OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Hindes, Clinton"

Browsing by Author "Hindes, Clinton"

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Open Access
A river remembered - reconnecting to landscape, memory and place-making through water routes
Dalberg, Josephine; Hindes, Clinton
Rooted in the Cederberg region, this thesis looks towards the intangible and deep memory in landscape as concepts that can be harnessed to support an emerging practice of place-making in a community on the outskirts of Clanwilliam. Acknowledging the growing claim to Khoe and San heritage among members of said community, the project found its departure in an investigation into the intangible ties that once connected the Cederberg's indigenous peoples to place. The research process led to an understanding of the central role that rivers and tributaries have played in human engagement with landscape. In this local context, rivers functioned not only as a vital water resource but also as navigational corridors that cut through the Cederberg's complex mountain range. These were water routes that supported human patterns of movement and gathering whilst simultaneously connecting far reaches of the wilderness. This thesis resurfaces these landscape memories by introducing a water thread to Clanwilliam that remembers and re-establishes the notion of rivers as movement routes and gathering. Simultaneously, the project's proposed water network would connect this otherwise spatially and socially segregated town. Taking design and material reference from the immediate Cederberg landscape, this thesis hopes to connect Clanwilliam's members not only to one another but also, importantly, to the wilderness landscape that surrounds the town and is so deeply embedded in its history.
Open Access
Bee-cause - Designing to receive: a project which explores designing landform and soils to receive and support a variety of flowering species in strategically located corridors; bridging the boundary between the cape honey bee foraging grounds and bee pollinated farmlands, as a result creating other socioeconomic, educational and environmental relationships
(2018) Lubbe, Roux; Hindes, Clinton
"Land Mosaic" is a term often referred to by Richard Forman as the fundamentally different ecotopes which play out within a landscape forming a spatial juxtaposition of landscape patchworks. Each ecotope is defined by a variety of factors such as landform, soils, hydrology and weather. In a natural setting, the relationship between two different ecotopes tend to be less abrupt than that of an urban setting. When two different ecotopes meet, a gradual gradient is formed called an Ecotone. A sort of "mosaic" or gradient of ecotopes entwined within the boundary of the ecotone. Gradient is a critical characteristic of many healthy ecotope edges. In the book "Urban Ecology" by R. Forman a comparison is made between this ecological theory and the functioning of an urban setting. This study uses Formans theory in Section A. to analyse the zoning, land use and function of the urban fabric within the diverse neighbourhood of Elsieskraal, CT, following the rapid changing zones along the public river corridor, to reveal relationships between the spatial qualities of ecotope boundaries and the success of the ecotopes functioning. The study finds an interesting process is hindered by an unconventional boundary, perhaps the type of boundary a city planning or urban design method of analysis might have overlooked. The process of crop pollination by Cape honey bees (Apis mellifera capensis). The study found that although no physical conventional barrier stops the bees from flying into the desired agricultural land from their more permanent foraging grounds, they are restricted by the spatial quality of the two ecotopes edges. The lack of curve linear "lobed" edges prevent the interaction between the two ecotopes through short flight range by the bees. In Section B. the document further continues to investigate the process of pollination, bee life cycle and desired nectar-rich plant palette to design system which encourages the interaction whilst assisting the devastating bee crises, increase crop yield. The design lays out a network of proposed corridors in a specific off-set from one another, running through the agricultural land, linking schools environmental, tourism and economic activities as a "spin-off" effect. Emphasis is placed on designing landform and soils within the network of corridors to help grow the largest variety of colourful, nectar abundant and scented flowering species possible, all which are carefully chosen for their desire by the cape honey bee and their flowering time in comparison to local crops. By the morphing the boundary of nectar-rich foraging grounds into the mono-cultural farm land in the form of lobes the project creates an essential relationship between crop and foraging ground, reintroducing a critical process of pollination and bridging the boundary between socioeconomic and environmental aspects.
