bridgingMZAMBA, Mzamba (South Africa) 2013-2015
Carinthia University of Applied Science
The project ´bridging Mzamba` aims at satisfying the urgent need of the community for a safe crossing of the river and to provide environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development. The river separates the inhabitants of a catchment area of 30km, from necessary infrastructure such as educational facilities, health care and general food supply.
The NPO build Collective with Marlene Wagner and Elias Rubin approached by community members to design and implement this essential infrastructure are collaborating with thesis students Thomas Harlander and Florian Anzenberger of the Carinthia University of Applied Science and Dean Prof. Dr. Peter Nigst.
A Steering Committee has been set up to guide the process, representing the local community and client and to carry on negotiations with necessary entities. The close collaboration with tribal authority, ward committee and the actual construction process with residents ensures a successful participation, responsible use and maintenance of the footbridge. Further engineers from Switzerland (Dr. Lüchinger+Meyer Bauingenieure AG) and South Africa, environmental experts, the Mbizana Municipality and Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism are consulted to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with environmental standards.
Design and technology of the pedestrian bridge is balancing environmental impact through state-of-the-art lightweight engineering with simple building techniques and available resources. The suspension bridge over the Mzamba River will serve as a potential tourist attraction and possible income generation in the area.In several phases the main structure of the 140 meter long suspension bridge – foundation, pylons and ropes could be realised together with a local construction team and volunteers from Europe.
Client: bridgingMZAMBA Community Steering Committee, Local Communities near to the Mzamba Bridge
Project Management: Prof. Dr. Peter Nigst (FH Kärnten), Dipl. Ing. Marlene Wagner, Elias Rubin (buildCollective NPO)
Students: Florian Anzenberger, Thomas Harlander
Consultants: Dr. Lüchinger + Meyer Bauingenieure AG, Dipl. Ing. Wolfgang Steiner, Rudi Keudel-Schaffer, Bruce Plumbly, Felicity Swanepoel
Other Facilitators/Team members:Melan Juta, Pakhamini Ngeleka, Siyabonga Khuzwayo, Siyabonga Mxunjini, Aiysha Dlamini, Khona Gampe, Ntombizethu Mnyamana, Ntobeko Dlamini, Zenzile Chiya, Andile Dlamini, Siphiwe Dlamini, Ntomsetu Dlamini, Monde Mdunyelwa, Mjoo Bhele, Mbongeni Dlamini, Xolani Mnyamene, Lizwe Dlamini, Yandisa Dlamini, Sithole Dlamini, Mthokozizi Ndlovu, Moses Mbuthuma, Richman Ntuli, David Mbuthuma, Günther Egger, Sebastian Schweinberger, Christoph Jach, Virginia Clasen, Laura Stock, Simon Spenrath, Lukas Hofbauer, Jesko von Jeney, Anna Weisbrod, Hadrien Clair, Valentin Kandler, Tobias Lackner, Nonhle Mbuthuma, Mashono Dlamini, Nkhulwani Mnyamane, Macube, Mathembu, Mavis Dlamini, Thandazile Gampe, Sajini Dlamini, Stera Ndovela, Mdumiseni Dlamini, Madoyisi Dimane, Ntlahla Hlebo, Portia Ogle, Xolani Zindela, Simon Nzimakhwe, Nhindelwa Dlamini
Research Questions: How to implement lifesaving infrastructure where the formal system is failing?
How to design a 140 m pedestrian bridge for self-construction with students and residence in an area without an access-road?
Links: buildcollective.net/onsite
South Africa, Architecture, Permanent, 11-50, Self-funded, +, Years, Sponsorship, Postgraduate, Building Science, Construction, Collaboration, Curricular, Carinthia Univ., Students with tutor
