Fifth Dimension Architects

We have been involved in several corporate headquarters where we have successfully met client requirements and created office environtments that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and uplifting

In the process, some of the challenges and trends we have addressed are:

• the trend towards de-centralized office developments has had a major impact on the Central Business Districts
• issues such as safety, security, cleanliness & ease of access are major factors that have led to this form of development.
• the demand in the market to personalise working spaces and enhance company's images.
• creating office environments that address the well being of office workers in order to attract and retain valued staff.
• incorporating social facilities such as outdoor seating spaces, canteens and in some cases coffee shops and hairdressers – thereby merging work and play and loosening the traditional hierarchies within organisations.

We handle projects ranging from large scale mass housing to individual residences, refurbishments, alterations & extensions, serviced apartments & gated communities.

• Our approach focuses on creating unique properties that capture the spirit of their location.
• Residential projects include designs for low, medium and high cost developments.
• Our solutions have ensured that our clients maximise the value of their properties.

We handle projects ranging from large scale shopping and entertainment developments to the refurbishment of existing shopping and entertainment centres.

• Traditionally there has been demand for large enclosed shopping malls and warehouse retail outlets.
• The current trend is towards creating retail environments which integrate shopping, leisure and entertainment in an urban setting.
• This reflects a customer-led demand for retailing to be a leisure experience and for shopping to be a destination activity.
• This is a result of increasing affluence and amounts of leisure time, the demand for activities to sustain children’s enjoyment and the trend for people to shop in groups rather than individually. 

We have a wide knowledge of all aspects of hotel design including public space and back of the house requirements for both economy and luxury facilities.

• Using our experience, we provide a total approach that focuses on creating a unique property that captures the essence of its location whilst being responsive to the needs of business and leisure travellers.
• Whilst creating hotels that are rich in context, we also ensure that the value of the hotels brand is enhanced by the quality of design - ambience, front of house, back of house and amenities.

Industrial buildings cater for a wide range of production processes from heavy engineering-based process to clean technology-based process.

• The building is not only a production container, but also a statement about the company’s product and market image.
• Our designs for industrial buildings allow for optimal efficiency of the organisation whilst being environmentally sensitive, energy efficient and socially responsible.
• Our understanding the production process and organisational networks is key to the design process.
• As staff well being is vital, our designs address the  staff working and social facilities that are fundamental to the success of the business.

Educational institutions require flexible learning environments to foster interaction and dialogue within architecture of identity and distinctive regional or contextual character.

• Recent trends leading towards new ways of teaching and learning in all levels of education include:
  •  new technologies,
  •  linkages between industry and  tertiary education,
  •  joint research and shared use of resources
• These changes demand much higher flexibility of use, not only classroom based but interactive, expandable and contractible to suit different methods of teaching.
• Computer networks, video conferencing and information systems have become essential ingredients.

Exhibition, conference centres and trade fairs are characterised by the temporary nature of the events they host.

• Ironically, as communication technology makes it easier to work in isolation  the demand for forums for face-to-face discussion is also growing.
• Exhibition and conference centres are an international industry and are important assets for competing on the world market.
• Exhibition and convention centres are intended for publicity and their architecture should reflect their significance - not only in the structures but also in outdoor rooms and landscaping.
• Important components in design include:
  • State of the art technology.
  • Time and performance.
  • Environmentally sustainable design.

We offer expertise in a wide range of projects from academic hospitals to small community health centres

Some of the trends in health care are:

• Greater flexibility in advanced technologies in medical and information services.
• Greater emphasis on humanising the healthcare environment for the patients, public and medical personnel.
• Greater focus on affordable and appropriate buildings.
• Increasing emphasis upon recurrent and life cycle cost efficiencies.
• Greater collaboration not only between the private and public sector but also within the private sector.
• Greater flexibility in future expansion of ambulatory care.
• Use of superior building procurement methods that remain flexible during operational policy development.
• More emphasis on integrated planning for the total healthcare delivery system.

• Offices
• Banks
• International organisations
• Hotels
• Residential developments.