Theses and Dissertations (Architecture)

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Architectural education with special reference to the University of Pretoria
(University of Pretoria, 1960) Sandrock, Brian Allan Theodor
This thesis concerns the education of arci1itects, with one of its chosen objects to bring into focus a particular aspect of a broad contemporary problem - the reconciliation of technology and the spirit. Indeed it must be openly admitted that this work was prc~,ted in the first instance by the sincere belief that such a reconciliation is not only possible, but a matter of profound necessity. It is written in the teeth of increasing specialization, fully mindfull of the manifold responsibilities that will befall the architect if he is to maintain his age-old role of bringing together in harmony all the technological, materialistic, and spiritual aspects of human endeavour-; but in the ready conviction that it is entirely for the good that such a high aim be accomplished. It is not intended to labour the wider aspects, since they are well enough known - but it behoves any thinking person to be attuned to the overall state of things aro~nd him, being so enabled to relate the details of his own particular line of experience to the situation as a whole. In the face of a landslide of technological advance, aesthetic and spiritual values tend to become obscured, outdated and ignored - scientific knowledge becomes increasingly impersonal and overwhelming. The pattern of serious thought shifts uneasily in search of equilibrium in the field of relentless new forces; while popular philosophy floats inevitably according to the ebb and flow of circumstances. The educationalist is ever more in need of a wide and steady understanding. Never-the-less, this work is concerned primarily with a limited field-; architectural education, with special reference to the University of Pretoria. As such it demands a quiet assessment of a fairly intimate situation, rather than a global compilation of references and cross-references. In the long run the findings must be a matter of opinion - and it seems that the basic ingredients of sound opinion will be found in quiet and time. The material itself is at hand. Furthermore the compilation of notes will be attempted with due respect for the astrigent qualities of brevity and explicity, albeit at the expense of finer subtleties of meaning and interpretation. At its best the work will be a positive probe into the problem. That it could provide a final and unequivocal answer has never been expected.
Food & the future : mapping food security for urban digital town
(University of Pretoria, 2023-08-01) Davey, Calayd; Van der Hoven, Christo; kylahloots@gmail.com; Loots (neé van Schalkwyk), Kylah-Brunhilde
Urban Digital Twins (UDTs) have huge potential to initiate change but are not yet mature enough to be useable since many aspects of cities, such as social fabric, still need to be integrated within the models. In response to this critique, this study investigates a subset of the social fabric: food security. Food systems are an integral part of the social fabric of cities, influencing community health, culture and identity. This study has a dual aim: firstly, to explore how the social fabric of a city can be mapped and classified to be digital twin ready and ultimately add to the UDT and secondly, to comment on the food security of Hatfield. The study will define food security in a specific taxonomy within Hatfield's context and set the foundation for the research methodology.This report falls within the pragmatic paradigm. Within a pragmatic paradigm, the research design is expansive and uses a mixed methodology that integrates quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The research methods include grounded theory, desktop research, GIS mapping, GIS analysis using comparative methodology, case studies and descriptive statistics. To support data analysis, ArcGIS and Web of Science were used as instruments for data collection and analysis. Hatfield is more food secure than initially believed, however, many possibilities exist to increase access. Since food security has four pillars, it is evident that Hatfield is food secure in some regards and food insecure in others. In terms of the availability of food outlets, Hatfield can be deemed food secure, whereas food security decreases in terms of nutrition. From the maps, two main concerns emerged: Lack of connectedness and lack of nutrition. Hatfield can be classified within the nuanced taxonomy as ‘non-stable, but physical, and financial access to producer with less nutritional food’. Future research should consider mapping the average income and financial ability of residents to understand the affordability of restaurants in the area. Investigating each pillar of food security in more detail, including the cultural layer, would further enhance the understanding of food security in Hatfield. UDTs have the power to redefine African cities, igniting positive transformations. Through mapping and classifying the food security of Hatfield, profound insights have been gained into the methodology of mapping social fabric and the state of its food security.
