Dualisms in modernity : a machine for learning in

Abstract

This dissertation is rooted in the theory of time and place and it considers the built environment through the lens of past, present and projected future evolution. The project examines various themes of dualistic study within the broader subject of time and change. Pertinent to the 21st century, the interface between man, technology and architecture is investigated in an examination of how architecture can intervene in the process of perpetual modernisation and the benefits or compromising attributes it has on man. Additionally, the relationship between old and new built fabric in architectural heritage is studied and a mediative architectural approach is proposed. Also, the dual construct of permanence and change in architecture is investigated. At the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution, where the physical- and the cyber worlds are continuously interwoven, a re-examination of learning models and the volatile situation of higher education in South Africa is conducted in anticipation of what technological advancement continuously presents and the impact this has on man and the built environment. The site of the Government Printing Works embodies a comprehensive intersection between time, change and architecture with a rich development history spanning over 120 years. The block tells the story of function, production and dissemination of knowledge, and this intangible heritage is commemorated by the proposed programme of a T.E.L. (Technology-Enabled-Learning) Centre that blends physical and virtual learning environments and where knowledge is distributed in a ubiquitous manner.

Hierdie studie is gegrond in die teorie oor tyd en plek en dit beskou die bouomgewing deur die lens van verlede, hede en geprojekteerde toekomstige evolusie. In die wyer onderwerp van tyd en plek word verskeie temas van dualistiese studie ondersoek. Met toepassing op die 21ste eeu, word die koppelvlak tussen die mens, tegnologie en argitektuur ondersoek, deur 'n studie oor hoe argitektuur kan ingryp in the proses van onophoudelike modernisering en die voordele of nadele wat dit inhou vir die mens. Daarbenewens word die verhouding tussen ou en nuwe geboue bestudeer en 'n bemiddelinde argitektoniese benadering word voorgestel. Verder word die dubelle benadring van vastheid en verandering in argitektoniese elemente ondersoek. Aan die omvang van 'n vierde industri?le revolusie, waar die fisiese en die kuber w?relde voortdurend verweef word, word 'n herondersoek van leermodelle en die huidige wisselvallige situasie van ho?r onderwys in Suid-Afrika gedoen, in afwagting van wat tegnologiese vooruitgang voortdurend bied vir die mens en die beboude omgewing. Die terrein van die Staatsdrukkery verpersoonlik 'n omvattende kruising tussen tyd, verandering en argitektuur met 'n ryk geskiedenis van ontwikkeling wat strek oor meer as 120 jaar. Die blok vertel die verhaal van funksie, produksie en die verspreiding van kennis, en hierdie nie-tasbare erfenis is herdenk deur die voorgestelde program van 'n T.A.L. (Tegnologie Aangedrewe-Leer) Sentrum wat fisiese en virtuele leeromgewings saamsmelt en waar kennis versprei word in 'n alomteenwoordige wyse