*Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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Alternative Tenure Options as a Stepping Stone for Urban Land Reform: The Case of Kwa Mai Mai Muthi Market
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mnguni, Thobeka; Maina, Miriam M.
This research uses qualitative methods to investigate the case of the Kwa Mai Mai muthi market located in the central business district of Johannesburg where over the decades informal traders have converted their trading units into residential homes. This case is used to respond to the research question, ‘To what extent is taking administrative action to improve land tenure by offering communities rights to occupy urban land feasible and necessary for advancing the urban land reform agenda?.’ The research acknowledges that popular approaches to improving tenure by converting insecure tenure rights to statutory ownership through the Deeds office has had limited success and resulted in efficiencies due to the high costs and the resources intensive nature of this approach. Instead, the research recommends a necessary transition to improving tenure in innovative, context-specific ways that work to build on existing settlements through taking low-cost and low LOE administrative action.
In the Era of Global Shocks: A Needs Inquiry on State Provided Housing During and After the Covid-19 Pandemic
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mogale, Lebogang Lucia; Klug, Neil
South Africa, like many countries of the South is confronted by a housing crisis, especially in Metropolitan areas. This is because Metropolitan areas are experiencing rapid population growth and, in the process, creating a demand for low-income housing. The state-provided low-income housing, implemented as a remedial intervention, has faced spatial, procedural, and administrative scrutiny, among others. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought housing and human settlements into the spotlight, raising both opportunities and challenges with the resilience of state-provided low income housing. The study has used the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to emphasize and make apparent the various types of housing and settlement needs that should be prioritised to potentially mitigate the impact of future global shocks such as pandemics. Global shocks trigger resilience thinking that is linked to spatial attributes that can potentially reduce and mitigate the impact of disasters and risks. This indicates an opportunity of supporting ‘resilience thinking’ with existing social realities. The study speaks to this gap by diving deep into theoretical discourses of housing needs and practical needs as determined by participants perceptions. This was done by adopting a case study design that follows Wilhelm Dilthey's philosophy of hermeneutics. The Case Study context used was Palm Ridge extension 10 where Breaking New Ground Housing and Military Veteran houses were allocated in November 2019. Interviews were conducted with both municipal officials and beneficiaries of subsidised housing to inquire in-depth about their considerations of housing needs and how they can be met. The findings of the study indicate that there is a correlation between what is perceived as housing needs during the pandemic and some principles of resilience thinking. It identifies two types of housing needs necessary for mitigation, coping, and recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic. The needs identified are technical housing needs which are concerned with the physical structure of a house and settlement, and soft dimensional housing needs which are more symbolic of the relationship residents have with their houses and the overall neighbourhood. Moreover, the study emphasises that the translation of housing needs from theory to practice is to a certain degree challenged by institutional deficiencies. Although state-provided housing is challenged, it has proven a resilient measure in the era of the pandemic when housing insecurities were on the rise. Neighbourhoods like Palm Ridge can potentially adopt evolutionary and transformative resilience due to their flexible nature to cater to changing needs. Therefore, it is apparent that needs inquiry is a complex issue that can be leveraged to stimulate the adoption and development of bottom-up and collaborative responses to shock mitigation.
