Reconnecting the people to the Wetland: a Research Institution in Diepsloot

Abstract

Communities grow over time and generally in a South African context, these developments densify in clusters and this urban sprawl invariably endangers our natural ecosystems. In the case of wetlands, a wetland provides a valuable attenuation service of groundwater and rainfall collection, but the wetland is an area that people want to exploit and have begun exploiting. As a result, there are dangers on both sides of the spectrum; firstly, flooding endangers the lives of the people living near, or even in, the flood line. Secondly the destruction of the wetland as a natural filter of water and home to other forms of life. I wish to address the role and importance of the wetland. How the building as a facilitator and agriculture as a barrier can be used to create a soft boundary that supports the role and function of the wetland and the need for greater food security and environmental awareness in Diepsloot. This research project aims to determine what is the effect of wetlands on communities and nature and how this region can benefit from this resource. How has this community, that is growing at an exponential rate, responded to this natural resource? Do people know of the benefits of wetlands? How has this natural resource changed over time? What are the opportunities afforded by the wetland? I propose a building that aims to communicate the importance and to facilitate a connection with the community and this natural ecosystem. How can community and nature work together to achieve a balance that serves each other’s needs? Can the benefit of services provided by the wetland be realized by an architectural intervention?