It is that time of the year when we get to celebrate Botswana's existence as an independent nation, celebrating 42 years of independence. To most people it is a day to look forward to and celebrate the lives of the great chiefs that made Botswana what it is today, gained independence and set out a new government for the country of Botswana.

Architecturally, we look at the advancement of the construction industry since 1966 and the look we envision for Botswana in the future. Certain buildings can be classified as highly responsive and belonging. This means that they their design is responsive functionality, climatically, and most importantly, culturally.

I took time to talk to a few members of the public and professionals and the responses were helpful in identifying Botswana's true heritage. Of course there are numerous examples of good architectural buildings in Botswana, and we would probably struggle to conclude the list, but our main focus should be on those buildings that can be classified as Botswana's heritage. Heritage meaning inheritance and what can be identified to belong to the tradition of Batswana. Maybe heritage will not take us far in terms of buildings of Botswana since the Tswana houses and lelwapa setup are the only relics we have. Iconic buildings of Botswana should then be considered, which will account for many design issues, which need to be addressed in every upcoming building.

Iconic buildings could be those that are most memorable to one's experience of Gaborone and Botswana, those which capture the unique taste of Botswana architecture, which has learnt to evolve through the help of high architectural styles of the developed countries. Caesar Tshupelo (Architect, Project Manager) of Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC) says, "We cannot only associate Botswana's building heritage with climatic response and choice of building materials because these are factors, which apply to general design around the world. If we were to talk about heritage in Botswana, then we would be forced to talk about the traditional huts or at least the compound and its spatial organisation. The houses found in "The Village" would be good examples of what we can claim to belong to Botswana, these include the old fort and prison building (as found in Gaborone Village), but basically the significance is in the house, veranda and metal sheets used for the roof that one can see a link with the Setswana culture."

Talking about iconic buildings, the Trinity Church building, is one that most city dwellers will be familiar with, but most probably do not pay attention to. The church was the first Christian church to be established in the newly independent Republic of Botswana in 1966. Trinity was a joint effort of the LMS (London Missionary Society) church, the Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church of Southern African and the Zuakers.

The church is located at the city centre and not only placed at the city's busiest node, but it also facilitates appreciation from the approaching passers-by. The architecture of the church is defined in its simplest terms, and the organisation of spaces is very clear. The floor plan is a variation of the Roman basilica, but the general transition of spaces is maintained. The church is believed to be neither specifically Anglican nor congregational, but rather it was designed to be suitable for both types.

The entry into the vestibule is defined by a glass and steel structure, which sits in contrast with the plastered solid walls. The nave divides the north and east wing and acts as the circulation zone. The south and west extensions open out to the outdoor terrace space, which is used for prayer sittings and meetings. The outdoor terraces are shaded with a simple timber structure and these become part of the church proceedings in instances where a larger congregation is present. The design of the extension spaces facilitates incorporating the south terrace into the church by simply opening the sliding doors. This allows the outdoor spaces to flow to the indoor. The general layout seems to be serving its function well and has been for a long time therefore this particular building sets a good example of what the city needs.

My other interest was in the BOTEC building, especially looking at what its design meant and what its presence contributed to the city as an iconic building. The building is a relatively new addition to the city's skyline compared to the Trinity Church. It was designed to be energy efficient and reuse energy, but as it stands, it does not serve its purpose as the internal environment is not regulated by the internal plants as was anticipated and summer months are found to give uncomfortable conditions within the offices.

The water feature found in the buildings atrium was most interesting to me; the circulating water calms the internal buildings environment, which can be found to be rigid as most of it serves as offices. A few communal spaces can be identified in the atrium space and this is one aspect of the building that one will not get its feel from the exterior. A lot more can be found positive about the BOTEC building as its one of the few buildings, which actually responds, to its climatic context. Future designs can learn from its principles and aesthetics.