Open Access
Designing for experiential access to spring water: focusing on inclusivity, ecology & education
(2020) de Waal, Christa; Hindes, Clinton
In 2018 water scarcity caused people from all races, cultures and ages to visit allocated springs in Cape Town to collect spring water for everyday use. These water points were insufficient, over-utilized and inappropriately designed causing long queues and disputes about water. The purpose of this research is to address the need to design spaces that will make access to spring water easy and enjoyable. Spring water has the potential to become the binding element that brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate (heritage & play) and utilize spring water. The approach of the project The project synthesises three important aspects. Firstly by creating strong connections between natural flowing spring water and water collection points, the connection between water from a tap and natural spring water is made visible. Secondly opportunities to experience and explore wetland systems will evoke curiosity and educate the public about on-site, ecological water treatment systems. This will include using water on site for irrigation. Thirdly children will be encouraged to actively play and experience the water with heightened sensitivity to the gift of this precious element. The researcher believes that the management of spring water within Cape Town is critical for long term sustainability in the light of climate induced changes in the global south. Cape Town with Table Mountain and the number of springs rising up in this landscape has a valuable resource to be cared for and distributed with respect for the health and well being of all.
Open Access
Emlanjeni: Reconnecting people with the landscape to promote social interaction
(2024) Damane, Sisipho kanya; Hindes, Clinton
This thesis seeks to explore the idea of reconnecting the people of Ngqwarhu, Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, with the landscape. This thesis will explore how a river from this village played a very important role to its people. The river was the centre of the village. This will further explore how rivers have historically served as a means of connecting people and explore ways people can interact with the natural environment. In this local context, the river functioned as a vital water resource and a space that connects communities. This connection provides a sense of identity and belonging in the village. The past is a rich source of knowledge, a record of human experience that we can learn from and draw inspiration from. This thesis resurfaces the landscape memories by introducing social interaction that will reconnect the community. The disconnection of human-nature relationships in this village is the lack of development, conservation of culture, migration, and a lack of recreational opportunities. The river used to function as a vital water resource, it was used as a main space to wash clothes and to get drinking water. The river was not only used for essential needs, but it was an active space for connecting, socializing, and gathering. In the process of getting water and doing laundry, people used that time to socialize with one another. There were tangible and intangible reasons that brought people to the river. Without the crucial need to go to the river, the connection between the people and the landscape is fading away. This thesis hopes to reconnect the people of the village not only through social interactions in the natural environment but to one another. This will also explore the significance of restoring the relationship between individuals and the landscape that surrounds the village. This thesis investigates the multifaceted benefits of such reconnection, as it can create opportunities, healthier, happier, and more sustainable communities. Keywords: The Landscape, Sense of Place, Memory, Storytelling
Open Access
Ibuyambo: reconnecting rural Xhosa people with the natural environment in the contemporary time
(2020) Sihlahla, Athenkosi; Hindes, Clinton
In the history of rural Xhosa people lies a rich connection between the people and the natural environment. Access to the natural environment provided a sense of wellbeing, a link to ancestral spirits, a location for religious rituals and a wealth of culturally inspired uses within the landscape. This connection underlies certain cultural activities and functions such as religious and traditional rituals, fuel wood collection, water collection, and farming. However, this incredible connection is under threat due to urbanization, environmental conservation strategies, Betterment planning and the introduction of new developments. Betterment planning appears to be the major cause of the isolation of rural Xhosa people from the natural environment. This study investigates how Betterment planning (a conservation scheme that was implemented in the 1930's, aiming at improving rural black people's lives), impacted the rural Xhosa people's social and cultural relationship with the natural environment. The study draws attention to how people lived before Betterment planning, in relation to how people are living now. The aim of the project is to generate a design that will improve contemporary rural Xhosa people's lives, while reconnecting them with the natural environment. The design focuses on interventions that may facilitate the strengthening of rural Xhosa peoples social and cultural ties to the natural environment as well as to revive land production, land use and appreciation of cultural ecosystem services. The overall concept of the design derives from a historically familiar Xhosa homestead layout and the relationship of its domestic spaces. The case study of this project is Shixini village, Willowvale.
