OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Noero, Jo"

Browsing by Author "Noero, Jo"

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Open Access
A landscape in transition : architecture for an extreme climatic condition : accommodating the informal within a flood-prone area
(2009) Edwards, John; Steenkamp, Alta; Noero, Jo; Carter, Francis
[Not copying properly]Changing landscapes The npid urbanization !leen within the City of Cape-Town is a dyn2mic fluid, non-linor process as opposed to being stable or closely pcc:dicrJ.ble. Ecology and systems theory are· concepts inherent to the city and iu relationship with landSCllpe. Conceptualizing urbanization, human security and disaster risk, especially within Africa. will help unravel the issue at hand. The nature of the problem and the extreme conditions of flooding will also be explored. There are indiations that South A frica's climate is becoming increasingly variable (Napier & Rubin; 2002). Climate change increases the uncertainty fa.ced by vulnerable communities through a widening range of future climate variations and ha.z:trds. This is not a hypothetic:tl risk to be addressed §eVtral deades into the future, but a real increase in risk that is presently threatening livelihoods. (UNISDR; 2002) Residents of informal settlements in the Western Cape. as well as elsewhere in South Africa, are the hardest hit by extreme weather conditions and associated flooding. Thousands of households in the province and beyond suffer severe losses in informal dwelling floods and fires. During floods and fires. poor families suffer significant development setbacks. These disasters are also costly for the affected municipalities and provincial departments, and divert resources from other urgently needed services. (Holloway; 2007) rapid migration into the province and natural population growth have increased the number of informal settlements across the province. '('i.thin Cape Town alone, by 2007. mott than 220 separate informal settlements had been identified and mapped. (Holloway; 2007)
Open Access
Adaptive reuse : the Salt River market
(2010) Komane, Fatima Thapelo; Steenkamp, Alta; Noero, Jo; Carter, Francis
We live in a society that is constantly in change. As society moves forward, we experience social, political and economic shifts that somehow prove difficult for our buildings to survive in this rapid change. My Interest therefore looks to adaptive reuse as an approach to dealing with the change in our built environment. How do you deal, in an urban setting, with a neglected urban fabric without compromising Its historical and architectural memory which becomes important to a community? How do we begin to engage with the built fabric? It begins with accepting that transformation needs to occur. Adaptive reuse ensures the evolving life of any old building by expanding its practical use in its contemporary context. Existing and abandoned buildings represent a substantial resource. Through adaptive reuse, many buildings can continue to be brought back into use and contribute to a more sustainable development pattern. Old buildings in my opinion possess a timeless character. The aim of this document is to Investigate the potential of adaptive reuse as a response in transforming an existing structure on the brink of neglect into potentially a space that could be reused and function in a way that it supports the community and promote social engagement. The design and research develops a theoretically informed and sustainable approach to recycling built fabric in its contemporary urban context by linking patterns of adaptation and reuse to the change experienced in the contemporary built environment.
Open Access
Architectural dynamics and a suitable public space
(2002) Wang, Xing Tao; Noero, Jo
Bibliography: leave 167.
Open Access
The architecture of learning environments and community integration
(2012) Botha, Lezanne; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic
This thesis is focused on architectural theories and design concepts which will add to the discourse of the what learning environments should or could be in the 21st century. It is based on the idea that spaces for learning need to be more “alive and that architecture can stimulate positive social interaction between people. The current public education system and its related standards, requirements and policies, with regards to physical learning spaces, does not address the present needs of children as it ought to. Many schools in South Africa are not built and designed to function as sustainable buildings and they often do not cater for the economic, environmental or social needs of current and future learners, teachers and community members.
Open Access
Architecture of the Machine
(2013) Gild, Talia Orli; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
A dissertation born out of the fascination of largescaled infrastructural engineered/architectural projects, where the individual human is absent from its initial architectural and programmatic goals, rendering built form/architecture that is free to explore scale and form. A project where the architecture is formally governed by a process that is mechanical and systematic. This dissertation that has been entitled Architecture of the Machine as I have chosen to explore the machine of our future water supply, that of a desalination plant. 2013 marks the year that we, South Africa, are no longer water "secure", in other words, the population of the country is going to exceed the amount of water available to us. A desalination plant in Hout Bay, able to produce 30 000M ℓ/day, situated on the edge of the industrial sector, harbour, the informal settlement of Hangberg and the beginning the mountainous terrain of The Sentinel. This dissertation proposes that the brine water be used for salt harvesting, via shallow pans, where naturally, the water will be evaporated from these pans, leaving salt crystals behind to be used in industry, as well as the implementation of sustainable energy devices to help supplement this extensive energy consuming process. With great infrastructure comes great responsibility, therefore the design of this infrastructure must be coupled with public activities. Building something that helps our future livelihood must be something that people can also interact with, and identify with, thereby creating a physical and emotive landmark.
