Generate: city stimulation through cultural intervention

Abstract

The idea of employing culture as a driver in the process of urban generation has become a well used tool in promoting diversity and vibrancy within urban fabrics. In a South African context, Johannesburg's recent past has displayed disinvestment in the city core in favour of commercial growth within suburbia. A leading example being the commercially driven node of Sandton which lacks adequate public investment, resulting in a tedious and repetitive context it is here that this thesis is located. In response to this condition, the proposed scheme aims to improve the quality of Sandton's public realm by accommodating a dance company and performance spaces within Mushroom Farm Park, In doing so, the underutilised park site is invigorated and Sandton's wider context is provided with a much needed public amenity that increases awareness of the performing arts and enriches the surrounding environment. This document begins with a theoretical enquiry into city development and urban sprawl advancement, concluding with the advantages of using culturally driven activities as a means for diversifying the urban fabric of edge cities. Following this enquiry is an analysis of Mushroom Farm Park and its surroundings, the results of which have formulated a set of design informants. An explanation of the program's conception ensues and extends to the introduction of the sites intended, primary user Mzansi Productions. Having established the program, there is an exploration into the foremost design drivers in creating this architecture followed, finally, by an explanation of the building's rationale.