Topomythopoiesis : the expression and reception of classical mythology in gardens from antiquity to 1800
(University of Pretoria, 2024-04-17) Barker; johan-nel.prinsloo@up.ac.za; Prinsloo, Johan Nel
This thesis introduces ‘topomythopoiesis’ as a distinct genre of landscape place-making that deliberately evokes myths. A theoretical framework was developed to elucidate the relationship between myths and the gardens that manifest them. Based on theories of perception and garden reception, it is posited that designed ‘topomyths’ are not to be understood as physical incarnations of myths, but as compositions of emblematic, spatial and somatic signifiers that summon a virtual landscape. This imagined place is cultivated within the garden dweller through their acquaintance with the verbal and visual representations of myths. When this immaterial dimension of landscape is brought in relation with the sensory – an act of participation – enchantment is felt. This thesis provides the first panoramic history of the continual expression and reception of classical myths in gardens as an exemplary tradition of topomythopoiesis, from its origins in the cult sanctuaries of ancient Greece up to its decline in the landscape gardens of the late nineteenth century. A broad, multidisciplinary literature review of secondary and primary sources was undertaken to write a series of chronological episodes that each focuses on different aspects of classical topomythopoiesis. It was found that the tradition was transmitted through various means: the artistic mimesis of statue and spatial types; the dissemination of the myths (both ancient and re-imagined, both verbal and visual); the collation and elucidation of mythical iconography in emblem books; the visualisation and theorising of topomythopoiesis in design treatises; and the cultivation of participation through poetic and polemic literature and guidebooks. First-hand accounts of garden reception confirm that classical topomyths were encountered through participation to offer glimpses into the virtual landscape of Arcadia. Thus, classical topomythopoiesis serves as an example of a way of place-making that invites a participatory mode of reception that pursues enchantment, and has potential to be employed in the face of the disenchanted world of modernity.
African identity in architecture : Guiding principles for the architectural design of traditional health practices in Gauteng, South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2023-08) Breed, Christina; Stafford, Gary; jkmolebatsi@gmail.com; Molebatsi, John Kagiso
The practice of traditional medicine, in its various forms and to varying degrees, has always been an integral part of the majority of South African’s lives. Among indigenous people, the practice of traditional medicine is highly revered, however, these African traditions were not valued under colonial rule. This has resulted in the largely informal, underdeveloped, and unregulated traditional healthcare sector that persist today. Currently, there are no purpose-built spaces for traditional health practices. The aim of this study is to assess the state of the practice of traditional medicine in South Africa, and through semi-structured interviews, develop guiding architectural design principles for the construction of consulting spaces for traditional health practitioners in an urban context in Gauteng. The following research question guided the study: What are the guiding principles for the spatial and material design of consultation spaces for traditional health practices in Gauteng that can enhance meaning response through a strong African identity? A qualitatively inductive and deductive content analysis of the interviews provided rich primary data for interrogation guided by the research question. The findings reveal that, firstly, the practice of traditional medicine is still pertinent to the indigenous people, including those in an urban setting such as Gauteng. Secondly, there are guiding principles that define the practice of traditional medicine. These include location, orientation, preferred indigenous fractals, steaming and bathing facilities, storage of muti (traditional medicine), outside spaces and landscape, and amabhayi (printed cloths with strong cultural motifs). Thirdly, there are unique colours, materials, and artefacts that are significant to the practice of traditional medicine. Lastly, indigenous healers are facing unique challenges when practicing and performing rituals in urban settings. In conclusion, the study makes recommendations regarding the design process, the arrangement of internal spaces, indigenous symbols, construction materials, the interior décor, the design of the landscape, the construction process, and post-construction maintenance.
Green infrastructure planning principles for improved decision-making at the site development design stage at the City of Tshwane
(University of Pretoria, 2023-12) Breed, Ida; tania@bpla.co.za; Du Plessis, Tania
Globally, researchers advocate the potential of green infrastructure applications to contribute to inclusive, safe and sustainable cities as captured by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 11. Socio-economic urgencies and political agendas often overshadow green infrastructure opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The development and incorporation of implementable, context-based green infrastructure planning principles in spatial planning policies and frameworks are scant in many Sub-Saharan African cities, and so is research on green infrastructure. This study considers the challenges and opportunities that city officials face with green infrastructure planning when enforcing minimum public open space requirements in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. A literature review that focused mainly on green infrastructure guidelines in Sub-Saharan Africa was conducted. The researcher considered the alignment of the green infrastructure guidelines identified in the literature with a policy document review of spatial and environmental development principles in South African national, provincial and local spatial policy documents. In parallel with the literature and policy review process, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 interviewees involved in green infrastructure planning at the City of Tshwane. The researcher followed a co-development process that commenced with the interviews and continued through a participatory workshop with 23 participants, including a pre-workshop online survey and five post-workshop feedback and clarification discussions. Participants included city officials, property developers, and built-environment practitioners, all with many years of experience in the city's land development application process. The findings illustrate that city officials face many complex challenges with the application of green infrastructure, such as poor intergovernmental collaboration; conflicting policies, regulations and frameworks; scarce resources; urbanisation resulting in land invasions due to a housing shortage; and a lack of appreciation of the value and benefits that green infrastructure can provide. The findings further illustrate that local spatial policies have many national, provincial and city planning principles but are not carried through to the site development planning stage. Many opportunities were identified for improved green infrastructure planning, such as streamlining the land development application process, incentivising developers, enabling cross-sectoral partnerships to open up new resource pools to fund green infrastructure applications, and promoting the long-term benefits of green infrastructure. Based on the findings, 20 planning principles are proposed for the city's site development planning phase that overlap with 18 principles in the literature but emphasise aspects of access, safety, quality and cross-sectoral partnerships to co-develop and co-manage green space. These are unique requirements in a Sub-Saharan African context that can assist with the increased sustainability, protection and local benefits that green infrastructure offers and represents in the city. The study demonstrates the value of local cross-sectoral input in green infrastructure planning by following co-design, co-development, co-management, and co-ownership approaches that enable residents to benefit from civic resources and contribute to environmental justice whilst ascertaining the contextual application of research outcomes.