The relevance of industrial development zones as prototyping hubs for the diffusion and scale-up of green hydrogen power fuels for South Africa: A case study of Atlantis in Western Cape
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Madhi, Fadheelah; Irurah, Daniel
In South Africa, provinces such as the Western Cape (WC) enjoy high levels of renewable energy (RE) resources such as solar and wind energy while also experiencing critical transmission and storage constraints. On the other hand, industrial development zones (IDZs) such as Atlantis in the WC, offer opportunities for adaptable infrastructure in support of green hydrogen (GH) technologies that can convert surplus RE to GH which is rapidly evolving as a globally flexible power fuel. Through a qualitative study approach, the study assessed the relevance of IDZs as prototyping hubs for addressing the challenges facing the prototyping and scale-up of GH from RE resources which are commonly associated with intermittency. Primary data were collected through interviews with senior engineers (electrical, mechanical, and industrial) in RE and GH while secondary data were extracted from relevant studies and industry reports as well as policy and regulatory frameworks covering RE, GH and IDZs. As one of the initial findings, in spite of rapid evolution in RE-technologies and policies in South Africa and globally, key barriers still exist in the adoption and diffusion of GH-technologies. Five key barriers identified are infrastructure, socio-economic, economic, water scarcity for GH from electrolysis, policy, and regulatory constraints. Secondary data further indicates that SA is in the roll-out stage of two key GH initiatives (Green Hydrogen Valley - GHV and Sasol-Toyota GH joint venture) aimed at tackling the identified barriers. However, further analyses indicates that such prototyping projects would still leave major gaps that need to be closed in order to expedite the scale-up of GH nationally. The study then interviewed one Atlantis IDZ official on the extent to which IDZs could facilitate in closing the adoption and scale-up gaps for GH in South Africa. As a hub specifically created for the testing, prototyping and production of green technologies in order to facilitate their scale-up and adoption, the study finds that Atlantis IDZ is uniquely positioned for mitigating the barrier-gaps identified. The IDZ is equipped with secure streams of capital investments which could be leveraged for GH-technologies as well as for addressing related constraints such as water scarcity through desalination technologies. Atlantis also holds unique learning opportunities, operates under entrepreneurship-friendly special policies, and enjoys access to infrastructure relevant for the adoption and scale-up of GH. Based on these findings, the study concludes that IDZs are not only relevant for the national adoption of GH but also critical for positioning South Africa as a leading GH economy globally.
An investigation on the impact of landownership dynamics in rural development: A case of Nooitgedacht area in Muldersdrift, Mogale City Local Municipality
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Masonganye, Thoriso Obakeng; Sithagu, Taki
South Africa's history of land ownership is deeply intertwined with the legacy of colonialism and segregation. In the contemporary context, land ownership has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for rural development, aimed at addressing historical injustices and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth. Despite numerous reforms and initiatives introduced since the dawn of democracy, challenges persist, particularly in rural regions like Nooitgedacht in the West of Gauteng. In Nooitgedacht, landlessness, underdevelopment, poverty, and minimal economic activity continue to plague the community. This study delves into the intricate relationship between land ownership dynamics and rural development, with a specific focus on Nooitgedacht within the Mogale City Local Municipality. To comprehensively assess this issue, a multi-faceted research approach was employed, incorporating primary and secondary data collection methods. The research methods encompassed a thorough desktop survey, the distribution of questionnaires to community members, and in-depth interviews with municipal officials and community stakeholders. The desktop survey harnessed municipal valuation data to discern the existing patterns of land ownership in Nooitgedacht, revealing a marked imbalance, with most of the land controlled by private individuals and businesses, while national, provincial, and local governments held relatively merger land ownership within the study area. This skewed ownership pattern underscores the profound challenge of land access in Nooitgedacht. Consequently, the area grapples with persistent land inequalities encompassing issues of access, ownership, distribution, and administration, which further manifest through ongoing threats of land invasions, evictions, limited development, and a dearth of economic activities. Despite the presence of municipal policies aimed at addressing these disparities, implementation remains sporadic, fragmented, and inadequately coordinated within the municipality, resulting in a sluggish delivery of rural development. In conclusion, the study underscores the pivotal role of land ownership in shaping the trajectory of rural development in Nooitgedacht. It is evident that without equitable and well-coordinated land ownership policies and practices, the goal of achieving sustainable rural development in this region remains an elusive aspiration.
