Towards a reparational, relational, and respectful engagement with the temporal environment: an algae research, design and manufacturing institute at Hartbeespoort Dam

Abstract

Algal blooms, or the growth of algae in bodies of water, are a cause of concern around the world, with essential water supplies experiencing more frequent and dangerous blooms over the last decade. During a visit to Hartbeespoort Dam, I was struck by the natural gorge within the ancient Magaliesberg mountain range, the sun shaded by trees and burning red on the “kloof” walls’ quartzites, shales, chert, and dolomite.

For more than 30 years, the Hartbeespoort Dam has been subjected to intense algal blooms. This design dissertation investigates the feasibility of establishing an Algae-related Research, Design and Product Manufacturing Institute at the dam, with a sincere concern for the environment, the permanence it emulates, and the fleeting moments it contains and entertains. The institute is a hypothetical collaboration between the University of Johannesburg, the Department of Water Affairs and the Wits Innovation Centre.

The Dam is a result of the division between human and the natural world. The design research seeks to physically and metaphorically expose the pre-existing natural wound, engage with nature to heal the injury under a protective scab and to naturally decay in place, leaving only a scar - a place of remembrance of the wound that was there.