Re-defining place: integrating two typologies of public dwelling [the institution and commercial/trade] by using principles of collective [urban] dwelling: addressing conflict spaces in architecture by proposing a collaborative dialogue between the market [ranging from non-permanent stalls to permanent commercial shops]: and the formal institution [a library and media centre], as frames for the urban in-between spaces

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Date
2019-10
Authors
Van der Linde, Wilna
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This dissertation sets out to investigate two typologies of public architecture in collaboration, to pose as the frames (edges) for in-between spaces. The project investigates the possibility to integrate the public institution and market typologies in architecture and present a form of hybrid concept to transcend the frames (edges) in order to regenerate the central urban dwelling place and create a new identity in a small town. An urban design project is proposed with a 1) library + media centre institution and 2) an open shopping centre + market, for the Historical Market Square in the town of Standerton, with the aim to redefine an important place in the degenerated town centre. At present, the site contains a shopping complex that will be demolished. However, the current shops on site will be included in the new design. The clients for the project are Lekwa Municipality of Standerton (urban design and market), Fortress REIT Limited for the commercial buildings (owners of the shopping complex currently on the site), and the Gert Sibande College for the library complex. One of the clients, Fortress REIT Limited, requested a more interactive shopping and entertainment complex, because the current shops are experiencing diminishing interest. A new mall being built on the periphery of the town exacerbates the diminishing interest in the current complex. The Lekwa municipality and the Gert Sibande College were invited to participate in the design of the new development. The Municipality will represent the interest of the people of Standerton, focusing on the urban design and historical monuments on the site. The Gert Sibande College is one of the fastest growing district colleges in the country and the largest in Mpumalanga. It will not only be representative of the college, but also the inhabitants of Standerton, within the educational sphere. The site for the proposed new design is located in the centre of town, on the west side of Beyers Naude Road, the main road of Standerton. The site consists of an entire city block and was originally the market or main public square of Standerton. The back of the current reticent complex spans about 70% of the city block’s edge, completely cutting off access and ignoring the presence of some of Standerton’s most significant and historic buildings. The most prominent space on the site, around the monuments, have been allocated to parking. Letting the edges of the new development be partially dissolved and/or transcended, allows for integration, habitation, and connection with the people, the memory, and the history of Standerton. Introducing public space at the foot of a new institution provides the people of Standerton with a platform to express, engage, and dwell. Memory and meaning can be restored as the proposed buildings, which serve as frames for the liminal dwelling spaces, combines the new with the existing fabric. The history of the town and site can be celebrated as the project layers the three past typologies on the site together, namely a market (1891), a garden and public square (1960). and a commercial complex (1980), to function in collaboration with one another. Urban space becomes the mediator between typologies and the addition of the library and media centre promotes the cultural identity of the past, present, and future Standerton. Architecture and urban design become the agents through which history can be remembered. The town can be regenerated by restoring an important place, and encouraging interaction and expression from the public. Place making by transcending boundaries becomes one of the objectives, transforming the stagnant existing into a fluctuating and vibrant new town centre for people to dwell in.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Arch. (Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2019, Regenerated space, Public architecture, Integrate the public institution and market typologies, Urban in-between spaces, Dialogue between the market place and the formal institution
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