.

The various symbols considered included reflections of the mine dumps so characteristic of Johannesburg, the kgotla defined by the tree, bowls, landscape and the protea, which is South Africa’s national flower.

However, it was the calabash, symbolising the melting pot of African cultures, that was finally chosen.

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“Containers, or pots, represent sustenance for the

was obviously African and the calabash is clearly dis-

body and mind. In Africa, water and food are in great

tinctive.”

demand and they need to be carried and handled in containers. After a meal, sharing a beer pot that is

“We took a risk on staying involved. There was talk

passed from one to another while sitting around a

that they would just buy the design from us and put

fire, is a great communal activity,” van Bebber ex-

the execution out to tender. But we hung in and even-

plains. “We played around with a wide variety of shapes,

tually it paid off. In the end, the design secured the

but Danny Jordaan was looking for something that

deal for us.”

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Upgrade of the existing stadium at Nasrec The new Soccer City stadium is a revamp of the old FNB

embankment seating surrounding the playing field. As

stadium that was first built in 1987. It is located some

often happens in a revamp, the existing concrete struc-

distance south of Johannesburg’s CBD, within easy reach

ture had not been constructed with the intention of

of Soweto, which is home to a vast number of soccer

carrying extra weight in the future and therefore the

enthusiasts. Close by, the Expo Centre regularly attracts

roof structure has been designed to be independent of

huge crowds to events such as the well known Rand Easter

the seating bowl structure. Using an ingenious piling

Show, motor shows and other large expos. This entire

solution, the roof structure is positioned on 12 off-

precinct has been revamped and now boasts well lit

shutter concrete shafts that, along with 120 inclined

pedestrian walkways, landscaped verges, CCTV security,

perimeter façade columns, carry the load to the foun-

public amenities and new roads leading to the Nasrec

dations, which have ‘some of the most extreme piles

Transportation Hub and a pedestrian mall.

ever installed in South Africa’ to cope with the load.

The old stadium comprised two levels of corporate

The calabash sits on a raised podium, on top of which

viewing suites, elevated seating on the western side and

is located a ‘pit of fire’. The pot, therefore, sits in a

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depression, which is the ‘pit’, as if it were being naturally fired. The pit demarcates the security and turnstile line separating the outer areas and the secure inner areas.

The structural profile of the existing suite levels and upper-tier seating of the existing western grandstand extend all the way round to encircle the pitch. The existing lower embankment has been rebuilt to considerably improve the view lines of the most popular seats, while the upper third of the existing embankment has been raised to form a secondary tier, turning the stadium into a 3-tiered, rather than a 2-tiered, facility.

The upper embankment and the rebuilt lower embankment are accessible from the lower concourse, which is fed from the podium level. The two suite levels and the upper tier are accessed via 3-dimensional ramp structures that are contained within the façade of the pot.

All VIP areas and the stadium management offices are located behind the main western grandstand. The suite levels have separate lift and stair lobbies at each corner for dedicated secure VIP access. New change rooms, media work areas, auditorium and VIP

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parking are located within a new basement under the podium on the western side of the stadium.

The defining moment The circular plan format of the pot, which encircles the rectangular seating bowl and field, was selected to ensure that all façade detailing could be consistent in plan and section, thus ensuring an easier detailing, manufacture, and installation process. This furthermore ensured that the 120 concrete façade columns would be consistent in shape and form.

The stadium’s façade is made up of fibre reinforced concrete panels, in eight colours and two textures that resemble the shades and textures of the calabash. The curved surface is punctured by open or glazed panels that show up when the inside areas are illuminated. There are ten vertical slots, aligned geographically with the nine other 2010 stadiums around the country and the Berlin stadium in Germany. These represent the road to the final.

The final selection of came about after An extensive search was conducted to find just the right material for the façade. The product had to ultimately reflect the

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essence of the calabash. Having discarded ideas of

“Finding the correct material for the façade proved

composite aluminium, steel, and various roof-sheeting

challenging,” says van Bebber. “It took us about three

options, the architects were coincidently introduced to

months to find the right solution. We sent an e-mail

an extruded fibre reinforced concrete panel called Fibre

to Wolfgang Rieder, CEO of Rieder Elements in Austria.

