I am aware of the Tshwane University of Technology policy regarding plagiarism. Therefore, this dissertation is my original work. I further declare the dissertation is substantially my work. However, it does refer to the works of others an extent to which that work used is indicated and fully acknowledged in the text and list of references.
Signature:
Date:
“I think anybody who knows anything about South Africa and the South African economy would know that one of the big constraints to growth and development is skills shortages. So, all of us need to come at this thing as vigorously as is possible and, of course, the private sector can take it on board.” (Mbeki, 2003)
“The principal investors in the South African economy are South Africans. However, this is something, I think, we should pay attention to.” (Mbeki, 2004)
Thabo Mbeki
Note:
Only content derived from other sources will be cited in-text, all information created by the author of this dissertation will not have an in-text figure reference. Any image or sketch that lacks a reference should be presumed to have been created by the author.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Dialectics:
“The art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions.” (Lexico Dictionaries, 2015) “Dialectic or dialectics, also known as the contentious method, is a debate a multitude of individuals holding different perspectives about a subject but wishing to establish the truth through reasoned argumentation.” (Davis, 2021)
2: Two opposing opinions that form a new point of view.
With the acknowledgment of the term dialectics, in the dissertation, the term represents two opposite points of view that contrast to achieve a new point of view that incorporates what is true in the original. By investigating the industrial structures in Ekandustria as a focal point, the research aims to investigate the dialectics of form
ACRONYMS
• DTI - Department of Trade and Industry
• GCRO - The Gauteng City-Region Observatory
• GVA - Gross Value Added
• IDZ- Industrial Development Zones (IDZ)
• ILO- International Labour Organization
• LTM- Last Trumpet Ministries
• IPAP- Industrial Policy Action Plan
• IPRP- Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme
• NIPF - National Industrial Policy Framework
• SABS- South African Bureau of Standards
• SEZ- Special Economic Zone
• TIPS - Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
• UNIDO- United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Figure
ABSTRACT
This dissertation in architectural design investigates the dialectics of form and function in a neglected industrial park in Tshwane, South Africa. The research aims to introduce an architectural intervention to address the current challenges faced on selected sites and communities by considering the potential of deteriorating industrial structures. The dissertation explores sustainable solutions that could improve industrial parks by analysing the building classification primary functions and what leads to the termination of industrial structures. Furthermore, the architectural intervention plans to address the potential economic, social, and environmental contributions, which, when explored, could lead to sustainable developmental opportunities in the Ekandustria industrial park.
By following dialectical means of including various opinions, the intervention introduces the combination of architectural and communal input for a better-informed intervention. For example, an intervention could introduce collaborative regeneration by utilising generational knowledge, locally sourced materials, and existing methods for better architectural interventions.
Knowing how Ekandustria can potentially create multiple jobs in various sectors (City of Tshwane, 2021), the inclusion of informal settlements would decrease unemployment and crime figures. Moreover, the redevelopment of Ekandustria would open opportunities for a town known as having a lowskilled labour force available to equip community members with advanced skill sets. The study concludes with the comprehension of how adaptive reuse methods could be a solution in contributing to the urban regeneration of Ekandustria.
Figure 3: The author’s life narrative is depicted in the sketches. [Image], Available from https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2216036
As the product of a single black parent family, not having a father figure around for most of my life resulted in my mother courageously raising our family alone. However, regardless of the circumstances, we faced together, my mother always strived to provide my sister and me with the best opportunities she could give. As a result, I learned to think outside the box when faced with obstacles by understanding my family dynamic at a young age. For example, I learnt the value of repurposing household items to save money at a young age. As a result, I became interested in learning about the repurposing of materials and building components while pursuing my undergraduate degree in architecture.
Motivated by the difficulties faced by thousands of Bronkhorstspruit residents who lost their jobs at the Ekandustria industrial park between 2009 and 2021. I’ve experienced first-hand the effects of the firms closing by seeing the families of people closest to our family, particularly those with just a single provider, unexpectedly retrenched. Passionate about community service and researching various strategies that Tshwane was planning to handle the difficulties that Ekandustria and the surrounding villages were facing. In 2016, I was involved in the initial stages of the Tshwane food and energy center. The proposed agricultural hub, which was initially funded by the government and located on the outskirts of Ekandustria,.was intended to provide employment opportunities and essential agricultural skills to the impacted populations. However due to a lack of funding and community engagement, the center had deteriorated by late 2019.
