Rehabilitation assessment of the Pretoria State Garage to fit the Pretoria Technology Park

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThis research investigates the assessment for the rehabilitation of the Pretoria State Garage (PSG) for the purpose of accommodating the Pretoria Technology Park (PTP). The Pretoria State Garage courtyard is comprised of industrial type of buildings, most of which stand obsolete due to a shift in the manufacturing process. These buildings are structurally sound and historically significant. They offer a major opportunity for conversion to attract business through providing relatively inexpensive commercial and industrial spaces to small and medium sized companies. The site is located in the southwest quadrant of Pretoria Central in which a number of sites and buildings are currently being downgraded in the urban revitalisation process, due to preferred, other technologies of construction. The assessment for the rehabilitation of the site evaluates the spatial qualities and the physical forms of buildings in relation to the new user, while the establishment of the PTP focuses on maintaining, elongating and innovating the industrial manufacturing tradition of the site. The incorporation of the PTP on the PSG site is implemented through the fitting process. RESEARCH AREAThe research focuses on the three main areas dealing with: <ul><li> Programming and planning of the Pretoria Technology Park </li><li>Rehabilitation assessment of the Pretoria State Garage</li><li> Architectural fitting process <br></li></ul> 1. Programming and planning of the Pretoria Technology Park The development methodology is employed for the establishment of a sustainable Pretoria Technology Park, which stems from local technology demand, supply and transfer. As a result, different centres are established to provide accommodation and services to major activities of the park dealing with administration, provision of advanced technology services and accommodation for technology-based firms. Individual centres are discussed according to their envisaged spatial qualities and design specifications. 2. Rehabilitation assessment of the Pretoria State Garage The rehabilitation assessment explores the historic significance and architectural values of the PSG. The outcome of the rehabilitation assessment defmes the manner and the degree in which various rehabilitation interventions could be executed. The process includes proposals for the demolition of unwanted structures and elements, investigating the long-term resilience of buildings to be retained and assessing negative physical features of the site. 3. Architectural fitting process Specific dimensions and spatial requirements of both the PSG (physical) and the PTP (intellectual) respectively are compared for the purpose of mutual fitting.