Pour competition – aasarchitecture

Wine is deeply and historically rooted in our society. It represents a symbol of tradition, connection, craft and high spirits. The art of winemaking and viticulture has evolved as a part of life, culture and diet since the ancient times.

Nevertheless, in this long historical path, one thing remains unchanged and has never been neglected; the association of wine with gastronomy, history, origin, local quality products and dignified social settings. It has been referred to as a beautiful factory for its sustainable and less polluting features when compared with other industries. But can a winery or a vineyard be more than just wine?

Challenge
A winery and a vineyard share a unique relationship with each other. A winery is an exploration of boundaries between a man-made structure and natural landscape. Winery architecture plays a key role in total tasting experience. The industry has been responsible for growing the tourism market rapidly in places like Cape Town. Wine business proves to be a bright light in a very gloomy economy of South Africa.

The beauty of wine tourism is that, it not only helps to establish a personal connection with consumers, provides a taste of cultural diversity, but also has the potential to significantly grow the job market. Kayamandi, a place not more than 55kms away from Cape Town yet miles away in terms of economy, tourism and job availability.

The township is located in the proximity of a huge water body acting as natural source of irrigation, overlooking one of the most beautiful vineyards in the world. Kayamandi sits on a hill full of potential for creating a modern-day winery that not works for providing an experience but also for the upliftment of the economically backward area and thereof developing the urban fabric of the township.

Challenge: Designing a modern-day winery that not only provides a complete consumer experience but also contributes towards socio-economic development of the community around it. Where the flow of visitors triggers social and cultural interaction. Source and images Courtesy of competitions.uni.