Revitalised Intersections: The Palimpsest of Durban and its Port

Abstract

The discourse of the dissertation is focused on the near future development of Durban’s premier port towards the year 2048 (Transnet 2019: 37) whilst reflecting on the developmental interest of the city to extend or overlap within port boundaries to create more dynamic and integrated programmes. The dissertation focuses on a particular characteristic of port design related to the architectural discipline being the immediate harbour mouth interface to existing infrastructure. By doing this the researcher is able to outline opportunities or constraints on-site and develop possible building strategies concurrently with available theory. The aim of the study is then to dissect concepts/precedents of harbour/port-city identity and explore how Durban shapes up to other international port-city expansions that deal with modernisation proposals regarding port efficiency, programme and productivity.

The methodology breaks down the main research question and sub question(s) with their particular needs in parallel with the port extension development project envisioned by Transnet and Transnet National Port Authority port expansion documentation (Mpuku 2018, Tnpa 2019: 21-37, Transnet 2019: 19) and from such methods, an architectural possibility arrises by noticing absences in planning and opportunities through the research questions investigated. The intention is to recognise the port as an extension of civic possibility as well as industrial/commercial development that can deal with functionality, architectural innovation and spatial integration issues that spill into the city.

The project seeks to explore challenges and potentials of the site as well as combine and/or overlay programmes and typologies to benefit the fluid nature of constant movement and access around the harbour and the vision is to create a dynamic and inviting urban environment that promotes innovation and trade whilst bringing in leisure, craft, events and conference in a singular space. This living ‘waterfront’ can therefore form basis of a catalyst for the resurgence of an identified seaport.