Abstract:
The dissertation investigates the production of
resilient buildings as a strategy to future proof
the relevance of NZASM heritage in Sunnyside.
The study specifically focuses on a NZASM
single-family residence located in Sunnyside,
known as House Boeschoten, as a test subject
to prove the necessity for heritage buildings to
generate a high level of resilience in order to
survive imminent change.
Since the rule of the NZASM (Nederlandsche
Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg-Maatschappij)
over the Transvaal ended in 1902 as a result of
the Anglo-Boer War, Pretoria has evolved and
experienced a number of changes (De Jong
1990:223).
These changes-characterized as political
instabilities-have had a detrimental effect on
the historical urban fabric of Pretoria. Many of
the original NZASM builds that occurred during
the regime are currently either derelict sites or
severely underutilized. An attempt to regenerate
the city by the City of Tshwane municipality
through densification and compaction has
further compromised the NZASM rich heritage
in Pretoria, specifically in Sunnyside (Tshwane
2005:5). Single-family residences such as House
Boeschoten are unable to meet the demands
of high density housing, further divorcing
them from their context. If House Boeschoten
is unable to adapt to the changing context,
and restore its relevance within Sunnyside, the
building will be demolished along with the tangible
and intangible memory it holds.
A strategy of combining theory with the indepth
understanding of context is accepted
as a strategy to reverse the inevitable demolition
of House Boeschoten. Resilience is unpacked
as a primary theory in order to understand
the adaptive cycle and how change
is experienced in waves. Adaptive-reuse is
unpacked as a strategy but also a theory that
correlates heritage alteration and adaptive
architecture. Lastly the two theories result
in the theoretical outcome of contingency,
meaning designing buildings that are subject
to change, and encompass change that is
yet to come (Till 2009:46). Context is investigated
in terms of the tangible and intangible,
physically and historical, as to better the
understanding of place. Cross programs are
introduced to test and align with the vision
of creating contingent spaces. House boeschoten
is then reduced to its essence and
reinterpreted through a new addition. The
intention is to move the building from a static
building towards fluidity. The technification of
the new addition produces a design intended
for disassembly, accommodating future
change without compromising the heritage
fabric.
