Masters Degrees (Architecture)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Architecture) by Author "Bosman, Gerhard"

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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.