Urban Foyer

Abstract

The introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit and the Gautrain Rail and Bus facilities to the corner of Wolmarans and Rissik Street in Johannesburg's inner city has altered the site on which the Brazilian Modernist inspired South African Railway War Memorial Hall is situated. The new public transport facilities have bought in new users, increasing the foot traffic on the site. However, the additional facilities on the site remain unchanged and does not accommodate and provide the necessary facilities for its current users. The South African Railway War Memorial Hall sits isolated from the site and the larger context of Johannesburg's inner city, and fails to communicate the energy and unique flavour, that is seen at many urban spaces within the culturally rich Johannesburg inner city. Interior architecture involves the alteration and adaptive reuse of existing structures. The thesis proposes the alteration of the South African Railway War Memorial Hall into a visitor centre for the Johannesburg Tourism Company. An intensive analysis was conducted in order to establish the historical, structural and environment contributors to the design. Visitor centres, relevant precedents, along with the theory of place-making were investigated to establish an effective design approach that will address the identified problem. This resulted in the design of the Urban Foyer. The intervention will provide the necessary facilities required by the current and proposed users. It will also promote and advertise local events, unique urban spaces frequented by locals and popular landmarks. It is hoped that such an intervention will facilitate the integration of the site with its immediate and larger context. It is also hoped that through this integration current and new users will be encouraged to explore Johannesburg's inner city.