Design Strategies for Informal Settlements towards Climate Change Adaptation in Eswatini
(University of Pretoria, 2023-10-31) Du Plessis, Chrisna; ndlangamandlamusawenkosi@gmail.com; Ndlangamandla, Musawenkosi
Climate change holds potentially serious consequences for low-cost residential neighbourhoods. This implies a need to determine how these areas can be managed so that they have capacity to cope with and adjust to climate change. The purpose of this study was to identify design strategies for informal settlements to adapt to the effects of climate change and continue to function and provide appropriate services to its residents. Resilience Thinking Theory was used as a lens for understanding and dealing with change caused by the impacts of climate change. The study, which followed a mixed method research methodology, consisted of interviews, an observation study, precedent study, and focus groups. Interviews informed the extent of the problem and served to identify the climate change effects to which informal settlements in Eswatini should adapt. Observation studies determined the adaptive capacity of a selected informal settlement, Msunduza, Mbabane, to identify areas that require enhancement to increase their adaptive capacity to the effects of climate change. Precedent studies provided possible solutions implemented in other countries from which lessons can be taken. Finally, focal groups were used to evaluate the design strategies that were proposed in the study by synthesising all findings from the research methods. Empirical findings indicated that climate change has an impact on the environment, infrastructure and buildings. The results further revealed that informal settlements have a low adaptive capacity to climate change. However, there are traces of good resilience of water management systems to flooding in some parts of the selected informal settlement. The precedent study indicated how green technologies have been used to contribute to the resilience of different projects in similar climatic and socio-economic contexts. Focus group discussions identified design strategies for buildings, infrastructure, and resources suitable for the context of Eswatini. The research output was a design toolkit that could serve as a guide to developers of new affordable residential neighbourhoods, formal upgrading of informal settlements, and to residents retrofitting their self-help houses. The toolkit offered in this study is believed to contribute to the development of affordable settlements that will adapt to the impacts of climate change. The study further contributes a framework that can be used or further developed to assess the adaptive capacity of informal settlements to the impacts of climate change.
A critical analysis of the potential impact of higher education on South African emerging building technologies
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Bothma, Cobus; u18005595@tuks.co.za; Botha, Kristel
On a once vacant site in Arcadia next to the heart of the Pretoria CBD now lies a series of buildings that integrate the public realm of the city with an intricate system of a distinctive discipline - architecture. This project is an architectural hub that accommodates CPD conventions hosted by the Pretoria Institute of Architects, as a permanent location for workshops and lectures. The primary aim will be to introduce professionals to emerging building technologies (EBTs) in the industry with events that result in the practical application of new knowledge gained by designers. Presenting EBTs will address the issue caused by conventional building technologies to the environment and add the opportunity for architects to engage in CPD conventions that result in a physical structure. The Apies River that runs through the site presents a key opportunity to expand this project along the route of the river, creating a promenade of projects that were created and tested on site. The effects of the CPD conventions will echo along the river in the form of various installations that benefit existing programmes along the river that are currently disconnected from the natural space. The buildings on site is the epicentre and the CPD convention projects that are created on site and installed at various locations along the river will be connected to the project as the branches of the system. The community is not only meant to benefit from these installations along the route that will enhance current programmes, but from the site itself as it will accommodate the public by creating walkways, ablutions and resting spaces, which will be interwoven with the workspaces to break the barrier between the architecture profession and the larger community. The emphasis will be placed on creating visual and physical accessibility by dispersing the buildings across the site with approachable interfaces. The built form is meant to read as a palimpsest of legible, yet intriguing, layers that are a blend of both emerging and conventional building technologies.
