Architecture under the influence: a brewpub for the diverse city of Johannesburg
Date
2016
Authors
Thomas, Cassandra
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Abstract
This thesis explores the concept of social and cultural inclusivity and urban regeneration through a brewpub that celebrates South
Africa’s rich drinking history.
Growing up in a household where alcohol has been viewed as a negative factor that can actually destroy the family, I have always
wanted to know if it could in fact ignite some positivity in the lives of society. Common social perception dictates our individual
views and opinions on alcohol, and these perceptions sometimes differ from society to society, and from culture to culture.
The history of beer is deep rooted in the soil of South Africa: from the traditional African beer makers who practiced ritual through
their craft; to the notorious beer halls that were described as ‘drinking cages’ by the mine workers of Johannesburg. Today, the act
of drinking beer is shared across multiple social spectrums – from the regular shebeen patrons to the trendy hipsters that crawl the
city. Can these various social groups interact together over the common act of enjoying a beer with friends? Can a multi-cultural
brewery overcome the many issues that occur within our diverse city?
The three themes of health and morality, sociability, and state and nation, as suggested by Mack P. Holt in the book Alcohol: a
social and cultural history, are the analytical tools that have been used to dissect the interesting body that is society and drinking.
Ultimately, it is the understanding of these different aspects of consumption that has led me to the design of a new hybrid drinking
establishment that could benefit the community in which it is situated.
On a site known as the gateway to the Maboneng Precinct, the brewery houses all the functions necessary for the production of
beer as well as a restaurant, coffee shop, curio shop, offices and a small learning centre. The brewery also offers the opportunity for
aspiring brewers to occupy a brew lab and test their brewing skills on the market. The main patrons include the visitors of Arts on
Main, residents in the area, Ellis Park spectators, students from the Doornfontein campus as well as people from many other walks
of life.
Hagaman says that beer holds a place “[…] in the total socioeconomic and ritual life of its brewers and drinkers,” and only once we
learn from the past, take notes from the unknown and allow inevitable changes to happen, can such a place truly feel welcome and
open for all.
Description
This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree Master of Architecture [Professional] at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, in the year 2015
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Citation
Thomas, Cassandra (2016) Architecture under the influence: a brewpub for the diverse city of Johannesburg, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, < http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/22075>