Abstract:
This project is a response to the author's passion for sport and his curiosity about the architectural process that is necessary to understand and facilitate the inter-relation of body, mind and soul. The potential influence of physical exercise; its correlation with the metaphysical aspects of the individual and how its influence spills over into the larger context of society is investigated. This dissertation attempts to form an architectural response that is indigenous to the local population, the climate and the existing urban condition and ranges from a thorough understanding of the community to the effective contribution that architecture can offer, based on the concept of ‘Sport for Development’ programmes in South Africa. The primary objective of the architectural response is to amplify the potential of sport as a means to peace building and self-actualization within a society that suffers from the effects of crime and violence. Although popular culture believes in the positive potential of sport, Ramon Spaaij identifies factors and conditions that must be met if the positive value of sport is to be enjoyed. The dissertation incorporates these factors and conditions into a multipurpose 'Sport for Development' community complex. This complex aims to augment the existing sport for development programmes in South Africa and serve as a prototype for future sport for development centres that ultimately includes everyone in the process of reconciliation.