Exploring the dynamics of informal trade and urban identity : a qualitative study of Church Street in Pretoria
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Van Aswegen, Anika; mmmokolane@gmail.com; Mokolane, Molebogeng
This research study delves into the heart of Pretoria's Central Business District, exploring the dynamic world of informal trading scenarios through the lens of interior architecture. The research unveils the intricate spatial routines, rituals, and place identities formed by the informal traders, set against the vibrant backdrop of city life. The study leans heavily on non-obtrusive observational data collection methods, enabling the gathering of authentic insights while respecting the rights and privacy of the traders. The chosen locale for this exploration is the walkable corridor of Helen Joseph Street, formerly known as Church Street, a thriving hub of informal trading activity within Pretoria CBD. Findings from this study reveal a rich tapestry of spatial dynamics and social exchanges, brought to life by the unique blend of sounds, sights, and scents that characterize the urban landscape. From the incessant hum of city traffic to the enticing aroma of braaied mielies, the research highlights the multi-sensory experience of the urban environment and its role in shaping perceptions and experiences of the cityscape. This research contributes significantly to the discipline of interior architecture. By delving into the spatial and temporal aspects of informal trading, it informs the design of inclusive and adaptable urban spaces that respect and celebrate cultural diversity. The study also underscores the pivotal role of place identity in fostering a sense of belonging and authenticity in the urban environment. While the study’s geographic and temporal scope present certain limitations, the depth of insights gathered, and the nuanced understanding developed about the spatial practices of informal traders, make a compelling case for the value of such investigations. As an exploration of the intersection of informal trading, urban interiority, and human-scale design, this study lays a robust foundation for future research in interior architecture within South African cities.
Understanding urban social capital landscapes as an informant of digital twin use-cases in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2024-07-24) Davey, Calayde; Kithue.masu@gmail.com; Masu, Diana Kithue
In the coming decades, Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban growth is expected to be the highest globally (Dodman, D et al. 2017). These small to medium sized cities in Africa will experience rapid growth, more so than in urban centres, making it difficult to meet the requirements of infrastructure and services that can reduce urban risks (Dodman, D et al. 2017). These risks can happen across a spectrum, of varying scale, from everyday small events such as infectious diseases to larger less frequent risks such as earthquakes and storms, constant poverty, climate change and the problems that urban growth brings upon (Dodman, D et al 2017). Urban populations face genuine risks to their health, safety, and overall well-being due to the various challenges they encounter. In order to combat urban risk, urban resilience is required, because urban resilience is the adaptive capacity of a city or urban system to recover from shocks and various stressors such as urban risks (Harrison et al 2014). Urban resilience is not limited to technical and social aspects. Instead, social capital provides the flexibility that is able to support urban resilience and recovery effectively from those risks (Dobson (2017).Understanding the social capital landscape of an urban community offers a valuable means of comprehending the interdependencies and self-sufficiency of that community. This could lead to identifying appropriate and contextual urban strategies to enhance community well-being. Emerging digital technologies could be effective tools to facilitate urban strategies for communities. One such technology is digital twins for cities. Digital twins for cities is the digitization of a city's physical elements, systems, and operations to observe and analyse its historical and current performance and actions (Davey et al 2023). These data driven responsive feedback tools can assist in bridging the gap between implementation and reality. However, most digital twins focus on the physical and technical (technology centric view) dimensions of the city (Ravid & Gutman 2022) such as the technical functionality of its infrastructure, data modelling, planning and management, as well as enhancing those related services (Nochta et al 2020). Nevertheless, this approach does not necessarily take into consideration what people do on the ground, how people navigate their built environment. As such, this approach may miss out on the social capital needs of urban communities and hinder the effectiveness of digital twins technologies in servicing real needs of people. This paper explores how the understanding of social capital could inform relevant digital twins use-cases in South Africa. As such, by analysing the social aspects of a specific urban area, city makers can identify and leverage the opportunities, strengths, and needs of communities to articulate how digital technologies could be deployed to improve the effectiveness of urban interventions and help identify social issues in the city. This paper focuses on a middle-income case study of Hatfield, City of Tshwane, South Africa. Using a mixed-methods approach, this paper maps social capital metrics within a community, and analyses the mapping through a theoretical framework of grounded theory. This mapped information forms the data that can be used to build a viable digital twins city that takes into consideration the social aspect of communities.
