Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs)

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Browsing Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs) by Keyword "Abandoned villages"

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    Revitalizing the vintage: Supporting novel ways of living for older adults in Galicia, Spain
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Vila, Sabela Rey; Gantner, Garret
    The abandonment of rural areas has been an issue of concern for several decades in Galicia. Past endeavours to revive abandoned villages have primarily concentrated on strategies such as reforestation, museumification, tourism, and resettlement. However, as far as the research shows, none of these approaches have tackled root causes or focused on assisting the remaining populations, who are primarily elderly individuals. To fill this gap, this thesis draws on a range of different themes including the spatial organization of villages, the abandonment of Galician villages and its causal factors, various approaches to revitalizing abandoned villages, the needs of elderly people, as well as the architecture, landscape and imaginaries of Galician culture. For the design of typologically varied buildings, the study of heritage and conservation theories, and theories on elderly care were explored. Specific design requisites for the elderly were considered, and an examination of the winemaking process also contributed to the research. Moreover, substantial research was dedicated to locating an appropriate site conforming to the requirements of the proposed new masterplan for an abandoned village. These efforts culminated in using an existing abandoned village to devise a comprehensive new masterplan. This plan encompasses all essential elements required to restore it sustainably, while concurrently offering support to the elderly population. Additionally, it entails further detailed development of facilities such as an elderly day-care centre, residential units, and the establishment of a winery facility.