The Leonardo

Award of Commendation (Gauteng Institute for Architecture)

2021 | 25min 

A CPD Central film, in collaboration with Dream Station Productions.

The Leonardo is bold in its simplicity. It is a remarkably honest building, maintaining an authentic presence amid a sea of ‘object-buildings’. The tower stands elegantly resolved, emphasizing its verticality with ascending, rhythmed massing and unremitting glass edges; which also soften any severity of the monumental structure. The building commands respect in its contemporary landscape, yet promises to stand the test of time by adhering to timeless principles of proportion, symmetry, order and geometry.

About:

The Leonardo tower, located in Sandton, Johannesburg, has become the tallest building in Africa. It measures 234 metres high and is divided into 55 floors.

The Leonardo is deserving of commendation for its response to internal flexibility, climatic efficiency, and social factors as priorities, with the sleek resolution of the façade as a secondary factor. This approach - in the context of Sandton - is particularly courageous and its success thus worthy of mention.

Architect Co-Arc International Architects
Building typology Hotel and Conference Center
Building size 6500 sqm
Client Legacy Group & Nedbank Property Development

All photographs have been given use-rights and have been supplied by Co-Arc International Architects for The Voice of the Architect Short Film Festival.

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