The climate change adaptation potential of the historic Burgers Park in Tshwane and its effect on the use of the space
(University of Pretoria, 2023-09-29) Hugo, Jan; nombusomnguni18@gmail.com; Mnguni, Nombuso
Urban parks are found in cities, and cities happen to be significant climate change contributors, accounting for 70% of emissions of greenhouse gases, this puts urban parks in a susceptible position of bearing the burden of climate change effects, which is already evident to a large extent. The report presents a qualitative case study that assesses two present-day urban challenges, climate change and public spaces. This study considers the connection between the use and climate change adaptation potential of urban public spaces by analysing a historical urban public space, Burgers Park, located in central Tshwane, South Africa. The study adopts a mixed method case study research method based on the pragmatism paradigm. The study findings reveal that Burgers Park has been able to adapt to a pattern of rather steady change, attesting to its existence for over 150 years. However, when facing climate change effects such as increased temperatures, to that, add site-specific disturbances such as the Urban Heat Island Effect, littering, and social, economic, and management changes, this park may have an increased climate change vulnerability. However, the climate adaptation potential exists. People continue to use the Park despite evidence of degradation. The study contributes to the risk mapping and climate change adaptation discourse of public spaces, accenting the significance of climate change adaptation in the socio-ecological and socio-spatial spheres of public spaces.
How are the principles of community engagement in architecture, within Public Interest Design, relevant to and applied in our South African informal context?
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Combrinck, Carin; andellek@gmail.com; Kotze, Andelle
Despite the radical political transformation promised in the democratic elections of 1994, the people of South Africa remain adversely affected by the socio-spatial legacies of a segregated urban landscape (Ballard 2021). Architects' efforts to tackle these challenges are often overlooked and marginalised within the broader field of architecture. Although globally, there is a greater awareness of the importance of social engagement and agency in design (Awan et al. 2011). There are various examples of how the principles of Public Interest Design are applied in international contexts, but are these principles relevant in our South African informal context? This study aims to prove that these principles are relevant if applied in our South African informal context and subsequently offers an example of how this can be accomplished. By using the work done by Collectif SAGA architects in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, as case studies, this report analyses their engagement with the project leaders, partners and surrounding community to determine how the aforementioned principles are successfully applied. Data collection was done through interviews with the Collectif SAGA team, as well as the project leaders and partners, and was analysed using a thematic analysis. The study found that through building a strong sense of trust with the project partners, by involving and engaging with various organisations, by stepping beyond the traditional role of the architect as artist and technician, and by building upon a solution to a problem the community has already taken ownership of, Collectif SAGA’s involvement was successful in bolstering projects that greatly benefit the community. Collectif SAGA applied principles of engagement that is recognised as good Public Interest Design practices, thus indicating that these methods are relevant in our South African Informal context, and can be applied successfully.
The architectural heritage of hospitals in the city of Tshwane
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Swart, Johan; pierrehugoart@gmail.com; Hugo, Pierre
Heritage places and architecture in the city of Tshwane are notoriously undervalued and misused. These buildings are at risk of being lost due to a lack of public knowledge and legislative protection. Losing these places to degradation and mismanagement has a major negative impact on the city and the identity and memory of its people. This study contributes to the documentation and valuation of a critically underrepresented historical part of the city, hospitals. The study focuses on whether public hospitals have cultural value, what would be the best way to document this value and importance and how this can be communicated to improve further research. By utilizing various informed methods of valuation and hybrid styles of documentation, the study unearths critical values hidden in multiple hospitals throughout Tshwane. Various themes are identified that connect these public buildings and tell the history of the development of the city, the local narrative of medical practice and technology and the political conflict in the city and its impact on people past and present. The study concludes with extensive findings of heritage value in public hospitals and multiple narratives drawn between buildings, eras, and contexts.
Learning from eKASI : lessons derived from Guga S’thebe and VPUU in South Africa to inform future PID interventions
(University of Pretoria, 2023-12-01) Combrinck, Carin; bila.khulukani15@gmail.com; Bila, Khulukani
This research investigates the experiences of two prominent South African initiatives, Guga S'Thebe, and Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU), to extract key lessons for future Public Interest Design (PID) interventions in similar contexts. Through analysis, this study contributes to effective approaches for marginalized communities, especially in townships. Guga S'Thebe, located in Langa township near Cape Town, is a PID-focused cultural center promoting arts, skills development, and community engagement. VPUU is a comprehensive urban upgrading program enhancing safety and inclusivity in violence-prone Cape Town areas. Both have improved living standards and social cohesion. This qualitative research employs semi-structured interviews, participant observations, desktop studies, social media reviews, and document analysis. Stakeholders, including community members, spatial agents, and project managers, provide insights into processes, challenges, and lessons from Guga S'Thebe and VPUU. The deductive thematic data analysis uses Kim's PID conceptual taxonomy to categorize literature and findings into nine guiding themes for PID best practices. Preliminary findings highlight the importance of a participatory approach, fostering community ownership and sustainability. Involving residents in decision-making empowers them, increasing engagement. Strong partnerships and collaborations with local governments, NGOs, and international institutions have expanded interventions and facilitated knowledge sharing. A multidisciplinary approach recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors, resulting in multifunctional spaces, essential services, and economic opportunities. Ownership is crucial in PID, empowering communities and ensuring long-term sustainability. Active community participation leads to more impactful design interventions. These findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in PID and sustainable community development in township environments
How does the mapping of socio-economic security support digital twin readiness?
