Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / This paper is an investigation into the cultural spatial practices of the Basotho. The overall intention is to create a new type of public space in Maseru that is rooted in the cultural and social practice of gathering. Located at the entrance of the Maseru CBD, this new public space challenges the traditional concept of a civic building by blurring hierarchical spatial distinctions that create divisions between the citizens and those in power. This proposed space is not entirely a new concept. It is customary in Basotho culture for a chief to call for a village gathering or "Pitso", - a traditional gathering where matters concerning the people are dealt with. The Pitso is spatially and conceptually similar to the Greek Agora in that, it is an open space where social and political interaction takes place. It is a temporary space that does not physically exist but rather comes to be through the act of gathering. Proceeding from this two main questions arise; - what is the position or relevance of this socio-political space in contemporary Maseru and through examination and comparison; can a new version of this space that addresses the aforementioned issues be synthesised? Due to the project's post-colonial context, theoretical ideas concerning the visual representation of African cultures and identity are examined. The design of the Northern Cape provincial government complex by Luis F. Da Silva is utilised as a practical example of methods and design techniques that attempt to foster a direct (and sometimes indirect) relationship with the cultural context of the building. This precedent study leads to questions about how architecture becomes an instrument in drawing out meanings and thus becoming a symbol within its context. Beyond tectonics, buildings posses and acquire meaning through association and function (Goodman, N. 1988). The proposed project therefore attempts to de-construct the inherent political meanings of government buildings by reconfiguring and re-imagining public service space in civic architecture. / XL2018

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

This dissertation is an attempt to understand shopping leakage from Maseru to Bloemfontein and Ladybrand. It investigates the patterns of shopping leakage and factors that contribute to the leakage. Theories were understood to prove the on going shopping leakage from Maseru. The rentral plare theory was explored to show how a hierarchy of plares influenres retail and shopping activities. Other location theories such as theory of tertiary activities was utilised to explore the impact of income, types of employment and buying power on retail location and shopping activities. Rationality theory was employed to verify the rational in the shopping movement from Maseru to Bloemfontein and Ladybrand. The study was based on focus groups, interviews and observation. The patterns of shopping from Maseru to Bloemfontein and Ladybrand are mainly for higher order goods and specialised goods such as quality clothes, shoes, jewelleries, and furniture. However some people who have cars buy groreries from Ladybrand that is closer to Maseru than Bloemfontein. The shopping trips were multi purpose activities. A shopper combines shopping with two or more activities such as banking recreation, hospital checkups, salon and tourism. Maseru does not have enough thresholds for some high order goods and services, and this leads to the shopping leakage. Although the employment rate in Maseru is high, income is generally lower. Shopping leakage was trared to rertain aspects of consumer behaviour, the characteristics of the shopping trip, retail facilities and types of shops available. Socio-economic factors also influenre shopping pattern, as do entertainment activities. Government and corporate bodies such as banks, through their regulations and laws created an impact on the shopping leakage from Maseru to Ladybrand and Bloemfontein. It is assumed that topography and burning of retail buildings in Maseru in September 1998 also limits the retail facilities in the town. Finally, the growth of Maseru is slow and steady, therefore it can be implied that retail trading in Maseru is following the same sequenre as the growth of the town. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.