No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.

In a world of increased daily travel, more efficient means of transporting people become all the more relevant as citizens constantly try to bridge time and distance in an effort to get to work and other meeting places. The ability to transport large numbers of people at the same time, establishes the rail transport as one such mode viable for this task. As a result, cities throughout the world constantly revive existing rail networks and introduce new ones to cater for this growing traveling demand of the 21 st century. The most popular forms of transportation in the city of Durban, namely the bus, taxi and private car are the main contributors to the traffic congestion and air pollution problems in the city, hence the need to reconsider the importance of the train. Following international precedent, South Africa is planning to revive its railway services by changing its image and ensuring passenger safety in order to establish it as a major public transport system (Ministry of transport, 2006). In creating the building form of railway station buildings, it is necessary to understand passenger movement and activity within the station as well as the spaces required for such activities. This is vital if the designer has to make a meaningful contribution to society though his building intervention. Railway stations do not function in isolation to other modes of transportation in the city, hence the need for this study to consider the station in a node or interchange context to enforce its role within the city's transportation system as a whole. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

The city of Durban, themed in the tourist industry as, "South Africa's Playground', has a vibrant and dense cultural mix. It is a sought after tourist destination both locally and on the global scene. The importance of the Tourist Industry is brought to bear in its use as a tool to stabilise the economy. The role of the CBD within the tourist industry is important as it is able to display culture. Since the CBD is a product of an ongoing evolutionary process it has embedded traces of cultural, social, political and economic fluctuations, which are expressed through the built form of the city. In this light, Durban's CBD is a vital asset as it offers a deepened understanding of culture through experience of place. This resource has not been developed to its full potential at present as is evident in the CBD's limited hours of use. Given the context of a society living within an "information age" this study aims to discover which factors contribute toward this phenomenon. Therefore, the research explores the physical conditions of the CBD as well as the social conditions that have been brought to bear through the introduction and evolution of technology and information access. Further, society's dependence on technology and information access and their relationship with the built environment will be explored. The importance of expressing this dynamic relationship within the built environment wtJI be explored. An appropriate means of architectural expression will be established as informed by the study and applied to the local context-of Durban's CBD. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

The topic of this thesis is the Domestic Architecture of the Natal Architect, William Street-Wilson (1856-1928) and spans the period from 1889 to 1913. It is based on the original drawing collection which can be found in the Barrie Bierman Architectural Library, University of Natal. Street-Wilson carried out his architectural training in England, and the study sets out to identify the stylistic changes which took place within the Arts and Crafts Movement in England, to establish any English precedent in Street-Wilson domestic architecture in Natal. In order to contexturalise Street-Wilson's domestic architecture in Natal, an overview of the political, social, economic and architectural background is given prior to, and during the year of Street-Wilson's arrival in 1887. The drawing collection is set chronologically during the period of 1889-1913, against the political, social and economic background, in order to study the effect of such influences on the Street-Wilson's houses. The study defines and identifies the different components which compose the plan and then carries out an analysis of the plan, form and style of the different categories of house types, namely the typical single storey, villa/double storey and semi-detached house, to highlight the evolution of the house type from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Since the verandah is the common thread throughout the drawing collection, a special study explores its possible origin and application in a colonial context. Examples of detail drawings have been extracted from the drawing collection to illustrate construction techniques and typical detailing employed by Street-Wilson and his partners, accompanied by a brief history of building materials to contexturalise materials within the studied period. The evolution of services, pertaining to comfort and sanitation, have been examined and applied to the houses designed by Street-Wilson. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1996.

This research examines the complex factors that influence the design of a new cruise liner terminal for Durban. Secondary and primary data collection methods will be used in the research. Secondary data collection forms the majority of the information gathered. This method will focus on precedent and case studies from which conclusions will be drawn and a design brief for the cruise terminal derived. Cruise liners typically spend periods of less than a week in port, during which time passengers will visit local tourist attractions. Durban's cruise season lasts from mid-November till mid-April. The local cruise industry has seen a steady increase in passenger numbers over the years. This has seen the MSC Melody cruise ship being procured to meet the demands of the industry. As a consequence of this increase the current cruise liner terminal, the N-Shed, has been placed under increasing pressure to provide a world class facility and service experience, expectations which it is ill equipped to deliver. Through this study key aspects, specific to the cruise liner terminal design, are investigated. These include passenger movement optimisation, response to local conditions, form development, waterfront regeneration and the concept of the terminal as a gateway to the city of Durban. In developing the architecture of the cruise terminal, the understanding of these factors is vital if the designer is to make a meaningful contribution to society though his building . With the cruise liner terminal being a unique building typology, in the context of Durban, an opportunity arises to reconnect the city with its harbour edge. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