(University of Pretoria, 2023-11-30) Davey, Calayde; Van der Hoven, Christo; u18043977@tuks.co.za; Greyling, Tana
Smart city development and data-driven urban management consider urban technologies to revolutionise how cities are managed, constructed and developed. This research study considers one such urban technology, namely utilising digital twins in cities. Digital twin city (DTC) technology is investigated to identify the gap in soft infrastructure data inclusion in DTC development. Soft infrastructure data considers the social and economic systems of a city, which leads to the identification of socio-economic security (SES) as the metric of investigation. The research study investigates how GIS mapping of the SES system in the specific context of Hatfield informs a soft infrastructure understanding that contributes to DTC readiness. This research study collected desk-researched secondary data and field-researched primary data in GIS using ArcGIS PRO and the Esri Online Platform using ArcGIS software. To form conclusions, grounded theory qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics analysis of the spatial GIS data schema data sets were performed. Understanding Hatfield’s soft infrastructure found that citizen-centric social engagement with the SES systems of Hatfield and the integration of these systems in a cohesive manner create a thriving SES system. This contributed to the identification of the integration requirement of DTC development processes in its data acquisition and application processes. The integration of processes and systems is necessary to incorporate the soft infrastructure of Hatfield into relevant DTC readiness. Understanding the interrelationship between the citizen and its environment is where the success of a DTC lies and should form the focus of further research.
Repairing South Africa’s Architectural identity through hybrid high-tech and low-tech emerging building technologies
(University of Pretoria, 2023-07-24) Bothma, Cobus; flaviods.za@gmail.com; Dos Santos, Flavio Mauricio Duarte
In accordance with Low’s Architecture in Africa: Situated Modern and the production of locality, it is highlighted that “the absence of a progressive and advanced construction industry” finds its proportional relations within the continent's lag in technological advancement (2014: 294). Therefore, Africa’s rate of technological development is directly proportional to the rate of development of its construction industry which in turn affects South Africa’s construction industry. In addition to this, South Africa’s architectural discourse seems to have been susceptible to the adoption of many polarising identities ever since the first records of civilization. Its identity has been influenced by a diverse mix including “indigenous domestic architecture (Zulu, Tswana, Khoi), Afrikaner (Dutch) and English settlements, Cape Dutch architecture, Malay architecture (Hindu and Islamic), Republican, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture subsequently ending in explorations of local modernisms, including Brutalism and the International Style” (Okoye, 2002: 382). Understanding South Africa’s complex architectural lineage in combination with limitations around the technological development of its built environment begs the question – How do practitioners within the built environment design for a new South Africa? As human beings, we “behold, touch, listen to, and measure the world with our entire bodily existence” (Schwartz, 2016: xxvi). As a consequence, the “experiential world becomes organised and articulated around the centre of the human body” (Pallasmaa, 2007:64) through architectural expression. Considering that the implementation of a Tectonic architectural language instantiates a tight relationship between human beings and technology, it becomes the grounding element for authentic architectural experiences (Schwartz, 2016: xxvi). With limited research on how the South African built environment could benefit from solving both problems simultaneously, this paper focuses on paving an alleyway to a possible solution. This study aims to investigate what aspects of hybrid high-tech and low-tech emerging building technologies could become a catalyst for revitalising the South African built environment while prioritising the instantiation of a relevant local identity in accordance with its places. It was found that when considering the implementation of a hybrid tectonic language within South Africa’s built environment the development of both high-tech and low-tech emerging building technologies should be exaggerated simultaneously with intentions of finding the best middle ground. Global trends associated with advanced manufacturing, digital fabrication, automated construction, prefabrication etc. should be explored and studied in close proximity to the potential in eco materials such as clay, thatch, cork, bamboo etc. Examples of what this would look like are as follows: - 3D printing adobe wall systems - Advanced manufacturing of composite thatch insulation systems - Digital fabrication of clay building systems
Enabling integration : arcades as a tool for integration and universal accessibility in Pretoria Central
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Vermeulen, Abrie; u16013663@tuks.co.za; Jonker, Hendrik