What are the Lessons that can be Drawn from International Experience on Sustainable Transport for Johannesburg? Case Study: Berlin, Germany
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Ngoma, Ralph Thabiso; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni
This study unravels the performance of sustainable transport in two vastly different and unique spatial contexts, which have developed from comparable historical landscapes. The transport performance in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa and the city of Berlin, Germany is assessed respectively, to note the effectiveness of the transport modes individually and collectively. It is not a comparative study, but rather a study seeking to understand the actualisation of the concept ‘sustainable transport’ in Johannesburg. The problem statement is asking how the nuanced applicability of sustainability in transport can inform transport plans. The nuanced applicability of sustainability must inform transport plans, so that the vision of sustainable transport is strategically applied in the Johannesburg city plans and those of the other cities in the global south. There is a set of criteria that was adapted to assess the performance of transport in the respective cities, thereby extracting valuable lessons for Johannesburg. The qualitative method of study was used to gather the required data, through case studies, desktop research and unstructured discussions. The report argues for innovative and context sensitive approaches to conceptualising sustainable transport in the cities of the global south, and this is informed by the growth strategy of the respective cities. It is noted that transport and land use are co-dependent, therefore sustainable cities are those that integrate all the elements of sustainability in development plans. The results speak to planners and policy makers to have a nuanced view of transport, thus developing forward-looking frameworks to address sustainability as postulated by UN Habitat goals. The goal is to improve mobility in the city and keep abreast with new innovative approaches to unpacking ‘sustainable transport’ in literature, to inform the ever-growing sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities of the global south.
Exploring the effect of spatial planning in delivering access to socio-economic opportunities to address spatial inequality - The case of the Tswaing Mega Project and the Marikana-Soutpan community
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Malope, Kgomotso Mirriam; Izar, Priscila
South Africa is challenged by persistent spatial inequality inherited from previous regimes, which contributes to various socio-economic challenges and hinders the sustainable development of urban areas. Consequently, poverty tends to be more severe in previously marginalised areas where poor residents, the majority of them being black, still suffer from a lack of proximity to adequate socio-economic opportunities (Harrison & Todes, 2013). Several urban and spatial policies have been adopted and implemented, but spatial fragmentation persists. The Department of Human Settlements proposed adopting Mega Projects to develop large-scale, new housing projects integrated with infrastructure, in greenfield sites which are located in urban peripheries. Mega Projects also aim at attracting private sector investment. However, this strategy has been criticised for disregarding planning ideals of compactness and integration with existing economic centres and job opportunities, and for putting forward plans that lack details (Ballard, 2017; Turok, 2015). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate how spatial planning and infrastructure investment could be used to promote access to socio-economic opportunities for marginalised people in spatially fragmented urban areas by focusing on the case of the Tswaing Mega-Project in the Marikana-Soutpan community in the periphery of the City of Tshwane. Unlike other Mega Projects designed on vacant land, the Tswaing Mega Project covers an already existing informal area, the Marikana-Soutpan informal settlement. Qualitative research methods informed the research, drawing from three types of primary and secondary data: (1) qualitative interviews, (2) documentation review and (3) participant observation. Research findings describe how the Tswaing Mega Project plan, launched in 2015, experienced delays and was eventually cancelled, with the adoption of the Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme (UISP) in October 2022. Additionally, the long waiting period for government intervention and the lack of transparency from the government have proven to worsen the state of marginalisation for the Marikana-Soutpan Community. At the completion of this research project, the Marikana-Soutpan community is in for another, possibly long, waiting period as the UISP initiates. Therefore, this research speaks to the analysis that is critical of Mega Projects for offering poorly detailed project plans, lacking transparency, and lacking consideration of the complexities of human settlement development. Based on the findings, it is argued that the now-revoked Tswaing Mega Project has contributed to the further marginalisation of the Marikana-Soutpan community.
Shopping Centres in South Africa: Urbanism Gets the Cold Shoulder. The reimagining of introverted shopping centres into responsive urban environments through design: the case of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mentz, Reuben Frederick; Goncalves`, Kevin
Shopping malls have nestled themselves into the urban fabric of cities, more specifically the suburban fabric, creating large non-interactive, introverted artifacts geared towards consumption and the maximisation of profits. These artifacts act as exclusive clubs where the membership requirements are money and a private vehicle. Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, a regional shopping mall neatly placed between three major regional roads and a national highway in the east of Pretoria, is no different. The mall, or rather the artifact, violates all principles of Responsive Environments and transforming the citizens of the city into customers. The purpose of this research is to explore ways to transform the introverted Menlyn Park Shopping Centre into a more responsive urban environment, an environment that does not turn its back on citizens, but rather welcomes interaction and variety. This overall objective is achieved by creating a research framework in order to create understanding of the nature of shopping malls in general, how they came to be, their functioning and the different types we encounter. An expert in the field of shopping mall design was also consulted, in order to provide some perspective on the future of malls and element to consider. This is followed by an analysis of the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre itself, unpacking the different elements and how they relate to principles of responsive urban environments. A conclusion is reached through an urban design framework, which proposes an alternative design for the shopping mall satisfying the principles of responsive environments.
