Ponte City Apartments, Brutalist residential tower in Hillbrow, South Africa
Ponte City Apartments is a cylindrical residential tower in Johannesburg featuring 55 floors with a striking hollow core running from ground to roof. The building accommodates 467 apartments and commercial spaces, with eight elevators serving the structure across its approximately 173-meter height.
The building was designed by architect Manfred Hermer and completed in 1975 as a luxury residence during apartheid. Over subsequent decades, it experienced significant shifts in its social role and occupancy patterns throughout the city's transformation.
The structure shifted from an exclusive residence to a symbol of urban transformation, reflecting Johannesburg's complex social dynamics and residential patterns.
Access to the upper levels or viewing areas typically requires permission or participation in organized tours. Checking availability beforehand is recommended before planning a visit to the building.
The central void creates an unexpected experience where residents facing inward look out onto open sky rather than the city. This unusual design means each apartment has a distinct view depending on its position within the tower.
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