Re-nourishing heritage approaching architectural conservation through adaptive reuse and ethnic food support in new Doornfontein's post-industrial urban fabric

Abstract

Every city has its own specific ethnicity. Be it the culture, heritage, social groups and other such paradigms. All the different categories take part in shaping a city. Johannesburg is a place to be known for its history. Through the decades the city has endured many transformations. Every organism’s transition leaves a scar within the city by which they add a unique characteristic. As the urban evolves into metropoles, what happens to its historical characteristics? How can a city evolve without erasing its past? The process to show progression and evolution is through the ability of re-adaptation. Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives, it is the one that is more adaptable to change.” The concept of adaptation is by understanding its origin. The preservation of the city’s history and its characteristics is imminent. Conservation serves as a form of historical archive which translates architecturally into the urban fabric. As the need for urban changes arises so does the necessity of conservation. Transitions occur as a result of preservation. This applies, not only to architectural conservation but to Heritage in cultural traditions. One such common cultural tradition that connects every person is food. It is said that food is our common ground, a universal experience. New Doornfontein is a suburb east of Johannesburg that has experienced many transformations. As a result, it has been left in a state of urban decay. Restoring the grey areas allows for the amalgamation of different ethnicities, activities and spaces. By creating mixed-use spaces that allow for the trading of different food ethnicities and will engage with the supply and demand chain catering for the local businesses and sports recreation facilities within the vicinity