Open Access
Isiko Lehlathi 'The Customary Rights of the Forest': Unearthing the True Nature of Botanical Gardens
(2023) Ramodibe, Kekeletso; Hindes, Clinton
It is the apolitical position undertaken by Botanics such as Kirstenbosch Garden that further excludes people from engaging with Ihlathi through harvest and ritual. It prevents them from connecting with spaces that had once been occupied by their ancestors and still carry the consecrated nature of amasiko (customs). In reimagining these spaces with the understanding of African spirituality and indigenous contribution that has shaped Isiko Lehlathi (customary rites of the forest), the main goal is to re-enact the participatory activities, and interactions through design, which used to exist between people and nature. This is an attempt to break the colonial rigour to develop inclusive cultural principles of cultivation and harvest that share the same conservational values as the existing ones. Botanical Gardens have historically been defined by Eurocentric values of cultivating natural landscapes, conserving flora and fauna, and curating spaces that foster medicinal and educational studies of plants. However, they are often established in spaces that have immense cultural and consecrated significance such asehlathini (forest landscapes). South Africa is known as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world with a wide range of biomes, forests, deserts, estuaries, and aquatic systems (Biofin, 2021). These form part of a cultural ecology that is spiritually driven by amasiko (customs) of those who had created a sense of place from these landscapes. Botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch are situated in forest landscapes that form part of the Capefloristic region protected areas. Conversely, it had been shaped by the existing legacy of colonization which is now sympatric to the traditional cultural rites of those who lived of these landscapes. This has continued to marginalize the history and heritage of Indigenous people such as the Khoi and San who have initiated a transcendent relationship with Ihlathi (forest landscapes).
Open Access
Llefa Lame: [Re]imaging Soshanguve Landfill
(2023) Molubi, Lefentse; Hindes, Clinton; Klitzner, Tarna
Twenty-seven (27) years of democracy in South Africa, communities in townships formed by the apartheid government, live in dire conditions brought by the legacy of apartheid. The lack of economic opportunities and resources make South African citizens creative and innovative, communities from Pretoria north townships gather daily at municipal landfills to collect, sort valuable and recyclable waste in exchange for cash. This study focuses on informal waste re-claimers working conditions at Soshanguve landfill and Soshanguve township communities residing in the vicinity of an active landfill that is situated within an environment that is rich in history and heritage. The aim of this study is to investigate the daily activities of the informal waste re-claimers; and hopes to inform innovative and functional ways to create a tolerable working environment during the operational phases of the landfill with the intention of transforming it to a sustainable public open space upon decommission. The study approach considers a pragmatic research using both qualitative and quantitative study methods to collect data through In-depth interviews, statistical observations and theoretical investigation.
