Adaptive reuse of the Agrivaal Building

Abstract

This project stemmed from the idea of abandoned buildings prevalent in the City of Pretoria. It also responds to the increasing eff ect of environmental damage becoming evident worldwide. As part of the solution, this dissertation explores the adaptive reuse of the existing Agrivaal Building in Pretoria, South Africa. The early Modern, Art Deco infl uenced Agrivaal Building has been left dormant for a number of years, with the intention of being renovated and brought to life. However political and sensitive debate has hindered the progress of the abandoned building. This project envisions the revival of the building, through an intervention that is mindful of pertinent environmental issues, as well as respecting existing cultural heritage. The investigation includes principles of heritage and environmental sustainability, as main design informants of the proposed new headquarters of The European Commission in South Africa. This will entail research on the existing building and ways it can be appropriated to mitigate issues of environmental damage. The proposed intervention will also respond to the identity of the European Commission in a South African context.