Smit, J. D.Smit, P.Ras, J.Wagener, A.McDonald, K.Wild, Nicholas2020-12-142020-12-142019-11http://hdl.handle.net/11660/10875Batho, one of South Africa's oldest townships has been known for its rich culture through its people and its history. It has become a place in Bloemfontein that one can explore and find extraordinary tales of how the past has impacted a community to the point of shaping an entire micro-society. This dissertation proposes the investigation of Batho and its residents through the implementation of a new Library and Learning Centre. The dissertation will come to describe the concepts of “connection”, “identity”, and “reflection” as a way of driving the design for the thesis proposal. This research will examine the chosen site within Batho, as well as exhibit Batho’s history and social spectrum through its local vernacular identity. This is all in effort for creating design drivers that contribute culturally and appropriately within the existing context. The thesis proposal is exhibited in an attempt to stitch itself into the existing urban fabric whilst complementing the existing local narrative through historical studies and modern adaptabilities.enDissertation (M.Arch. (Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2019Architecture design - BloemfonteinBatho Township - BloemfonteinPublic Library and Learning CentreDissertationUniversity of the Free State