There is a widespread lack of community interest due to the failure. The lack of communication between the Tshwane municipality, community leaders, and members led to a lack of collective community interest, resulting in an intervention that lacked the essential services required by the surrounding communities.
The failure of the industrial park is influenced not just by the government and external funding but also by community participation and the township economy, by studying the impact of townships built near industrial zones (Peberdy, 2017).
Understanding how the failure of the Ekandustria industrial park directly affects the town’s economic state (Witwatersrand, 2020) and how the economic decline eventually led to the abandonment of essential structures.
Furthermore, the rapid deterioration of structural systems exposed to the elements without maintenance, the looting of building materials by the surrounding communities, and service delivery riots resulted in the permanent destruction of some industrial buildings. Despite restoring certain parts of Ekandustria and the new investments from 2008 to 2014, the damage to certain industrial buildings is irreversible.
Although in 2019, the government introduced the ICT to restore failing industrial parks in Tshwane, the sheer number of parks that needed restoration prioritized functional industrial parks over deteriorated ones similar to Ekandustria.
Furthermore, even with the limited allocated funding in 2021, the restorations are still insufficient to turn around the industrial decline or failing industrial buildings in Ekandustria.
This thesis’s inception began with proposing an architectural an intervention designed for and built by the community.
Sustainable long-term solutions could be formed by collaborating with the surrounding communities to accomplish a shared vision built on an interdependent system to address issues and opportunities. The initial ideas question how the proposed design intervention could restore the park to better suit the surrounding communities. Instead of improving the park’s failing economic state, the intervention could introduce new skills sets for community members, advanced building systems and newly assigned functions in Ekandustria. Potentially leading to the communal urban regeneration of Bronkhorstspruit that could encourage external investment for the declining industrial park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Figure 4: The idea of the retrenched communty members of the retrenched community launching their own initiatives.
3.1.1. THE INFLUENCE OF MOVEMENT ROUTES IN THE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH OF TSHWANE.
3.1.2. THE INFLUENCE OF POPULATION DENSITY ON INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN TSHWANE.
3.1.3. THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC HUBS ON
5.1.4
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2
5.2.5
5.2.5
1. INTRODUCTION
By investigating the Ekandustria industrial park and the nearby communities established to provide a steady skilled workforce for the industrial park. This dissertation aims to understand how the redevelopment of abandoned industrial spaces could assist in the urban regeneration of abandoned industrial sites. The proposed architectural intervention plans to explore the possibility of new development opportunities in the Ekandustria industrial park. By addressing the physical aspects, social values, and the historical significance of Ekandustria while considering the emotional impacts of the redevelopment on the surrounding neighbourhoods.
By selecting the planner’s triangle (Campbell, 1996) to understand the link between social welfare, environmental protection, and resource economics, the research investigates the interdependence of the preservation of derelict buildings. Existing industrial buildings redesigned using adaptive reuse strategies could contribute to urban sustainability and communal regeneration by better understanding their functions in social environments.
Therefore the research questions how:
1. The existing strategies set by the government be revised to address dilapidated industrial parks such as Ekandustria?
2. Could the redeveloped building components produce energy-efficient structures through the technological advancement of existing materials?
3... The proposed architectural intervention could include the communal contribution of surrounding communities to redevelop industrial parks like Ekandustria using locally sourced materials and methods?
1.1 DELIMITATIONS
Researching the vast amount of academic material on sustainability in architecture and adaptive reuse and working within the allocated time restrictions. This dissertation highlights the importance of cultural preservation, environmental benefits, and innovation when dealing with deteriorating structures. Although there are factors believed to influence the redevelopment of industrial parks, the scope of this dissertation looks at three distinct aspects. Leading to the potential development of a framework for the National Industrial Policy Framework for a sustainable approach for the redevelopment of industrial parks, with no potential shortcomings caused by targeting only a single approach.
1.1.1 COMMUNAL AND CULTURAL APPROACH
The importance of statistical data about the educational levels and types of skill sets found in the informal settlements surrounding Ekandustria. The data could highlight the specific needs of the communities and which approach would benefit the development of the communities and the cultural preservation surrounding Ekandustria.
1.1.2 TECHNICAL APPROACH
The importance of statistical data about the educational levels and types of skill sets found in the informal settlements surrounding Ekandustria. The data could highlight the specific needs of the communities and which approach would benefit the development of the communities and the cultural preservation surrounding Ekandustria.
