Our over arching mission is simple – to build better cities.
Summary
UrbanSoup Architects and Urban Designers is a multidisciplinary, tech savvy firm changing the way we design, and the way we think about design. We have a deep understanding of how cities work – how they move and breathe, and how their complex parts fit together. We earned our stripes on large publicly funded projects – transport hubs, bridges and extensive multi-use public spaces – bringing a unique design aesthetic, a practical usability, and a process and cost efficiency.
Since then, we’ve moved onto projects diverse in scale and scope, designing everything from luxury, large-scale apartment blocks, to museums, universities, embassies, student housing, co-working offices, eco residential estates, holiday resorts and retail centers, producing work not just across South Africa, but throughout Africa, and as far afield as London. Even as we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to our founding values – providing personal service, building close relationships, remaining agile, while delivering projects at scale.
We’ve also begun to leverage the latest VR and Generative Design technology, creating immersive walk through experiences for our clients before designs have been built, and applying machine learning to unlock the creative power of artificial intelligence.
Our focus is based on the intersection between technology, design and development economics. In recent years, we’ve also established a development arm, partnering with investors to procure high-potential buildings and sites, using our urban design skills to secure well positioned land, and taking projects all the way from feasibility studies and acquisition through to planning, design, tender, construction and project management.
Ultimately all of this – our technology, our creativity, our expertise and experience – is used in the service of building architecture that’s durable, economically viable, environmentally friendly and user-responsive.
Key Clients
Microsoft Goethe-Institut
British American Tobacco
European Union
NBA
Affordable Housing Company
Anglo American Sasol
SAB Miller
University of Johannesburg
Engen
Alexander Theatre
Weinprop
Interwaste
Arup
Citiq
Exemplar REITail Limited
Aspen Pharmacare
Standard Bank
Grinding Media
Grinding Techniques
Airports Company South Africa
Leogem Properties
Neom Saudi (‘The Line’)
Buffet Group
Johannesburg Property Company
Housing Development Agency
Johannesburg Development Agency
Selected Works 02
ARCHITECTURE + URBAN DESIGN
Johannesburg International Transport Interchange
Project Goal
The success of any transportation hub rests in its ability to connect multiple modes of transport within a compact area.
Summary
A new state-of-the-art, multi-modal mixed-use transport hub, encompassing retail, office, recreational, and storage facilities. Centrally located in Johannesburg’s inner-city, this project integrates comprehensive long-distance bus and rail facilities. My role as lead development manager involved innovative design solutions and strategic planning, contributing significantly to the cities public transport network enhancement. The project stands as a testament to modern urban infrastructure development, offering a seamless, efficient transit experience.
CLIENT
Department of Transport
LOCATION
Johannesburg, South Africa
SIZE
52,000 sq. m
Prior to developing the concept scheme the design team invested a significant amount of time to research the local dynamics and inner workings of the site’s immediate setting. It was of paramount importance to ensure that the scheme would seamlessly integrate into the urban context and work in unison with the complex surrounds.
One of the most significant designs challenges was to safely harmonize the movement of taxis, buses, and pedestrians all under one roof. In order to assist with this process a series of high tech vehicular and pedestrian traffic models were developed. This allowed us to simulate flows and address bottlenecks up front. Entrances and exists needed to be carefully considered.
Tshwane Masterplan
The strategic masterplan and implementation framework offered to guide the regeneration of South Africa’s capital city.
Summary
We formed part of the architectural and urban design team on this project which provided a detailed masterplan and urban framework for several large government office precincts within the inner city and the immediate surrounding areas of the City of Tshwane. The masterplan was commissioned as an ambitious, over arching framework document to guide the evolution of the entire city.
38.8 Hectares
Bastos Precinct Plan
Project Goal
For British American Tobacco’s Bastos site in Yaoundé, we are at the forefront of converting this prominent factory site into a multifaceted City Hub.
Summary
This transformative project promises to align with international standards and fuel sustained urban development. Our master plan is designed to bolster municipal infrastructure and urban services while synergising with local initiatives. This development stands as a beacon of progress for Yaoundé, offering a blend of employment prospects, residential spaces, retail areas, hotel accommodations, health facilities, and leisure zones.
