In 2010 journalist Lucille Davie went on a behind the scenes tour of Soccer City shortly before the stadium opened. Her experience and discussions with the architect helped her to write the wonderful article below. The piece was originally published on the City of Joburg's website on 28 January 2010. Click here to view more of Davie's work.
Architect Bob van Bebber waited 15 years to realise his dream. And it’s a dream the world can share this June when they take their seats at Soccer City.
Van Bebber originally proposed a stadium – not just any stadium but a world cup stadium – back in 1991 while completing his architecture degree at Wits University. But he was told a stadium required too much engineering - until then engineers mostly designed stadiums.
So he told his professor back then, respected conservation architect Herbert Prins, that one day he would do it. That day arrived in 2006, when his design for Soccer City was approved.
Herbert Prins (The Heritage Portal)
“This has been a dream project that I have been chasing for so long,’ he says.
A massive calabash, one of the symbols of rural African life, rises from the ground at Nasrec, outflanking the long, surrounding mine dumps.
“I wanted to bring aesthetics and design into...