Individuals living with impairments (ILWI) represent one of the most marginalised demographics within societies. The inevitability that nearly everyone, at some point in their lives, will experience a temporary or prolonged period of impairment (WHO, 2022), should prompt us to take proactive steps towards designing buildings and cities that are not only equitable but also embraces and celebrates diverse skills and abilities. To initiate progress toward a more inclusive society, the fundamental realisation is that “disability” is not a medical or functional condition requiring treatment. Rather, there are societal barriers that disable individuals from accessing opportunities and participating fully in society (Husén,1995). The responsibility falls on the community (and by extension - architects) to choose whether they disable or enable individuals and, by extension, foster or hinder the process of integration. This project critically examines the prevalent practice of locating facilities for enabled individuals on the outskirts of communities, leading to their isolation from society. In these cases, the enabled community persists in isolation, while societal prejudices endure. At its heart. The project aims to address the prejudice and unfamiliarity that the public experiences towards the enabled community, as well as the isolation experienced by enabled individuals. The project advocates for a more progressive approach, proposing the integration of such institutions within well-established civic centres to allow for an active public interface. The project introduces the concept of a "shared space," designed in conjunction with essential amenities and support programmes catering to the needs of the enabled community. This shared space functions as a safe haven, allowing enabled individuals to cultivate a sense of identity and ownership in a city that may not be renowned for its accessibility. Additionally, by integrating into existing arcade networks, the shared space serves as a vibrant public thoroughfare and a welcoming point of entry and arrival for all city dwellers. The shared space aims to function as an incubator for integration. Facilitating gradual interaction between the enabled community and the general public, ultimately dismantling societal barriers and dispelling stigmas associated with disability. Fostering a more inclusive, empathetic, and integrated society.
An exploratory study on barriers to implementing household-scale vertical food production in Plastic View, Pretoria East
(University of Pretoria, 2023-07-26) Botes, Karen; jordan.close@gmail.com; Close, Jordan A.
South Africa and the rest of the world are not making satisfactory progress in addressing many of the issues listed by the United Nations in their 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, namely those relating to hunger and malnutrition. These are particularly prevalent issues in South Africa, where many households do not have access to adequate foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Plastic View informal community – situated in Pretoria East, Gauteng – is one such community battling poverty and food insecurity. Urban agriculture has become a “knee-jerk” reaction to the need for household-scale food production. However, ground space is scarce in dense cities and informal communities and is considered more valuable for basic living requirements than crops by communities. A possible solution to this challenge may be food production through living wall systems. This would provide a range of ecosystem services in cities and allow households with spatial limitations to engage in small-scale food production for personal or economic gain. Through an exploratory and interpretivist approach, this study seeks to understand barriers to using living wall systems to support household- scale food production in the Plastic View informal community, and how residents currently view household-scale food production and associated barriers. The study concludes that, while the advantages of living wall systems are acknowledged by residents, affordability, and skill to build or maintain the systems were notable factors of concern.
The Role of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in Informal Settlements
(University of Pretoria, 2023-12) Botes, Karen; u04506962@tuks.co.za; Seeliger, James
The need for food security within informal settlements in South Africa and the world is crucial due to the increase of famine globally. Traditional leafy vegetables offer solutions towards food security in rural communities and informal settlements. This paper aims to understand the roles traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) play and their importance in food security within the Plastic View low-income community. Using a mixed-method research design, this study involved fieldwork to gather primary data through semi-structured questionnaires administered by the researchers in an informal settlement called Plastic View. The data was statistically analysed by using basic spreadsheets and the bivariate Pearsons test in IBM SPSS Statistics software. Plastic View is an informal settlement situated on a large piece of open land, surrounded by residential properties in Pretoria-East. It is home to roughly fifteen-thousand residents. The site was originally living quarters for the construction workers who built the neighbouring church. Through a comprehensive understanding of the crucial roles that the daily intake of TLVs have on food security, encompassing aspects pertaining to nutrition, agriculture, economic value, and various social factors such as enjoyment, culture, and childhood memories, their promotion and implementation becomes increasingly pertinent. This study reveals that preferred TLVs of the Plastic View residents were mainly influenced by the ease of preparation, followed by accessibility, nutritional value, taste, and cultural factors. This study’s findings suggest that factors related to convenience and practicality significantly impact food choices and preferences of the Plastic View residents. These results may have important implications for promoting healthy eating habits and improving overall health outcomes. Wild cultivation and marketing of TLVs in informal shops also contribute significantly to the economic value of these plants in food security. The study concludes that the accessibility to TLVs, their preparation methods and how informal shops supply TLVs play important roles in food security in Plastic View and can be implemented in rural communities across the global south.
