Under apartheid in South Africa a large portion of our society was been denied access to science education. This has led to a generally low public understanding of science and a poor scientific skills level, which has a negative impact on our country's economic growth. In a world that is increasingly hi-tech and relies on technology for day-to-day living, this lack in science knowledge and technology is alarming (The Presidency, 2006:9). A poor knowledge of science hampers people's ability to actively participate in a democratic society and produces a future generation that is scientifically illiterate. A large part of our population needs to be more scientifically literate but this situation cannot be rectified by purely improving school science education. For this reason the Department of Science and Technology has proposed a network of science centres across South Africa. This network consists of flagship science centres in all the major cities, which support smaller science centres in outlying areas. The aim is to increase people's access to science and technology in a non-threatening environment that appeals to all ages. The purpose of this research is to look at the method proposed by the Department of Science and Technology to improve the current situation - a network of science centres. The research investigates the philosophies and aims of science centres and the architectural responses necessary to accommodate these. This study focuses on the architectural response of a science centre for Durban. The aim of the study is to generate architectural recommendations to guide and inform the design of a science centre for Durban. / Thesis (M.Arch)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This dissertation documents the research involved in determining an appropriate response for the design of a building which serves to provide tools for empowerment and independence for blind and partially sighted people. Primary and secondary data collection methods are used. Secondary data collection forms the majority of information gathered focusing on precedent and case studies. The studies investigate how buildings are currently occupied, discussing the differences between buildings that have been specifically designed for the visually impaired and those that have not. Analysis observes the problems that exist and what solutions have been proposed to overcome these. Design criteria can focus on detail design exclusively; however the building in its entirety can be custom-designed to meet the needs of the visually impaired user. This dissertation explores architecture as a sensory experience, highlighting findings that can be used when designing buildings specifically for visually impaired users. The visually impaired rely heavily on their senses enabling them to interpret their surroundings. This research includes an exploration into the use of the senses within the built environment and how we as sighted designers can understand, interpret and contribute to a visually impaired person's experience of the built environment. The research concludes on an appropriate response to designing for visually impaired people. Conclusions are drawn and a design brief for a facility for a Society for the Blind derived. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This thesis undertakes an in-depth study of the Mount Frere land claim. The study focuses on the impact of unsettled land claims in small rural towns of the former Bantustan on local spatial planning. There is no known evidence of similar studies done in small rural towns, therefore the study will contribute to the construction of body of knowledge. The study takes a case study method to analyse the impact of unsettled land claims. The analysis provides a platform for drawing possible policy recommendations in respect of urban land claims in small rural towns of the former Bantustans. The thesis central argument is that the delay of settling the land claims in the small rural towns of the former Bantustans has a negative impact on the local spatial planning. The poor local spatial planning results in an uncoordinated development which constrains development in general. The study argues that the law as it stands does not clarify the role of local municipalities during the process of land claim. The study will further argue that land restoration may not always be the appropriate relief for the claimants in the case of urban land claims in small towns. In the case of Mount Frere the municipality appears to have taken a confrontational approach towards the claimants as witnessed by the number of court cases opened against the claimants. This resulted on a breakdown of trust between the municipality and the claimants. The role of the land claims commission also appears to have contributed to the problems of delayed settlement of the claim. The municipality wants to oppose restoration but the municipality seems to be unaware of section 34 of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. It is argued that there is little focus on the land claims in the rural small towns of the former Bantustans and as such this is retarding development and investment on infrastructure and local economic development. The delayed settlement has also made land invasion and illegal sale of land to be rampant and benefiting individuals and not all the claimants in the process. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

It is apparent from this research that we need to develop a sociology of building in the same way that we are assembling a sociology of medicine, education, religion and of knowledge itself and that in the task of creating a sociology of building we should pay particular attention to the relevance of sociological theory. This dissertation does not claim to set out a sociology of building, but it can be regarded as a preliminary study perhaps useful to that end. An aim in this research has been to concentrate on method, the collection of data, classification and categorisation, thereby attempting to shape an outline which later work may be able to fill in. Value judgments have therefore been used sparingly and only when they can serve some clear and specific purpose. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1960.

