The need for social integration of South African residents has been and continues to be a topic that is at the forefront of social development in the country. Durban is one of South Africa’s most diverse urban centres due to its heritage and historical background. This dissertation aims to explore the notion of cross cultural integration through a common medium that all kinds of people engage with on a daily basis, fashion (or clothing). Thus, this dissertation deals with the integration of cultures, fashion and architecture towards the creation of a proposed multi-purpose fashion centre for Durban. People represent themselves, their heritage, religion and personal attributes through clothing. From a politician or business man to a musician or a priest; clothing is a means of identifying the type of person one is. Clothing is therefore a representation of cultures. Similarities can be drawn with architecture in the way that it represents the period of a buildings creation or the aesthetical values and technological advancement of culturally contemporary societies. The fashion industry is also one that carries a large commercial weight in all economical sectors making it a relevant and practically sound industry to support. From the design to the manufacturing and distribution of clothing, fashion is a powerful global entity that extends beyond countries and cultures. The research undertaken will comprise of primary and secondary data. Primary research will formulated through the analysis of precedent and case studies together with interviews conducted with relevant people. Secondary research will be expressed in the form of a literature review containing theoretically applicable data. The conclusions and careful combination of these research methods will result in the establishment of recommendations that will dictate a suitable and relevant architectural response to the creation of a fashion centre. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

The purpose of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it investigated the issues inferred by the topic, as how spirituality influences architecture, and secondly, through a critical analysis of a literature review with suitable precedents and case studies, it has set guidelines for the design a meditation centre for spiritual practices in Durban. The importance of such a centre was established by analyzing the architectural qualities that contribute in making a spiritual environment as stated in the hypothesis. Problems regarding the topic were identified as being the lack of architectural character and identity of spirituality. A sense of segregation was felt at various levels in socio-cultural groups through religion and race. Architecture is seen to be a medium to establish a dialogue among these groups by adhering to the need of self-education in terms of spiritual knowledge and practice. The key questions posed were the key elements to the secondary research that included an in-depth literature review based on appropriate architectural theories and concepts leading to a list of architectural design considerations. The theory of phenomenology was addressed by concentrating on the qualities that would evoke and invoke the essence of spirituality in an environment. The study attempts to understand the functional, physical and experiential qualities that contribute in making the spirit of a place. The connection between social and cultural groups was analysed under the theory of critical regionalism that also discussed the presence of nature, apart from culture, in creating an identity. The holistic nature of place and sacred architecture has been an essential area of research in an aim to discovering the metaphysical, symbolic and tactile qualities that enforce the pragmatic functional requirements of the centre. The need for an understanding of the science of meditation and self-education was beneficial in identifying the spatial, functional and spiritual requirements of the place. Symbolism, geometry, form and order informed the desired qualities that are driven by the cosmological science of Vastu Shastra in fuelling the space with positive energy. The relationship between man and his environment was further studied in terms of natural and sensory experiential qualities that would form a serene atmosphere. Precedent studies were carried out in different continents to extract similar aspects among various spiritual institutions. Primary research consisted of case studies where buildings were analyzed on specific criteria. Interviews were carried out with experienced members of the institutions for a better understanding of the spiritual practices conducted and the environment. The outcomes of these interviews were critically and theoretically analyzed. The data collected through interviews and empirical studies revealed some pragmatic requirements of a spiritual environment. The study concludes that man cannot be separated from his environment - he is part and parcel of it. The study concluded that architecture is instrumental in binding man with nature whilst the understanding of the inner self and his senses enables him to become aware of his surroundings. The spirit within connects him with the spirit of the place established when suitable architectural design principles are applied. A holistic environment is then created and is suitable for spiritual practice. Such a place evokes a sense of spirituality. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Durban has often been referred to as one of the fastest growing cities in the world. During the Post-Apartheid years, migration of people from other parts of South Africa as well as African countries to Durban has drastically increased. However, the challenges migrants face in the city vary from mild antagonism, to the difficulties of finding employment, to aggressive xenophobic outbreaks. There is a need for orientation for these migrants to help them adapt and feel more at home in the unfamiliar setting. This research dissertation explores the various approaches to creating a new type of architecture to aid the transition of migrants into the city of Durban. The psychological and social changes that they are experiencing in their transitional state have been translated into a set of architectural place-making methods that explore the possibility of an architecture that orientates and promotes transition, as well as provides a place where migrants can find temporary refuge. The dissertation aims to ultimately result in the design of an original architectural typology; a landmark that facilitates orientation and adaption of migrants, both physically and psychologically, and also educates and promotes inter-cultural understanding and appreciation amongst communities of migrants and locals. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The research conducted seeks to understand man’s relationship with the natural world, and the translation of that relationship into the built environment. Current and contemporary built form often lacks an integrated approach to the natural environment. Seeing as modern man’s lifestyles is increasingly focused on indoor activities and governed by the technological rather than the physical world, the disconnection between man and the natural world grows ever more, with great physical, social and mental repercussions. The research therefore aims at establishing how the built form may facilitate connections to the natural world. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

In modern times it has become common practice for architects to work freely around the globe, Japanese architects in Italy or Italians in China, as universal connections are made easier through modern means of transport. The aspects of identity and culture are important to designers which can be seen in many cities that have long and sustained pasts evident in their architectural traditions and commonly expressed within their historic centers. These are been lost as people are changing the way they perceive and envision their surroundings as globalisation is forcibly imposing global cultures upon local dogmas. As a result, architects often look at international precedent for influence when designing, importing ideas which often disregard local contextual factors in aspiring for global recognition. To understand if these new technological, iconic and trend driven buildings are socially, economically and environmentally appropriate, one must analyse how the respond to their surrounding contextual aspects within the region. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

For the most part learning in museums was by inert looking and listening and not by doing. For a long time traditional ideas of museums were conceptualized on an adult audience and children were expected to enjoy the museum going experience like they were adults. Museum architecture and planning responded more to grown-ups whilst children's needs and their engagement at a museum experience were never considered (see Macdonald, 1996: 2; Fyfe, 2006:5). Museums are at a very exciting juncture in their history and this study has examined these intricate relationships both internationally and locally. The findings is that museums, especially in some developing nations like South Africa have been rather slow to keep abreast with new emerging trends which focus on child education and how children learn in and from museums. This study puts forward the notion of a new museum archetype for Durban, a Children's Museum, re-interpreting conventional ideas of museums to one which places children and the community at the centre instead of the artifacts. In other words "museums are about somebody rather than about something" (Cleaver, 1992:21). Without a doubt children learn through play (Harris et al, 2003). Children view their spatial and social environments as a playground of knowledge, a place to see, touch, feel, taste, listen to, socialize with and learn from. They see the big world very differently as compared to adults and attach and take different meanings and experiences from and to people, to forms, places, spaces and things. Very important is the symbiotic relationship between children and the natural environment. Nature provides children with countless of natural toys interesting textures in the form of stones, leaves and twigs and sensory stimuli in sounds and sensations. This means that the way children learn through play the methods of facilitating this process and the built and natural environments where learning may take place needs to be interconnected. The position taken in responding through design is that there needs to be a holistic approach in responding to the social, cognitive and multi-intelligences in the development of children. This then suggests that the architecture and the landscape need to be integrated. Considering the close knit relationship children have with nature, the concept for the design of the museum draws from traditional African culture and spatial planning. The concept is based on the idea of PALAVER which in African culture is a traditional place of gathering in the shade of a prominent tree canopy somewhere in the village where villagers get to be heard, where they are able to express themselves freely without prejudice on life and on village problems. The design concept builds on this idea drawing from context interpreting this idea of a Palaver Tree to mean a roof of a building under which freedom of expression and exchange of ideas can take place. Hence the form of the building draws on clues from the majestic baobab of Africa, the elegance of the tenere tree and the qualities of a forest canopy. Considering the close link between children and nature and the ways in which children learn from the environment, teaching children about saving the planet, the symbolic imagery and qualities of a tree is an appropriate response in creating a place meant for kids. Moreover, the changing qualities of light through the leaves of trees are a subtle but most effective sensory experience which the design of the new children's museum tries to emulate. In parts of Africa, unlike western ideologies the museum is richly connected to the people and to the communities in which they exist. In fact it’s safe to say that the museum experience was part of everyday life. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Timelessness is an ethereal component of sacred architecture as defined by the belief of man. The spiritual vision of humanity has demonstrated techniques of expressing belief in the existence of a Higher Being within the universe. Various systems of belief, based on religion today, have their own interpretation of their existential being in relation to the cosmos; this is strongly conveyed by means of architecture and built form. Modern interpretations of ancient belief systems have transmitted timeless qualities in ancient architecture. This research is aimed at providing an interpretation of timelessness that is able to capture and portray a sacred identity in built form and architecture. The author has identified a complex inter-relationship between the spirit, earth and the universe, forming a timeless design philosophy. The evaluation of various sacred archetypes in a historical setting has set a foundation to timeless design, which when implemented in sacred Islamic architecture, reveals its timeless elements. The contemporary interpretation of theory in this research has led to a timeless design philosophy, which when applied to any sacred architecture, will reveal timeless design elements that can be used today. This contemporary application of timeless elements or physical representations of belief may stimulate the deep spiritual vision of humanity once again, where qualities of 'ultimate human value' detached from differing religious belief systems enhance the 'collective human experience'. Ultimately leading toward an architecture expressive of unity in multiplicity. / Theses (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the relationship that may exist between architecture and music. This study has two folds. The first is a focus is on the social and cultural aspects which connect the field of architecture and music. In this, view architecture and music may be understood metaphorically. Focus is based on ‘expression’. The second focus is on the principles of composition that exists between the two fields. This part, mainly focuses on a comparative analysis between the ‘form and structure’ of architecture and music. This, as a result, would create an image that would best express architecture musically. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Having been founded on the basis of trade through its port, Durban has progressively evolved and grown. However, as a result of the dependence on the port, a physical and intangible disconnection has developed between the city fabric and *water’s edge. This has manifested itself in the road and rail connection along the Margaret Mncadi Avenue (formerly the Victoria Embankment) creating a barrier between the city and its edge. As a result of this lack of integration, another issue has arisen: ‘lost space’. This space is undesirable and not conducive to a good city image for the central business district. It becomes apparent that with these factors, there is due cause for an investigation for revitalisation and as Richard Marshall suggests in ‘Waterfronts in Post Industrial Cities’, that using the highly visible urban environment of the waterfront as a tool for revitalisation of the area (Waterfront’s in Post Industrial Cities: 2001, 2) and, in the long term - the revitalisation of the city. Studies of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Baltimore’s Inner Harbour and Seattle’s waterfront provide insight as to how these interventions uplifted and revitalised these respective cities. Key outcomes of these precedent studies include the mixed-use nature at the waterfront, connections to the city fabric, promenade, open space and a pavilion-like architecture. Most integral to the findings are the inclusion of all dynamics of people who inhabit the surrounding areas utilising the waterfront, making it both an attractive urban locality and a safe urban environment. The inclusion of the cross-section of city dwellers amounts in the mixed-use nature of the waterfront. It is therefore apparent that on the micro scale, the urban intervention should be of a mixed-use nature, further to which, the dire need for hotels in the region of the waterfront, as well as Durban as a whole, point to an intervention by virtue of a mixed-use hotel. From the investigation into the case studies, the design parameters further outline where the intervention needs to address the street edge and public realm, creating a precedent for waterfront design with the intention of the urban design linking the city and water’s edge. The end consequence of such design parameters would be to make the waterfront physically accessible for the purposes of leisure, recreation and commerce for tourists and Durbanites alike. *water’s edge specifically refers to the edge along Margaret Mncadi avenue strecthing between Wilson’s Wharf and the Bat centre, including the Yacht Basin. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The choices that we make daily, whether consciously or subconsciously, fosters an impression of our personality, mood, and lifestyle but more importantly what we transcend. Similarly our choice of wardrobe, our place of work, play or livelihood, is all fragments of our personality or the image we reflect. The perceived image acts as a visual communicator or a reflection of an identity. This dissertation explored the bridge between fashion and architecture as a visual communicator with the intention of creating a place of identity and expression for the society while understanding its symbiotic relationship. The research set out a framework to establish a platform for South African fashion designers by looking at architecture and its influences on fashion trends and the profound affect vogue has in architecture. The specific reference to case and precedent studies, while gathering information from users in the building, aided in informing the research and its application to the Institute and drawing a cognisant conclusion. The analysis of the case studies and literature review supported the evaluation of the purpose and necessity of a fashion design institute and its place of belonging in society. The architecture in cohesion with the theoretical framework had set up relevant principles which informed an appropriate response to establishing the identity of the city of Durban. The document outlined the relationship between architecture and fashion, while the design proposal augmented the response to its specific requirements. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.