Concept design competition launched for L'Agulhas

The competition is open to all people of Africa and requires entrants to create or design an iconic concept to celebrate the continent's most southerly point. It should be a structure or symbol that can blend well with the surroundings at the Agulhas National Park, without causing damage to the environment. It should have continental significance, and be something that people can identify with. It should encourage an environment where people can re-connect, spiritually or otherwise.

The competition was launched by Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

Winde said: “Visitors to L'Agulhas claim to experience a heightened sense of awareness when they stand in silence at the point currently marked by a stone cairn at the tip of Africa. We want this sense of being to be represented by the iconic structure. The overall idea is that the icon links us with the people of our continent, as the space is ultimately shared and owned by us all.”

The area where the southernmost tip falls is a nature reserve owned by SANParks. Nearby is the historic L'Agulhas lighthouse precinct, which will also be upgraded to include a new visitors' centre. Over the past year, the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has been involved in projects to beautify the area, most notably through the erection of a boardwalk and benches.

The panel of judges consists of local chieftains, urban designers, archaeologists, representatives from SANParks, marketing specialists, tourism experts and government representatives.

Competition brief:

• It is an Iconic Ideas competition - it does not have to be a concept for an actual structure.
  
• If it is a structure the dimensions - width and height - can't be too large
  
• No glass or aluminium
  
• Nothing with mechanics which would require maintenance and repairs
  
• Historically sensitive
  
• Can't be too reflective as it is a significant maritime area, no reflection at night.
  
• Colour sensitive
  
• Local materials would be a plus
  
• Needs to be tamper and vandal proof
  
• It is in a National Park
  
• It is the Southernmost Tip of Africa, Mother Africa needs to be reflected
  
• Inclusive, therefore not exclusive of any culture, country or religion
  
• Doesn't have to be an object or structure
  
• Must mark the significance of the place
  
• Sensitive to immediate locality
  
• Idea must be implementable and practical
  
• Financially Prudent
  
• Enhance the icon that is the Southernmost Tip
  
• It must reflect that it is of National and international importance
  
• Fit in with the vision of SANParks, which broadly speaking is: for the benefit and joy for all.
  
• Not a monument to a person
  
• Weather cognisant
  
• It must reflect the spiritual nature of this special place
  
• Must be fitting, nature friendly, green

Those interested in entering the competition should send their concept idea, written out in no longer than one A4 page and a drawing (if necessary). Posted drawing entries must be kept to an A4 page, preferably on the back of the written page. Entries can be emailed, posted or faxed, all clearly marked as Southernmost Tip of Africa Competition.

Send entries to email: , post: Ministry of Finance, Private Bag X9165, Cape Town, 8000 or fax: +27 (0) 21 483 3892.