1.1.3 ECONOMIC APPROACH
The economic approach is one of the most dominant implementations regarding sustainable redevelopment within the built environment concerning governmental parks such as Ekandustria. This mini-dissertation plans to provide the benefits of each corresponding technical solution with justifiable costs by balancing the economic benefits of using these sustainable materials, which would require less long-term maintenance from the government, communities, or shareholders.
Economic approach
Communal and cultural approach
Technical approach
Figure 5: The dependent relationship on each system is included in the scope of a research study that shows the three sorts of approaches.
1.2. METHODOLOGY
1.2.1 INTUITIVE THINKING
This research introduces the approach to design strategies in architecture regulated by systematic and intuitive techniques. Similar to dialectics, intuitive thinking assists in perceiving reality at a particular moment where the truth is subjected to bias and prejudices and when facing multifaceted challenges restricted by time constraints and resource availability. Using intuitive thinking allows me to make decisions in complex and unfamiliar situations efficiently by identifying a purpose, finding logical patterns, and recognising new opportunities and ideas. When looking at Ekandustria industrial parks, the intuitive approach means seeing the deteriorating buildings beyond their occupied proportions. By reimaging the old, misused, and neglected spaces as sustainable spaces with defined functions that would benefit from new economic, social, and environmental values.
1.2.2. EPISTEMOLOGICAL PARADIGMS: CONSTRUCTIVISM
Constructivist epistemology is a philosophical view (Bunge, 2019). People actively construct or create their knowledge against discovered self-evident knowledge and in a small town such as Bronkhorstspruit, where reality is positioned on the experiences of investigating the creation of systems that result in cultural understanding through various types of experiences. Based on the understanding of the current problems faced in the location and the combination of native knowledge and the introduction of recent data in an industrial park such as Ekandustria, the study will focus on the importance of the surrounding community’s knowledge through the expertise of the analytic research process.
1.2.3 METHODS
For this research, a selection of four types of methods investigates industrial park development projects; these tactics include the literature review, types of adaptive reuse patterns, discussions with architectural designers lectures and two industrial/commercial case studies.
Categorised by two elements, the literature review consists of the following :
1..Three types of adaptive reuse methods.
2. The sustainability and adaptive reuse of industrial buildings,
In the literature review, this mini-dissertation explores the terms adaptive reuse sustainability and how the terminology restoration, refurbishment and rehabilitation have the same meaning and can be utilised interchangeably. On the other hand, the literature the review also explores other alternative adaptive reuse methods such as retrofitting or repurposing. The literature review outlines how reinventing existing industrial buildings for new uses begins by identifying their defining characteristics and reimagining how any unique features might serve new purposes with several proposed concepts that would benefit Ekandustria.
The original designs of the dilapidated buildings in Ekandustria could honour the past while innovating for future efficiencies. Completing the adaptational redevelopment project could assist in urban regeneration of the informal neighbours and breathe life into abandoned sites.
The investigation in the literature review explains the connection between the lifespan of a structure, redevelopments, and sustainability. Further research focused on understanding the interdependence of the preservation of derelict buildings and the roles they have in the social environments, using the planner triangle to understand the link between social welfare, environmental protection, and resource economics. This mini-dissertation plans to address the physical aspects of the Ekandustria industrial park and address the social values, historical significance, and emotional impacts of the redevelopment on the surrounding neighbourhoods.
1.3. PROJECT BACKGROUND
According to the international guidelines for industrial parks, published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), established specific industrial policies that focused on improving industrial parks. Furthermore, the industrial policies and strategies sought the transformation and diversification of international, national, and local governments. As a result, the policies and strategies resulted in a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. In addition, it led to an international goal to restructure existing sectors into more efficient programs and new industrial sectors with a diverse economy.
In an ever-growing market with various technological advancements and sustainable solutions shaping the growth of industrial parks, the increase in the number of industrial parks across the globe has significantly risen since the 1990s. According to the (ILO) database, industrial parks worldwide increased from 29 in 1975 to 3,500 in 2006. The increase in industrial parks among countries led to three out of four countries having at least one industrial park, increasing economic competition between countries with similar industrial arrangements. Moreover, international competitiveness brings forth critical issues faced by industrial parks, developers, and operators (Organization, 2019).
The South African government developed the Industrial Development Zones programme (dti, 2021) to a ttract Foreign Direct Investments and export value-added commodities in the worldwide competitive market. In the early stages, the programme introduced by IDZs resulted in significant achievements. However, the recession faced by South Africa in the early 2000s resulted in existing policies having to be reviewed and reinstated in 2007.
