Boogertman + Partners Designs Central Lounge for RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2025

Renowned architecture and interior design studio Boogertman + Partners – one of Africa’s largest and most influential architectural firms – has been commissioned to design the central lounge for the 2025 RMB Latitudes Art Fair. Taking place at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg from 23 to 25 May 2025, the fair is a significant event on the African contemporary art calendar.

In partnership with a network of leading South African manufacturers and suppliers – including X-Furniture, Fabric Bank, Belgotex, Regent Lighting Solutions, Loulou D, and WOMAG (World of Marble and Granite) – the Boogertman + Partners (B+P) team has created a vibrant, experiential pavilion at the heart of the fair. Titled “The Pulse,” the lounge is designed as a temporary space that invites rest, reflection, and connection within the dynamic atmosphere of the art fair.

“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.”

A Pavilion That Connects

Drawing on decades of experience across diverse environments – from large-scale public venues to finely detailed interior spaces – B+P envisioned the lounge as a “destination within a destination.” Visible from across the centre court, the installation’s colourful palette and soft draping elements create an inviting visual landmark.

The design features carpeted flooring by Belgotex and sheer fabric panels from Fabric Bank, offering a sense of openness while gently defining the space. Organic curves, flowing lines, and overlapping forms evoke movement and rhythm, reflecting the social and artistic energy of the fair.

“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 inside, it still feels open and connected.”

Three Interconnected Pods

The lounge is anchored by three distinct yet connected spatial pods, developed in collaboration with X-Furniture, who also supplied modular, purpose-designed seating. These areas serve different functions:

• Two outer pods prioritise movement and interaction, with high-top tables ideal for networking.

• The central pod offers a low-seating, intimate zone, encouraging quieter conversations and moments of pause.

Each pod has its own unique atmosphere, shaped through a careful balance of colour, scale and lighting. A dynamic lighting scheme, designed by Regent Lighting Solutions, subtly shifts in tone and intensity to suit the mood of each space.

“Each pod has its own mood, shaped by colour, scale and lighting,” notes Julia du Plessis, Associate and Interior Design Lead.

Designing for the Senses

To enhance the sensory and emotional tone of the space, Loulou D’s sculptural botanical installations are integrated throughout the lounge, echoing the colour palette and textures of the design.

Complementing this is a suite of custom textile patterns, developed in-house by B+P’s graphic design team and produced in collaboration with Fabric Bank. These textiles – used in upholstery, curtains, and soft finishes – translate abstracted brand elements into organic visual motifs.

“We created a visual language of organic shapes that reflect the fluidity and inclusivity of the lounge,” says Gia Ventouris, the graphic designer who led the textile design. “By abstracting and overlapping visual elements from both our own and RMB Latitudes’ branding, we transformed language into form.”

The textiles will also be made available for purchase via Fabric Bank’s online store.

A Commitment to Responsible Design

In line with Boogertman + Partners’ ongoing commitment to sustainability, all elements of the lounge were conceived for future reuse – extending the life of the materials and reducing waste.

“We believe good design connects people to place and creates unique experiences,” adds van Bebber. “It’s an honour to help celebrate African creativity by enhancing how people experience art.”

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)

  Tickets for RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2025 are on sale. Visit latitudesartfair.com/tickets to book before they sell out.