[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