The design of a church complex in Port Elizabeth: a sacred place for community
- Authors: Wright, Matthew Stewart
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Church buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Church buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39054 , vital:35027
- Description: This treatise is concerned with the design of a church complex in Port Elizabeth. Its departure point stems from the author’s interest in contemporary church architecture and the concerns for its typology in the context of Port Elizabeth. The research begins with an investigation into the nature of church architecture, where the underlying principles relating to its diagram and expression are identified. These principles are then explored with the aim of understanding their nature and deriving some initial conclusions for the design. Following this, the principles are used to discuss and scrutinize identified precedents, which lead to further design conclusions. During this investigation, some preliminary spaces are pinpointed from these precedents. These are used, in conjunction with additional spaces found in a further study, to develop the programme for the building. Here, the components, the users, the spaces and the final accommodation schedule for the design are discussed. Following the research, the physical context for which the design is positioned is examined. Here, the criteria for the site are set up from the research findings, which lead to the selection of the site, and both the precinct and the actual site are analysed. From this, the various resultant constraints and informants are used to provide an urban framework, within which the design is to be positioned. To conclude, the final design can be described as a multifunctional church complex that expresses itself humbly within a natural forested setting in the heart of the community of Walmer.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The design of an aquaculture facility on the Keiskamma River at Hamburg, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Scholtz, Jeanne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Aquaculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5280 , vital:20836
- Description: This dissertation addresses the nature and potential of an intrusive architectural typology in a sensitive river estuary environment through an understanding of the functional design principles of an Aquaculture plant. Furthermore the research engages with cultural, historical and sociological objectives to celebrate the historical landscape. Hamburg is caught between its value as a historic wilderness and it's need to establish and maintain an economy to alleviate poverty. The project is conceived as a provocation and speculation on how these two demands may be hybridized as an alternative to the typical conservationist practices applied. Proposing a type of hybrid ecology where industry and endemic wildlife can not only co-exist but also be mutually beneficial.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The design of a mini-bus interchange for Njoli Square, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Nteleza, Simtembile W. J
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38923 , vital:35013
- Description: The overarching concept for this thesis is to identify means of architecturally assisting underdeveloped communities reach economic maturity by manipulating existing - or introducing new development methods that contribute to the economic development of a geographical area. In order to demonstrate this, a catalyst programme is identified, namely the Mini-bus transport interchange, which already exists within the township fabric in an underdeveloped state. The programme possesses the potential to fully realize architectural design potential, while introducing new ways of approaching developments in the township and ways of creating harmonious balance between man-made - and natural structures in a community which was systematically designed around rejected natural structures.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The design of a new passenger terminal for Durban Harbour
- Authors: Tyson, Dave
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Harbors -- Design and construction Harbors -- South Africa -- Durban -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38975 , vital:35016
- Description: Cruise holidays from Durban Harbour to Mozambique and Mauritius have been popular for many years but have increased dramatically in recent years. Due to the encroaching industrial development of the terminals location, the experience of arrival to the current passenger terminal is one of being exported (human trafficking), as opposed to that of going on holiday. This image is enhanced by passengers sitting on cheap plastic chairs while they wait for their number to be called. After which they journey through a series of makeshift partitions before standing in front of a photograph of the ship to have a photograph taken. This causes a rather depressing boarding process and the traveller only begins to experience the holiday vibe once on board the ship.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The design of a taxi mini-bus transport interchange for central Mthatha, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mcoteli, Jamandile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Transportation buildings -- South Africa -- Mthatha -- Designs and plans Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Mthatha -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39021 , vital:35017
- Description: Public transportation, i.e. busses and minibus taxis provide an essential service to the public, especially low-income groups as they service a greater portion of this population, offering several benefits such as accessibility, cost, reduced travel time, etc. The taxi industry, particularly in South Africa was previously highly unregulated and a marginalized public service. However, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders and critical review of the issues involved, a change in that regard is imminent. The focus of this treatise is the design of a multi-modal public transport hub and traders' market in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The treatise emerges from a concern with the inadequacies related to provisions for public transportation and informal trading in South Africa and the implication of those inadequacies on the urban environment. Firstly, the research attempts to understand the role of transport in South African towns and cities, with specific focus on the spatial urban character of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, using various literature sources to support theoretic viewpoints. Secondly, it will analyze the essential nature of public transportation hubs in Mthatha and their role within the urban context, achieved through extensive on-site data gathering, field work, interpretation and analysis. Thirdly, it will explore and resolve the architectural issues involved in the design of a new multi-modal transport hub and traders' market in the town of Mthatha through exploration of precedents within the discourse. An investigation of all the regulations, guidelines and by-laws governing public transport and “informal” trade in South Africa will be conducted. Finally, through research, formulate a background or a theoretical discourse against which Henri Lefebvre's (1974) theory of 'Production of space' will be discussed, as a way of supporting the premises put forward in this treatise. The architecture that emerges from the research and design process is to be cognizant of local culture, heritage, identity and place through an awareness of the need for sustainable design and building techniques to produce appropriate architectural responses.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The design of formula one pit complex for Cape Town