Open Access
Perceiving landscape: designing for the contemplation of material culture through time
(2020) Myers, Amber; Hindes, Clinton
Near the Point at Mossel Bay on the Cape south coast is a series of sea cliff caves that contain the earliest known evidence of modern human material culture: a record of complex tool use, collection of marine resources for food and use of natural pigments for symbolling practices. This is revealed by the archaeological excavation of 'midden' deposits - piles of refuse usually situated in the back of cave dwellings left by their ancient occupants. This evidence reveals that modern humans have lived on the Cape south coast for at least 167 000 years, a time spanning global glacial and interglacial periods with associated sea level retreat and rise. During glacial phases of sea level retreat - the norm during much of human evolution - a broad continental shelf was exposed on the Cape south coast, creating a coastal plain up to 90km from the present shoreline. This now-submerged landscape, uniquely temperate, well-watered and productive during harsh glacial phases, provided sanctuary for human and other life. It is thought that this landscape was critical in establishing the course of modern human cognition. A geological study of this coastal landscape reveals its sedimentary nature, the result of repeated processes of erosion and deposition. Notions of erosion and deposition are echoed by human interaction with materials through time. Humans extract material resources from the landscape, transform them, and then deposit them, changing the landscape. The urban landscape of modern Mossel Bay consists of a palimpsest of material traces deposited through time, forming an aggregate of layers of human history. As we enter the uncertain future of climate change and sea level rise, we must be conscious of what we deposit on the landscape. This forces a re-evaluation of our material use as designers and as a society. These considerations animated the choice of the Point in Mossel Bay as the location of a landscape design intervention - a space at the intersection of sea, shoreline, cliff, quarry, cave and plain, that has developed haphazardly in the modern era. The design, which envisions a modern 'midden,' a mound of demolition waste deposited over the existing site to form the new public landscape, impels a contemplation of the layers of material that we leave behind over time, and how this defines us to future generations. A design language derived from the language of geology (erosion, deposition) and archaeology (trace, excavation) informs the design and its experience. The fill material for the midden/mound is from two sources: the zones of settlement that will be forced to retreat from the shoreline due to sea level rise anticipated in the next 50 years, and the existing materials on site that are repurposed in the design of the new landscape. The design allows people to perceive and reflect on the layers of materiality that make up the human landscape, and on the possibilities of the thoughtful use of materials that will give way to the landscapes of the future.
Open Access
Poetics of the Changing Dunescape: turning Brownfield Terrain into Activity and Ecological Open Space
(2020) Kulikovskaya, Maria; Hindes, Clinton
Our environment and our perception of it are continuously changing. This thesis objective is to change an existing site to become an experientially poetic landscape, imbued with meaning, a strong sense of place, presence and belonging. It explores the ideas of palimpsest, theory of place and experiential landscape architecture. The argument is that only through physical, bodily engagement with the landscape may it acquire meaning in the collective memory and significance as a place, especially when informed by the unique characteristics of the site itself. The site is positioned in Wingfield/Maitland, an under-appreciated, derelict, forgotten and currently nonexperiential large tract of land, lying in the Cape Flats area. The land is under a threat of re- development, with existing proposals intending to develop it to its maximum extent, not taking sufficient cognisance of its other values. This is a good case for when a landscape architectural approach may look at the site from a more holistic point of view, taking into account the various values, needs and claims of the site. Landscape in this project is understood to be a cultural construct. The design takes inspiration from understanding the unique natural-cultural qualities of this land, which serve as a tool to create attachment to the place and to nature's rhythms. The change is a poetic event. Compared to the extremes of climate of my childhood and adolescence homeland, I find the change in the Cape Flats landscape to be more subtle, and it takes time to grow to appreciate its poetry. The idea of change is a multi-layered one. It is about the poetical seasonal and other cyclical changes between the dry and wet seasons, wind strength, and flooding, changing colours and shapes, and the necessity of periodic fires. I believe, change is also imperative in our attitude towards our engagement with and appreciation of the landscape. Change is about the evolution of the landscape and its history, and about its continuous and necessary adaption to future conditions, in terms of both environmental and future human needs. The site has undergone a lot of natural and anthropogenic alterations. The topic of poetic change is inspired by both the site's natural character and by its history. The change is explored in the design through the concepts of movement and participation in the landscape, allowing for experience of various conditions. It is also supported by the concept of connectivity, both natural and human; and the concepts of contrast and counterpoint; as well as the strategies of inclusion and absence. Water, sand, vegetation, as well as some traces of human activity, are the main place-making elements in the design. The inland dunes with mosaic wetland habitat and their associated vegetation are some of the last traces of the typical Cape Flats landscape, that was/is not fully understood or appreciated. These natural elements are the best expressions of the landscape's ephemerality, changeability and the sense of time. It is the breathtaking potential abundance and variety of life on this site that is the inspiration for this design thesis.