C, from Rieder Elements in Austria. The product is sup-

Within a week, he was in our offices. He sat with us

plied in panels with varying surface finishes, honed and

and developed a brief and a week later came back

sandblasted, in combination with a variety of earthy col-

with a proposal. The defining moment for me was getting

ours, to create the unique variegated façade cladding.

that e-mail from Europe late at night and realising

The panels, which are light-weight and only 13mm in

that we could produce the façade cladding at only

thickness, are supplied in 1200 x 1800mm typical panel

10% more than the original figure budgeted. Essen-

sizes and are fixed to a galvanised steel sub frame. The

tially, the façade is just about 100% recyclable. The

panels have excellent thermal properties and have

panels are made on a conveyor belt and cut like cookies.

been subjected to rigorous testing, including hail impact,

They are then laid out to dry before being finished

water penetration and discolouration tests.

and packed for shipping.”

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Eight large pedestrian ramps, designed for the efficient ingress and egress of spectators to the upper levels of the stadium, have been provided. These ramps, which also provide vehicular access to all levels, follow the shape of the façade bowl and consequently change position in plan from one level to the next. In addition to the sloped façade columns, the other columns supporting the ramps are inclined thereby requiring intricate design analysis and construction techniques.

Ensuring sound quality The upper roof, which is cantilevered from an enormous triangular spatial ring truss, is covered by a PTFE membrane in a colour similar to that of mine-dump sand.

The bottom of the trusses are covered by a perforated mesh membrane, giving the appearance of a smooth under-slung ceiling. It is here that most of the sound speakers are situated to add atmosphere to the venue.

“There are 128 loudspeakers installed, in total. They are a collection of different models with different dispersion angles, all colour co-ordinated to blend with the roof,” explains Mark Malherbe, Technical Director of Prosound. “The bulk of the work was up in the roof, which meant that our technicians had to have all of their tools on lanyards, so if they dropped, they wouldn’t actually fall through the mesh membrane. We also had to construct walkways, as the speakers boxes are very heavy and the mesh membrane was not able to support the weight.”

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As sound travels relatively slowly, the Prosound tech-

says. “The sound equipment has been designed to

nicians had to digitally align the various sound sources

take in the perimeter of the stadium, the passages

so that they coincide. The amplifiers were installed at

and toilet areas as well. From a design point of view,

the catwalk level so that they are easy to access.

the cable routes are very important. How the cabling

These are linked back to a central processor that

gets from one point to the next can be a huge issue,

sends the signals to them. Infill speakers were addi-

particularly when there has been an existing struc-

tionally installed to compensate for areas in acoustic

ture that’s being renovated, like Soccer City.”

shadows, such as some of the suites.

Another huge issue is the noise that is likely to be Over and above the commentary and public address

generated by the crowds. “The Confederations Cup

systems, Prosound further made sure that there was

was an eye opener for us. We looked at the statistical

an evacuation facility that allows manual override of

analysis of the level of noise coming from the crowds.

the sound system if necessary. “The public address

The Vuvuzela makes it insane.” However, with just

system is multi-zoned, so that specific areas can be

short of 30 years experience in the big events and

evacuated if the situation arises, without causing

Rock ‘n Roll industry, the professionals at Prosound

general panic throughout the stadium,” Malherbe

are undaunted.

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Conclusion Due to a critical skills shortage in the construction industry, the Soccer City project embarked on an extensive training initiative to provide the necessary skills required by the project and to contribute to the development of the local community. A self-sustaining training centre was established by the Soccer City project near the site, in conjunction with a black economic empowerment (BEE) training provider.

As part of their Corporate Social Investment programmes, GLTA/Interbeton have agreed to construct two classrooms at the Bella Primary School in Soweto, opposite the Hector Pieterson Museum. To this end, Boogertman Urban Edge + Partners and PDNA have provided, at no cost, the architectural and engineering services respectively to facilitate this.

By the time the first teams run on to the filed, 80 000 cubic metres of concrete will have been poured, 9000 tons of reinforcing steel will have been placed and 8000 tons of structural steel will have been erected.

This, in combination with the moving of approximately 120 000 cubic metres of soil, the distinctive, yet functional architecture and dedicated efforts in the design offices and on site, will result in the 90 000 seater Soccer City being transformed into one of the most striking, impressive and well-equipped stadiums in the world.