24.2 Hectares SIZE
British American Tobacco
LOCATION Yaoundé, Cameroon
Kimberley Urban Design Framework
Project Goal
This initiative promotes sustainable urban growth in Kimberley, enabling a harmonious live-work-play ecosystem, enriched with accessible economic, educational, and social amenities.
Summary
The development of three interconnected precinct plans is aimed at revitalizing key urban areas, facilitating the creation of 10,000 mixed-use residential units alongside commercial and public spaces, tied together by critical transport links.
82.5 Hectares
Kimberley Regeneration Development
Kimberley, South Africa
Commonwealth War Graves Memorial
Project Goal
The new memorial presents itself as a counter debate within the existing memorial landscape of the Company’s Gardens.
Summary
The memorial essentially aims to enable the conversation between disparate time periods in a single landscape. It acts as the reflective mechanism that aims to sensitise the visitor to the atrocities suffered by the nameless in a conflict not their own. A landscape of contestation, challenging the implied normality, a place that becomes the voice of the forgotten in the conversations about our collective future.
Trojena, the mountains of Neom
Project Goal
In the Trojena project within NEOM’s ambitious development, our role is centred on developing computational work flows, bridging the gap between design and production teams.
Summary
A futuristic ski resort in the NEOM mountains, this incredible region will offer year-round outdoor skiing and adventure sports. With world-class hotels and luxury homes accommodating visitors and residents alike, their temperate climate makes Trojena a perfect destination to live, work and play, with each unique Cluster providing extraordinary experiences.
LOCATION
Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia
85,000 sq. m
Moses Mabhida Station
Project Goal
An ambition for the station was to integrate architectural vision, civic identity and urban context within the rigorous requirements of passenger flows and operational demands.
Summary
Ray played a key role as lead architect on the successful delivery of the new award winning train station which was central to the 2010 World Cup events held at the adjacent football stadium. The station combines the highest international standards of comfort, ease of movement, visibility and security.
25,000 sq. m SIZE CLIENT
Durban, South Africa
Bus Rapid Transport Depot
Project Goal
The Dobsonville BRT bus depot, the first in a network of depots, incorporating a range of services and amenities related to maintenance and administration of the BRT operations.
Summary
This was part of a new BRT network for the City of Johannesburg. It is the single largest climate change initiative ever undertaken by the City and represented a major turning point in how the City deals with congestion, pollution and greenhouse gases as a result of transportation.
LOCATION Soweto, South Africa
23,200 sq. m
SIZE CLIENT
Johannesburg Development Agency
European Union Embassy
Project Goal
As the lead development managers we led the design teams for the EU Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa from inception to completion on site.
Summary
The project involved the construction of a new highly secure office complex incorporating EU standards and local regulations, with a focus on sustainable, and functional design
sq. m
Tobacco Factory Conversion
Project Goal
As the lead architects and urban designers for British American Tobacco, we played a crucial role in the strategic repurposing of their Groningen factory site amidst their transition away from cigarette production.
Summary
Our innovative approach reimagined the factory as a mixed-use development, transforming it into an inviting gateway to the city. Our vision for this project underscores our commitment to sustainable development and architectural excellence, contributing significantly to the city’s social and economic vitality.
Groningen, Netherlands
45,000 sq. m
British American Tobacco LOCATION
Polokwane Bridge
In the heart of Polokwane, South Africa, the bridge refurbishment project stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering, harmoniously blended with the practical necessities of urban infrastructure.
Summary
Conceived as part of the extensive upgrades for the 2010 World Cup Soccer, this bridge not only facilitates efficient transportation but also serves as an iconic landmark symbolizing the city’s cultural renaissance. The structure’s distinctive geometric patterns, reminiscent of a soccer ball’s facets, are illuminated by night, creating a striking visual metaphor for the unity and passion inherent in the world’s favourite sport
CLIENT
South African National Roads Agency
LOCATION
Polokwane
South Africa
SIZE
2,500 sq. m
Waste Processing Precinct
Project Goal
We collaborated with our client Interwaste, a subsidiary of the French Séché Environment Group, on a transformative waste management project in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Summary
Played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of a large landfill site, aligning with the National Waste Management Strategy to foster a circular economy. Contributed to the planning and development of comprehensive waste management precinct, including treatment and disposal services, to divert significant waste from landfills, ensuring sustainable community benefits and environmental compliance.
