Borderland : residual territory

Abstract

Traditionally, the essence and spirit of place dictated its use. Harmoniously intertwined, physical and mythical attributes were looked to in order to preserve the spirit of place (Genius loci). Today, such a place is the Atteridgeville fresh water reservoirs. Providing an opportune site to reclaim the spirit of place for the contemporary resident. Understanding that the shack typology is not of place but of circumstances - this dissertation searches for an architecture of place in the scene of a democratic South Africa. This study focuses on the provision of cultural, public spaces, based on an approach that recognises established townships as aspiring suburbs rather than dormitory towns.