The Freedom Park, Salvokop, nr Pretoria, South Africa
2008
GAPP Architects/ Urban Designers, MMA Architects, MRA Architects



Overview
Hailed by President Thabo Mbeki as "…the fulcrum of our vision to heal and reconcile our nation …", The Freedom Park is a 52-hectare site located on Salvokop, situated to the south of the Pretoria CBD, between the M1 and Nelson Mandela Drive - a major gateway to the city from the South. In full view of the Union Buildings and in close proximity to Unisa and the Voortrekker Monument, The Freedom Park is emerging as a major landmark reshaping and enhancing the skyline of our capital city.

A Key Presidential Legacy Project
One of the key Presidential Legacy Project, The Freedom Park was officially launched on 1 June 2000 as a response to the need identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for symbolic reparation of past conflicts in the history of South Africa. It is the product of the many processes engaged in by Government since 1994 to create and foster a new national consciousness of the common legacy that binds the people of South Africa. The foundation of The Freedom Park is thus based on the South African nation's reconciliation process as well as the advancement of the various rights entrenched in the constitution from a heritage perspective.



A People's Shrine
The Freedom Park is a people's shrine that weaves the story of where we come from and the events that shaped what South Africa is today. It is a reflection of the sacrificial achievements that is South Africa and issues forth a call to marvel at the phenomenon of a country on the brink of civil war that chose a road of negotiation instead of pitting brother against brother.
The Freedom Park represents the vision for which many of our forefathers sacrificed their lives. It is a symbol of our broken shekels and the hard earned freedom that was a mere dream for so many decades. It is the heartbeat of all that is South African - our history, culture, spirituality and heritage - the hub through which to know this land of promise in all its diversity.



Earmarked for Completion
Earmarked for completion in 2009, two of The Freedom Park's elements, namely Isivivane and Sikhumbuto, have been opened for public visitation during 2007.
As time goes by, The Park will play a primary role in healing our nation's wounds by uniting the diverse people of South Africa towards reconciliation and nation building.



World Architecture Festival Awards 2008 - Nature Category



African Buildings

Freedom Park : Loerie Awards gold statue 2008

Dutch Embassy Africa



World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

South African Buildings

Buildings / photos for the South Africa Building pages welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

The Freedom Park - page : adrian welch / isabelle lomholt

Websites : www.gapp.net + www.freedompark.org.za