The role of innovative building technologies in self-build architecture to facilitate sustainable human development in the informal housing context of South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2023-09-24) Van Reenen, Coralie; ceciliasnyman1@gmail.com; Snyman, Cecilia
Within the South African Human Settlement context there is a growing need for socio-economic development and infrastructure improvement. Social capital, community integration, the local economy, and levels of education are key indicators of citizen well-being in the country. Currently citizens are left wanting when it comes to governmental aid programmes dealing with service delivery and provision of basic housing. Both these areas of concern are not seeing consistent and overall promising improvements. The aim of this study is to establish a basic understanding of the potential offered by Innovative Building Technologies as a possible solution to the infrastructural backlog (especially in the provision of housing and places for economic activities). UN-Habitat suggests that in-situ upgrades to existing structures are the most effective approach to address the current housing challenges (Chenwi, L., 2012). This study proposes self-build practices as a means of achieving such upgrades, involving owners or residents in the planning, design, and construction processes for the upgrading developments. To this end, an improved sense of ownership and stewardship can be fostered, and the country’s development can become a community effort. Within this social climate, the culture and practice of self-build exists in the informal settlements sector with the use of found objects. The proposed relationship between IBTs and self-build architecture is considered to cause a paradigm shift as a new model for South Africans to participate in building their own neighbourhoods in a sustainable manner that is both incremental and uniquely suited to the contextual requirements of each geographical region. The study investigates the regulatory context’s role, including the Department of Human Settlements, Agrément South Africa, and the National Home Builders Registration Council, in shaping policies and influencing the adoption of IBTs within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Findings highlight the importance of promoting and developing IBTs, coupled with the need for greater awareness and understanding of their benefits among professionals and policymakers. Overall, the research underscores the potential of IBTs in revolutionising the South African construction industry, emphasising the need for strategic policy reforms and proactive measures to foster their widespread adoption in self-build typologies. The study began with a literature review to explore the current perceptions of IBTs in both professional and end-user communities. In the second phase, questionnaires were administered to IBT manufacturers. Finally, a specific IBT system was selected based on further research and assessment of its suitability for self-build architecture in a specific typological context.
Understanding public interest design as an architectural tool in Post-Apartheid South Africa : case study of Warwick Junction
(University of Pretoria, 2023) Combrinck, Carin; meganhaese21@gmail.com; Haese, Megan
In spite of significant political changes in the nation, the population of South Africa continues to suffer from the enduring consequences of a segregated urban environment, where architecture served as a tool of oppression and control (Landman & Badenhorst 2015, Todes 2015). The efforts made by architects to tackle these issues often go unnoticed and become marginalised, even within mainstream professional circles. As a result, cities face considerable difficulties in attempts to dismantle and overcome the oppressive structures that persist (Landman & Badenhorst 2015). The paper thus aims to investigate how the intentions of Public Interest Design have been frustrated by the lack of local government support within Warwick Junction, in a post apartheid South African context. A case study was executed in Warwick Junction, Ethekwini, drawing on ethnographic data, collected in the field including seven of the nine existing markets in the Warwick Junction transport and trading hub, to create a nuanced understanding of intricate systems at work within Warwick Junction, and how these systems are unsupported by local authorities as a result of globalisation. The insights from this case study highlight the crucial significance of local government in service delivery and citizen support within the framework of post-apartheid South Africa. It reveals that local authorities hold the power to shape the on-the-ground realities, either positively or negatively. This underscores the nuanced understanding of how local government's involvement is vital in addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by citizens, as well as driving transformative change in the post-apartheid era. The ethnographic data collected on site is interpreted through the lens of Public Interest Design (PID), where a nine point design taxonomy set out by Kim (2018) plays a vital role in understanding the important principles considered when designing for the public’s interest. The research explores the complex repercussions of a dysfunctional government system, and aims to understand the importance of local authorities in the implementation of PID (Karim 2018). The comprehensive framework set out by Kim (in Karim 2018) serves as scaffolding for the implementation of PID. However, when considering its application in the specific context of South Africa, particularly in Warwick Junction, Ethekwini, where supportive local authorities are lacking, this case study exposes the need to understand the role of local authorities in addressing exclusionary urban landscapes. The current consequences of an unsupportive local authority hinder the realisation of the theoretical ideals of PID, highlighting the necessity for a nuanced understanding of this relationship. This underscores the complexities of PID within the South African context and highlights the significance of incorporating local identities into the implementation of inclusive design processes.

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