Page 30 - Bulletin 21

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Modernism

Between 1935-1945, after the Great Depression, and then the end of the Second World War,

the style of art deco became more subdued to the more popular modernistic (or modernism)
architecture. This design arose through the introduction of new materials such as chrome-

plating, stainless steel and plastics, with buildings becoming strictly functional and
unadorned.

The fate of early Cape Town hotels and buildings

During the 1960s and 1970s many old hotels became ideal sites for high-rise buildings

because of their prime location and the steady increase in the maintenance costs of ageing
hotels. Between 1965-1970 four gems of art nouveau architects, as detailed in this script,

were demolished. These were: The Royal, The Palmerston, The Manchester and The White
House. The second Grand Hotel was also demolished during this time.

Modernism in later hotel designs in Cape Town is evident in the construction of the Cape Sun

Hotel, corner of St George’s and Strand Streets and the Waterfront hotels.

This destruction of our heritage buildings sadly continues in the name of so-called progress.

Further high-rise buildings, designed in the style of Modernism are planned to replace
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heritage sites. A recent example is the proposed demolition of the 18 century warehouse and
stores alongside the Lutheran Church in Strand Street.

The warehouse is not exactly an architectural masterpiece. It was built by Malay slaves in

1764/67 and is a tribute to their skills in the construction of early Cape buildings. Endeavours
to declare this warehouse and, the historic street block it stands on as a National Heritage

Sites may be to no avail. (Noseweek, March 2017.)

What will our once beautiful city look like in the mid-2100s if this type of demolition

continues unabated? The question is of much concern not only to those who treasure our past
history, but also those who remain appreciative of the beauty of the city’s remaining art

nouveau architecture.