Over the past fifteen years Berlins Potsdamer Platz has experienced a nearly unprecedented level of redevelopment, transforming it from a bleak, empty ruin cut by the Berlin wall to an urban entertainment and commercial complex. Housing international corporations and designed by a slew of world-renowned architects, the site has played a large part in the architectural discourse of post-wall Berlin. Critical scholarship concerning the new Potsdamer Platz, however, has largely neglected the more complicated and discordant attributes of the architecture and planning, regarding the site as a superficial image of contrived urban tourist space and classifying it in a singular capacity. Synthesizing historical and critical texts and images with experiential research and analysis of the architecture and spatial relationships on Potsdamer Platz, I examine the various complexities, dissonances and ambiguities present within the site and the surrounding context of Berlin. Through this exploration I propose a new image of Potsdamer Platz, one that is multifaceted, fragmented and ultimately defined by layered discord rather than singularity.

Includes bibliographical references / The Cape Town city border is expanding due to rapid urbanisation and further expansion is not the solution. The growth is destroying agricultural land and the provision of transport and services is becoming increasingly inefficient. The new suburbs on the edge of the city are comprised of mostly low density housing and present a dull urban environment. There is a need to find alternate ways to accommodate a growing population with efficient use of services and facilities. Denser environments present greater vibrancy. This dissertation addresses the issues around high density housing and how to change South African's negative perceptions regarding density which are based on the lack of parking space, privacy and desire for one's own garden. Perceptions can be changed through transport-orientated design, designing for privacy and the inclusion of balconies or patios. This project also looks at ways to increase a sense of community, which is often lacking in low density areas. The project is sited within the Two Rivers Urban Park, in Hazendal by the Black River. This area offers a unique opportunity for Cape Town to densify existing areas near the city and redefine how Capetonians perceive rivers, which are often viewed as the 'backyard' space of the suburb. Rivers are neglected, polluted and used as dumping grounds. This dissertation attempts to change this perception and to provide opportunity to celebrate the rivers. The outcome of this dissertation is an infill project and a catalyst for potential density development in the area. The project surrounds the Hazendal train station. It includes a social housing section with community facilities; a new train station entrance with a community hub; private plots, and market-related housing facing the Black River. The proposed design for the dissertation could set a precedent for ways in which to densify existing low density suburbs near to the city centre.

Includes bibliographical references / Our cities to a great part consist of a large amount of already built fabric and this dissertation shall address this as an area of concern, encouraging the transformation of existing buildings, rather than building anew. Furthermore, the dissertation focuses on the universal issue of 1960's concrete frame buildings and investigates the potential for their continued re-use rather than demolition. This falls within the current discourse around the negative impact of the built environment and its contribution to climate change, and forms the backbone of the intended research. While progress has been made towards achieving urban sustainability in practical and conceptual terms, cities are still unsustainable. Buildings have a large negative impact on the environment in terms of the natural resources and energy that they consume, as well as the CO2 emitted throughout their lifespan. For environmental, architectural and economic reasons this dissertation investigates the applicability and process for the transformation and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings - to retain the existing embodied energy, while also focusing on adapting buildings to become more energy efficient. It is difficult to develop a fixed set of rules for retrofitting or rehabilitating existing buildings as they are all unique by definition. However, the general idea of retaining the embodied energy and actively engaging with the existing should be apparent throughout, encouraging environmental consciousness and bringing new life and purpose to the building. In the case of the Christiaan Barnard Hospital, this was done through retaining the bulk of the existing concrete frame (86%), while enhancing the internal quality of the building through the incorporation of light wells and various cuts and punctures throughout. While increasing occupancy wellbeing, this also allows for a comfortable interior climate through passive means and will improve the energy efficiency of the building, which is coupled with the energy savings from retaining the concrete frame. Additionally, a lightweight modular steel frame structure with movable mesh screens was incorporated into the building's façade to provide a fresh new look and allow for an interplay between the old and the new, while providing natural light, ventilation and shading. The functional changes in the building also allow for the reintegration of the building into the Cape Town CBD as a building that will now contribute to its surroundings. Thus, the design explores and strives to serve as a precedent for a methodology for sustainable building refurbishment.

The theme of my dissertation is to create the architecture of socially excluded - Higher security prison in Brno. The object uses the areal of brownfield. The building is designed as a round hall strung with the volumes of different functions. The construction system is formed with using a concrete wall in the ground floor and the 1st floor, in the living towers supporting elements - columns of reinforced concrete. Housing is divided into two with sliding half floor. Color solution is mostly gray.

The subject of this thesis is an architectural study of Roman spa and sauna world that connects seamlessly to a specialized atelier with theme Aquacentre - "Water Temple" Brno. The project is located to the upper floors front cupola waterpark, which is composed of monolithic reinforced concrete skeleton and its building envelope brings arched laminated wood trusses. The main task was to create the interior space. The source of inspiration was the whirlpool, which is transcribed into the design of furniture.

The subject of this thesis is the design concept of the architectural study of a concert hall, namely the proposal for a "MUSIC SCENE" - the concert hall for the city of Brno. As part of this study is therefore designed a hall for 591 visitors. Hall enables performances to 90-member orchestra or choir. The solution is also operating and maintenance facilities necessary facilities like auditorium. The main emphasis was put on the acoustic solution, then the overall transparency in the operation of the building and the continuity of the building and the surrounding development mainly to the existing communication system that tries to respect.

The theme of dissertation is to create the architectural study of a Roman bath and sauna World. Spa are part of a complex aqvapark. There is a defined a part of the aqvapark. Dedicated to recreation and clearing the body. I propose a new open space, allowing penetration of light and air. THe area comprising the impression of kontinuity and at the same time the idea of intimacy. Using simple geometric forms allows capturing the important principles of operation.

Reconstruction in the central urban area. Design public urban space objects with new restaurant, the city market and a printer object conversion. Objects and area will contain all the necessary functions associated with the movement of visitors and movement of pasants. An important part of the solution will transform the river embankment. This is a broader vision of the future and possibilities of urban centers with the potential of finding the historical core.

The presented diploma thesis was elaborated as an architectural study of a Central European Forum in Olomouc (SEFO). Campus SEFO will be created as an reconstruction of the Museum of Modern Art (MUO) in Denis street and building in a neighboring vacant lot. The proposal involves urban, architectural, operational layout, design and material solutions objects in spatial context. Within SEFO and MUO they are created each operation - stand-alone units. Objects SEFO and MUO are interconnected. It is necessary to respect the separation of publicly accessible areas of compartments accessible only by employees. Architectural study includes space for exhibitions, library, multi-purpose space with facilities, vestibule usable for exhibition openings and other cultural activities, chamber music performances, as well as facilities for education, technological facilities of the building, the depositary (transport and central), photo studio restoration studio, office space, locker rooms and restrooms personnel. SEFO specific aim of capturing the diverse manifestations of visual culture of Central Europe after World War 2, the building's permanent exhibition, acquisition activity, temporary exhibitions, including larger medium-shows (eg. The biennial or triennial), discussion forums and other supporting cultural events.