Architecture

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Browsing Architecture by Author "Bosman, Gerhard"

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    The acceptability of earth constructed houses in central areas of South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2015) Bosman, Gerhard; Steÿn, Das; Van der Westhuizen, Diaan; Atkinson, Doreen
    English: The traditional earth building techniques of South Africans are well documented, but little research reflects the current perceptions of these building materials and techniques. The thesis explores the factors (independent variables) that can be addressed in order to make earth constructed houses in general more acceptable in central areas of South Africa. The thesis draws on data obtained from the SANPAD project (South Africa-Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development) with a household survey (n=1790) from respondents regarding their perceptions and attitudes towards earth construction. Multiple qualitative and quantitative responses were recorded both for and against the use of sun dried earth blocks (adobe). Correlation and regression analyses were used to test for the characteristics (significant variables) that influence the acceptability of earth constructed houses. The findings show that respondents regard traditional earth building materials as inferior. Negative attitudes were found to be linked to the structural performance of unbaked earth materials regarding stability in wet conditions and maintenance. Limited other studies confirmed the low acceptability of traditional earth constructed walls. Regression analysis could not confirm that personal and household characteristics are associated with the housing, context and acceptability characteristics. Correlation analyses confirmed that certain housing characteristics (basic services such as water born toilets connected to sewerage systems, running water and electricity) influence the acceptability of traditional earth constructed houses. Correlation analyses confirmed that context characteristics (location and area types) influence the acceptability of traditional earth constructed houses. Furthermore, the data and literature confirm that the building culture (available material and buildings skills) and upward social mobility together with Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses (with basic services) influence the acceptability of traditional earth constructed housing. The findings concluded that attitudes toward traditional earth construction are more positive in 1) informal urban areas where informal houses do not have access to basic services and 2) rural households where the building culture dictates the norm even without basic services. The effects of conformity, imitation and upward social mobility were confirmed, as stated by the literature and the data. Together with upgraded earth construction techniques (such as cement stabilised compressed earth blocks or bricks) wall components for earth buildings in parts of central South Africa may be more acceptable. The hypothesis is that if the influencing factors on the acceptability of traditional earth constructed housing are known, it can be used in the promotion of contemporary earth construction. The thesis aims to promote contemporary earth construction techniques. This thesis states that the public should be equipped and educated about the importance of preserving existing forms and methods of earth construction, in order to support useful applications within contemporary architecture.
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    The effects of climatic conditions on attitudinal changes towards earth construction in South Africa
    (University of the Free State, 2014) Bosman, Gerhard; Van der Westhuizen, Diaan
    English: Earth construction is an appropriate method for building houses in arid and semi-arid areas in South Africa due to its low environmental impact and responsible use of on-site resources. A South African Netherlands Research Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD) project conducted by the University of the Free State’s Earth Unit focused on attitudes and perceptions towards building materials used to construct houses in poor communities. For this article, quantitative attitudinal responses from the SANPAD survey and objective rainfall and temperature measurements were analysed for the 2004 dry season before rainstorms (n=784) and for the 2006 wetter season during/ after rainstorms (n=609). Using a quasi-experimental research design, the study investigates changes in attitudes after rainstorms in relation to respondents’ preferred building materials, preferred qualities of materials, and reasons for disliking earth materials. This article reports on the results of an investigation into the effects of local climatic conditions on changes in the acceptability of building materials with a focus on earth construction. Results indicate that rainfall reinforces and intensifies people’s disapproval of earth as a building material and shift perceptions from aesthetic considerations to strength/safety/ durability. Severity of rainstorms and extreme temperatures also seem to shape people’s perceptions of materials. Perceptions of earth bricks were more negative after the storms and people became more concerned about rain. Findings suggest a link between climatic conditions and perceptions of earth constructed buildings. An understanding of the present attitudes towards earth construction is necessary in order to support traditional earth construction as an acceptable way forward in contemporary architecture.
