Umhlanga - From the Reeds

Abstract

How can architecture create symbiotic relationships between the integrated social, economic, production and ecological realms which it resides, in order to remedy the currently dichotomous relationship? Sugarcane milling in Durban has overrun landscapes, produced segregated urban environments through urban development and constricted natural ecosystems throughout the coastal edge. The dissertation is an exploration into a paradoxically regenerative, conservative and restorative approach to coastal planning and development, in an effort to restore the current dichotomous relationship between man, nature and industry and prevent the current projection to conurbation of the coast. Where planning has failed, architecture will individually respond and in turn influence future and present planning patterns. In an effort to redefine the industrial nature of Sugar production, the investigation is contextually placed on the periphery of the Umhlanga precinct, bordering a conservation Hawaan forest and Ohlanga estuary, within a currently operating sugarcane plantation which is redefined through regenerative and restorative catalysts for currently fragmented landscapes. The programme, which is placed within the framework of the Sibaya Precinct development, changes with the chronological development of the extended site- from a primarily Eco sugarcane mill, sustainably processing and producing sugar, as well as celebrating and conserving the adjacent estuary, to an indigenous plant seed-bank , used for the restoration of future developments taking place on exploited sugarcane plantations. The architecture integrates social, conservation, productive and natural spaces, forming interdependent symbiotic relationships, remedying the current dichotomous dialogue between them.

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, milling, regenerative, conservation, restorative, dichotomous, conurbation, industry, production,