While most of the FIFA 2010 World Cup spends were focussed on delivering the Stadium and related public transport infrastructure, some effort was made by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to erect place marking “Icons”. These were erected prior to the event to help build excitement and anticipation for this massive sporting tournament. Part of this programme of icon building included two stainless steel forms on the traffic circles outside the Port Elizabeth International Airport.
The design was required to draw attention, but in such a way as to remain transparent enough as not to be a traffic safety hazard. It was necessary to develop these ideas along with the roads engineers who were working under significant time pressure to ensure the roadwork’s were completed in time for the massive influx of visitors to the city. The design expresses and reflects the lasting impact that the tournament has had on the city Port Elizabeth. Almost like war memorials reflect the lasting impact of a war that has long passed.
Many visitors to Port Elizabeth during the world cup arrived via the airport and were immediately greeted with these gleaming stainless steel forms, giving a sense that the entire city was a tournament venue and not just the stadium.
The “flags” pointing in the direction have removable sleeves. In 2010 these sleeves reflect the flags of the nations that participated in Port Elizabeth, during the FIFA 2010 tournament. However the sleeves can be replaced with other marketing material during other future events of significance in the city. (For example they may be replaced with a floral design if PE hosts a big flower show!)
The stainless steel forms carry out their “place marking” function both day and night, when after dark the structure is illuminated from the inside with low energy light fittings. The resulting luminescent display has become a popular favourite of both residents and visitors to the city.
noh ARCHITECTS 