Jack Mincer Transportation Hub
Project Goal
As the lead architects for this 52,000 sqm transportation hub for the JDA, we are spearheading the comprehensive redevelopment of one of South Africa’s busiest transportation hubs through all stages from inception to construction
Summary
This ambitious project integrates a multi--story mixed-use facility, encompassing extensive taxi holding and ranking areas along with a significant retail and office components, designed to enhance urban mobility and invigorate the local economy
Virtual World for the Goethe-Institut
Embracing the boundless potential of virtual architecture, our firm crafted a pioneering metaverse space for the Goethe Institute, designed to connect its global community beyond the constraints of the physical world.
Summary
The virtual world we designed serves as a sustainable and inclusive platform, mirroring the Institute’s mission of cultural outreach and education. With intuitive navigation and adaptable virtual facilities, it stands as an innovative solution for global connectivity, reflecting our firm’s commitment to redefining the architecture of the future
CLIENT
Goethe-Institut
LOCATION
Metaverse
SIZE
4,500 sq. m
Previous Works 03
Work built prior to the UrbanSoup chapter
At UrbanSoup, our directors bring a rich legacy of architectural and design excellence from their tenure at renowned firms. Their collective portfolio, built prior to their UrbanSoup chapter, is marked by a spectrum of landmark projects. From conceptualising state-of-the-art urban complexes to spearheading sustainable master-planned communities, their hands have shaped skylines and enlivened cityscapes.
The transformative impact of their work is evident in the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic sophistication that defines each project. Each director’s unique vision and leadership were instrumental in delivering these projects that have become integral to the fabric of the cities they adorn. Now under the UrbanSoup banner, they continue to infuse this vast experience into creating innovative spaces that resonate with contemporary urban life.
National Marine Research Institute
A state-of-the-art research center was developed with cutting edge facilities that enhanced vital national marine research and development services.
Summary
A large office complex to house the state agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. It is an extensive scheme to house marine scientists and their associated functions including offices, auditoriums, libraries and research laboratories. The latest concepts and innovations in office and laboratory design were incorporated in order to meet specialist international accreditation requirements.
The Marine Institute
CLIENT: LOCATION Oranmore Country Galway, Ireland
SIZE
51,200 sq.m
The institute carries out environmental, fisheries, and aquaculture surveys and monitoring programmes to meet Ireland’s national and international legal requirements. They provide scientific and technical advice to Government to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource.
State Laboratories
Project Goal
This is the Irish Government’s principal chemistry laboratory and provides a comprehensive analytical and advisory service to clients across a range of different disciplines
Summary
The complex brought together a number of different laboratories having a variety of functions into the one building. Ray played a key role in the production of tender drawings and detailed technical designs. As part of this project he initiated the implementation and use of Building Information Modelling (Revit) to assist in streamlining the design and production process.
CLIENT
Department of Agriculture, Food + Marine
LOCATION
County Kildare
Ireland
SIZE
9,550 sq. m
Irish Police Stations
Project Goal
Ray made a noteworthy contribution to the development and realisation of the Police Building Programme in Ireland.
Summary
He was project architect from inception through to completion on several large stations involving of a number of specialised office, security and administrative related functions. Some of the sites were of great historical importance and as such an extensive amount of research and conservational work was carried out in order to ensure that the designs seamlessly responded to the sensitive urban fabric.
CLIENT
An
Garda
Síochána,
National Security Service of Ireland
LOCATION
Dublin, Ireland
SIZE
4350 - 23,200 sq.m
Another crucial aspect is the emphasis on sustainability and adaptability. The stations incorporated environmentally friendly design elements such as energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, and the use of sustainable building materials.
One fundamental principle was the creation of a welcoming yet secure environment. This was achieved through the use of transparent materials and open layouts in public areas, fostering a sense of accessibility and trust between the police and the community.