Open Access
Prison City: redesigning Pollsmoor Prison
(2018) Pullukattu, Liz; Gibbs, David; Raxworthy, Julian; Klizner, Tarna; Hindes, Clinton
Rehabilitating the Prison System: The prison system in South Africa is a harsh and ineffective system that emphasises the need to punish rather than rehabilitate and reintegrate the incarcerated back into society. Although a lot of prisons in South Africa host a number of workshops and activities which have been introduced to inmates for such purposes- the recidivism rates of offenders, that have ended up in the penal system, has failed to drop or decline. A Process of deconstruction and synthesis: The method of this study is to analyse and deconstruct existing prison or correctional/ penitentiary/ rehabilitation institute landscapes into potential design components and then synthesise these into environments that can promote the rehabilitation of prisoners. The projects analysed are of international and South African origin, and are of prisons or mental and other high-security institutions. The analysed projects will be looked at as potential interventions that can be synthesised within the landscapes (rather, lack of landscapes) of Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town. Looking into redesigning Pollsmoor Prisona prison where conditions do not support opportunities for rehabilitation and integration and where bland, cold concrete and brick facades enclose inmates for mostly 23-hours a day.
Open Access
Salt of the Earth: Salt as a Driver for Social-Ecological Change in the Communities of the Olifants River Estuary
(2023) Goatley, Hylton; Hindes, Clinton
The West Coast of South Africa is a place that one might feel a sense of desolation, however, the harsh environment is one of beauty and richness. This thesis will look at socio-ecological issues linked to the Olifants River Estuary, and the fishing communities of Ebenheaser, more specifically Papendorp, which is situated approximately 350km north of Cape Town . The issues present can be described in two scales: The first, on a broader ecological scale, the ongoing expansion of mines across the West Coast threatens highly biodiverse habitats that support both ecological and human communities. The proposed new mines East and West of the Olifants River Estuary threatens the ecological systems as well as social systems as communities are directly affected by the health of the estuary (Sowman, 2016). The second scale is concerned on a social level as the communities struggle to maintain their livelihoods and ways of life as fish stocks within the estuary have been on the decline (Sowman, 2009). This decline has forced the need for secondary forms of income for the communities (Olifants River Estuarine Management plan (v.7), 2017). In-order to create a holistic understanding of the issues at hand the thesis will aim to map the patterns and processes of the estuary, its catchment and the landscape which it finds itself in through a lens of extraction. It is proposed that through this method, ecologically activated alternatives to mining might be achieved, ones which harnesses the processes of the natural systems and can provide economic relief and resilience for the community of Papendorp. This intervention also aims to highlight the translation of natural resource extraction towards one of abstraction. Traditionally, many interventions have failed to fully understand the interwoven nature of ecologies and the Anthropocene, this has led to the marginalization of groups (such as small-scale fishers) and the disregard for their cultural heritage and rights to natural resources. This multi-scalar approach aims to include all aspects of the study area, ecological, cultural, social, and economical to create a layered approach that allows for a detailed understanding of the site, its challenges and its opportunities. It is hoped that through this approach the outcome will allow for a better integration of ecology and conservation with social and economic aspects and therefore produce an intervention that aids in the improvement of both communities and ecologies.
Open Access
Shaping Streetscapes within the Complexities of Urban Informalities in the Cape Flats
(2024) Mbambo, Zizipho; Hindes, Clinton
This study focuses on investigating the role of Landscape Architecture in shaping the Khayelitsha's Mew Way Road. Khayelitsha is located on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Khayelitsha is characterized by a mix of formal and informal housing, with By recognizing the importance of inclusive design, this research explores how Landscape Architecture can contribute to creating functional and vibrant streetscapes that effectively respond to the needs and aspirations of the local community. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, including in-depth interviews, site observations, and design analysis, this study aims to identify strategies for designing streetscapes that better accommodate and enhance informal social and economic activities in Khayelitsha. Finally, the streetscape design strategies are tested in a design intervention that aims to accommodate informal social and economic activities and make use of place-making interventions to support livelihoods and well-being. By building on existing energies in the informal settlement / embracing informal activities, improving services, and creand shaded areas for trading. KEY WORDS: Landscape Architecture, urban informality, streetscape design, place making principles, infrastructural intervention, cultural activities, Cape Flats, inclusivity,informal social and economic activities.
