Flame Studios: A vibrant African interior design

A vibrant African interior design treatment ignites the new Flame Studios at Constitution Hill

Johannesburg’s Constitution Hill is the new home of the strikingly designed Flame Studios. Named for the Flame of Democracy, this world-class recording studio opened its doors in February 2021. Flame Studios is more than just a music studio – it’s a culmination of design, architecture and art.

Flame Studios has a distinctive, authentic South African aesthetic. There’s a decided vibrancy. Key pieces were selected from local designers, TheUrbanative, Mash. T Design Studio, Pedersen and Lennard, Dokter and Misses, Glorinah Mabaso, Siyanda Mbele, Naturalis and others.

The first impression is the bold use of colour. In the rehearsal room, the corrugated wall panels and geometric ceiling panels used for soundproofing appear in a deep blue. In another room, these same panels find their counterparts in lush green velvet couches. In the recording booth, black, white and grey elements are offset by bold red accents. A modern yellow server stands in front of a window like a glowing beacon.

After the initial rush of colour, the intricacies of the interior design reveal themselves. The walls are festooned with modern interpretations of traditional African patterns by Mabaso. Naturalis’s vintage-inspired school chairs are given an African twist by applying these same patterns.

Mbele’s bright circular rug cleverly mimics the round lights suspended above it. Beaded, drum-shaped chandeliers by Thabisa Mjo hang interspersed with simple industrial pendants.

The atmosphere reflects South Africa’s triumphant creative spirit. Amplifying this, is the sensitivity to the past and the significance of the location. Constitution Hill used to be the place where South African struggle heroes were detained; this troubled history is acknowledged by leaving the exterior untouched and the entry passageway untreated. Sections of exposed brick and broken cement have been left visible between the panelling and furniture.

The message is undeniable: the past has been honoured by integrating it into this space of profound change. The overall result is a celebration of South African contemporary design and proof of what can be achieved through vision and creativity.