After revising the policies, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Programme introduced developments in national economic policies and strategies.
The National Industrial Policy Framework, a new growth plan for South African industrial parks in the global economic environment.By providing a framework for developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the SEZ policy aimed to address challenges the current IDZ programme faces. The SEZ Policy provides frameworks for the development, activities, and management, including addressing the challenges of the current IDZ Programme. Therefore, by identifying the SEZs, the Industrial Policy Action Plan – IPAP aims to research which SEZs are vital contributors to the economic development of South Africa.
In 2016 the government launched an Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme (IPRP) to upgrade the infrastructure of all the country state-owned industrial parks. This programme focused on physical infrastructure and management support issues, with the key objective of enhancing regional industrialisation. The program would strengthen their occupancy rates, drive retention and expansion of firms, contribute to economic growth, attract investments, create jobs, and address inequality.
The IPRP allocated funds to reinstate security measures in Ekandustria as a preventable measure to prevent further destruction of the abandoned buildings as the first step in the IPRP. By using the research gathered by the Industrial Policy Action Plan – IPAP to determine if, when restored, Ekandustria would be considered a vital contributor to the economic development of South Africa.
Here the research began to question how the revitalisation of industrial structures would pivot the critical needs of the facilities and surrounding communities? How would upgraded infrastructure improve the overall economic value of industrial parks such as Ekandustria? How would designers innovate ways outside the building lines to derive value from the existing properties?
In Ekandustria industrial park, most industrial structures are either foreclosed, half-finished or in desperate need of maintenance. Therefore, applying the policies mentioned above into the programme objectives introduces a directive response to the proposed architectural intervention:
1. Based on the current state of the industrial infrastructure and whether it complies with the current SABS minimum requirements.
2. It is investigating the various methods of sustainable restoration that qualify for external funding and comply with the SABS minimum requirements in the redevelopment of Ekandustria.
3. Using the SEZ current framework and the IPRP strategy, architects could develop the proposed intervention based on an informed guideline, which addresses the redevelopments of industrial parks and cities.
1.4 THE CONTEXT
1.4.1 WHAT ARE INDUSTRIAL PARKS?
Industrial parks (also known as industrial estates) are defined as areas zoned and planned for industrial development, with an increasing labour force population and a combination of diverse industrial and commercial sectors close to transportation hubs.
1.4.2 FUNCTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL PARK
· Control localised environmental requirements of the economic park and gained investments (international) from the availability of integrated infrastructure and required materials.
· Concentrate framework in an established space not to reduce the overall value of the supplied infrastructure such as national and regional roads, railroad sidings, dynamical electrical provider or environmentally substituted.
Figure 6: Street entrance to Ekandustria industrial park shows the deteriorated buildings alongside the existing taxi rank and informal vendors.
1.4.3 WHY THE SELECTION OF EKANDUSTRIA?
Located in the metropolitan municipality of Tshwane, Republic of South Africa, Region seven is a rural district with close to a quarter of housing units that remain informal and local income settlements. However, the district has a sparse population with high unemployment rates. It includes formal and informal areas of Bronkhorstspruit, with weak geographical structure defined by national movement routes(national route), vast agricultural zones, and small economic towns. Upon further research about Ekandustria industrial park and the subsidies were withdrawn immediately post-apartheid era, The park’s economy began to decline, even when the park experienced a revival from around 2008 to 2014 new investments. Several firms permanently closed or relocated due to the isolated location and the lack of skills available in the area, which led to very high levels of unemployment in the area, and the difficulty residents found in accessing work regardless of that the largest sectors of the community are in manufacturing and retailing.
In 2016 the government launched an Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme to upgrade the infrastructure of all the country state-owned industrial parks. However, how would the revitalisation of industrial structures pivot the critical needs of the facilities and surrounding communities?
In Ekandustria, where most structures are either foreclosed, half-finished or in desperate need of upkeep, there multiple opportunities for adaptive redevelopment. However, not all adaptive reuse projects consider the surrounding neighbourhoods as economical as they might seem at the outset by not centring the research on the park’s economic state but the overall improvement of the neighbourhood, where community contribution is encouraged and supported. An urban regeneration project based on addressing communal issues in informal settlements through community involvement and maintenance of the existing Ekandustria industrial park, but better-developed systems, cultural integration and informal business concepts that may encourage external investment in the declining properties, zones, and neighbourhoods.
