NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1054
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2009
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: FRIDAY, 04 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 â 2009)
Mr M S F de Freitas (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) How were the colour schemes decided upon at the OR Tambo
International Airport;
(2) whether the views of users of the airport were taken into account; if
not; why not; if so,
(3) whether focus and/or opinion groups are or will be used continuously
in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW1314E
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
1) Since 1995, the OR Tambo International Airport has been subjected to
several incremental developmental upgrades. During these upgrades,
the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has ensured that all
developments ultimately result in a terminal precinct that has a
common finish and design themeing where possible.
All the projects that have been developed over time have utilised
external consultant architects, as well as, in some cases, interior
design advisors. Inspiration was drawn from natural products and local
sources as well as the local landscape and colours.
The foundation of the current theme was laid with the development of
the Duty Free Mall Project in 1999 and Domestic Terminal Expansion
project in 2003.
The recent Central Terminal Building and International Pier projects
offered the opportunity to finally consolidate all terminal buildings
into a single precinct.
Generally the choice of themeing and colour palettes is not discussed
with airport users. However, the concepts formed part of the
development consultation process which included the airlines and
stakeholder owners. Colours specifically are critical to the delivery
of the feel and ambiance desired to be created and it is best left to
the professionals.
(2) User perceptions are surveyed on a monthly basis and are used to
guide and influence both infrastructure and operational plans. They
tend to give generic comment on the feel of the facilities without
specifically getting feedback on colour usage.
(3) Future upgrades and developments will be built along the same lines
of professional architects and interior designers advising on the then
best practice world-wide within the African landscape. The option of
using focus groups for commentary on themeing assumptions will be
considered.