[preserve - integrate - intervene] : progression at the Pretoria West Power Plant

Abstract

This thesis is about the adaptive reuse of an old turbine hall at the Pretoria West Power Plant. As part of a proposed urban framework the Power Plant is developed as a node that connects the Pretoria CBD to Atteridgeville. The driving concept generator for this scheme is the idea of progress. The Turbine Hall has progressively been extended over time. This progress is demonstrated through increasingly dominant new interventions which also demonstrate where the building opens up to the public. A program for the building is based on the results of site analysis, and in response to the urban framework. This program stimulates progress for people by creating a place that supports the production of entrepreneurs and encourages economic upliftment. The adapted building will contain an affordable housing component, rentable workshops, training facilities where people can learn business skills and crafts, a large artists’ studio, a restaurant and an arts and crafts exhibition gallery. These functions support each other and create and environment where people can live, work and socialise.