Re-Creation - The De-Stigmatisation of a Post-Industrial Site

Abstract

Eersterust, where the site is located, was born out of a series of discriminatory laws and actions by the Apartheid government, with the so-called Coloured community relocated to the area and further segregated by natural and industrial boundaries. The old Era Brick-factory and its quarry was an important economic generator in Eersterust; however, after depletion of its clay resources and various other economic factors, operations were stopped and relocated. After nearly seven decades the heavily worked site was abandoned, leaving a void that fostered stigmas like, pollution attracting crime and other associated preconceived ideas of post-industrial sites. The intention of this dissertation is to address said stigmas through an architectural lens, using architectural theories and other related strategies to revitalise the derelict site and unlock the potential of existing infrastructure and stakeholders, in and around it. Context was the main design informant, with theory to strengthen and support design decisions with regards to programme, urban strategies and, architectural language as as heritage interpretations.