Open Access
Breaking the stigma : redefining the architectural image of FET colleges in South Africa
(2012) Bürisch, Kirsten Laureen; Noero, Jo
The initial topic of this thesis focused on ways in which architecture can help to bridge the gap between education and employment; a very real need in South Africa's economy of today, as stated in the February 2011 State of the Province Address by Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille. My research into this topic soon revealed that there are already existing models in place that aim to close this gap, namely Further Education and Training (FET) College facilities. According to the FET Act of 2006, the aim of these colleges is to provide post-compulsory general education with a focus on vocational training, while preparing students for occupational fields and increasing employment opportunities (Act No. 16 of 2006). After visiting several of these colleges within the Cape Town area, and interviewing the Campus Managers, it became apparent that the system is currently not working at its full potential. There are many reasons for this, which will be discussed later. One of the most pressing issues, however, is related to the campuses themselves. Many of the colleges have been given old and unused school buildings, or have taken over older college buildings that were designed for different purposes. This has diminished the campus usability and relevance, which has ultimately created a negative image of FET Colleges in general.
Open Access
Breakwater farm : an investigation into the potential for coastal agriculture and re-envisioning architecture as a machine that responds to and permits this migration
(2012) Hassen, Tariq; Noero, Jo
Open Access
A Centre for Design: Catalyst for Urban Regeneration in Salt River, Cape Town
(2013) Viljoen, Tanya; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
Our cities are plagued by "lost spaces," left over as a result of the modern movement and extensive mobility routes. These spaces result in negative areas of the city, and are associated with vagrants, pollution and crime, rendering the area and its surroundings unsafe and undesirable. This dissertation shows how, by means of acknowledging, considering and reprogramming space these areas can be reconsidered to be positive places The aim of this dissertation is to address the architectural problem of neglected space and show how, through revitalisation and insertion of functions and programs which respond to site, historical context and culture, the inherent potential of a space can be unveiled. The design and research develops a theoretically informed and sustainable approach to regenerating"lost space" and convert it into a positive architectural experience of place.
Open Access
Contemporary interpretation of a winery in the Cape Wine lands : understanding terroir
(2012) Jackson, Sarah-Jane; Noero, Jo; Coetzee, Nic
The primary concern that prompted this thesis is the growing separation between product and source in contemporary culture . The current consumer culture gives little thought to where products come from. This phenomenon is prevalent within architecture too; much contemporary work is purely image-based, following ever-changing international trends which often result in buildings which are inappropriate to their context. Basic principles of how a building relates to its site and surrounds have been negated in a time of increasing commercial and economic pressure.
Open Access
Creative housing : from provision to enablement : contexting housing policy through the investigation of support structures
(2009) Richardson, Robert Richard; Steenkamp, Alta; Noero, Jo; Carter, Francis
In South Africa, the pressure on the infrastructure and facilities of the city - designed for a privileged few and now accessible to a growing populace - has resulted in two generic conditions. Urban economic centres have either relocated to areas outside of the city- exacerbating sprawl and destroying our urban legacy, or, as in the case of Cape Town, as a result of topography; the racial and political boundaries constructed by the colonial and apartheid state have been replaced by social and economic divisions. The coincidence of the natural topographic assets of Cape Town and the resultant eccentric focus of the city constructed by such topography has created a reversal of the normal population densities of the city. The most densely populated suburbs occur on the periphery while the economic opportunities still exist mainly in the centre. The resultant daily migration to and from work, creates huge pressure on public transportation and infrastructure. The desire for urbanization and the scarcity of affordable resources creates numerable urban pathologies which manifest themselves on the boundary between the periphery and interior. Rapid urbanization and the incapacity of the state to cope in the provision of accessible and affordable housing has resulted in the development of resilient self-aided local typologies which can accommodate the realities of the South African condition• It is my thesis that these local types form a necessary context through which housing design and urban policy should be informed, in order to create an alternative approach to housing in our country.
