Smit, J. D.Ras, J. W.Pretorius, H. B.Olivier, J. I.Raubenheimer, H.Lawrence, Jessica Michelle2020-03-122020-03-122015http://hdl.handle.net/11660/10429This dissertation is an investigation into the boundaries – physical and social - that build, and simultaneously, break down our society and cities. Crime is part of our daily life in South Africa, but why do so many of our people find themselves in situations where they feel as though they have no other option? The social boundaries between society and those who were previously incarcerated are typically significant and can hinder the reintegration process. An interest in the criminal justice system inspired this dissertation. The project proposed is a Cooking School and Urban Farm for the reintegration of parolees, or ex-offenders. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal, yet it is often not used efficiently. Here, it is proposed as a tool to assist parolees with successful reintegration into society in an attempt to reduce recidivism rates. This will be largely dependent on the willingness of society to adapt and reduce prejudices which they may have towards parolees. In order for this to happen, the project cannot focus solely on the education of the parolees, but must extend to include the community at large. The site proposed is located at the northern end of President Brand Street, one of the founding streets of Bloemfontein. The site is also the terminating point of the President Brand Street Conservation Area, specifically declared as a heritage area, on 17 September 1988. Democracy and the influence which politics has on the spatial layout of the city are of particular importance, and are thus investigated accordinglyenDissertation (M.Arch. (Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2015Cooking schoolsUrban agricultureCriminal rehabilitationParole and rehabilitationDissertationUniversity of the Free State