Acoustic banners

The muted, woven acoustic banners and carpet introduce a subtle interplay of light and shadow, evoking shifting patterns of sunlight filtered through a tree canopy. As their name suggests, the banners serve both an aesthetic and functional role, acting as acoustic regulators within the Court Chamber by reducing reverberation and enhancing the clarity of speech during proceedings.

Overseen by artist Andrew Verster, the project was developed as a collaborative, community-based undertaking involving skilled weavers and makers from The Weaver’s Hut, whose contributions were integral to its production. These include Sizakele Shalamba, Florence Sokhela, Kwenzekile Phoswa, Nomathemba Memela, Princess Dlamini, Emmelia Radebe, Gladys Mdlalose, Patricia Makhanye, Gladys Ngubo, Patience Zondo, Maureen Mthalane, Agnes Zuma, Flora Dlomo, among others. The work reflects a shared authorship in which artistic design and embodied textile knowledge are closely interwoven with collective labour.

The banners are large, vertical fabric forms suspended from the ceiling at varying angles, introducing rhythm and movement into the chamber while gently disrupting the strict linearity of the architecture. Their organic, shadow-derived patterns reference the tradition of “justice under a tree,” situating the Court within a broader conceptual framework of accessibility, transparency, and grounded deliberation. Repetition across the space generates a measured visual cadence, while variations in height and orientation introduce spatial depth and a sense of softness within the interior.

The palette is deliberately restrained, composed of cool greys, soft blues, and off-whites that recall the tonal variations of natural light and shadow. Set against neutral architectural surfaces, the banners remain visually present without dominating the space, reinforcing a sense of calm and clarity. This chromatic restraint, together with the acoustic function of the materials, contributes to an environment designed to support focus, composure, and the careful articulation of justice within the Court Chamber.