The purpose of this research document was to determine a relevant response and appropriate architecture for the design of a School of the Digital Arts for Durban, South Africa. The nature of this architecture was generated through the investigation of current literature, case and precedent studies and personally conducted interviews with a number of informed professionals. The reason for these recommendations was ultimately the design of the facility for research and education, the goal was always the eventual application of the findings into a design. The proposed design aims to establish a centre to educate and showcase digital art, media and associated technologies and in turn improve the status of art and design in Durban. The design is strongly connected to present digital media, information and communication and the possibilities that they hold for the future. The close connection to the industry is one of the principals on which the school is based and therefore the siting of the proposed design became important, it attempts to add to the urban domain and development of the southern part of the Florida Road Precinct by enhancing diversity and a creation of a gateway into the precinct. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. 2008.

Abstract available in PDF. / Thesis (M. Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

The Rorke's Drift Art and Craft Centre is examined in its historical context. In order to place the pottery workshop in the context of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Arts and Crafts Centre, the history of the centre's other workshops, Fabric printing and Weaving as well as the Fine Art School will be compared and contrasted. The pottery workshop is investigated and compared with the printmaking of Rorke's Drift. A selection of Rorke's Drift ceramics from the Durban Art Gallery's collection has been selected and examined to determine some of the stylistic changes that have occurred in the Rorke's Drift Pottery studio from 1970 to 1994. Fifteen works appear in an illustrated catalogue which examines the imagery and stylistic content of each work. The similarities between the prints of Rorke's Drift artists and the ceramics are explored; gender issues are analysed. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005