Material memory: a Woodworking and Trade School in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
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Date
2023
Authors
Viljoen, Herman
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Woodworking holds universal interest, and each country possesses its distinct techniques and rituals associated with this craft however, architectural education might not consistently offer sufficient exposure to woodworking techniques and their applications. This may potentially result in a limited understanding or appreciation for woodworking and its potential in architectural projects. The oldest site in Plettenberg Bay houses an old timber shed, which, despite its current state of disuse and decay, aspires to embrace new possibilities and transformation into something of profound significance. The site's historical context and original function offer a unique opportunity to establish a woodworking and trade school, aiming to attract and educate individuals such as carpenters, artists, tradesmen, designers, and historians, introducing them to an appreciation for the profound significance of woodworking. How can the incorporation of joinery techniques and wabi-sabi principles inform a sensitive approach to heritage preservation, through the thoughtful integration of functional joinery, structural elements, and material narratives, to achieve a balance between the historical past and contemporary present in the design of a woodworking and trade school in Plettenberg Bay? The design is intended to serve as a space that provides its users with a contemporary perception of woodworking but simultaneously educate them about the historical significance of the site.
Description
Dissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023