ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104


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    Tech[no]logical Space:
    (2019) Greenberg, Stephanie
    Technology has been an underpinning determinant that has perpetuated society’s cycle of disruption, disrupting the typical logic surrounding the use and perception of space. The reduction of physical spatial barriers, caused by the full enablement of digital culture and technology, has diminished both physical and social interactions. This has resulted in local fragmentation and a global connection . It has also caused acceleration in the temporal dimension, resulting in a ‘sped-up’ lifestyle. These forms of acceleration and propagation of the virtual realm have not only compressed the time in which we perceive reality but have also disrupted society’s normative understanding of space. This new propagation of space, along with the advancement of disruptive technology, has propelled architecture into a new realm of experimentalism; thereby, advocating for the enablement and translation of the disruption caused by both digital and augmented culture into architecture. Situated in and focusing on Rosebank, this thesis will explore architecture’s role as a mediator for disruptive technologies. The building will respond to the spatial transformation and societal disconnection created by ‘disruptive’ technologies through the utilisation of nature and the transformation of speculated ‘left-over-space’. Thus, through the demolition and design intervention of an existing parking structure, it will propose a co-sharing work pavilion. The design intends to facilitate the socialisation and collaboration of the mobile workforce with the natural environment. Through the emphasis of the natural world, the social world and the human body, the building will explore new spatial perceptions. These perceptions will no longer be centred around the physical aspect of space, but instead on human experience. Society’s complete immersion of technology into everyday practice, has made its implications unavoidable. Therefore, it is continuously changing the way society interacts with each other, nature and the built environments. The pervasive nature of technology encourages architects to start designing in anticipation of the future. As a platform for the disruption caused by technological innovation, the design and discourse act as respondents and enablers of technology. They also use nature as a method to disturb the disruption caused by technological innovation - through its ability to restore diminished relationships between society, nature and technology. This, therefore, speculates on an alternative environment and future for architecture in the workforce and, to a greater extent, society.
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    Science [non] fiction: science education through the performing arts
    (2015-05-26) Hirson, Brett Sean
    Education in South Africa is experiencing challenges of interest in its learners towards science and mathematics within the primary and secondary phases of learning. The result of this failed interest is represented by the amount of scarce skills present in the technology, ICT and engineering sectors, resulting in a lack of research and development of current and future technologies. The solution to this problem is to create a lateral approach through learners’ interests by using performance media as a medium of instruction. This intervention is established as part of the University of the Witwatersrand where it will serve as a crucible of research, exploration and education of science and technology through cross-faculty co-operation. Using the University’s vast academic and educational resources, this intervention will become a staging ground for new scientific and technological development conveyed through a variety of performance mediums which will be presented to learners, students and the general public. Situated adjacent to the Parktown Education Campus, this facility is the beginning of planned expansion by the University linking its various campuses through Braamfontein civic district. The site has an important historical and heritage association with Johannesburg - through its heritage landmarks - and by its use through the National Children’s Theatre. Whilst this has been a site for performance art over the last two decades, the expansion and integration of this building will continue this legacy into the future through the exploration of new and dynamic performance mediums.