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Item Open Access Straddling the line between creation and conservation - Reclaiming Kamfers dam(University of the Free State, 2022) Bonolo, Tenderly Sehere; Mosidi, OArchitecture ceases not to exist outside its context,every structure is sited among ever-changing climates and cultural conditions. It is shaped by its environment, natural forces, objects over systems, and formal morphology over networks and ecologies. The association of one body with the other aligns itself with a level of accountability and it is in this regard that absolute engagement is defined (Baldwin, 2021). Straddling the line between creation and conservation within the greater context of Kamfers Dam, a permanent wetland located 6km north of Kimberley, Northern Cape. The study responds to ecology with subliminal thresholds, buffer zones, shared notions, established ecosystems, and tangible and intangible tensions that co-exist between various natural and man-made communities. According to Wolfhart Pannenberg, creation is not just placed into existence once, creation needs conservation of its existence in every moment. Thus, conservation is nothing else but a continuous creation that is part of a greater ecosystem (Miller, 2009). The interest of this study proposes a Conservation, Research, and Visitors Centre, which aims to explore how a landscape intervention can better foster, facilitate and narrate the concurrent tensions between humanity and natural systems. The aim is to simultaneously and armoniously mend the “undissolvable unity” between ”creation and conservation”, humanity and nature” and the engagement between various bodies.Item Open Access Straddling the line between creation and conservation - reclaiming Kamfers Dam(University of the Free State, 2022) Sehere, Bonolo Tenderly; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Raubenheimerh, H.; Modisi, O.Architecture ceases not to exist outside its context, every structure is sited among ever-changing climates and cultural conditions. It is shaped by its environment, natural forces, objects over systems, and formal morphology over networks and ecologies. The association of one body with the other aligns itself with a level of accountability and it is in this regard that absolute engagement is defined (Baldwin, 2021). Straddling the line between creation and conservation within the greater context of Kamfers Dam, a permanent wetland located 6km north of Kimberley, Northern Cape. The study responds to ecology with subliminal thresholds, buffer zones, shared notions, established ecosystems, and tangible and intangible tensions that co-exist between various natural and man-made communities. According to Wolfhart Pannenberg, creation is not just placed into existence once, creation needs conservation of its existence in every moment. Thus, conservation is nothing else but a continuous creation that is part of a greater ecosystem (Miller, 2009). The interest of this study proposes a Conservation, Research, and Visitors Centre, which aims to explore how a landscape intervention can better foster, facilitate and narrate the concurrent tensions between humanity and natural systems. The aim is to simultaneously and harmoniously mend the "undissolvable unity" between "creation and conservation", humanity and nature" and the engagement between various bodies."Item Open Access Aequoreal mediation(University of the Free State, 2022) Breytenbach, Mané; Smit, J.; Smit, P.; Noble, J.; Raubenheimer, H.; Mosidi, O.There is something beautiful about the ocean, the intense blueness of it... so tranquil, gliding, and calming. The serene brutality, the sense of awe at the sight of it, the feeling of unknownness. For some, the ocean sparks joy and excitement; for others, fear and unease. There is a certain beauty to the diverse experiences of the ocean. Considering that more than 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with the ocean, one would believe that humans would have explored it thoroughly. However, under 20% is mapped and explored. There is also a multitude of life within the ocean that is not widely discussed. Thus, the essence of this project lies in educating people about the ocean and the marine life and how architecture can promote it. The title of the thesis – Aequoreal Mediation – can be broken into two core parts. Aequoreal is an archaic word that means marine or oceanic. In this thesis, mediation is architecture’s intervention to resolve the disconnection between land and sea. The title frames the thesis and alludes early on to the mediation between man and nature. This thesis aims to capture and frame the beauty of the ocean, allow people to experience it, and to bridge the gap between land and sea. Furthermore, it aims to educate people on what is happening within the ocean and the different marine life in the area. It also aims to encourage a positive experience of, and connotation to, the ocean. Therefore, through this research, this project hopes to uncover a better understanding of the ocean and marine life and explore ways architecture can promote education specifically about the ocean. This research also hopes to assist in diffusing the boundaries set between land and sea.Item Open Access Songs in translation: a centre for indigenous music in Woodstock, Cape Town(University of the Free State, 2022) Cloete, Rohan; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Raubenheimer, H.; Mabe, P.Indigenous music is in danger of extinction. The oral nature of carrying the knowledge over from one generation to another further complicates the conservation of the music. Minimal documentation of the music exists, and most of it is documented from a Western perspective. The lack of performance documentation further complicates the preservation since the music and performance cannot be split. This thesis seeks to explore ways in which indigenous music of different cultures might find embodiment in architecture without being misappropriated. The research