Marabastad has a history characterized by strife and turmoil on one end and jubilation and decadence on the other. To preserve sanity within these hardships, residents often turn towards music as a socioeconomic emollient to relieve the burdens of everyday life. As a result music (specifically jazz) has embedded itself into the historical narrative of Marabastad and its people. Today, the area is no longer comprised of a homogenous demographic; it is home to a diverse populace of a multi-national origin. What once was a precinct characterized by its strong association with the “timiti” and “Marabi” cultures, it is now composed of a plethora of varying cultures, and as a result - musical genres. This study seeks to identify the historical importance of music within Marabastad, through identifying varying “territories” of the environment which are utilized as a means of promoting music within the region. Once these have been identified, the application of these territories and their associated principles within a built form is intended to provide a social platform for music to be enjoyed, while allowing for the cross-pollination of the varying musical genres which exist within the precinct. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

The study contemplates the idea that, as modern man lives and thrives on Earth, we cannot look with anticipation into the future alone, but we have to integrate our every action with the past. Maintaining a delicate balance between past and future is the major struggle and responsibility for mankind. This is also the case for architecture, for it is one of the elemental ties to our past and to our future, because the buildings are the result of history. It is these connections between past and future, building and user, building and site, user and the natural site, which shape the spaces we dwell in. The intention of the study is to create architecture which promotes harmony within these connections between human habitation (future) and the natural world (past), through design approaches so sympathetic and well integrated with its site that buildings, furnishings, and the natural surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition. The selected project is a production facility with a fly factory and integrated urban insectary, endangered insect containment research facility, harvesting a natural ecosystem on the old Rosema & Klaver Waterkloof Quarry site in Monument Park, South Africa. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

This dissertation explores the potential to reorganize currently fragmented urban islands into a quality, unified civic space by means of a much needed mass transit inter-modal facility within the Menlyn precinct. It is proposed that the mass transport node be positioned above the Lois Avenue road level, in between existing retail nodes. The transport interchange shall therefore provide an elegant solution whereby Lois Avenue may be crossed, thereby allowing access to the retail nodes located on either side, as the existing sidewalks are not adequately designed for the multitude of commuters utilizing this area. In theory, this dissertation explores the possibility of Menlyn Park Shopping centre and Menlyn Piazza being an infrastructure component of urbanism with the ability, as in architecture, to form a human experience within the urban environment. This dissertation can furthermore contribute to the activity needed to make a transport interchange successful. The recently completed Gautrain and Johannesburg Bus Rapid Transport projects were investigated whereby it was identified that public transport is currently focused on getting commuters from one destination to the next as quickly as possible, while neglecting to attend to the manner in which the commuter arrives and experiences the transport node. The Transport Interchange shall also attempt to reduce the existing traffic congestion in the area which is predicted to deteriorate within the next 10 to 15 years. In conclusion, the aim of the transport interchange is to become a catalyst for increasing commuter density, while allowing improved access to, and providing more retail opportunities for, the Menlyn node as a whole. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

This dissertation will investigate the role that architecture can play in the influencing of an existing food culture through the introduction of insect consumption (entomophagy). This alternative food source will be used to illustrate a more sustainable agricultural practice. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

Through the passing of time we gain perspective of the past and thus we gain knowledge. Through the interpretation of this knowledge we can inform and evaluate our visions of and goals for the future. ‘Our knowledge of time lies in the very heart of our humanity. We learn from the past, we pass on that wisdom to the future, that has been the bedrock of our civilisation’ (OXLEY, P., & KAKU, M.,2007). This knowledge, also known as our cultural heritage, can take numerous forms such as literature, art, architecture, traditional dances, festivals, folk tales, cuisine, etc. Our cultural heritage is to be preserved for posterity and ‘should be protected and made publicly available, subject to requirements of security and privacy, and where this is culturally appropriate’ (Burra Charter,1999:Article 32). The phenomenon of slavery forms part of the cultural heritage of the world, Mauritius and specifically the Le Morne peninsula. Following the area’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a need arose for an Interpretation Centre to provide more information on the culturally significant area’s history. For the design of this facility, this thesis study proposes an experiment in interaction of space and emotion, where the container interacts with the user and induces sensations associated with the artefacts, taking the form of multi-media exhibitions, therefore using a variety of tools to induce a holistic, subjective and objective learning experience. Through this proposal the cultural heritage is to be interpreted and displayed to inform contemporary concepts and visions of the future amongst locals and tourists alike. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

How can architecture positively impact on the development of integrated economic, social and ecological systems in an urban precinct? This dissertation is about the role that architecture can play as a systemic tool in the form of a brewery to facilitate regeneration in the urban context of Marabastad. Through the theories of regenerative design, systems theory and the non-modern thesis, an architecture of participation between various existing networks on site is established, that empowers resident traders while creating new opportunities for production, retail and social interaction. These activities are rooted in their context and participate in natural cycles and systems. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