Open Access
The landscapes we eat: reconnecting people to food production through agri-toursim
(2023) Friederich, Yann; Hindes, Clinton
The production of the food we eat has an effect on the landscapes around us, from deforestation, to air and water pollution. The world grows 95% of its food in the uppermost layer of soil, making topsoil one of the most important components of our food system. Current conventional agricultural practices unfortunately degrade our soils. If we continue to degrade the soil at the rate we are now, the world could run out of topsoil in 60 years. If we want to repair our soils, we have to change the way we farm, to change the way we farm we have to change the way we consume. To change the way we consume we have to learn how our food is produced and the impacts thereof. My thesis intents to create a demonstration site where people can learn about various soil creation processes, whilst experiencing a landscape with rare and beautiful heritage. With the improvement of the socioeconomic and ecological conditions of the local community at the forefront.
Open Access
The urban arboretum
(2018) Griesel, David; Hindes, Clinton
Trees in the urban fabric are often overlooked, and their significance in the effect of their presence that they hold is most often lost. Trees are seen as something of an afterthought, something purely aesthetic, or even something that poses a problem to the city instead of a solution to certain problems. Through my study project, the "Urban Arboretum", the objective is to explore all the different potential possibilities and opportunities that trees could have in the urban realm, not only pertaining to aesthetics, but also in terms of spatial and architectural qualities, as well as cultural connotations, and especially the productive and ecological potential that they hold. Through the study and understanding of these objectives they are applied to a chosen site through the concept of the dissertation which is "the Architecture of the Forest" This concept functions through the design and active maintenance of the scientific principles of succession of species.
Open Access
Woven with Water
(2023) Chidyaonga, Nicola; Hindes, Clinton
The Elephant Marsh is a seasonal wetland that lies on the floodplain of the Lower Shire River in Malawi. This is one of the most productive ecosystems in Malawi that plays an important role in supporting the livelihoods of the local community (Kosamu, 2012) through fisheries, livestock grazing, and agriculture. The Elephant Marsh also plays a significant role in flood storage, attenuation, and purifying sediment-rich water. Furthermore, it is a habitat for over 110 water bird species (Bayliss, 2019). Unfortunately, upstream development, commercial sugarcane farming, human encroachment, and severe land degradation such as soil erosion, sedimentation, and deforestation within the Shire River Basin have resulted in a decline in remaining natural areas which have led to a decrease in infiltration and water holding capacity in the basin. This project aims to create a resilient system using fingerponds and rainwater harvesting practices that embrace the process of flooding and precipitation during the wet season by holding water and allowing it to infiltrate into the landscape. Furthermore, the project aims to reconnect the riparian community to a century-old traditional practice of harvesting and weaving reeds and palm leaves into mats and baskets to allow for a deeper relationship to form between the people and place while also creating more opportunities for the community. The term landscape resilience in this project is an aspect of wet theory, which is a way of accommodating flow and other boundary-blurring phenomena of motion, disturbance, and change through fluid occupancies of land and infiltration (Mathur & Da Cunha, 2009). Furthermore, the resilient landscape in this project is also linked to the preservation of traditional knowledge systems that are connected to the landscape to ensure the long-term success of the proposed sustainable practices. Through research, a site visit, and interviews, the study first uncovers the sense of place and identity of the landscape. Elements of the site are then synthesized through map analysis and visual narratives to understand the different relationships between the social and ecological aspects of the site. Finally, these relationships are then tested in a design intervention that aims to accommodate for uncertainty and forms a more integrated agriculture, aquaculture, and traditional system that retains the functioning of the wetland improves the wetland edge and empowers the community.

Browsing by Author "Hindes, Clinton"

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