Landscape rehabilitation, along with the stitching/linking of several layers on the site, will integrate the site into its context, while creating new opportunities. Furthermore, how the development of refuse disposal brownfield sites can benefit local communities and ecologies. Reclamation and remediation based design principles are used to propose the remediation of contaminated soils, wetlands and landscapes.
This thesis aims to challenge the contemporary perceptions of refuse disposal landfill sites, transforming the site from a hidden, inaccessible open public land, into an integrated, rehabilitative, multi-use and accessible site – with value to ecology, economy and culture. Ultimately questioning how architecture plays a role in the abovementioned, connecting ecology and culture.
From immersion in Jeppestown to the capacity analysis of a base building, various themes have formed part of my architectural process and progress, thus far. Networks, beginning with Transient versus Temporary, exploring how people use open, green, public space in conscious and subconscious manners. This translated into Transient Infrastructure, Network Infrastructure (Hard and Soft) and Networks (existing systems). Furthermore, how Stitching Networks through architecture can create place for spaces that are successful for both individuals and higher level orders. Open Building Stitching, examines where Transient/Temporary capacities (relative to the base building) are stitched into an existing building. This theme then cycles around to the first theme, and illustrates how every project builds on its predecessors.
From contexts rooted in Johannesburg, to the hypothetical, each site has presented its own challenges and opportunities. A night in Jeppestown instilled the value of immersion within a context, while a desktop study of Denver highlighted the information that can be gained from a more objective point-of-view. Context, forms an integral part of architectural study – a notion which has been carried through from my first project. While every brief has requirements, every context equally presents its own requirements, which work in conjunction with the themes in the research phase of every project. A particular context of interest, to myself, is Fordsburg. This is due several reasons, most significantly of which is the fine grain nature of the urban fabric which is juxtaposed by the large block of the Oriental Plaza.
Working with every brief, set of themes and context, one develops a response to, and through, this research. Initially responses were more research/exploration based, where I would question ‘Why?’, specifically related around the idea of ‘Transience’ and the related subconscious actions. The next step was a hypothetical/speculative response to infrastructure, wherein the notion of ‘Transience’, evolved into ‘Transient Infrastructure’, still questioning in terms of themes and context, but more related to an infrastructure that integrates into existing networks and temporal systems. This evolution continued into a more holistic analysis and engagement with networks, in several forms.
In response to the context, these networks begin to reveal opportunities for architecture, which is rooted in existing functioning systems.
The progression of projects, and respective outcomes, have encouraged a progression in the process of architecture, rather than the object of architecture. This process was founded on the immersive mapping and understanding of Jeppestown, where I implemented a simple intervention to challenge the ‘subconscious transient users’ of a park. It continued through the proposal of innovative neighbourhood transient infrastructure, then through the stitching of fine grain and large, block grain urban fabric, with response to existing networks - principally a local network of curtain manufacturers.
My semester, and process of architecture, is currently constructed of everything done thus far, inclusion of what was good and the exclusion of what was not - and I believe this leads to a process where the whole is truly greater than the sum of the parts.
An immersive analysis of the site revealed various unique attributes of the site and its context - most prevalently to my criteria, was a network of curtain manufacturers.
A Gauteng City Region wide study of the various entities involved in curtain manufacture revealed how the Oriental Plaza is the nucleus of this network.
What purpose does open, green, public space serve within the Jeppestown community?
Transient vs. Temporary
A walk-through of Jeppestown revealed the minimal amount of open, green, public space within the area - limited to one park. Furthermore, how the uses of this park were informal and community based. A deeper look into these uses, revealed two distinct yet similar user groups: ‘Transient’ and ‘Temporary’. According to The Collins English Dictionary, ‘Temporary’ means not permanent; provisional; lasting only a short time; transitory. Which in the context of Jeppestown park, relates to the people who come to the park by choice. This is a conscious decision made for social, relaxation, eating or playing.
According to The Collins English Dictionary, ‘Transient’ means for a short time; transitory; change in the state of a system. Which in the context of Jeppestown park, relates to the people who use of the park to walk through as a path of convenience. Walking through the park is a sub-conscious route completed twice a day.
In order to engage and challenge the sub-conscious nature of the transient users, I conducted a four stage experiment: 1. String across the arterial path, on the floor. 2. String across the arterial and secondary paths, on the floor. 3. String across the arterial path, at head height. 4. String across all paths, at head height.
As the experiment proceeded, everyone would sub-consciously walk around the ‘obstacle’. As options were eliminated, people would begin to make a decision on the best solution. By the end of the experiment, the sub-conscious transient pedestrians were actively changing their routes and engaging with the park in a slightly higher degree.