South Africa is a developing country at the dawn of its democracy, confronting the challenge of providing suitable lives for its people, whilst still trying to compete in a new global village and face other challenges of the 21st century. In this milieu of pressing problems, constraints of time and budget, the solution is almost always a compromise. Short-sighted quick solutions are the order of the day. A lack of good strategic planning leads to isolated and disconnected developments... each construction conceived in a vacuum. But the built environment is too permanent for short-sighted solutions. The significance of design in this sphere reaches far beyond the superficiality of trend and fashion. It is the structure within which we live our lives, and the quality of our existence depends on it. Furthermore, future generations will deal with the consequences of our ill-considered blunders for hundreds of years to come. South Africa especially, cannot afford to waste limited resources on building inefficient systems. Although each isolated intervention may meet its short term goal, the ripple effect of these inefficiencies on a macro scale is unacceptable. Besides been counter-productive and hindering the countries long term development goals, the inefficient use of energy and other limited natural resources has a vastly damaging effect on our precious natural environment. An understanding and respect for the quality of our build environment needs to be installed in our collective consciousness. Only once the gravity of each seemingly inconsequential development is fully appreciated, will we be able to construct a cohesive built environment, providing the best opportunities for future success. This research seeks to establish the design criteria for a Kwa-Zulu Natal Institute for the Built Environment. This would be a centre for facilitating positive interactions between individuals from various backgrounds involved and interested in improving the quality of our built environment and promoting interest to the public. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Traditional African dress is a wide subject area. This study focuses on the influences of art forms such as fashion design on contemporary architectural design. There is past historic influence that can be identified in creating an identity for contemporary clothing and architectural design. Studying South African traditional clothing and architecture will inform the design for the Durban Institute of Fashion. The historic focus on dress has been limited to that of traditional South African origins and evolutions. This study will seek to identify the traditional aesthetics that were used in the history of dress and architecture whose details will be studied to explore the identity that the aesthetics present. The South African cultures studied include the Zulu, Tswana, Ndebele, Swazi, South Sotho, Xhosa and Cape Dutch. African traditional architecture is the main focus of this project. This study will seek to determine the relevance of African methods for a new architectural approach in South African architecture. The study of traditional building decorations will show how the aesthetics are transferred to architecture to express identity. To support this, a study of building technology and culture has been included. A review of contemporary architecture in South Africa studies and observes how the inclusion of tradition African architecture and decoration can address current issues. The link between studying clothing fashion and this architectural project will be achieved by addressing traditional dress, contemporary fashion designs and African identity. This will include an understanding of traditional African influences on dress from historic times to the present day. The cross-cultural influence focuses only on the western immigrants’ influence. The aim of this document is to obtain from the above an informed approach to the design expressing African identity for the Durban Institute of Fashion. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

The purpose of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly to investigate the aspects and issues around performing arts and their influence on architecture. Secondly, to set the brief for the design of a performing arts theatre that directly relates to its surroundings, namely Durban's bay and urban waterfront, the Embankment, as well as to the large, existing theatre community within Kwa-Zulu Natal. The building will seek to accommodate the independent theatre and dance companies that have been displaced due to the ‘White Letter’ bill passed in the early 1990s, creating a home base for them. The facility aims to enliven the neglected water's edge and be a catalyst for its rejuvenation of the area. Through this study, specific characteristics of theatre design will be investigated. These characteristics include the following: the relationship between funding and the community, theatre planning and the spatial relationships that exist between functions as well as the engagement with the public and promenade edge. Due to the fact that a theatre is a civic facility that connects a variety of different people from diverse walks of life together, an opportunity presents itself in creating a building that contributes to the both the city and its community. This research will study the multi-faceted aspects that comprise a performing arts theatre on Durban's Margaret Mncadi Avenue (formerly the Victoria Embankment). The research will consist of primary and secondary sources. Conclusions will be drawn from both case and precedent studies but a balance between primary and secondary research is needed to obtain a workable response and brief for the design of a theatre. This research will also concentrate on urban waterfronts, in particular Durban, which exists today as a reminder of what we are focused with in today's society, namely leisure pursuits coupled with commercial skyscrapers within the inner city verify our focus as a community. It is the author's aim to provide a facility that changes this focus to include cultural activities such as a theatre as a means of pure expression. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

In South African cities, the subdivision of the social world and spaces which the public inhabits tends to manifest and reflect itself in the leisure choices that the public makes. It has been proven that leisure choices and experiences affect an individual's mental state and experience and in addition, they superimpose a long lasting structure onto human societies. Contemporary inner city housing developments are infested with antisocial challenges which are in the form of delinquency, alcohol abuse and drug trafficking. If such challenges go by unchecked, it may lead to a totally deteriorated society and environment. The aim of this dissertation is to explore the possibility of facilitating social and economic upliftment amongst inner city youth through provision of adequate and appropriate leisure facilities and spaces. From a planning and an architectural approach, the intention is to reveal how architecture may be used to alleviate the social ills that have infested the residential inner city. It is believed that architecture and the built environment should play a role in correcting, improving and echoing the ethics and values of its users such that there is a mutual harmony and coexistence. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This research examines the practice, buildings and projects of Building Design Group Architects (BDG), a collaborative of architects and students in Durban during the period 1968-1977. It traces the careers of its principal members, firstly as students at the University of Natal, and later in private practice through the formation and practice of BDG. BDG operated at the fringes of conventional practice. Through a diminished office hierarchy, a team culture was established whereby the endeavors of all personnel were to the common purpose of furthering the architectural objectives of the practice. Responsibilities were shared by qualified architects and students alike. BDG were young and uninhibited by the dogmas of the established profession, architectural compromise being supplanted by investigation and experimentation. The practice operated in a studio atmosphere where a heightened expectation was imposed on each project design and individual concerned. The resulting product of the practice was a vibrant oeuvre of work, predominantly residential; the designs asked questions of the conventions of building form, spatial relationships, technology and building economics. The answers to these questions manifested in an architecture resonating with regional identity. The study identifies the early careers of many important architects who were associated with BDG, and who would contribute to the development of contemporary South African architecture. Paul Mikula, Bryan Lee, John Edgar, Brian Kearney as founding members of BDG would shape the direction of the practice and beyond. They were joined at various stages and durations by Kevin MacGarry, Colin Savage, Tony Wilson, Peter Wilkinson, Bruce Stafford, Luis Ferreira da Silva and Jo Noero, all of whom would later start their own independent practices. However, what emerges from the study is the pivotal role of Paul Mikula in the account of BDG. It was his vigor, vision, passion and talent for design that ignited the practice and drew the attention of the local architectural fraternity. The influence of his work and personality was felt by all those around him; he has significantly marked the architectural landscape of the region, and this study promotes the recognition of Paul Mikula as a significant South African architect. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of Natal, 2003.