Active regeneration : Re-activating Johannesburg's mining belt through a contextual regenerative theory

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the latent potential of the mining belt in Johannesburg through a regenerative theory, by placing a catalytic intervention which respects the heritage of the mining belt, with a focus on the ecology and the socio-economic value of the land has, thereby turning a liability into an asset. This intervention is seen as the first point of acupuncture in a long rehabilitation process and focuses on using this space to deal with context specific issues.

The proposed intervention will investigate the potential of architecture to activate a harmed dormant space in the realm of a decentralized city node. It recognizes the potential of the currently fragmented mining belt to become a gateway to the South of Johannesburg, and embraces an opportunity to restitch the urban fabric.