considers three different cultures’ music based on the cultures found in the geographic location of the proposed design, namely Woodstock, Cape Town. These cultures are: Khoesan, Xhosa, and the Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrels). The research document further explores ways in which the languages of different cultures, but also that of the architecture and context, can work together in the formulation of a place for different identities. Various notions are considered, such as liminality or thresholds as well as generative design methods. Ultimately, the research investigates theories of ethnomusicology as well as other methods to translate musicology to architecture within a complex physical and non-physical context.Item Open Access Biophilic placemaking: rooting aquaponics in the landscape of the Eastern Free State(University of the Free State, 2021) Viljoen, Carissa; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Ras, Jan; Raubenheimer, H.How can we as architects build a new world of sustainable beauty? This thesis posits that it is possible by learning from nature. Biomimicry and permaculture look at nature as a catalogue of products that have undergone a 3.8 billion year period of research and development. Given this level of sophistication, biophilic and permaculture theory argues that it makes sense to break down the patterns and principles of the natural environment into building blocks that can be applied to the built environment. This thesis explores the notion of how these sustainable design strategies, can be applied to the design of a site (an aquaponic Lifestyle Farm) to create a sense of place, or genius loci, that can connect us with the wider natural world in order to break down the human-nature dichotomy. By creating an evocative, emotional connection and interaction with the natural environment, the aim of this project is to bring humans into alignment with the natural world and the sustainable practices that we need to adopt in order to ensure our survival within it.Item Open Access Craft metamorphosis: a vocational craft college at the Old Tannery in Wellington Western Cape(University of the Free State, 2021) Venter, Annerica; Smit, J. D.; Smit, Petria; Auret, H.; Raubenheimer, H.This dissertation seeks to introduce digital fabricated crafts in South-Africa through the development of a craft college at The Old Tannery in Wellington Western Cape. With the investigation of a post-phenomenological approach to this historical site. The Old Tannery provides the perfect opportunity for a new vocational craft college to become a synergy proposed as a way to render an ensemble. A lively educational-commercial space that will attract and serve both locals and tourists. As such, the semi-industrial nature of the site will not interfere with the commercial interests on the rest of the site. Ultimately, the craft college will contribute to the new ensemble by providing many students who could use the other facilities if they wish to do so to start their own businesses. The project aims to have a positive impact within a neglected context by promoting new ways of crafting. This ultimately aims to uplift the local community and allow people from the community to become involved and perhaps start their own trade businesses.Item Open Access Seed Bank for indigenous sub-Saharan plant & crop species(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Du Preez, Phillip; Ras, Jan; Smit, Jan; Smit, PetriaThe proposed design aims to create a Seed Bank for indigenous sub-Saharan plant and crop species that will be located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, Free State. This facility integrates on-site preservation processes in parallel with research on the preservation of seeds. The Seed Bank will function as a proactive catalyst for combatting climate change, food shortages, natural and made disasters pertaining to agriculture. It will be a point of exchange where the farmer can contribute seed samples and also have access to alternative seed species and research that can increase yield and preserve soil integrity. The facility is a statement of the importance that seed biodiversity holds for the survival of future generations that is in dire need of food security. Furthermore, the greenhouses will ensure the education and viability that non-indigenous plant species could contain as growing conditions will be simulated within a controlled environment. Local plant and crop species will be planted on large scales so to continuously retrieve new seed samples.Item Open Access The ripening: an architectural celebration of craft beer in Herold, George(University of the Free State, 2020-12) De Bruyn, Chenel; Smit, Jan; Smit, Petria; Raubenheimer, Hein; Bosman, G.The haptic engagement of brewing and drinking beer poses many similarities to the phenomenology of the landscape and architectural spaces. However, working with a vernacular architectural language within an existing building adds another experiential layer that needs to be handled carefully and thoughtfully by the architect. How can this multi-layered experience of landscape, beer and vernacular building be sensitively reinterpreted and narrated through means of built form, in order to contribute to the genius loci of Herold? The unique character of every site and its existing structure demands individual attention and a critical investigation into the genius loci. Investigating precedents such as Mariendahl Brewery or Walden Studios allows insight to the approach of another architect, from which design principles can be extracted. By introducing a craft brewery into the existing fabric and onto the site, a strong narrative is created through the proposed scheme, leading the dweller through moments of tension to the climatic ripening that is the celebration of the craft, landscape and existing narrative. Addressing the site-specific sensitivities, abstract concepts are distilled from the site and its elements, along with contextual analysis, which