School of Architecture and Planning (ETDs)

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    Bridging Communities. A community centre to encourage and facilitate intergenerational connections in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lachman, Kaylene; Hart, Brendan
    The aim of this project is to create a safe space to facilitate and encourage intergenerational connections between the elderly and children whilst revitalising an underused park. The safe space will be a community centre that acts as a social hub where children and the elderly are able to work cohesively alongside each other, allowing for more meaningful interactions and mutual learning between the generations. The connections created through these interactions can foster more trust and empathy in the community. These shared spaces will allow the opportunity for the different generations to mutually benefit from each other. Some of these benefits include skill development, cultural preservation, mentorship programs and the improvement of mental and physical wellbeing of both generations. The intergenerational connections formed in this community centre can combat social isolation amongst the elderly. It can provide an enlightening and educational experience for the children. The revitalisation of the neglected urban space will create an enriching experience for the community as bridging the generational gaps will create deeper community bonds and improve the quality of life for all within the community.
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    Immersed in community : Environmental remediation of a mining-impacted township through collective, participatory agricultural research and production
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shiburi, Katleho
    The term Witwatersrand translates to “the ridge of white waters”. It derives its name from the low sedimentary hills that stretch east-west across the southern part of Gauteng Province. The Witwatersrand mining belt encompasses areas from the East Rand to the West Rand of Johannesburg, including Soweto, and is mainly characterised by its “West”, “Central”, and “East Rand” sectors. The mining of gold in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, has been a primary driver of economic development in the city since its inception. Gold production has influenced Johannesburg’s economic, social, and political histories and left detrimental mining waste evident along the Witwatersrand ridge. This mine waste is produced during the extraction and processing of mineral resources. It often includes waste dumps, slime dams, and other waste storage facilities, which continue to impact the region and the health of communities residing near these waste storage facilities. Issues such as acid-mine drainage and soil pollution, amongst many others, persist even long after the closure of many of these mines. Decades of mining activities have drastically altered the natural landscape and continue to pose environmental and public health risks. Braamfischerville, an RDP settlement situated in the southwest of Johannesburg, is affected by mine tailings that are a stark reminder of gold mining. These tailings are hazardous, posing risks to the health and well-being of residents, the natural environment and livestock within this area through soil contamination, acid mine drainage, and air pollution. In this challenging environment, small-scale community farming has emerged near the mine dump and within residents’ backyards. However, this commendable initiative is overshadowed by the danger it poses due to exposure to harmful dust from the tailings, exacerbating the risks of such agricultural endeavours. Additionally, Braamfischerville grapples with high unemployment, a lack of formal skills development, insufficient communal spaces, and poorly constructed RDP housing, which often lacks partition walls, ceilings, and proper ventilation. These concerns highlight the urgent need for holistic community interventions to address the socio-economic issues prevalent. The proposed intervention aims to repair the toxic landscape by establishing an experimental remediation centre that utilises hemp, a fibrous plant, to remediate the environment. This centre will also provide spaces for research, the manufacturing of hemp into wall and ceiling panels, training, and social interaction, ultimately contributing to the local and township economy.
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    A Bridge to Belonging: An Inclusive Living and Day Care Community in Benoni, South Africa for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dias, Jessica Teixeira; Gwebu, Nomonde
    Recognising the challenges faced by families of special needs individuals as their children transition into adulthood, this research aims to bridge the gap in services for adults with autism spectrum disorder by establishing tailored support communities that address their unique needs. Furthermore, it seeks to develop a design approach that prioritises the well-being and comfort of individuals with autism, encouraging their sense of belonging. The methodology will include a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative research will involve questionnaires and a comprehensive desktop review of site analysis, statistics, literature, and precedents. The qualitative research will involve a combination of fieldwork and interviews. Site visits, precedent visits, observations, and photographs will provide firsthand insights into existing facilities and the experiences of individuals with autism. Email communications and semi- structured interviews with various participants will gather diverse perspectives on the topic. The design will take on a holistic approach to supporting its users, which primarily includes the residents, day program participants, and their families. The principal focus of the proposed development will be a learning and therapy centre, complimented by a residential and communal component. Additionally, the development will include a public park and commercial spaces for vocational opportunities. The primary research will delve into the realm of environmental psychology, exploring frameworks such as place attachment and place identity theory, the sense of home, and sensory processing theory. The secondary themes will include prospect and refuge theory, deinstitutionalisation, ergonomics, and sustainable practices. To fully understand the needs of the users, the research will also examine the delivery of services required by the National Healthcare Act for persons with intellectual disability. The proposed architectural style prioritises clarity and simplicity to create a comfortable home-like environment that minimises sensory overload. This approach offers a promising pathway toward promoting social inclusion for individuals with autism. By cultivating community engagement while respecting the need for privacy and moments of solitude, the design aims to create a haven that is both inclusive and supportive.
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    Ruin, repair and the hinterland: adapting ruin in the east rand, ekurhuleni to form an ecology centre in the repair of post-extraction landscapes
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Edgar, Jack Douglas
    The Witwatersrand Mining Belt, a vast 100 km stretch in Gauteng, South Africa, bears the scars of extensive mining. This study focuses on Springs, a town deeply marked by the extraction of resources such as gold, coal, and clay. The aftermath of these activities is a landscape marred by toxic mine tailings, contaminated soil, and disrupted water systems, leading to the decline of indigenous ecosystems and the spread of invasive species. Current industrial proposals suggest further exploitation of these areas as dumpsites, worsening the environmental predicament. This thesis explores the environmental impact of mining activities in the Witwatersrand Mining Belt, focusing on the town of Springs. It highlights the degradation of native ecological systems due to mining and associated industrial development. The study emphasises the need for sensitive handling of these damaged landscapes to protect the environment, communities, and the region’s delicate ecology. It critiques the current approach of viewing post-mining regions as wastelands destined for further degradation and waste management. The research proposes a shift towards renaturing these sites, aiming to resolve major environmental concerns and propagate ecological repair across the East Rand and Witwatersrand mining belt. The thesis underscores the potential for rewilding these post-extractive regions, recalling the forgotten landscape of the Witwatersrand and envisioning a industrial past become catalysts for ecological restoration and community development. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) sees considerable potential for rewilding to convert these post-mining landscapes into ecological treasures and community resources. This strategy not only seeks to mend environmental damage but also to address the socio-spatial inequalities resulting from apartheid-era planning, which have disproportionately impacted communities like Kwa- Thema located near these blighted lands. The suggested architectural intervention in Springs encompasses the formation of green corridors to link fragmented habitats and the development of a hub for ecological restoration and community learning. Employing sustainable design principles and materials salvaged from local demolition sites, my proposed intervention acts as a bridge between the ecological requirements of the landscape and the social needs of its inhabitants. By turning symbols of degradation into symbols of resilience, the project imagines a future where post-mining landscapes are rejuvenated, promoting both ecological health and community prosperity
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    Wasteland/ WetlandRewilding Water Systems in the Post- Mining Landscape in the Nigel Region
    (2024) Moll, Georgia Stephanie
    The Witwatersrand region, renowned for its historical mining activities, grapples with environmental degradation, particularly in its water systems. Mining operations have left a legacy of pollution through practices such as the disposal of mine waste in tailings located on or nearby rivers and wetlands, driven by convenience and insufficient regulation1 . This creates significant threats to the natural ecology and biodiversity of the region, such as acid mine drainage, which continues to impact water quality and ecosystem health long after mining activities have ceased, leading to the destruction of aquatic ecosystems, habitats, and breeding zones. Despite these challenges, research suggests that wetlands hold the key to addressing these challenges. Wetlands can be used to naturally filter wastewater, which can contain sediments and pollutants, improving water quality. They are also crucial in nutrient cycling, processing elements like nitrogen and phosphorus which are commonly found in mine runoff2 . The potential for wetlands to act as natural decontaminators highlights their importance in ecological repair and water security for the region. In areas where natural wetlands have been significantly damaged, constructed wetlands present a viable solution. These engineered systems can be strategically placed within damaged waterscapes to treat contaminated water through natural filtration. My thesis proposes an expansion of constructed wetlands into a multifunctional building typology designed to filter water as it flows through the structure. By incorporating various filtration processes and different types of constructed wetlands within the building, this concept aims to provide a pilot design that can be scaled and adapted for implementation in other contaminated sites throughout the region. The proposed building will serve multiple roles in filtration, showcasing a scalable solution for water decontamination and ecological restoration. By establishing this model, the project seeks to improve water security, restore ecological balance, and provide a blueprint for similar initiatives in other regions affected by mining- related environmental degradation. Through this research, I will research the potential for wetlands—both natural and constructed—to serve as a foundation of environmental remediation and sustainability in the Witwatersrand region
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    Emblems of Sociality_Transversal social spaces in re-imagining the identity of a modern African city: The case of central Addis Ababa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Berhe, Delina
    IIIIII Abstract The current African city exists through the lens of global building culture. Addis Ababa, going through immense transformation seems to have taken its architectural inspirations from foreign world-class cities in hopes of reaching global heights. This research explores alternative possibilities to achieve that goal while considering the existing socio-cultural identity of the city. African cities should take their place in the network of globalised cities, however, a sense of representation should be considered to enrich their potential. The transformation of cities through embracing their local ways of life and historical traditions should be prioritized. The work investigates modern city planning in the context of Addis Ababa as its aspirational condition. The overarching theme explores the relationship between the current city planning conditions and their understanding of social space and identity in an Ethiopian context. Specifically, the research is centred in representing identity of social cohesion and its interpretation through architecture and spatial elements. It aims to investigate urban social traditions that have and are being pushed aside within the process of creating a ‘global worthy Addis Ababa’. The study site is central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which serves as both the city’s point of origin and locus of ongoing transformations. The work proposes the creation of a Food media library prioritizing indoor and outdoor social spaces, with the goal of fostering a meaningful presence within the evolving cityscape. The research methodology involves analysing historical documents, photo series, mapping and observation of the neighbourhoods and the characters within them. The research aims to create a design in which an overlapping space of critique, knowledge exchange, activity, sense of identity and belongingness can be experienced and transferred. It explores the relationship between diverse societies to create a common space that will be able represent them and create a hub for positive and meaningful interactions. It aims to create a space of contemplation into one’s respected society through nurturing the social dynamics in terms of architectural spaces and interactions.
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    Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Transforming Architecture and Cultivating Community Anchorage Through Productive Landscaping in Kabokweni Mpumalanga
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nkosi, Bonga
    This thesis explores the revitalisation of Kabokweni, a township in Mpumalanga, South Africa, through a comprehensive architectural intervention. It addresses the socio-eco- nomic challenges of informal trading and water scarcity by integrating design strategies that create sustainable market spaces and agricultural opportunities. Additionally, a food processing facility for avocados and mangoes is incorporated, creating opportunities for skill development and employment. By introducing a portion of land for each trader to farm on-site, the project reduces transportation costs and encourages local food production. Furthermore, borehole and rainwater harvesting systems are proposed to tackle the water crisis, with water features symbolising the historical significance of the Ngodini River. The architectural design preserves the local trading culture by maintaining the use of building perimeters for trade, fostering economic growth while strengthening the connec- tion between the community and their environment. The facility also incorporates training centres to equip locals with essential skills, creating employment opportunities and economic resilience. By balancing the formalisation of trading spaces with the preservation of informal practices, this project aims to improve the livelihoods of local traders, provide a sense of place, and foster sustainable economic development within Kabokweni.
