[ m i n i ] t h e s i s

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN [FIVE] - A PROTOTYPE INCUBATING FACILITY THAT INCLUDES RESEARCH ROOMS, GROWING UNITS AND A PUBLIC INTERFACE

 

[2013] Pretoria was identified by the Ndebeles and the Voortrekkers as a suitable area to settle. The river was the main source of water and an element of protection. As time passed the purpose of the river has remained the same, a source of life. The only changes that have occurred are the quality of the water and the natural shape of the river. The city has turned its back on its most intricate natural element; the river is hidden and lays deep in a concrete gutter. According to law each person is entitled to 25L of free water per person per day. The above mentioned points indicate its strong potential. To address these issues, a research facility focused on growing and inserting fauna and flora into the Apies River to help purify the water via natural methods is proposed. It allows users to still collect water freely from the river, with the benefit that the water will be of a better quality and more easily accessible. As a public entity a natural public pool area is introduced; a city edge relaxation point. An urban proposal and secondary phase is that at certain points of access where the river intersects with roads a pavilion surrounded by reed beds will allow easy access to collect water. It will be a safe relaxation space. The idea is to not frown upon the method of using the river as a point of water collection, but to encourage collecting water from the river.

 

Research topics will consist of statistics of the Apies River, information from the Department of Water Affairs RSA, a modern approach to designing research facilities, using water channels as safety barriers and the history of public pools and bathing areas.