M. Tech. Architecture (Professional) / Over the last decade, South Africa (RSA) has experienced a substantial growth in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Post 2005, the largest optical telescope in the Southern hemisphere, known by its acronym, SALT, was constructed in RSA. It is expected that by 2024, this country will host the largest array of radio telescopes in the world, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). It could be argued that RSA is at the forefront of modern cosmological research. This exponential growth in the field of astronomy has resulted in local astronomical bodies and universities falling behind in astronomy education. This provides a unique opportunity to strengthen the latter. The aim of this dissertation is to design an International School of Astronomy and Astro-Tourism Centre. The proposed building aims to introduce a unique facility in the Northern Cape that would benefit the field of astronomy worldwide. The proposed facility is situated at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Sutherland. It is nested within the South-west-embankment of the mountain, currently hosting the Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT). The resultant design takes on a linear building typology with radial aspects to document astronomical events. The project investigates the semi-arid Karoo climate and how the resultant architecture reacts to harsh environmental conditions.

M. Tech. Architecture (Professional) / This dissertation responds to the current urban situation in Pretoria's Central Business District and entails the design of a Creative Hub through the rejuvenation of Pretoria's Burlington Arcade in the Church Square node. The Creative Hub will function as an incubator space for the creative industry, as well as potentially becoming a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the inner-city of Pretoria. Tshwane's inner-city's economic role has reduced dramatically compared to cities such as Johannesburg. Private and public sectors turn their investment interest away from the city towards the suburbs. A solution needs to be found to encourage investment and increase visitor confidence in the city's long term commitment to change. As with any urban regeneration project, it would require dedicated investment from the all sectors, over a lengthy period of time to initiate this change. The Creative Hub acknowledges urban renewal as the long term goal for the inner-city, but aims to evoke interest within the Church Square node to serve as a vehicle for change to occur through the introduction of "a people's place". Students, creative individuals and professionals, tourists, city dwellers, city goers as well as artisan traders are invited to meet within the space to promote Church Square as the historically rich, culturally textured environment it is.

M. Tech. Architecture (Professional) / Aims to investigate opportunities that could arise out of designing a facility of this nature to take advantage of the scarce skills shortage, and by placing the proposed facility within a township area will necessitate research into the dynamics of designing in such an area. Therefore the issues of concern which will be investigated will be: the shortage of skilled artisans ; community ownership; and the rehabilitation of a degraded site.

M. Tech. Architecture (Professional) / The aim of this thesis is to design a music centre which will contribute to the development of the musical art within the public arena of South Africa. It will serve as a case study for how music education and awareness could be approached. The building will consist of open and enclosed performing spaces, recording studios, classrooms, practice areas, an auditorium and administration facilities. It will act as a vibrant node within the inner city, accompanied by a public square where music and dance will be encouraged. The design will strive towards urban integration within Pretoria Central Business District (CBD), forming part of the current revitalisation plan for the city. It will attempt to form part of the social infrastructure of its context and in turn encourage music awareness to the broader public. Although parts of the CBD have been upgraded, Pretoria CBD is in desperate need of revitalisation. People stream into the inner city each morning and leave it dormant until the next sunrise. Only recently have office blocks been converted into apartments. Nightlife is in its infancy. Introducing events and activities, especially those which is often performed at night, will contribute to what a city should be. Music can be the answer to such a need... Music and dance can let people recognise their shared cultural knowledge and style, in turn which will spearhead unification. This is especially important in regards to the fact of the segregation of not only urban environments, but that of cultural and social isolation.