The 4th wall : breaking the boundaries of an existing public space in Pretoria

Abstract

This thesis deals with the regeneration of an existing public square in Pretoria, formerly known as Strijdom Square. The document considers contemporary anthropological and urban design theory of good public spaces and argues that the presence of people is the key determinant in success of public space. The hypothesis argues that public spaces should be designed to draw human activity and accommodate basic human needs and wants including comfort, security and activity. The thesis proposes breaking the fourth wall of the State Theatre through the insertion of a filter building between the theatre and the public square. The proposed design celebrates the performing arts and aims to educate the public about the arts by providing opportunity to experience the magic of the theatre in everyday life. The architecture becomes a filter on every level, allowing visual and physical connections to the theatre and aims to make the theatre more accessible to all.