| Cape Town History | ||
| Architecture | ||
| Dutch colonial | ||
| The Cape Dutch style emerged in the 17th century. Typical for this style of architecture is the stoep (similar to the veranda), and a large central hall running through the centre of the house, with two large rooms on either side. On the outside the houses are characterized by gables. The roofs on top of the houses are usually pretty steep and the walls are almost always painted in white. Cape Town has one the oldest and most famous Dutch colonial buildings: the Castle of Good Hope. Although the castle did change a bit over the years, it’s still the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. To see the colonial Dutch typ of architecture at its best, a trip down to Stellenbosch is a must. Another icon of Dutch colonial style is Groot Constantia; build for Governor Simon van der Stel. The house was built in 1692 and set a standard for many more houses in that region. Cecil John Rhodes set off a Cape Dutch Revival when he ordered a young English architect, Herbert Baker, to build Groote Schuur in 1890. The former residency of Rhodes is now the biggest hospital in Cape Town. | ||
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| British colonial | ||
| The British introduced Georgian and Victorian styles, and A stroll along Darling Street or Long Street is like a true blessing for British colonial architecture lovers. The Old Town Hall, Long Street Baths, Bertram House and the Houses of Parliament are just a few of the famous buildings in town. Actually, there’s Victorian style enjoyment all over the place. Even a quick visit to student village Observatory will amaze you. Incredible columns and balconies, all in white off course, are witnesses of a bygone era. | ||
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| 20th century Architecture | ||
| Art Deco and modernistic styles have been added in the twentieth centuries. Since 1940 Cape Town has skyscrapers as well. The first skyscraper that was built in Africa is situated on Darling Street. It is the Mutual Building and as other big corporations like LG and Shell couldn’t fall behind more skyscrapers were built. In the apartheid era there wasn’t much activity on the architectural field. Typical buildings from that era are the unspectacular Artscape and the Civic Centre. Century City is a very controversial result of 20th century architecture and some also criticize the V&A Waterfront, although it is generally agreed that the combination between a working harbour and a tourist shopping mall is very unique and appealing.The latest enrichment of Cape Town architecture is the International Convention Centre, on Lower Long Street, the new six hectare place to be for conventions, business meetings and big international events. | ||
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