Compact Habitat Adapt: Responding to Densification Practices in the Historical Centre of the Post-Apartheid City

Abstract

Compact Habitat Adapt looks towards an urban development, which can re-establish relevance into the core of cities, through functionality and holistic sustainability. Cities in South Africa share a complex history, one that is conserved in its architecture. The preservation and conservation of the built fabric have formed an assertive role in suburban sprawl and decentralization. The cities are left stagnant-unable to adapt or change to the needs and problems faced today, and very concerning problems predicted in the future. Vacancy and urban decay have become the identity of these cities as paradigm shifts occur. The obsolescence caused by the pursuit of a former identity of South Africa. The dissertation looks towards an architectural realm of the future, where architecture can no longer serve as an object, but an adaptable habitat. One that does not become obsolete in time, but grows and transforms with the changing city. It does not follow the principles of new and standing alone but merges with the existing. It becomes a collection of components, much like a machine, filling in the spaces between. Repurposing and reinventing the existing towards spatial, social, and environmental sustainability relevant to the present and future needs. Church square in the city of Pretoria translates the concerns of an urban fabric that has in some terms become irrelevant. The area shows an opportunity for further investigation of an architectural intervention that questions the current state of the city and its development policies.