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    Revalidating vernacular techniques for a sustainable built environment by way of selected examples in the Eastern Cape
    (University of the Free State, 2012) Steenkamp, Colleen Avice; Bosman, Gerhard; Peters, Walter
    English: Contemporary design and construction methods often entail large amounts of wastage, high construction costs, high energy consumption for heating and cooling, and thus a large carbon footprint, which limits their sustainability. While South Africa’s granting of much-needed houses to the indigent population is noteworthy, the quality of these houses sometimes leaves much to be desired. In addition, the cultural identity of the inhabitants of these houses is being lost. The purpose of this study is to determine if vernacular architecture and building techniques could be a possible solution to the above-mentioned problems concerning contemporary design in the Eastern Cape. Five case studies were conducted for this research. The first involved a perception analysis – through a questionnaire – of inhabitants of vernacular and contemporary homes in uMasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet. The next two case studies involved documenting the now-demolished Luxolweni community on the outskirts of Hofmeyr and three now-demolished rondavels surrounding Hofmeyr. The last two case studies are of recently-built contemporary designs. The first is a vernacular building in rural Centane and the second is a building steeped in innovations for sustainability in East London. The main results from the study revealed that the material properties of vernacular buildings are in many ways superior to their contemporary counterparts (these houses are cooler in summer and warmer in winter), vernacular homes are considered socio-culturally acceptable by their inhabitants, vernacular techniques can be successfully incorporated into contemporary architecture and that innovations can be incorporated within vernacular architecture for longevity. It was concluded that vernacular architecture has the potential to improve human settlements and the sustainability of the built environment, as well as strengthening the cultural identity of the local populace. This research is relevant in a country where buildings are often unsustainable and housing is lacking, as it offers a potential solution to these problems.
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    Speaking to the city beyond thresholds: an industrial design department that dematerializes the institutional boundaries in Bloemfontein
    (University of the Free State, 2020) Topkin, Aiden; Bosman, Gerhard; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Wagener, A.; Ras, J. W.
    The Central University of Technology (CUT) is an innovative institution that aims to be a centre of knowledge that will produce an excellent group of innovators who WILL contribute directly to society as well as the 4th Industrial Revolution society (CUT, 2019: online). It is an important institution that focuses on technological fields of studies including engineering, information systems and, health and environmental studies, etc. CUT also has various research units which include a CRPM (Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing), PDTS (Product Development Technology Station), FabLab, etc (CUT. 2019.online). These units are equipped with advanced machinery that makes it possible for the development of new products and technologies. So far, these units are mainly used by lecturers and researchers and not by students or the public. Industrial design is an ideal course that will allow students to make use of these machines and equipment. This will give CUT the opportunity to expand its course selections and allows students to participate in a course that offers the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge designs and inventions. An industrial design department on the campus of CUT is proposed which will contain all the equipment and expertise from CUT’s research units that students can learn from. This new department will be situated on the edge of the campus along President Ave nue which is close to the FabLab and CRPM units. The proximity to the public street will give students and the public to interact and share (exchange) knowledge. The focal point of the building should be that the department is structured in such way that the public can enter parts of the building and learn about industrial design. The public should be allowed to test the student’s designs and give feedback on how it can be improved or even re-designed. There should be constant exchange and collaboration between the public and the students. This will encourage critical thinking and foster life – long learning which are all competencies needed in the 4th Industrial Revolution. The aim is to explore boundaries on the CUT campus and dematerialize them without removing them. It is important for the interested persons from the public to learn from CUT without being enrolled at the institution. The department should be planned in such way that the public is always cognisant of what is happening inside. The main question asked during this investigation is: Can an industrial design department architecturally break the institutional ter tiary boundaries on a South African campus? The dissertation is structured into four parts. The first part looks at the problems and aims identified through topology, typology, morphology and tectonics. The second part explores the conceptual frame and theoretical underpinnings of the disserta tion. Part three explores the design process and its technical resolutions. A reflection of this dissertation concludes the fourth part. introduction and orientation Industrial design is the application of both art and science to improve the usability, appearance and ergonomics of an object or product (Fig.01). Industrial design aims to innovate the future. It is a field which requires one to analysis current trends and technologies to improve. Industrial design looks at: feasibility and manufacturing, human centred design, sustainable design, economics of the design, methodology research, and lastly future research. Industrial design aims to improve the lives of society while also focusing on aesthetics.
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    Water memory & control: Vaalharts Canal Museum and Education Centre
    (University of the Free State, 2023) de Bruyn, Dené; Smit, Jan; Smit, Petria; Bitzer, Martie; Bosman, Gerhard
    In the following dissertation, the education, influence, and importance of water a on the existing waterway systems and area will be discussed. The main research question was: How can an educational waterway exhibition centre of an integrated canal waterway hold the memory and phenomenology of a place in order for growth in Hartswater in the Northern Cape (Fig. 4)? Previous attempts to keep the history and educational moments separate in the form of a museum in close proximity, did not successfully maintain the space and create multiple opportunities. That is why this dissertation will focus on the history and impact of the canal, but creating an educational opportunity and space to learn and develop the current systems and knowledge. Analysing different case studies and precedents led me to research the influence of water and the canal waterway on the cultural significance of the design of a museum and education centre. The proposed design creates a collective space for teaching about water conservation and different learning opportunities about agriculture and water, through the unique use of a Water Memory & Control Museum that is supported by the community and supports the community, in return.