Feminized Water Geographies: Harnessing Urban Design Principles as a response to the water needs of women living in the informal settlement known as Gabon, Daveyton
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mogola, Itumeleng; Mavuso, Nkosilenhle
Feminized water geographies is a concept concerned with the improvement of the livelihoods of women living in urban contexts of water scarcity such as informal settlements (Dixon & Jones, 2006). The complexity of the concept cannot be reduced to a single theoretical thread but is understood and investigated through the understanding that the relationship between women and water is complex and is defined through four theories namely, the Feminization of water which advocates for women’s access to clean and safe water while reducing the laborious tasks that limit their economic, social, and political participation. Secondly, African Ethnographies explores African culture and Black African female identities and the resultant vocabularies and expressions of surviving urban informality, thirdly, urban informality begins to spatialise the water responsibilities of women that occur within contexts of resource deprivation which has an impact on a woman’s urban experience of accessing water. Lastly, the theory of Feminist Geographies strives to improve the livelihoods of women by unpacking the urban, social, cultural, and economic landscape that women have to navigate to survive (Dixon & Jones, 2006). As a result, the need to address the precarious conditions of informal settlements within water-scarce contexts to try to create urban environments that are responsive and sensitised to women’s water needs is important and forms the crux of the research. By harnessing urban design principles including water-sensitive urban design principles that address the spatial implications of water scarcity in contexts of urban informality while being sensitised to women’s needs, the research can begin to explore and answer the possibilities of creating sustainably inclusive spaces.
Waste Age - living in a throwaway society: searching for sustainability in eastern Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Chapel, Clare Alison; Mkhabela, Solam
The ever-increasing urban population worldwide, particularly in Africa, reinforces the pressing need for compact mixed-use neighbourhoods. My chosen study area, Bertrams and the greater Bez Valley, are ideally situated as inner-city suburbs close to the CBD. The area currently has residential, institutional, industrial and commercial zones and is occupied by a diverse range of multi-cultural residents. As experienced in many parts of Johannesburg, the infrastructure challenges of collapsing streets and pavements, lack of effective waste management, illegal dumping, decaying buildings, and neglected public space are realities that the residents navigate daily. Various creative nodes, NGOs and outreach programs are active in the area, enabling residents to participate and benefit from initiatives to uplift and empower the community. The privately developed complex of Victoria Yards serves as a creative centre, with artists’ studios and programs occupying space in refurbished industrial buildings. This complex is physically isolated from the community, however much of the community orientated initiatives are spearheaded from here, and from the adjacent Nando’s Head Office. The ongoing restorative work being done to the Jukskei River, which is initially exposed to daylight close to the complex, begins outside Victoria Yards. This vital work, implemented by employed community members, is spreading along the valley, clearing and cleaning the banks of the Jukskei River and reintroducing indigenous plants and grasses. My proposal looks at the development of a journey along the river, using its path as a connector between the existing creative programs and public spaces, and new adaptive waste-based interventions, stitching together a continuous urban experience that will focus awareness on the river, and highlight the forgotten beauty of this inner-city space.
Pedestrian in King: To what extent is the City of Windhoek's Vision 2032 to pedestrianise part of Independence Avenue successfully bringing value to the street?