There exists only one manuscript about ecclesiastical Maronite ecclesiastical architecture (written in the 17th century by the patriarch Stephen el Dweihi) and there is no revised or subsequent work of reference, which this thesis aims to address. To this end, these were the critical questions investigated: This thesis begins by taking stock of the extant vestiges which, with a few exceptions, are confined to Mount Lebanon and north-east Lebanon namely in Byblos, Batroun, Bcharri, Koura, Keserwan, Matn. This area is characterized by a series of spurs and mountain tops, wild deep valleys and remoteness, and the architecture is rooted in this landscape. Its resources for construction are the materials at hand, and the buildings are usually located in villages on the spurs, and one finds that the Maronite ecclesiastical architecture is indistinguishable from the general secular and residential architecture. As such it is "grows" out of the land, is modest in size and scale, and is historically without belfry, i.e. a hidden architecture. While the general disposition of Christian churches is similar, Maronite vernacular houses and churches are block-like with flat roofs, stone walls, and very often with vaulted interiors and minimal of openings. The church is thus another house, rectangular and aligned east-west and is devoid of decoration; the sanctuary is usually apsidal with a minor aperture above the apex of the dome and below the vault of the nave. The particular characteristics of the Maronite church are its east-west orientation - parallel to the spurs which characterize the littoral Lebanon - the presence of a sustainable source of water, and an evergreen tree. The church was conceived for a standing form of worship and without physical barrier between the nave and the sanctuary; and the main and possibly sole source of daylight (but the open door) is the eastern aperture. The bima platform is located in the nave to reflect the monotheistic ideology adopted by the Maronites. Over the centuries, and despite the influences from the Roman Catholic Church, with which it is in full communion, the Maronite church has preserved its identity which is austere and, in particular, free of the 'dramatic mysteries' associated especially with the Baroque churches. Having studied Dweihi's manuscript and his 11 chapters on Maronite ecclesiastical architecture, this thesis asks whether these are still relevant? How can the manuscript be updated for contemporary interpretation towards a rooted modem Maronite ecclesiastical architecture? The architecture of Lebanon has fascinated at least three authors (Ragette, Liger Belair, and Abou Sawan) whose works date from the late 20th century and have become standard references. Others have documented various works on the Maronite people and their religion, but, not since Dweihi' s manuscript of the 17th century has an attempt been made at documenting and extending Maronite concepts for ecclesiastical architecture. Interestingly, Dweihi in his time was reacting to what he saw as a contamination of the Maronite church by Roman Catholic influences; this thesis was prompted by insensitive and ignorance in contemporary Maronite ecclesiastical architecture. The thesis is thus dedicated to proper custodianship of the heritage and the informed and sensitive design of new 'houses ' for Maronite worship. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

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.

As it stands, the city of Durban appears to contain many public urban spaces that are currently underutilized, and as a result have become dead or lost to the city. The aim of this project is to investigate the likely factors behind this problem, and then subsequently to explore the realm of music as a potentially new dimension towards facilitating revitalization within such spaces. The argument unfolds such that as music possesses the capacity to influence human emotion, and emotion impacts on one's feeling, and in turn perception of the experience, they incur within a space, theoretically therefore, at a certain level, human perception of a space can be manipulated by music. As architecture is the key to shaping the physical environment and the experiences within it, incorporating the influencing factors of music within architectural design, could assist in redefining the perceived properties of a correspondingly designed space. Thus an integration of music and architecture can serve as a combined medium through which dead urban space within the city may be revitalized. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