- Authors: Erlangsen, Ashly A
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Racetracks (Automobile racing) -- South Africa -- Cape Town Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39032 , vital:35022
- Description: The last time a Formula One Grand Prix took place in South Africa was in 1993. In recent years, there has been a real interest in bringing the event to Cape Town and several proposals have been put forward to the City of Cape Town. Unfortunately, they have all been unsuccessful for various reasons, but mainly, because of the large financial costs involved. The cost involved to build all the infrastructure required for the event is usually reserved for developed, wealthy countries. Despite the positive role that a major event like this can have on the image of a city, there is resistance to invest money into a stadium or sporting infrastructure, which has the sole purpose of serving one big event like a Grand Prix. This treatise therefore focuses on the design of a multi-functional pit complex for a Formula One Grand Prix Street Circuit in Green Point, Cape Town. As an architectural example, which explores the potential of an adaptable approach to creating a long-term, economically sustainable piece of event infrastructure. The design includes all the necessary requirements for a facility of this nature including, a media centre, pit garages, race control centre and hospitality lounges, but adaptable, so as to function within the context of the Green Point area between annual Grand Prix events. The aim is to investigate the issues relating to Formula One Grand Prix as an event and the impact it has on a city. It will further endeavour to conduct a comprehensive study of the context of Green Point so as to gain an understanding of suitable, viable activities that will form part of the pit complex when the race is not in progress. Research into the creation of a structure formed by interchangeable building components and demountable connections are undertaken so as to promote the possibility for future transformation. As a result of this multi-functional, adaptable approach, the building is used all year round. This effectively reduces maintenance costs associated with infrequently-used buildings and allows for the sustainable use of the infrastructure, as a public asset, when the race is not in progress.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The redevelopment of the railway station Noupoort, Northern Cape
- Authors: Moore, Maré
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Railroad stations -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Designs and plans Railroad stations -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38907 , vital:35012
- Description: This treatise is a redevelopment of the role of the railway station on in the Noupoort because of the reduced industry and resulting economic influence it had on the town. The project developed from an interest in the rural community and it aims to revitalise and integrate the town. Using observations made from site visits and available literature an investigation on was conducted to understand the context and the community. It was found that there is a need for community functions and economic growth. Through urban integration in the centre of the town, community facilities along with skills training can be developed in order to facilitate trade with tourist through the railway connection. As a result a community and tourist facility are designed this connects to the railway and forms an urban link within the town.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Holistic juvenile justice centre: the design of a one-stop juvenile centre in Windhoek, Namibia
- Authors: Saunders, Dylan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Juvenile detention homes -- Namibia -- Windhoek -- Designs and plans Juvenile detention homes -- Buildings, structures, etc..
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39144 , vital:35048
- Description: The promotion and protection of children's rights has since independence been a 'political commitment within the country to improve the situation of children1.Namibia has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, whilst the Child Care and Protection Bill has been submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation in 20102. Both seek to protect the rights of the child through a holistic approach. However, scepticism and uncertainty still pervades amongst the involved professional fields3. This can be attributed to the history of war and apartheid in Namibia, as well as social pressures of poverty and colonial legislation. Despite the adoption of national legislation respecting children's rights, difficulties in implementing the required procedural framework have placed Namibia at odds with international precedent4. In contrast, South Africa has developed specialised One-Stop Youth Justice Centres intended to promote the efficient operation of the juvenile legal system as part of promoting the rights of children5. Relying on inter-departmental cooperation, these centres are able to render comprehensive services to children in conflict with the law. Children are guided through the legal process after their arrest with the intended result of successful rehabilitation and integration into society. The main goal is to ensure that children are kept out of the conventional criminal justice system and only if rehabilitation has failed, will a child be sent to prison where a traditional sentence will be served. To better effect this these centres are to be located in residential areas. In light of international practises, courthouses are increasingly developing as specialised buildings tailored to the provision of the necessary services relevant to a particular type of civic or criminal offense6. Drawing a parallel to this, One-Stop Centres do not accommodate adult offenders, these centres are focussed on providing the necessary services to juvenile offenders and witnesses and victims of crimes committed by juveniles. This type of 'childfriendly' one-stop approach has unfortunately not permeated into the practices of the Namibian criminal justice system7. It is within this context that the design treatise has been investigated.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The design of a visitor education and research centre for Sutherland, Western Cape
- Authors: Du Toit, David Jacob Johannes
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Visitors' centers -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Designs and plans Visitors' centers -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38934 , vital:35014
- Description: The modern visitor centre evolved rapidly with the world wide growth in tourism and its significant contribution to local economies. This new building type has provided many new opportunities for architects to work on small to medium size building with a greater meaning attached to them. However, architects would now have to deal with the problems that tourists bring! How must architects incorporate local history, culture and memory? The visitor centre is the combination of the local tourism office and museum. This new type of building is a combination of those formerly distinct building types which had two separate and different functions. “gateway building” The contemporary visitor centre combines the distribution of tourist/visitor information with the interpretation of particular regions. This interpretation of cultural and natural history links the visitor centre to the local history museum, however whereas local history museums often struggle with expanding collections, limited resources and low visitation levels, visitor centres have been able to attract greater government funding. The media of interpretation also differs dramatically, with visitor’s centres often using multimedia technology to enliven cultural history or educational displays. However they can also suffer from static displays which having been viewed once, discourage repeat visits. What is a contemporary visitor centre? Figure 1: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao. Showing centre as “icon” building. This interpretation role of visitor centres has resulted in them becoming a major focus for visitation. The must-see status of these buildings is often pursued through dramatic form. Briefs for visitor centres often demand an “icon” envisaging that the building will itself, become a marketable destination. Buildings that try and become destinations in themself often run the risk of not promoting the area or location but rather them self. Visitor centres can therefor contribute to the transformation of destinations in both positive and negative ways. They can either help with economic, environmental and cultural revival of regions or they can be involved in changing places and overshadowing the very features they are meant to enhance.
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- Date Issued: 2011
The design of the extensions to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Museum of Art with specific emphasis on the preservation and improvement of the main entrance into St. Georges Park
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Eduard Johannes
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Art museums -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Art museum architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: vital:8155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021224
- Description: The city of Port Elizabeth was established as a British colonial town in 1820 when the settlers arrived. With them, they brought ‘civilization’ from Europe, which can be seen in parts of the historic urban structure of Port Elizabeth as well the art that remains. The largest public space of the old city was St. Georges Park. The current museum buildings are part of the collection of British heritage buildings in a surrounding the park. The park is hierarchically located to align with other important places in the urban fabric. Today the park is used by city members as a sporting facility only. Club members of the various sporting facilities such as bowls, tennis, swimming and cricket clubs enjoy these amenities mostly on a Saturday. The park is also home to the famous Duckpond Cricket Pavilion designed by award winning architect John Rushmere. It is the second oldest cricket club in South Africa and has hosted various first events. The museum however has run out of space a few years ago and proposals have been formed by city officials to connect the existing gallery buildings, which would result in the closure of the gateway into the park while also disrupting the general urban flow and rhythm of the city. Finally, any new museum in South African should try to serve our diverse cultures and preserve a heritage whether pleasant or unpleasant. This type building needs to be a new type of place and be an appropriate symbol of our attitudes towards colonial heritage.
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- Date Issued: 2010
A railway terminus for the inner city of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Scriba, Marco W
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Railroad terminals -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans , Terminals (Transportation) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: vital:8154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016497
- Description: In the late 1980s people and businesses started to move out of Port Elizabeth's Central District (CBD). Businesses moved to the city's edge establishing new business zones, which in turn threatened the existence of the original CBD. Most inner city buildings became derelict and property prices dropped accordingly. Buildings were neglected and vandalized. This resulted in spaces which were unfit for human habitation and encouraged areas characterized by crime. The regeneration of Port Elizabeth's CDB is very important bacause of its historical value and key position. To build the Metropol the historical ideals of the CDB need to be revitalized, giving the city a administrative and cultural core which is both friendly and safe. A few proposals have been introduced to help uplift areas in the CDB. The latest initiative is the upgrading of Govan Mbeki Street lead by the firm The Matrix. Their aim is to create architecture that creates a more interactive, habitable environment. This would be achieved by more pedestrian orientated spaces, natural landscaping and facilitating vendors and craft markets. Future proposals are the removal of railway lines, the Tank Farm and finally the Ore Dumps to allow the city to expand eastwards. This will allow the city to grow and connect with the seafront and the existing harbour. Consequently the development of a new Railway Terminus is central to the establishment of a bay which is consistent with international standards of key marine cities in the modern world. The old station has a beautiful sense of place in Strand Street, as does the Campanile, which is at the gateway to the harbour. Together they offer a unique experience in this historiacal precinct. This offers new opportunities for tourism and trade and the old station would therefore form part of Port Elizabeth's CDB rejuvenation.
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- Date Issued: 2007