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Muzwembiri, Brain Mapato; Goncalves`, Kevin
A street, which the researcher regards as a public space, should offer the pedestrian an environment that is safe to walk, comfortable, and encourages social interaction. Global North and Global South cities have prioritised cars in the street. The conflict between cars and pedestrians has resulted in less pedestrian infrastructure, minimal pedestrian activities, and the pedestrians needing to be more prioritised. Theories and concepts such as livable streets, shared streets, or fully pedestrian-only streets have attempted to regain the street from cars and prioritize the pedestrian. In Namibia, the City of Windhoek has proposed pedestrianizing Independence Avenue in the city’s downtown area. From a scholar’s perspective, the present research investigates the potential sociocultural, transport, economic, environmental (built and climatic) successes and pitfalls of pedestrianizing Independence Avenue.
Unlocking Soweto as a True City District: The case of the Vilakazi Precinct
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-12) Qwabe, Batatu Bahle; Kotze, Paul
Soweto is a segregated township which is a product of the apartheid spatial planning legacy. It boasts a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The residents largely consist of lower economic class with indications of a rapidly growing middle class. Its emphasis over the past two decades has been to improve its connectivity, mixed use activities, social infrastructure, and consolidated public spaces. The high population densities and the low built form densities offer a latent potential for densification strategies around established nodes and the recently developed Transit Orientated Development. Focusing on the public transport routes would allow for much more accessible mixed-use nodes which majority are located near strong inter-modal facilities. The focus and strengthening of the existing economic activities would increase and diversify job opportunities for residents. This type of economic strategy would celebrate locally owned small scale and informal businesses located along streets as opposed to large businesses such as malls and other large-scale developments. The Orlando urban hub is home to two Nobel Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Winnie Mandela’s House, Orlando stadium and the Hector Pieterson Memorial are located a stone’s throw away from the well-known tourist attraction node, Vilakazi Street. These landmarks create a compelling urban node that is accessible from the Johannesburg CBD via the recently upgraded Klipsruit Valley Road and Mooki Street and the Empire Perth corridor. In the Johannesburg Spatial Development Framework 2040 this node is recognized as a Secondary urban hub. This forms part of the basis as I choose it for my focus area. The potential of this area allows for various opportunities and issues to address, namely: the connectivity of amenities, economic potential, built form density, land productivity, development of social infrastructure and consolidated public spaces.
Socio-economic Perspectives in the Redevelopment of Hostels in South Africa: A Case of Wolhuter Hostel, Jeppestown
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020-11) Madonsela, Thando Kwenza; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni
Hostels in the South Africa context are synonymous with the migrant labour system. The dominant feature of these pre-democratic hostels is that they catered for single-sex employees as opposed to worker families. This contributed to the destruction of the social fabric in terms of culture, traditions, and the destruction of the black families at large. In post-democratic South Africa, Hostel accommodation continues to paint a grim picture within our human settlement’s spaces. Socio-economic difficulties manifest themselves in mostly inadequate living conditions or poor housing circumstances that are largely conditioned by the unequal and distorted access to opportunities. To this day, most hostels that are not yet redeveloped or refurbished continue to present images of dirty menacing buildings associated with a public stigma of notoriety. This research study explores socio-economic perspectives in the redevelopment of hostels in South Africa. The study will consist of an interface between theoretical foundations, and empirical evidence. This research, data collection was sourced both from primary and secondary sources. Qualitative investigative methods were used to get an in-depth understanding of the subject. The research follows a case-study approach, that of Wolhuter Hostel, Jeppestown in Gauteng and undertook interviews of sixteen hostel dwellers plus a fucus group discussion. The study makes recommendations on policy reforms such introducing more responsive programmes in human settlements. It is also aimed at introducing an improved approach to the planning and redevelopment of the hostels by strengthening neighbourhood and precinct planning. The study contributes to the understanding and insight on hostels and their redevelopment and considering socio-economic perspectives in human settlements planning and development.