Open Access
Empowering Power Town : a contextual study that ascertains social and architectural sustainability
(2010) Beyers, Nellis; Carter, Francis; Coetzer, Nic; Noero, Jo; Steenkamp, Alta
My thesis investigates the ability to generate social and architectural sustainability from the surrounding context of a specific site- Power Town. A thorough analysis of the changing social conditions, cultural values and natural processes are done to be part of, and inform, this hypothesis. My architectural interventions are thus informed by the existing and will be a reflection of Power Town's vernacular. The first part of the document introduces Power Town to the reader, where it is situated and how it came to be, and why it is an unproductive settlement. Part two, 'a landscape enthused architecture', explores cultural, productive and responsive landscapes and their implication in architecture. Methods are investigated that help to uncover the complex layers of site and landscape. This thorough understanding Bird' s eye view of Power Town (Wildlife Expressions, Power Town) of the landscape will inform the design proposal. It will illustrate that Power Town has much potential to develop and evolve within its environment. In part three, 'adaptability', I discuss the potential of reusing structures, as they are, instead of demolishing them, clearing the site, and constructing new architecture. In many situations, manmade structures already exist in the context of a site and the adaptive reuse of them will be a productive addition to the context. New architecture must also be able to adjust and accommodate the unpredictable needs of the future. The fourth part, 'sustainable materials', is an investigation of a productive use of materials. Using materials originated from the context is the key initiative here. It makes for a sustainable construction that reflects the context and blends in with the landscape. This includes possibilities such as materials produced or harvested on site and the reuse of demolition- and industrial waste. All topics are discussed as interrelated issues that could contribute to the restoration of Power Town's dignity. Part five, 'design', is the synthesis of all these opportunities. A site making strategy that allows for unpredictable incremental phasing is designed initially. A number of design principles are implemented in this place making that would contribute to ascertaining social and architectural sustainability. The main idea here is to exploit the existing farming, fishing and construction abilities in the community and initiate a productive landscape. The place making plan lays the foundation for the design of a production centre. I propose to adapt and reuse the existing derelict power station. This new public building will form the heart of Power Town's productivity. It will house a number of facilities that offer, mainly; skills development workshops in different forms of production; a multi-usable auditorium; a production nursery; as well as flexible market, storage and work space for the processing and distribution of foodstuff in the community.
Open Access
Forgetting To Remember : Remembering To Forget: a space for reconciliation and transformation in post-apartheid South Africa
(2013) Gevers, Katja Barros; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
This dissertation discusses the origin, development and implementation of the design project - a reconciliation memorial in the Schotschekloof quarry in Cape Town. The project aims to illuminate the opportunity for architecture to engender reconciliation, and therefore contribute, however subtly, towards the transformation of a society. It is applied to the South African post-Apartheid context through the lens of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but deals with universal themes of memory, loss and forgiveness. The project critically explores reconciliation resulting from the interplay of memory and forgetting within the spatial confines of the memorial. It explores the functional aspects of both processes expanding on the traditional definition of commemorative space in art and architecture.
Open Access
The George Pemba Art Museum: how memory translates to design
(2012) Mangcu, Nqaba; Noero, Jo
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
Impeding efficiency
(2012) Majiet, Ziyaad; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic
Impeding Efficiency is based on my interest in the manner in which we experience space and in particular, the moment we become conscious of our surrounding built environment. The point of change between spaces, the threshold. Contemporary society lives in fast-forward; everything we do has been streamlined, developed in principles of efficiency. This phenomenon has caused a divide between user and the experience of architecture. We move rapidly, only with goal in mind, very rarely pausing, to adjust and reflect on our surroundings. This sparked a study of the threshold in architecture through the lens of four architects and the architectural strategies they have applied in a manner that impedes efficiency, hinders mobility, slows down time and allows for personal interpretation of the build environment.
Open Access
Inclusive & rehabilitative environment : the application of universal design principles to rehabilitate mainstream society's attitude toward disabilities & access
(2013) Bawa, Hiten M; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
This "Inclusive and Rehabilitative Environment" dissertation focuses on the application of Universal Design principles and changing attitudes toward people with disabilities in the built environment. The choice of research subject is partly influenced by my disability as a profoundly deaf person and as a bilateral cochlear implant user as well as from my exposure to the spatial challenges people with disabilities face in the built environment. Cape Town’s built environment was designed and constructed with no reference to the needs of people with disabilities and the ageing population (Davies, 2013; Thompson 2013). It continued to perpetuate the social and attitudinal barriers toward disabilities despite recent attempts and policies at improving accessibility (Daniels, 2013; Opperman, 2013, Mycroft, 2013). There are few buildings in Cape Town that are accessible but most of them are restricted to institutional typologies. In addition, the research focus is further motivated by the following points: * There is a lack of relevant and updated resources on Universal Design in South Africa compared to First World countries (Davies; 2013; Lehohla, 2005; Opperman, 2013; Thompson; 2013). * The recently updated section of the National Building Regulation SANS 10400, Part S: Facilities for persons with disabilities, is a significant advancement for the rights of people with disabilities. Granted, the legal frameworks, policies and guidelines are theoretically in place. They are seldom applied in practice and are often not enforced (Thompson, 2013). * There is a lack of understanding on applying accessibility features to suit the local context compared to international examples (Daniels, 2013; Davies; 2013).
