Browsing by Subject "Architectural Studies"

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    Accommodating density: an alternative to Cape Town's suburban mode
    (2015) Graham, Laura Dale; Silverman, Melinda
    The Cape Town city border is expanding due to rapid urbanisation and further expansion is not the solution. The growth is destroying agricultural land and the provision of transport and services is becoming increasingly inefficient. The new suburbs on the edge of the city are comprised of mostly low density housing and present a dull urban environment. There is a need to find alternate ways to accommodate a growing population with efficient use of services and facilities. Denser environments present greater vibrancy. This dissertation addresses the issues around high density housing and how to change South African's negative perceptions regarding density which are based on the lack of parking space, privacy and desire for one's own garden. Perceptions can be changed through transport-orientated design, designing for privacy and the inclusion of balconies or patios. This project also looks at ways to increase a sense of community, which is often lacking in low density areas. The project is sited within the Two Rivers Urban Park, in Hazendal by the Black River. This area offers a unique opportunity for Cape Town to densify existing areas near the city and redefine how Capetonians perceive rivers, which are often viewed as the 'backyard' space of the suburb. Rivers are neglected, polluted and used as dumping grounds. This dissertation attempts to change this perception and to provide opportunity to celebrate the rivers. The outcome of this dissertation is an infill project and a catalyst for potential density development in the area. The project surrounds the Hazendal train station. It includes a social housing section with community facilities; a new train station entrance with a community hub; private plots, and market-related housing facing the Black River. The proposed design for the dissertation could set a precedent for ways in which to densify existing low density suburbs near to the city centre.
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    Embodied relevance: exploring the potential of existing concrete frame structures: the case of the Christiaan Barnard Hospital
    (2015) Zimmermann, Sophie; Fellingham, Kevin
    Our cities to a great part consist of a large amount of already built fabric and this dissertation shall address this as an area of concern, encouraging the transformation of existing buildings, rather than building anew. Furthermore, the dissertation focuses on the universal issue of 1960's concrete frame buildings and investigates the potential for their continued re-use rather than demolition. This falls within the current discourse around the negative impact of the built environment and its contribution to climate change, and forms the backbone of the intended research. While progress has been made towards achieving urban sustainability in practical and conceptual terms, cities are still unsustainable. Buildings have a large negative impact on the environment in terms of the natural resources and energy that they consume, as well as the CO2 emitted throughout their lifespan. For environmental, architectural and economic reasons this dissertation investigates the applicability and process for the transformation and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings - to retain the existing embodied energy, while also focusing on adapting buildings to become more energy efficient. It is difficult to develop a fixed set of rules for retrofitting or rehabilitating existing buildings as they are all unique by definition. However, the general idea of retaining the embodied energy and actively engaging with the existing should be apparent throughout, encouraging environmental consciousness and bringing new life and purpose to the building. In the case of the Christiaan Barnard Hospital, this was done through retaining the bulk of the existing concrete frame (86%), while enhancing the internal quality of the building through the incorporation of light wells and various cuts and punctures throughout. While increasing occupancy wellbeing, this also allows for a comfortable interior climate through passive means and will improve the energy efficiency of the building, which is coupled with the energy savings from retaining the concrete frame. Additionally, a lightweight modular steel frame structure with movable mesh screens was incorporated into the building's façade to provide a fresh new look and allow for an interplay between the old and the new, while providing natural light, ventilation and shading. The functional changes in the building also allow for the reintegration of the building into the Cape Town CBD as a building that will now contribute to its surroundings. Thus, the design explores and strives to serve as a precedent for a methodology for sustainable building refurbishment.