is implemented to meaningfully reinterpret the topology, morphology and typology that is introduced to the site. This investigation draws on meaningful place-making and the reimagining of craft breweries in the landscape.Item Open Access Salt Rock Lifesavers Club, architectural interface: a gateway to a temporary realm of play(University of the Free State, 2020) Isaacs, Scott Patrick; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Wagener, A.The proposed development seeks to pay homage to the temporary realm of play that is the beach. It intends to play on the user experience by utilizing thresholds to channel interactions with both the building and landscape in an interface like manner as the user journeys through the intervention and into this temporary realm of play. The design suggests ‘a user interpretive realisation’ of the landscape as a social, natural, and economic incubator and stimulus whereby a sustainable interdependency between the user and the site is established. The proposal calls for the redevelopment of the Salt Rock Lifesavers Club which acts as the primary portal and entrance to Salt Rock Main Beach. Currently the Club exists in a constant state of repair vs disrepair, and offers very little benefit to its primary users and the public at large functionally, visually and as an experience. The development seeks to accommodate two primary clients: the existing Salt Rock Lifesavers Club which currently is the primary caretaker of the beach; and the KZN Sharks Board, which uses Salt Rock Main Beach as one of their launching sites for shark net maintenance and research. Salt Rock Main Beach is the primary public beach for Salt Rock. It is one of the two Dolphin Coast beaches currently used to host the Ballito Pro Surf Competition which is a World Surf League (WSL) event, this ranks it as one of the best surfing spots in South Africa. The Dolphin Coast, and in particular the stretch spanning from Salt Rock to Ballito attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The beach is extremely busy over the December and April Holiday periods. The site is unique in that it offers a large enough park to accommodate music concerts which other beaches lack. Furthermore, the site has an ephemeral stream dissecting the beach which is currently dammed and separates the park and beach.Item Open Access Deceased Sentient: an Eternal Reefs Memorial Centre at the Cape Recife Lighthouse and nature reserve, Port Elizabeth(University of the Free State, 2020-10) Hoft, Dennis; Smit, Jan; Smit, Petria; Nel, Jan; Raubenheimer, HeinLife and Death. An endless cycle we see devoured, held, controlled by time. Always similar but never the same, yet the means in which we memorialise never changed. Traditional burial has always held the most dignity in civilisation, although Greek and Buddhist cultures has always upheld cremation. The evolution of burial has but remained variables of a gist in all beliefs and cultures where the origins and legitimacy are subject for a different debate. But is there a thread, or substance of the same origin, something that we as modern man can reconnect to in order to have a neutral goal for this life and the next one. Is mother earth our only salvation for this life and the afterlife? Do we only have these lands and waters for all eternity? We can predict very little, but learn a lot from the past. For destruction and discovery has led to this world, so what to do but reconstruct this haven as a heaven for all living beings. For our planet to be the sole haven, for what seems eternity, in order to preserve all life for only this life we have, evidently, must become human nature. Preserving nature has to be in our nature.Item Open Access Poetics in the landscape(University of the Free State, 2020-11) Louw, Christelle; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Nel, J.; Raubenheimer, H.Climate change is a global issue and the main challenge regarding this predicament is the human being's lack in ability to protect our natural environments. This dissertation investigates how to overcome the conventional design process by critically analysing the context's geomorphology and vegetation to encourage a better understanding of the site. An interpretation centre is proposed to inform the visitors of how the site is formed and how the vegetation functions, to create awareness of nature conservation. Awareness of nature conservation will attempt to equip the visitor with empathy towards the environment in order to protect it better. Once the environmental prosesses are better understood, the visitor can aid in the conservation process. The geomorphology , fynbos and Cedar tree will be investigated in depth; poetic ideas will be derived and together with architectural theories, a piece of architecture will be developed. A main walkway that leads from the parking to the Stadsaal caves will be constantly exposed to the landscape to encourage a nature-near approach throughout the proposed design. Ideas that are derived from the context will aim to result in a unique structural approach, which metaphorically demonstrates the presence of a cave whilst overlooking the landscape. The proposed design process will make use of case and precedent studies as well as contextual analysis, where the unique Stadsaal caves that are carved t perfection by natural erosion are observed. Awareness of the natural processes on site will attempt to create a being of care among the visitors. The function of the interpretation centre will aim to form a symbiotic relationship between the landscape and itself.Item Open Access Aquatic Science Park: an interactive architecture in marine environment(University of the Free State, 2020) Benzane, Karabo; Noble, J.; Raubenheimer, H.; Smit, J.; Smit, P.; Wagener, A.This dissertation is a design exploration for the development of an aquatic science park that is simultaneously functioning as a ferry terminal, at the water's edge of Maputo bay, in Mozambique. The project primarily seeks to redefine the