Between the Model and the Lived

Abstract

“Building processes seem best evoked in terms of various forms of endemic uncertainty which, in turn, define an essentially turbulent industrial environment. The pursuit of stability is re-interpreted as ‘unstable equilibrium’ in building processes, requiring constant feedback to maintain control.” (Groak, 1992)

The process of addressing a troubled spatial legacy within the context of South Africa has presented a challenging atmosphere regarding the preservation or reprogramming of urban and architectural space. This becomes a prevalent issue when considering critical urban regions such as Westbury in Johannesburg, where the social and built environment remain in a constant struggle for identity and defensibility.

The need to address this reformation of urban space as well as urban programme has lead this dissertation to question the manifestation of social processes in spatial form. This dissertation hopes to propose a system of architecture and supporting infrastructure that will address existing spatial legacy, through responding to social and contextual issues; leading to a new platform for the sustainable progression of social activity and identity in the form of urban densification.