Page 62 - Bulletin 23- 2020

58

In due course several kilometres of banks at Sandvlei were built by these firemen from Los
Angeles and many of the artificial rocks that one can see at Sandvlei and Marina da Gama

were cast on latex moulds that were made by them from rocks in California.

A few years later, Adi Prinsloo (from the Anglo Nursery), who had helped me with our
experimental work on the banks went to California and joined Julian George and Frank

Manwarren in their work on other projects.

Adi Prinsloo returned to South Africa and distinguished himself creating natural rock effects

commercially in many places including an underground waterfall in the Strand Street

Concourse in Cape Town. He later worked on film sets and created the caves and rock
features for the film, “King Solomon’s Mines” for which he was awarded an Artes Award.

Conclusion

Marina da Gama was officially opened by the Mayor, Mr David Bloomberg, on 5th October

1974 with the opening of Extension 1 in Eastlake Village.

Now, just 50 years since the first work was done, it is good to see that much of what was

planned has been successful. (Figs. 2.22 – 2.27.) Perhaps the most striking achievement in the
residential areas is the excellent wind protection.

All new building work at Marina da Gama is still undertaken strictly in accordance with a
design manual and there are clear guidelines on what is allowed. It is also gratifying to see

that many planning innovations that Marina da Gama brought to South Africa have been

incorporated in other successful landscaped residential developments (eg. San Lameer project
in KwaZulu Natal and the many landscaped residential golf estates).

Possibly foremost in the innovations that Marina da Gama brought was the concept of an
integrated landscape design and a unified architectural style that gives a unique character to

the development.

If one visits the canals and vlei it is clear that the softened soil-cement bank edge is an

important part of the many tranquil waterside views.

58