edge as a space of interaction between humans and marine environments. The dissertation addresses the needs of researchers from different institutions around the country for a research facility catering for marine environment issues. The proposal also intends to re-establish a ferry that was discontinued due to construction of a suspension bridge across Maputo bay linking two districts namely Maputo and Katembe. The new bridge is not pedestrian friendly, therefore the need for an alternative link. The research facility will be a place where visitors can experience the marine world and learn about species from waters around the world. The dissertation presents the researcher’s attitude toward the creation of "in-between" place by blurring the lines between distinct realms, such as manmade and nature, public and private sectors, activities on land and in water, etc. The blurring process is the subject of this thesis; its development responds to the conditions and needs within the existing context and is stated in the programmed requirements. The dissertation will prove that the re-establishment of the ferry coupled with a new research facility could improve connectivity between the Katembe district and Maputo city and also transform the area into a more integrated ecological system to protect and conserve water.Item Open Access Future ruin for fynbos: Fynbos Interpretation and Regeneration Centre: Berg River Dam, Franschhoek(University of the Free State, 2021) Meyer, Lodewyk; Smit, J.; Jooste-Smit, P.; Nel, J. H.; Raubenheimer, H.The fynbos biome is a natural splendour in South Africa, however, not a lot of people are educated on the complexities of the biome and how to conserve it for future generations. A small farm school ruin situated between Franschhoek and the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has fallen into disuse and decay but planted a seed for many possibilities. The educational background and location of the ruin present the opportunity for a new intervention, driven by Cape Nature, that builds on the past function, creating a place that educates hikers, tourists, and locals alike on the importance of fynbos. A Fynbos Interpretation and Regeneration Centre is proposed to bridge the gap between human and nature through architectural spaces. In order to create a symbiotic relationship between man and nature the proposed intervention builds on the past, to educate the present and future generations about the fynbos biome. Time serves as an important element in the Fynbos Interpretation and Regeneration Centre as it is the architect of ruin, thus time and ruin will be used as tools to instil nature appreciation. The design is intended to decay, allowing nature to take back the place, leaving behind fragments of the past whilst still serving the intended purpose of celebrating fynbos. With time the proposal aims to regenerate the surrounding landscape, whereafter it will leave behind a ruin that continues to enhance the phenomenological experience of the place.Item Open Access Discovering nature’s flux: a riparian research and discovery center along the Sabie River(University of the Free State, 2021) Mukhtar, Mohammed F. A.; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Raubenheimer, H.This design dissertation investigates the proposal of a Riparian Research and Discovery Centre on the bank of the Sabie River neighbouring the Kruger National Park. Riparian zones do not function independently from other ecotones and biomes, but they play a complex role in the integration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The project aims to establish a centre that focuses on riparian observation (long term monitoring) which serves as a base camp for conservationists (researchers and students) to conduct necessary fieldwork for ecological research in the region as well as to educate the commercial and subsistence agricultural communities to encourage healthier forms of interaction with the river and finally to create an awareness of this volatile and fragile biome within the eco-tourism industry. Environmental experiences and the relationship we have with the natural environment can be subjective and a personal question of how we perceive ourselves in relation to it. In order to mediate ventures of discovery, the environment is seen as a locus of meaningful interpretation which evokes an environmental identity where we see ourselves as part of the natural environment. This dissertation aims to interpret this biome conceptually into the proposed design that enhances and aids the experience of the riparian zone on the Sabie River. The proposed design is a result of an ecologically ethical consideration that stems from the establishment of an environmental identity. The building, therefore, responds to the site in a way that evokes a narrative between the user and the surrounding landscape where architecture features as the mediator.Item Open Access Portals between worlds: a place of accustomisation celebrating the Himba cultural identity through a critical regional dialogue between modernity and tradition in the Kunene region(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Loots, Chrizelle; Auret, H.; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Raubenheimer, H.This dissertation explores the beliefs, rituals, and vernacular morphology of the Himba culture to discover how architecture can create a place of meeting and accustomisation between the world of the Himba and tourists as a contribution to cultural sustainability. The Ovahimba is an indigenous group situated in the desert environment of Opuwo in North Namibia. Due to the aesthetic indigenous qualities of their culture, they are one of Namibia’s greatest attractions. Over many years of modernisation and a number of other external elements, the Himba people are increasingly exposed to modern/western customs, causing the culture to adopt a hybrid identity, entailing modern and traditional characteristics. In order to preserve the culture in its