Named after the appeal judge, Sir James Rose Innes, Innes Chambers is prominently positioned opposite the South Gauteng High Court on Pritchard Street, in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD. Originally the offices of the Johannesburg Bar, Innes Chambers was purchased by the Department of Public Works in the early 2000’s, earmarked for redevelopment as the Johannesburg offices of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Innes Chambers in 2013 (The Heritage Portal)
The refurbishment of the building required the upgrading and replacement of all services, and insertion of a contemporary office accommodation programme. From the outset it was essential that the building meet current office accommodation and energy efficiency standards, without compromising the iconic aesthetic of the original design.
Designed in 1960, Innes Chambers is less than 60 years old, and is not formally protected in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, yet recognised as a downtown landmark and a model example of 1960’s modernist architecture. Every effort was made to retain and restore original heritage elements.
To gain better understanding of the design, the Activate team met with Sydney Abramowich, the building’s original architect. Abramowich described the process of designing the distinctive Y-column facade screens “the screens were created not only as an aesthetic element, but also as a shading device, to keep the building...
