Boogertman + Partners designs central lounge at RMB Latitudes Art Fair
13 May 2025, Johannesburg – Acclaimed architecture and interior design studio Boogertman + Partners – one of Africa’s largest architectural firms – has designed the lounge for the centre court at the 2025 RMB Latitudes Art Fair, taking place at Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg, from 23 to 25 May 2025.
In collaboration with some of South Africa’s leading suppliers and manufacturers – including X-Furniture, Fabric Bank, Belgotex, Regent Lighting, Loulou D and WOMAG (World of Marble and Granite) – the Boogertman + Partners (B+P) team has created a temporary pavilion designed to encourage interaction, connection and a deeper appreciation of the art on display.
“We’re proud to partner with RMB Latitudes to design this space at the heart of the fair,” says Bob van Bebber, director at Boogertman + Partners. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful design can elevate the experience of art.”
Titled The Pulse, the installation offers visitors and exhibitors moments of stillness, refreshment and conversation amid the vibrant energy of the fair.
Drawing on extensive experience in shaping the flow of people through a wide range of environments – from sports stadiums, retail centres and airports to more intimate interior settings – the B+P team conceptualised the lounge as a destination within a destination.
Visible from multiple vantage points across the centre court, the energetic, colourful tones of the lounge – inspired by the fair’s visual identity – and its diaphanous drapes establish a striking visual presence. The carpeted floors – created in collaboration with Belgotex – and sheer fabric panels (produced with Fabric Bank) gently define the space without enclosing it, offering inviting glimpses of the interior.
“The layering of materials and transparency naturally draws people in,” says Elzanne Pieterse-Fanner, architect and team leader at B+P. “At the same time, once you’re inside, it still feels open and connected.”
The design is characterised by organic curves, flowing lines and overlapping forms.
“The composition evokes rhythm and movement, symbolising connection and flow,” says Julia du Plessis, associate and interior design lead at B+P.
The interior is arranged around three softly defined pods, developed in collaboration with X-Furniture, who also supplied purpose-designed seating that can be reconfigured to accommodate different group sizes and types of interaction.
“Each pod has its own mood, shaped by colour, scale and lighting,” adds du Plessis. “The two outer pods embrace the energy and movement around the lounge entrances and prioritise standing space with high-top tables for casual networking and easy movement.”
Carefully designed pathways guide visitors between high-energy and calm areas.
Regent Lighting Solutions designed the lighting scheme to gently shift in tone and intensity, enhancing the sensory atmosphere within each pod.
Sculptural botanical installations by Johannesburg-based floral designer Loulou D enrich the experience, echoing the tones and textures of each pod.
Custom textile designs were developed in-house by B+P’s graphic design team and produced in collaboration with Fabric Bank.
“We created a visual language of organic shapes and forms that reflect the fluidity and inclusivity of the lounge itself,” says Gia Ventouris, graphic designer at B+P who led the pattern design. “By abstracting and overlapping elements from our own and RMB Latitudes’ branding, and isolating visually arresting intersections, we transformed words into form.”
The resulting textiles – used for upholstery, curtains and surfaces – will be available for purchase via Fabric Bank’s online store.
“All elements of the lounge have been designed for future reuse in line with B+P’s commitment to responsible design,” says Pieterse-Fanner.
“We believe good design connects people to place and creates unique experiences,” says van Bebber. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to harness the power of architecture and design to enhance the appreciation of African artistic expression.”
Design Team
- Bob van Bebber (Director)
- Julia du Plessis (Associate, Interior Design)
- Elzanne Pieterse-Fanner (Team Leader, Architect)
- Gia Ventouris (Graphic Designer)
- Avinesh Pather (Associate, Graphic Design Team Lead)
Key Collaborators
- X-Furniture
- Fabric Bank
- Belgotex
- Regent Lighting Solutions
- Loulou D
- WOMAG (World of Marble and Granite)