current state, cultural sustainability should be encouraged in the region through the economic, social and ecological development of the Himba culture. This essay will present a research proposal on how critical regional architecture can provide a gathering and meeting space for the Himba people and tourists, in which the Himba can benefit economically and socially, while also celebrating and preserving their culture. The research question of this study can therefore be formulated as follows: How can a critical regionalist approach be used to create architectural spaces of accustomisation, in which foreigners can be introduced to the Himba culture in a respectful yet revelatory way, in order to eventually establish a fruitful dialogue between globalist modernity and indigenous tradition in the Kunene Region? The theoretical theme of critical regionalism assisted with establishing different approaches that are sympathetic to the traditional Himba way of life while, simultaneously defamiliarising potent aspects of the local culture and environment in order to reveal new readings of this ancient way of life. These approaches were implemented to achieve the estrangement of contextual, cultural and regional structural elements to reach the design principles of tactility, defamiliarisation, participation, arrière-garde and the implementation of traditional and landscape practices. This thesis proposes the merged traditional/modern Himba culture with a scheme suitable to their “project identity”. The critical regional implementation of these elements also provides a lens through which tourists can understand and celebrate the Himba culture while contributing to cultural sustainability. Ultimately, the thesis investigates and suggests a ritual Himba Pavilion, intertwining all of the related thematic (community, tourism and cultural conservation) and theoretical (context, culture and vernacular architecture) aspects.Item Open Access Reimagining terrain vague: the adaptive re-use of Makwassie’s Train Station as an agricultural centre(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Rheeder, Eugenie; Smit, J.; Smit, P.; Noble, J.; Raubenheimer, Hein; Du Preez, KobusSituated on the periphery of a small town in North-West a decaying train station stands idle. Between open veld and a small town where nothing has changed over the last 50 years lies potential for an architectural intervention. This dissertation will address the revitalization of a static industrial site. This industrial site has lost its original identity and fallen victim to deterioration. A loss in original identity created a site that is vague. Revitalization of vague sites can be achieved by exploring the latent potentials within the site narrative. The intervention confronts the transitions between the dynamic environmental transformations of the site and the static structures on site. The study examines the importance of adaptively re-using structures. This intervention will be manifested as an agricultural centre. The aim is to re-activate the terrain through the layering of transitions in the program activating the inherent sense of place.Item Open Access Rural junction: architecture bridging the gap(University of the Free State, 2021) Pretorius, Anchen; Smit, J. D.; Noble, J. A.; Jooste-Smit, P.; Raubenheimer, H.; Nel, J. H.Abstract not availableItem Open Access A place of prostration: a Masjid complex in Bloemfontein(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Patel, Amirah; Bitzer, M.; Smit, P.; Smit, J. D.; Raubenheimer, H.; Noble, J. A.Salah is one of the most important duties in the life of a Muslim which is centred around the Masjid. Bloemfontein has a growing Muslim community consisting of a diverse demographic of people however, there is a lack of formal religious spaces. Salah is performed five times a day and so the Masjid is a significant space for praying, community engagement and learning. Aside from the diversity, the community is well dispersed across the city with many residents away from their extended family which means that the Masjid is an important gathering space and place of identity. This thesis aims to identify the dynamics of the current population and praying spaces to design a Masjid and community centre. Due to the diverse nature of Muslims, a more universal approach will be explored in terms of ritual and traditional aesthetics to create a Masjid that is free from stereotypical forms. As a result, the history and functions of the Masjid will be explored to create a space that orientates the congregant within the context while remaining alien. Ultimately the new design is inspired by abstract and contemporary interpretations of traditional elements to create a place of prostration.Item Open Access An Eco-Umuzi: Sodwana Bay(University of the Free State, 2021) Roux, Danielle Elizabeth; Smit, Jan; Smit, Petria; Raubenheimer, Hein; Noble, Jonathan; Olivier, JakobusSodwana Bay has been a tourist attraction since the late 1970’s. It is known for its sandy beaches and abundance of marine and wild life. This dissertation is proposing a multi-functional project which includes a crafts market, restaurant, information centre and scuba diving school that will enhance the tourists and locals’ experience of the beauty and diversity of the location. This dissertation aims to cater on various levels to different needs in order to ensure their integration, for example: to recognise the fossil-like fish, the coelacanth; to incorporate the existing scubadiving and tourist industry; and to include the local inhabitants’ culture and crafts. Consequently, this project will recognise and respect these different components, it will be inclusive while, simultaneously, working as sensitively as possible on the site.Item Open Access Pilot’s Hub: a contribution to the Pioneers of Aviation Museum(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Swart, Jacenca; Smit, J. D.; Smit, P.; Wagener, A.Abstract not available
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