South Africa like many countries in the non-Western world has a long history of conflict stemming back to the spread of Colonialism. Various events through the years have contributed to the solidification of European and Western dominance over all that is "African". However the move to the new South Africa has facilitated renewed interaction and understanding through the celebration of peoples' differences. Differences which although unique have also contributed to the confused state of identity that exists. Current debate in South Africa centers greatly on the issue of "South African Identity", its existence, how it is created, and what constitutes it. South Africa's transition to the new democratic order has brought with it major shifts in the order and nature of peoples' identities as well as a "new" language that represents the collective identity of the society. This study focuses on the role of identity in architecture and examines the transformation and development of South African architectural expression and reflection as seen through the window of identity. r The study seeks to question how the built environment can begin to resp---o--nd to and reflect the concerns and aspirations of its inhabitants and also highlights the existence of the mutually constitutive link between identity, space and the built form. Key principles are set out in the study and are further examined through the critical analysis of both local and international precedents that serve to highlight the expressive nature of architecture, as well as the reflection of the multitude of influences on built form. The aim of the study is to identity existing perceptions within the built environment and in so doing begin to r analyse how these become manifest in the built form. he case study looks in particular at the area of Wentworth, situated south of Durban, and how architecture can be used to create public space which contributes to the formation of a collective and heterogeneous community identity. An identity which celebrates the diversity of its inhabitants while giving dignity and a sense of place to the environment. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

The founding statement of this dissertation is that appropriate architectural commemoration in South Africa is an engagement of living memory, which is an amalgamation of memorial and community initiatives that enhances the everyday life of South African society. Since democracy, South African communities have been in constant and simultaneous dialogue with the past and present. A new approach to commemorative architecture has emerged from this, in which the notions of memory and community are hybrid responses to socio-political spatial transformation, and where architects play a significant role in the vision of public spaces, memory-making, and the assertion of a new South African identity. Evident by the recent proliferation of contemporary memorial projects in post-apartheid South Africa, architectural commemoration interweaves residues of the past as well as the constructs of daily life in spaces. Although the projects may vary in scale; the events and people they commemorate; their siting and commission, successful projects stimulate catharsis and nation-building by acknowledging and utilising the past for positive change and growth in the present, whilst creating hope and promise for the future. In order to prove the hypothesis, this dissertation compares South African and international commemorative interventions; questions what the appropriate approach to post-apartheid architectural commemoration in South Africa is; what the role of architects in South African commemoration is; and what the appropriate model for public South African commemorative projects may be. Thus, the major areas of research include philosophical and psychological memory; theoretical and architectural memory; the South African socio-political spatial context; and the study of contemporary post-apartheid commemorative architectural projects in South Africa. The research findings result in the establishment of recommendations for successful South African commemorative representations that encompass practical and symbolic forms of memory. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

African countries have for a long time undergone a series of problems that include; genocide, racism, economic depression, colonisation, civil wars, and so on. These have left many African societies in hopeless situations that entail considerable intervention. This study will explore the possible causes of conflicts mainly genocide and collective violence, in which the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda will be the main focus. This genocide which led to the massacres of one million Tutsi and moderate Hutus in approximately one hundred days left the entire Rwandan society fragile and divided. It is perhaps the worst of its kind in recent history. After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda was characterised with a tattered social fabric, dilapidated infrastructure, economic repression, and as a consequence massive refugees displacement into neighbour countries. Despite the tragic consequences of this genocide, the government of Rwanda has been working tirelessly to find lasting peace arid reconciliation for its broken and divided society. In order to understand the possible causes of this tragic event in Rwanda, this study will explore' the situation in Rwanda in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods, and in this case, the 1994 genocide. This analysis will then become a basis on which tools that can foster peace and reconciliation will be sought. Architectural expression among others will be explored as a tool that can promote reconciliation and unity among people. As a tool that shapes peoples way of living, architecture will be the emphasis of this study in order to achieve the above these goals. An appropriate architectural expression will thus sought, that which not only acts as medium for the memory of genocide, but also as a tool to achieve reconciliation and reconstruction of Rwanda's broken society. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.