Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes special study report entitled : Morphological study of civic open space in Hong Kong. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

M. Arch.

This thesis investigates a problem common to many building types--the problem of accommodating audiences gathered for the purpose of viewing an event. It is not an attempt to design a specific facility to accommodate a particular type of event and audience but, instead, an attempt to define criteria applicable to a wide range of spectator seating problems and to establish methods of utilizing these criteria to generate solutions to specific design problems. By definition, a spectator is one who looks on or beholds, especially one witnessing an exhibition. Briefly stated, the problem consists of providing the best fit between the spectators and the spectacle being viewed. The author contends that all of the elements of this problem (spectator, spectacle, and any resultant fit) are easily quantified and hence subject to computer simulation and solution. The primary purpose of this thesis is to investigate the characteristics of spectators and spectacles, establish design criteria based on these investigations, and utilize these criteria to write a computer program capable of generating and evaluating solutions to spectator seating problems. The body of this thesis is divided into three parts. The first (Chapter II, The Spectator) analyzes some physiological characteristics. The second (Chapter III, The Spectacle) investigates the geometrical characteristics of spectacles and their effect on audience configuration. The third (Chapter IV, Computerized Seating Design) describes a computer program which generates and evaluates single-tier seating solutions for arena-type events. / M. Arch.

M.S.

An investigation of Roanoke's particular needs and potentialities for a civic auditorium was the initial step in the development of this thesis. Members of the city government, members of community organizations, and other interested citizens were consulted as to their views on the facilities required in the proposed structure. The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority offered constructive suggestions concerning the site selection. These interviews revealed the need for three principal facilities: (1) an arena for 6000 persons to accommodate conventions, trade shows, and sporting events, (2) a concert hall for 3000 persons, and (3) a little theatre with seating for 600 persons. Perhaps the major aim in the design of this civic auditorium has been the desire to develop a harmonious grouping of these three major elements, and the desire that each building should present from.the exterior a clear, honest expression of its function. This latter desire brought about in each of the buildings a close relationship between structure and function. The structural systems have resulted from the architectural concept and approach to the functions of the buildings. Technical and functional considerations have been discussed in detail, and drawings have been prepared to thoroughly explain the final design. / Master of Science

M.S.

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

Thesis (MTech. degree in Architecture (Professional))--Tshwane University of Technology, 2012. / The location of Mamelodi in close approximate to new developments of the eastern part of Tshwane makes Mamelodi a very attractive place for persons from rural areas seeking a better life. Although this area formally designated as a 'black townships', public infrastructure and community services do exists but access to certain civic and educational services are restricted. The proposed intervention aims to provide the community with access to the currently inaccessible civic and educational services by the introduction of a new Mamelodi East Thusong Service Centre and Information Resource Centre at the existing Pienaarspoort Railway Station in Mamelodi East. The proposed intervention acknowledges public space in an African context; the market street as public space typology and the informal trader as urban and architectural client by providing facilities required for a self-sustaining community. The activity driven intervention aims to evoke a sense of belonging to its user by establishing a dynamic, meaningful and unifying experience. A place where public space becomes the foreground and buildings serves as a mere backdrop for human activity.

In the field of architecture the socio-cultural factors have been deterministic in the formation of place, conditions within them and consequently, social relations. Sociologists, anthropologists and environmentalist have advocated that buildings are essentially social and cultural products - King (1980), Rapoport (1969; 1976; 1977) and Bartuska & Young (1994). Architecture that addresses the human socio-cultural factors has been advocated to make a significant contribution to human life; it fosters a sense of belonging, well being and involvement. South Africa has endured years of colonisation and apartheid ruling, this has also reflected on its built environment. It was planned and designed to communicate and reinforce the dominance of the ruling regime which thus transformed the local populace by incorporating them into their political, economic and social value systems. The political shift of 1994 has however (from apartheid to a democratic ruling state) facilitated a renewed interest in acknowledging peoples differences, their unique characteristics and celebrating the diverse nature of a heterogeneous society. The democratisation of South Africa has brought about a major shift in the social and cultural context of the society which in turn has affected the built environment and architecture. It is in this context that this study explores the nature of the transformation, its ideals and principles so to inform the making of environments that help uplift the populace and to integrate our multicultural society while simultaneously celebrating, facilitating and accommodating the diverse cultures of the groups within it. Thus as professionals involved in the design of the built environment, there is an urgent need to identify and understand the socio-culture of society due to the political shift in South Africa in order to orientate in the right direction towards playing a role in the democritisation of South Africa. Hence the topic: The role of architecture in the democritisation of South Africa. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Typescript. / Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1972. / Bibliography: leaves 225-229. / ix, 229 l illus., maps