Loftus metrorail station : from barrier to catalyst

Abstract

South Africa is more than ever, in need of a public transport system integrated within its surroundings. A successful transportation network needs an environment where users can change transport systems with ease and peace of mind. The ultimate goal is to achieve a pedestrian orientated city. This dissertation will attempt to address these problems by redesigning Loftus Metrorail Station located in Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa. Within the transport node, Loftus station, the challenge is to combine the different movement systems intersecting at this point, reinforcing connectivity and accessibility. The transition from public to private needs to be clear and legible - this can be achieved through the appropriate design of the building interface, and clearly defining spatial boundaries. The sense of place is lacking in this area, already containing various landmarks associated with Hatfield. These landmarks assist with the legibility of the project area. This orientation device assists with ease of movement and circulation within the area. The defragmentation of facilities in the Loftus precinct area is due to the large scale of the city block. Loftus station becomes a barrier between the University of Pretoria and Loftus Versfeld Stadium. It is an isolated site – dislocated from its surroundings. The lack of facilities has lead to the station becoming underutilized and dilapidated. By dividing the study area into human scaled city blocks, the area becomes manageable. This division reinforces already existing pedestrian movement patterns. The activation of edges and transparency of the structure ensures a secure environment. The different movement systems at this node influenced the design and choice of materials used in the project. The user requirements had to be satisfied. The careful integration of commerce within the station and surroundings ensure not only a transition space, but also a controlled and activated destination place.