Far from simply following the trend of the day, two modern Johannesburg landmarks stand out among other construction projects in the region. They are a testament to the rebirth and modernisation of sub-Saharan Africa's financial capital.

Those involved in building the Nelson Mandela Bridge and the Constitutional Court have gained the respect of their peers for the innovative design and construction techniques.

Now they have recognition in the form of Fulton Awards from the construction industry.

The Fulton Awards, which are held every two years, are made by the Concrete Society of Southern Africa to acknowledge outstanding achievements in concrete construction.

According to the society, the Fulton Awards "are the ultimate expression of excellence in concrete construction and acknowledge professionals, contractors and owners for their outstanding achievements and determination to challenge new frontiers".

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and Blue IQ provided funding for the Nelson Mandela Bridge; it was constructed by the South African National Roads Agency.

Again with financial assistance from Blue IQ, the JDA is busy with development in the Constitution Hill Precinct. Blue IQ is a provincial government initiative aimed at developing economic infrastructure.

The Nelson Mandela Bridge won the award for Aesthetic Appeal; the Constitutional Court received a commendation in the same category.

"We persuaded our sponsors to provide funds to build an exceptionally designed bridge," said Paul Arnott-Job, a development manager at the JDA. "We always hoped it would win awards."

In 2004 the R85-million bridge was also judged The Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Project Achievement in the technical excellence category for 2003, by the South African Institute of Civil Engineers (Saice).

At the same function it won the Saice Award of the Century in the construction category, an award described as very prestigious by Saice communications officer Zina Gerald.

The Constitutional Court won the Fulton Award in the building category, for the innovative use of leaning concrete columns to symbolise trees and slanted openings in the roof to let in varying amounts of light, creating an effect of rays of light filtering through leaves.

This effect is meant to symbolise a traditional African setting, where villagers would meet under trees to resolve community disputes.

The words "human dignity, equality and freedom" in the handwriting of current presiding judges, are inscribed on the roof's concrete beams.

The R492-million Constitution Hill forms part of the inner city regeneration project and the cultural arc of Johannesburg, which stretches from Newtown, over the Nelson Mandela Bridge, through Braamfontein up to Constitution Hill.

Johannesburg News Agency