Liquid identity-fountains valley : the origins of a city

Abstract

Pretoria is a city that was founded upon the abundant availability of fresh water. The source of this water can be found in a valley just south of the city centre, today known as Fountains Valley. Here the water surfaces from the depths at two separate spring eyes, forming the origins of the Apies River. Ultimately the Fountains Valley can be viewed as the origin of the city itself – the reason that made it possible for it to exist by providing fresh water of exceptional quality as it still does to the present day. In addition to the natural features, the Valley contains several sites of great historical and cultural significance. Despite their importance they now only serve as markers in the landscape, unknown to many, and bears silent testimony to the events that help shape the city, its identity as a place and the identity of those who reside in it. This dissertation will explore the potential of architecture to act as an agent in reviving the forgotten identity of the Fountains Valley, by redefining those lost elements and in order to truly understand and appreciate the significance of place and place identity and its ability to shape the identity of the individual.