Discovering intent : the celebration of historical intent through the re-ordening of the landscape

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on how both the tangible, as well as the intangible heritage layering of Irene Dairy Farm can be exposed. First, the intangible heritage significance is identified and subsequently reintroduced to the site in the form of the vision and intent of the farm at its genesis. The farm will be reactivated as a productive landscape whilst acting as a didactic model through the public exhibition of innovative food production methods and the effect this has on the culinary experience of the user. The celebration of the heritage significance lies within the reintroduction of innovation through twenty-first century food cultivation methods and the integration thereof into new infrastructure, thereby reactivating the historic intent of the farm as a productive model and didactic establishment. Secondly, the tangible heritage significance was identified as being embedded within the landscape and is expressed as ruins consisting of low walls, storm water channels, forest remnants, tree boulevard remains and historic movement routes. The tectonic approach to the tangible heritage elements of the site links back to the conceptual approach of exposing the functionality and dismembering the structures in order to remember. The historic structures will thus be treated as fragmented limbs to be dismembered in order to reveal the skeleton and function through the subtle intersections of new material and infrastructure. The investigation aims to: Address the loss of heritage significance of the farm on a master plan and detail level; allow the opportunity for skills development in the formal agricultural sector through the introduction of the didactic program; and acknowledge the prospect of sustainable food cultivation methods which is a global and local issue.