Open Access
Kinetic architecture$$h[electronic resource] : the spatial organization of daily mobility in a public bathhouse
(2011) De Vries, Hermias Cornelius; Noero, Jo; Carter, Francis
Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.
Open Access
Lion Battery Museum
(2012) Fraser, Duncan; Noero, Jo
The idea of space lies at the root of all architecture; architecture is about spatial experience. This thesis is an investigation around the ideas of architectural spatial experience how we experience space and how to construct rich spatial experiences in architecture. The design project revolves around re-imagining the Lion Battery site on the slopes of Signal Hill. The design tests out the theoretical explorations laid out in this document and then incorporates tradtional and parametric approaches in the resolution of the design. The aim of this project is to explore experiential architecture.
Open Access
The Lion Couchant - Architecture of the ontological landscape of Lion Mountain
(2013) Botha, Charlton; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
This dissertation is focussed on the natural and cultural landscape of the 'Lion Mountain', comprising of Signal Hill and Lion's Head, Cape Town. Based on the earlier theoretical analysis of reading place through a phenomenological approach to landscape of memory, as well the technological analysis of contemporary methods for architectural mapping, both studies serve as a pretext to the dissertation, in so far as to provide tools of engagement and interpretation of the study area to be identified as the "overall site". The resultant findings uncover a rich, highly complex layering of place and the relationships that permeate the various stages of human inhabitation here. These findings provide the platform for tracing the present day evidence of their respective adaptations, and as such, identifies that the role of the landscape, primarily a seasonal place of recreation – in contemporary culture - dissolves within itself muted and often absent representations of its multifaceted history. Thus, the overriding architectural problem questions whether perhaps the true value of this landscape lie in its ability to be understood by its user as much as it is to be enjoyed, beyond its often chaotic usage. The project challenges the customs of both historical narrative and active natural landscape as inherently separate archetypes and proposes the establishment of a framework upon which key significant elements of the narrative, spread across the broader landscape, get developed as a series of spatial episodes with unique supporting programs. The neutrality of everyday life is suggested as the common factor that brings these archetypes into discourse. A network of inter-leading routes then incorporates these interim destinations and their respective histories into a dynamic present. The architectural design of each of these destinations gets expressed through the intimacy of the sensuous qualities of the built fabric and the fragility of natural ecology and its temporal authority. At times delicate influence simply reinforces existing conditions, and at others more extensive persuasion is required to realise the special qualities of each location. Adaptive reuse plays as big a role with programming the existing as it does with modes of production - emphasizing the situatedness of place and experiential embodiment. Such valency in the proposal shifts the prominence of normative associations of "nature reserve" maintenance and management into qualitative public engagement at a much deeper level than what is presently experienced.
Open Access
Living on the edge : Nature & Society - Re-imagining architecture through Thirdspace
(2013) Artz, Pim; Noero, Jo; Coetzer, Nic; De Jager, Rob; Carter, Francis
This design dissertation report investigates the paradigm of Thirdspace theory through explorations within the tensions between nature and society, directing the focus of site towards Cape Town's city bowl urban edge. Thirdspace is adopted throughout the development of this dissertation and investigated at different architectural scales within the design process: from the initial conceptualised stage through to spatial programming towards realisation of the construction process and materiality. Nature is under attack by urbanism, where architecture may act as a mediator by providing a platform for a new kind of urban form to manifest through coexistence. Where a neglected firebreak periphery once enforced a disconnected nature from society, it now presents an opportunity for a productive firebreak strategy integrated into an architectural layer, merging public space into the natural landscape. Designing opportunity for crossprogramming in the realms of residential architecture, generates a mixed use matrix, a space where cultures and traditions merge together to form a neutral social framework, where in the urban edge condition, an architecture coexists between the realms of nature and that of the city.
Open Access
Magnifying the interstice: Mixed-use reuse of abandoned lanes in Salt River
(2010) Vaughan, Sasha; Steenkamp, Alta; Noero, Jo; Carter, Francis; Coetzer, Nic

Browsing by Author "Noero, Jo"

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