Abstract:
The objective of this disssertation is to explore how identity of place can be made explicit in an urban landscape. The University
of Pretoria (UP) is situated in Hillcrest, a highly urbanised suburb of Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa. It is within
the long-term vision of UP to expand the main academic campus toward the sports campus, LC De Villiers, in the East. The
current incoherent design language of the eastern wing of the university's campus shows a lack of an initial masterplan. The
site presents multiple layers of urban design issues which this dissertation investigates and resolves. This study proposes to
revive a pedestrian-friendly street-culture along Lunnon Lane where users feel a sense of belonging. It sets out to achieve this
through establishing a permeable and welcoming periphery of the university's main campus. Various urban design principles
were researched and served as guidelines throughout the design process. A synthesis of four main design goals assisted in
the process of decision-making: to reveal lost heritage, to accommodate an adaptable programme, to encourage interaction
and public activation, and finally to encourage stewardship through sustainable green practices. By "student-scape" the author
refers to a landscape shaped by the activities and patterns of the everyday student-life.