“Although we had a joint venture partner in Populous from London, we are proud of the fact that a South African firm did the main architecture for Soccer City.

There are only 17 architectural practices in the world that can claim to have done a World Cup stadium – one of them is ours,” van Bebber concludes. <

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Ukubona:

ukubona

Leading the way with switchgear, and high voltage projects

U

kubona, a formidable player in the medium and high voltage sectors, has reached new heights in the industry based on the quality of their work, performance and cost effective solutions. Ukubona experience, expertise and excellence have enabled it to play a great role in the refurbishment of the South African electrical infrastructure network.

Ukubona started operation in 1989, from small premises in Edenvale, employing only four people, with a key focus on electrical switchgear. The scope of operation was installation, testing, commission and maintenance of the switchgear.

Today Ukubona serves both South African and international markets and has grown to an employee complement totalling 64. Its mission is to be the preferred solutions provider in respect of medium and high voltage electrical equipment to both the public and private sector.

“At the helm is executive chairman, Imtiaz Abdulla who has guided the company through the myriad opportunities that have presented themselves as a result of the infrastructure development on the South African landscape,” says Subash Dowlath, a director at Ukubona.

Ukubona has partnered with a technologically advanced partner to transfer the technology and knowledge to South Africa Ukubona was awarded one of the first electricity infrastructure orders for the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link Project. It was tasked to relocate 44kV electrical cabling in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It was also awarded the reticulation of the Midrand Station for the Gautrain project.

The company has the ability to re-instate the supply of electricity in emergency situations. It has completed three such emergencies in the past two years. This includes the Kempton Park main electricity supply station where Ukubona had six days from being commissioned to re-instating the supply of electricity. The job required Ukubona to:

• Remove 27 11kV panels and rewire them • Refurbish the substation • Install 5km of 11kV cable Long running contracts at OR Tambo International airport and Ekurhuleni municipality have enabled the company to build strong relationships with these two major entities. For the past 12 years the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has contracted Ukubona to service and maintain the entire medium voltage network at the airport. A maintenance contract for Ekurhuleni municipality’s entire medium voltage cable network has also been running for the past two years.

Ukubona’s footprint has grown significantly with contracts throughout Africa, India, the Middle East, Mauritius and the United States. In India it was commissioned by Tata Steel to supply and joint a 132kV cable project.

International partners The recent surge in the need for various products in the electrical sector, spurred Ukubona to source products worldwide to satisfy its customers’ needs. The highest standards are required in its international partners and their products, to meet the company’s quality standards.

Value add Although switchgear is at the core of Ukubona’s business spectrum, the company has cast itself as

ukubona a specialised player in various other areas such as maintenance, specialised projects and supplying high voltage cables and transformers to suit clients’ needs.

This enhances Ukubona’s edge in providing a total service for the range of requirements that may arise.

The company provides EPC solutions for switchgear, cables and power transformers.

1. Switchgear Ukubona’s switchgear division is capable of design, supply, installation and commissioning of medium voltage switchgear. The switchgear range comprises a distribution and transmission type with a fault rating at 20kA-25kA, and a generation type with a rating 25kA50kA. Ukubona has been installing and maintaining a wide variety of switchgear since 1995. This broad experience places Ukubona in a prime position to render a world-class service.

2. Cables Ukubona’s highly skilled employees have rare jointing skills, which include cable jointing up to 400kV on various types of cables. Examples are XLPE and oil filled cables.

In addition, Ukubona is also a preferred maintenance contractor with regards to design, cable repairs and assistance with diagnostics.

3. Power transformers As a result of its involvement in turnkey substation projects, Ukubona has sourced and supplied power transformers from its partners around the world. It has: • International accreditation • Pfisterer certification • CCC certification Product capabilities Ukubona’s metrical capabilities include the following: • Turnkey product management relating specifically to the following products: - Reticulation - Sub stations - Emergency repairs • Designing, manufacturing, testing, installing, commissioning and maintaining of MV switchgear.

• The designing, supplying, testing, commissioning and maintaining of MV (11kV) to EHV (400kV) cables.