As with the majority of Johannesburg areas, the Newtown Electric Power Station Heritage Precinct does not fully realise its potential for spatial relations facilitating creative means of living. Creativity is a powerful tool to engage present and future possibilities. A Centre to stimulate creativity will benefit the direct area users, as well as contribute to the prominence of the historical and cultural richness of Newtown. The vacant site adjacent to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre provides an apt location for the Creativity Centre as the intervening programme will activate, strengthen and define the presently underutilised street corner edges. The proposed architectural spaces aim to direct the site’s current movement routes created by pedestrian commuters, in order for creativity to become more ingrained in daily life. The proposed architectural elements aim to facilitate creative activities - both curatorial and organically inspired through community appropriation of specifically designed open, or adaptable, spaces. The Centre aims to become a creative community gathering hub: becoming integral to the existing creative individuals currently pursuing artistic practices in Newtown. Gesamtkunstwerk theoretically guides the project: in terms of the architectural intervention being comprised of singular elements all contributing to a greater whole. Gesamtkunstwerk also programmatically unites the entire Electric Power Station city block, through promoting the unification of art forms with life, as a holistic, creative entity. The Centre acts as a crucial beacon highlighting the importance of creativity in the contemporary South African situation where it is undervalued and underutilised. It also articulates that as a directorial element of societal authorisations and processes, architectural design should articulate the value of creativity through facilitating and inspiring creative modes of living. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

The practices that have allowed farming to be separated from the city, with the resultant food security concerns, are being globally challenged. Simultaneously, low levels of employable skills in South Africa are magnifying unemployment levels in the country. Concurrently Pretoria has embraced urban programmes to unify urban areas which were previously effectively fragmented by apartheid’s Group Areas Act. This dissertation finds its genesis in this context of multiple concerns where the concurrent issues provide architecture with a unique challenge to interpret and to respond to the revised relationships: • between farming and the city, • between citizens and their cities, and • between unemployment and economic development. This dissertation undertakes the multi-function of addressing these conditions not only in terms of technical intervention, but more importantly by the examination of the changing urban context and by re-embracing food production within the city. The situation created by the crossroads in which the world, the nation and the city of Tshwane find themselves provides an unprecedented opportunity for an architectural expression which is influenced by a fresh re-assessment of local, national and global concerns. This dissertation therefore addresses the proposal not merely as a building but as an active change-generating catalyst. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

Man’s relationship with architecture is not intellectual, but associated with our emotive subconscious. The quality of space, as defined by architecture, is personified and evaluated through the experience it orchestrates. The investigation aims to uncover the process of choreographing emotive experiences through design. These pertain to the writings of renowned Swiss architect, Peter Zumthor, who manages to design evocative spaces, architecture that embodies definite atmospheres. Zumthor explains in his manifesto Thinking Architecture, that atmosphere is measured through man’s emotional sensibility, rendering experience and emotion as tools for designing spatial quality. Architecture is not abstract, but concrete matter, an assemblage of quantifiable substance, and thus, the architectural palette exists within emotion. Beyond its physicality, architectural elements embody sensory potential in its application, arrangements and composition. The architect orchestrates the infinite architectural palette to provoke the senses, which defines experience. Finnish architect, Juhani Pallasmaa, better known for his writings on architecture and the senses, writes extensively on the non-cognitive realm of architecture as experienced, not only through the traditional senses measured by sight, sound, smell, touch and taste, but includes the human body in its dimensionality as it relates to its surroundings, ergonomically and spatially. The architectural premise lead to an investigation into the lost landscape of Pretoria’s Central Business district, where spatial and material degradation have abandoned various sites in hostility. The forsaken lot on the corner of Pretorius and Sophie de Bruyn Streets, currently offers its users, the South African National Police Service (SAPS), nothing more than a parking space. The vastness of emotion in which the architectural palette exists, focused the exploration on a specific emotion as derived from the users of the identified, abandoned lot. As a result of a media-generated perception, members of the SAPS have been alienated by society. Alienation, translated into architectural terms, means ‘to be outside’. The architecture is informed by the contrasting experiential conditions of alienation and belonging, outside and inside, danger and safety, chaos and cosmos. The architecture becomes the transitional medium. The Inner City Police Retreat fills the empirical void in a series of orchestrated experiences, in an attempt to inspire and transform the day to day existence of its users. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

This dissertation aims to address actual needs/issues identified within Pretoria. The Berea Park precinct has become a proverbial rotten apple. The negative connotations linked to this site are tainting the image of the area. It is also having a negative effect on the safety and social grain of the neighbourhood. The neglect and vandalism that Berea Park has suffered can in part be contributed to a lack of ownership accountability. To address this, an appropriate, relatable architectural intervention is required. The theory of “Belonging” is explored as an approach to inspire the appropriation of Berea Park. The theory is based on the premise that architecture is informed by the activities that occur within the spaces. This is partially because the activities associated with a space contribute to the identity we attach to this specific space. Identity becomes particularly important when working with a site with such a rich heritage, a site that has featured extensively in the development of Pretoria’s sport and recreational scene. Both the tangible and intangible heritage of the site should play an imperative role in informing the new design. The intention is to regenerate Berea Park by means of small scale interventions. This is done by inserting activity and ritual driven architecture into the existing fabric of Berea Park. The tangible and intangible heritage of Berea Park act as guiding grids that inform the arrangement of these interventions. Design is further informed by the fact that sport is still actively being practised at this damaged, dilapidated site. This clearly reflects the need for publicly accessible sports facilities within Pretoria. Sensitive interaction between the new and the existing architecture is required. To achieve this a contrast between old and new is created to ensure that both are celebrated and clearly distinguishable. The current structural grid and planning are offset by a strict set of zones that run horizontally across the site. These zones become lightweight steel boxes that either fit into the existing, stereotomic building envelope or extend out towards the sport fields. Ideally the architectural intervention will strengthen the relationship between architecture and users. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2014 / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted