[Reminiscence]: the source of [identity] and rejuvenation

Date
2011-10-18
Authors
Cassim, Faheem
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Abstract
In a democratic, post-apartheid South African context, we see the effects that apartheid has had on communities. It affected our landscapes, which form part of our diverse heritage. In many instances heritage acts as a key to help unlock the doors of the past. This assists in the understanding of our identity. This also allows for the construction of future new ideas. Architecture can essentially act as a tool or medium to represent identity. Landscapes and built form influence our experiences and speak of time passages from the past to the present. Therefore, celebration and expression of identity in architecture is a physical communication medium of executing these passages. In this thesis I intend to explore and dissect identity and heritage, thus trying to uncover how they influence and assist in identity formation. I have personalised my research focusing on my own identity. Therefore, I have explored and researched the context of Fietas or also known as Pageview. Fietas is a part of my family heritage. Fietas was once a vibrant, dense landscape which was subjected to forced removals due to apartheid’s ‘Group Areas Act’ of 1950. The removals left behind scars in the hearts of its former residents. This was due to the atrocities associated with forced removals. Some of these scars are still apparent in its current landscape. I propose to develop a museum, library and archive facility that will facilitate and include spaces of memory, reconciliation, sentiment and ultimately reconstruction. This reconstruction will act as a catalyst to revive and resuscitate the once vibrant landscape, thus addressing the current needs of the community and larger context. This will allow for the moulding of a new identity in a new nation
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