Empowerment within society The management and staff at Ukubona have pledged a commitment from within the company to contribute in a positive and meaningful way to empowerment within society.

Transformation policy Ukubona subscribes to BEE and gender equity, having already received a level 3 BEE score. It is Ukubona’s stated intention to improve its BEE score every year. In

this regard, a transformation committee has been formed to ensure that the goals and objectives of measurable action plans are met.

Skills development Skills development is a core component of Ukubona’s HR Development Strategy. The dynamic nature of the business provides staff with continuous on-the-job training. Training occupies between 5% and 20% of the working week and varies between technical and management courses.

As part of its mission of meeting the objectives set out by the AsgiSA initiative, the company has developed structures, which incorporate black women as shareholders/partners.

Switchgear and associated equipment training centre Ukubona has recognised the dire need for training and has developed a plan to open a training facility for switchgear and associated equipment. It has earmarked R4.2 million for the establishment of the centre.

“This will be a perfect opportunity for black females to be trained overseas as trainers, in order to provide locally based training, under supervision,

ukubona to all prospective equipment operators. We have internationally respected engineers who will assist with the initial establishment of the centre and ensure a smooth and solid base for the women who plan to own and operate the facility,” says Dowlath.

Wiring team Ukubona already has numerous female panellists on its wiring team. Its intention is to formalise the team into a company whereby the female panellists would be shareholders and manage their own business. The Ukubona management team will assist the team with business guidance and marketing.

Technology development and transfer One of the major advantages of Ukubona’s partnership with leading international switchgear company Gelpag/ Huadian is the skills transfer that is taking place.

Gelpag/Huadian has agreed to transfer their state-ofthe-art switchgear production, which has been jointly designed and developed by German and Chinese design engineers, to South Africa for local manufacturing for an agreed period. Gelpag/Huadian have committed to training and developing 50 people from South Africa at their offices in China. The intended objective is for those team members to then transfer their acquired skills and knowledge to the rest of the team at Ukubona.

In the past this type of switchgear has been imported.

“We believe that this technology can and should be manufactured locally. It is for this reason that Ukubona has partnered with a technologically advanced partner to transfer the technology and knowledge to South Africa.”

Ukubona employees share ownership plan Ukubona is in the process of establishing an employee share ownership plan, which will be a shareholder of Ukubona Holdings (Pty) Ltd. All Ukubona employees that have spent more than three years in employment will be eligible. A central component of the plan, which is in its final stages of completion, is to include black females who will own a share in Ukubona Holdings.

Project Ikaya Ukubona has taken the initiative to ensure a better quality of life for all of its long serving employees, by purchasing a block of seven flats to house employees with over ten years of service. The flats, which became operational in 2007 already accommodates 20 employees in Germiston. •

BEE Profile Subash Dowlath Dowlath is an admitted lawyer by profession who joined Ukubona 18 months ago on a full time business. He has interests in other industries, but chose to harness his skills and networks for the development of Ukubona.

His prior work in the local government sector means that he is poised for penetration into the municipal and parastatal market, for the benefit of Ukubona. Dowlath has a BA LLB LLM and Diploma ADR, which assist him in integrating his role as Ukubona’s director of business development and legal oversight.

Imtiaz Abdulla Currently the Executive Chairman, and sits on various other Boards in various sectors of Industry. He brings to the table his vast knowledge on government, and strategic insight into Company development and transformation. He is also a 7th Dan Martial arts expert that encourages focus and discipline in terms of the Ukubona work ethic, to ensure that Ukubona employees, produce at their optimum at all times.

Under his leadership, Ukubona has already experienced many successes and is poised for much more.

Trevor Besten Trevor is the Chief Operations Officer, with experience from the Entertainment and Media environment. His scope for oversight is Corporate Services, which includes Administration, Finance, Human Resources and Legal. Trevor is hands on and ensures that Ukubona does not lose momentum.

Facts and figures • Total number of employees – 64 • Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) rating – 8EE • ISO rated – 9001: 2000 certified • Winner of Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year award 2007 • 50% growth per annum for the last three financial years

This article was commissioned by Ukubona. For more information please call 011 608 4736 or fax 011 608 4741. Alternatively, email info@ukubonaelectrical.co.za or visit www.ukubonaelectrical.co.za