Heirloom between the tracks— Revealing hybrid landscapes of rest and reflection at Langlaagte Cemetery
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Skudder, Emma Catherine; Hart, Brendan
Situated in a sea of grass alongside the Johannesburg railway lines, lie rows of graves lost in an overgrown landscape. Some marked, some unmarked, all invisible to the passer-by. This landscape is rooted between multi-cultural communities with a heritage dating back to the origins of Johannesburg. Paarlshoop, Langlaagte-North, Mayfair-West and Brixton border its edges, which establishes the core of this research— the site. To understand the intricacies of the site, is to understand the project intent. Where there are graves, there is abandoned heritage, lost memory and forgotten stories. Where there are railway buildings, there is existing community claim to be enriched. Where there are grasses, shrubbery, and treelines there is connection to agricultural pasts. Heirloom between the tracks, bridges the urban lifeways of the site with a heritage-focussed centre weaving together old and new, facilitating the surrounding community and providing a space for memory. With a contextual, history-driven, and postcolonial lens, the beacon of this thesis was using methods of remembrance, acknowledging the site’s unavoidable histories, tying back into the surrounding community through revealing, engaging, and re-inscribing. Spaces of commemoration and recreational landscapes, stitch new narratives onto the site for a multifunctional, small-scale heritage hub. This hub ties together archiving, storytelling and making spaces, with spaces of skills-development and contextually functional service provision. By establishing this site-centred facility, micro-industry, heritage, and identity are re-rooted and fed back into its surrounds, nurturing the existing conditions upon which they reside, establishing an architectural tapestry, a quilt, an heirloom.
Acid[c]ity - Undamning the Dam: Wicking of the Harmony Gold Mine Dam Through Algae Exploration
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Le Pere, Justine; Doermann, Kirsten; Daskalakos, Christos
This project discusses the need to help fight against the effects of mining on water, and to help the surrounding environment and community. A large emphasis is placed on the use of algae to treat the water from the Harmony Gold Mines’ tailings dams, and the facility plays host to this natural water treatment method. The facility provides the space for water resource management and water treatment education to take place. The community of Tshepisong Phase 2 lies north of the facility and acts as the activator of the facility. Without the community needing to collect water for use at home, the facility would not have a strong sense of integration into the township. The layout of the facility allows the layers of privacy to help aid the program, and the program allows the facility to be transparent to its visitors and the neighbouring township.
Eco-vital[c]ity: Ecological Regeneration of the Robinson Deep Landfill through Microclimate Superstructures and Phytoremediation
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Leong, Keilun; Goncalves, Kevin
Landfills are essential to our society for waste disposal. However, they have many negative impacts due to contaminants that are released, polluting the air and ground as leachate seeps into the soil and nearby water sources, affecting the health of surrounding communities and the environment. This research report aims to re-naturalize and repair the Robinson Deep Landfill, which bears scars of exploitative industrial use, and attempts to rehabilitate the environment while mitigating the effects on the community. This will be achieved through phytoremediation techniques, using Sunflowers grown in Hydroponic farms, housed within greenhouses. The design for these facilities will consist of superstructures, greenhouses, and a waste-to-energy plant (incinerator) within a closed loop system. Additionally, the report seeks to generate economic opportunities that promote tourism, entertainment, and education through a recreational centre which will incorporate Biophilic Design and Parametricism to create a public space that will be beneficial to the community.
Re-Urbanization Restoration of urban space through the narrative of the context of Tzaneen
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Mohale, Koketso Emmanuel; Daskalakos, Christos
A study of abandoned buildings in a small town such as Tzaneen with a lack of concerns about Green Building and environmental consciousness. Evidence of old malls abandoned for newer and fashionable shopping centers with no sign of regenerating and renewing the abandoned economy. This leaves room for informal traders to operate in these abandoned spaces, leading to a decrease in property value within the economic hub of the Town. This project will be investigating the different methods of urban regeneration and exploring theories in relation to Sustainability, Environmental Ecology, and green design, to come up with a solution that could help in regenerating abandoned urban spaces. By exploring the current activities that are on the site, this project will further look at options to have an inclusive program of the informal trader as part of the solution to creating a well-balanced and vibrant economic hub.