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    Rest in Peace: Encouraging empathy, compassion and interconnectedness through the design of a rehabilitation centre within Braamfontein Cemetery
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Damjanovic, Ana
    Within Johannesburg lies a dormant space, once a cemetery now forgotten – a relic of the past amidst the hustle and bustle of the city – the Braamfontein Cemetery. This thesis proposes a transformation, seeking to breathe life into this neglected space by integrating an animal rehabilitation centre and archive facility within its grounds, and tying it all together with public spaces and a large walkway. By merging the ideas of animal and ecological rehabilitation, urban revitalisation, and the fostering of connections between humans, nature and animals, this project aims to transform the Braamfontein Cemetery into a place of solace within the busy city. This centre would not only serve as a sanctuary for injured, abandoned and unwanted animals but also as a refuge for city dwellers seeking rest from the stressful and fast-paced living that comes with being in the city. The cemetery has a rich history that is seemingly forgotten by the people that reside so close to it. This thesis aims to use architectural solutions to resurface this history in order to foster a connection between the present lives of people using the space and the past lives of the people buried in it. Drawing inspiration from the ideologies of posthumanism, post-anthropocentrism, existentialism and memory, human-animal relationships and ecological restoration, this thesis explores the potential of reimagining forgotten, green urban spaces as vibrant ecosystems through the use of architecture. Ultimately, this thesis strives to not only revitalise a neglected space but to also cultivate a sense of interconnectedness among all living and non-living beings, fostering empathy, understanding, and reverence for the natural world and for the necropolis .
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    The dynamics of place branding in Johannesburg: 1994 - 2019
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Mbinza, Zenzile; Sihlongonyane, Mfaniseni Fana
    This PhD thesis lays the ground for understanding place branding processes from cities of the Global South. It critically explores place branding as an emerging mechanism for urban governance in Johannesburg. It is critical because place branding and its related processes have increasingly gained momentum in countries, regions and cities jostling for niche status in global economics. This thesis explores the different place brands that Johannesburg coined over time, focussing on the period between 1994 and 2019. It explored the city’s place brands under the five mayors that presided over Johannesburg, beginning with Dan Pretorius (1994 – 1995), Isaac Mogase (1995 – 1999), Amos Masondo (2000 – 2011), Parks Tau (2011 – 2016) and Herman Mashaba (2016 – 2019). The thesis employed a qualitative research methodology and case study design. Primary data Archival research and interviews were the primary data collection strategies. The ensuing discussion of place brands in Johannesburg reveals the dynamics and push factors that have contributed to the development of place brands under the time in question. Politics, economics, and activities related to globalisation emerged as leading drivers for the city of Johannesburg to develop its various place brands. The thesis found that Johannesburg followed a template similar to the cities of the Global North in its application of place branding. However, the thesis also found gaps in the city’s place branding processes. For example, there was limited engagement with the city residents when developing Johannesburg’s place brands. It pointed to a unilateral, top-down application of place branding in the city, which precluded it from using these processes as democracy-building tools. It necessitates the exploration of place branding from the perspective of city governments to begin encompassing issues of inclusivity and public participation. In this light, the thesis calls for a more strategic application of place branding in the Johannesburg.
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    Exploring rapid development in emergency relocations in the South African context: a case study of Nellmapius Extension 21 in Mamelodi, Tshwane
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mahlangu, Phumuzile Nicoline; Huchzermeyer, Marie
    The upgrading of informal settlements has been at the centre of upgrading in South African cities. While the government advocates for phased in situ upgrading of informal settlements, in some settlements upgrading is not possible thus making relocation the only option. While some cities may create Temporary Relocation Areas as guided by the Emergency Housing Programme, the City of Tshwane has managed to create a permanent relocation area for a relocated community in its jurisdiction. Using a series of interviews with community members, their leaders and a City official, this research report looks at how the City managed to create a permanent relocation area in Nellmapius Extension 21, being the study area. The findings of the paper are that the City has managed not only to develop the area but it did so rapidly. This paper reports on how rapid development happened in Nellmapius Extension 21 reporting on the potentials and limitations of rapid development, and what it could mean for South Africa