Future Proofing Architecture: Intelligent design processes of an AI-Innovation center in Newtown
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Wilson, Liam Robin; Triana-Martinez, Gustavo
In the ever-evolving realm of architecture, tools used by architects and related professionals have transitioned from rudimentary sketches to sophisticated digital simulations. Today, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands to redefine this lineage of tools, offering both challenges and opportunities. This thesis delves into AI’s transformative potential in architectural design processes specifically within a South African context, exploring its influence from conceptualization to the final design stages. Through a systematic methodology, the research herein investigates and compares the conventional architectural design stages, the current state of AI and its practical applications in architecture. I have carefully selected a handful of AI-driven software tools that have been instrumental in forging a generative design process. Central to this exploration, is the design of an AI Innovation Centre for Witwatersrand University in Newtown, Johannesburg. This Centre is not just a building but a manifestation of my core argument: that AI, when understood as a tool in the architect’s evolving toolkit, can profoundly influence design outcomes in a manner that far outreaches human capabilities. This study further importantly addresses the ethical implications of AI in architecture, advocating for a collaborative approach that not only complements human expertise, but that illustrates the pitfalls and certain biases inherent to AI. Through this comprehensive exploration, this thesis underscores the need for architectural spaces to evolve in response to AI-driven operational changes, while ensuring designs remain rooted in human-centric principles.
Empowered for Employment: A Collaborative Learning and Skills Development Centre in Primrose
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Scremin, Michele; Felix, Sandra
South Africa currently experiences the highest unemployment rate in the world. Due to the inequitable educational policies of Apartheid, large sectors of the population missed out on basic education and remain ill-equipped for the demands of the labour force. A culture of poverty, crime and social instability prevails. The solution lies in building a bridge to cross this gap and improve opportunities for learning and skills development of the youth and older adults. This will empower them for employment and improve their overall socio-conomic prospects. This study investigates the architectural narratives that are relevant to the design of a successful, collaborative adult learning centre that will serve the Makause informal settlement in Primrose. The research is directed through an explorative lens of the sustainability triangle, discussing the social, economic and environmental implications. Literature reviews of the multi-disciplinary theoretical foundations of adult learning give insight into the unique social, intellectual and physical requirements of adult learners while existential needs are influenced by phenomenological approaches. Appropriate designs of learning spaces are subsequently guided by informed decisions. Economic sustainability is reinforced with financial support of corporate stakeholders and the large waterbody on the site provides environmental opportunities that will benefit both the facility and the community it serves.
Navigating the Existential: A Sacred Anchor for the Liminal Identities of Johannesburg South’s Diasporic Youth
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Moodley, Priyan; Bahman, Dirk
The story of Johannesburg South is one that begun with the city itself, a by-product of the scar of the mining belt. Through an influx of diasporic communities, it grew and morphed into a place of diverse cultural editing. One that created a youth which was born into landscapes of sacred and cultural juxtapositions and multiplicities. The result is a diasporic melting pot of existential redefinitions and liminal identities, all in flux in this ever-changing landscape, requiring anchorage and rootedness in all the shifting. Through understandings of transliminality, diasporic theory, sacredness and phenomenological existentialism, this thesis aims to give form, materiality and atmosphere to spaces in which temporal meanings of ritual and event can be held and the layering of sacred and secular multiplicities can be evoked. To answer the question of how anchorage can be created for the sacred redefinitions and temporal meanings of the liminal diaspora of Johannesburg South.
A Symphony of Sakina: Using mosque design to facilitate community development in Mooiplaas
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Jaffer, Raeesah; Janse van Rensburg, Ariane
This research report studies Mooiplaas Informal Settlement in Pretoria, South Africa. The research first discusses the developmental challenges of this marginalised community and then investigates ways in which informal settlements can be developed. It explores the design and application of a Mosque complex, focusing on its potential to facilitate community development. Mooiplaas has a growing Muslim population, and a Mosque is a fundamental requirement to facilitate prayer. The Mosque is further investigated to understand its significance and functionality in community settings throughout history. Previous developmental initiatives undertaken have not reached full potential to holistically address the needs of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Mooiplaas. Thus, this research investigates ways the Mooiplaas community can enhance resilience and sustainability by applying the Mosque complex as a fundamental instrument for future development initiatives. The proposed Mosque can facilitate social and economic upliftment within the settlement by providing spiritual development and education and promoting social cohesion.

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