2. THE ARGUMENT
2.1.
REVITALISATION OF THE
The different stages of service delivery within the same communities surrounding Ekandustria. Where areas closer to the industrial park have access to public transportation and government housing, areas developed after the decline of Ekandustria, such as Phumekhaya, barely receive service. However, the government and private investors’ pulled funding led to Ekandustria and surrounding communities lacking essential services such as clean water, electricity, and transportation.
For environmental reasons, the zoning of industrial parks is to the outskirts of town/cities. Thus, Ekandustria was formed in the outskirts of Bronkhorstspruit, giving rise to the nearby townships (Ekangala, Rethabiseng and Zithobeni). The townships are far from essential services and with the need for goods and services within townships, local entrepreneurs saw a gap between persuading informal business opportunities in two places. The reintroduction of the same options in Ekandustria would give rise to the possibility of an informal market that gives informal vendors space to grow their business.
Even with the availability of public transportation, certain taxi ranks or bus routes located far from specific areas result in community members walking long distances. The abandonment of Ekandustria led to existing transportation hubs getting abandoned due to the decrease in the workforce. Currently, the public transportation nodes located in the outskirts of Ekandustria lack the proper infrastructure (shading and general seating) or services (shared bathrooms). The materials of the existing taxi rank within Ekandustria could be recycled/ reused for an intervention to improve the facilities of the new informal taxi rank.
“TOWNSHIP ECONOMY”
Figure 7: The concept of the Ekandustria industrial park being used to investigate possible township commercial initiatives.
2.2 VULNERABILITY AS A TOOL FOR RESILIENCE
Figure 8: How human biengs and buildings can be a tool for resilience.
2.3.1 Vulnerability of the workers
The high unemployment rates in Bronkhorstspruit, especially in the informal settlements surrounding Ekandustria (Ekangala and Rethabiseng) and the overpopulation of informal settlements (STATS SA, 2011), leads to the availability of thousands of desperate community members. Furthermore, the availability of a workforce that lacks the proper knowledge or skill set (City of Tshwane, 2012) results in certain firms in Ekandustria using poverty to take advantage of the surrounding communities. In addition, certain firms subject workers to horrendous working conditions with no added benefits and few workers’ rights.
The community’s vulnerability is used as a tool for resilience that observes the need for communal upliftment through the provision of skill developments centres to increase new industrial opportunities in Ekandustria. An architectural intervention could introduce community-based programmes within multifunctional spaces to develop community members’ new skill sets.
2.3.2 Vulnerability of abandoned industrial structures
Due to buildings losing function due to the closure of specific industrial firms, the community began to identify the abandoned buildings as waste. Furthermore, the further deterioration of structures with no purpose caused structures to lose building components due to looting. Because the structures were viewed as waste, certain community members began to scavenge the structures with no function for materials to repurpose in constructing informal housing units in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
By investigating which of the stolen materials can be technologically advanced to improve building systems of industrial parks, the possible architectural intervention could introduce test labs to address the problems faced by industrial parks due to failing structural components. In addition, the test labs could also educate the surrounding communities on affordable, locally sourced materials to improve housing units.
Figure 10: The looted materials or dilapidated materials of the industrial structures that are either regarded as waste, require maintenance, or destroyed.
Figure 9: The consequences of employees’ vulnerability include a lack of housing and a safe working environment.
2.3. URBAN DECAY TO URBAN REGENERATION
Observing how new ideas implemented through the decaying structures can potentially reshape the future of industrial parks, such as Ekandustria. In Bronkhorstspruit, the closure of essential manufacturing and commercial firms in Ekandustria led to a rapid economic decline. Certain firms closed permanently, and other firms retrenched thousands of community members.
The permanent abandonment of the specific industrial structures in Ekandustria made certain buildings worthless due to the deterioration caused by the exposure to elements without proper maintenance. In an industrial town (Walker, 1951) such as Bronkhorstspruit, the economic system of informal settlements established around Ekandustria relied on the industrial park.
The industrial park’s failure directly influenced the surrounding communities by decreasing their quality of life due to the abandoned industrial structures becoming hotspots for criminal activities (Beck, 2016). To prevent the future deterioration of industrial parks in South Africa, existing strategies and policies should be revised better to accommodate the requirements of the existing industrial parks.
By introducing various architectural interventions (including adaptive reuse methods) to combat site-specific challenges faced in ind ustrial parks and surrounding communities.
Figure 11: A method for dealing with urban deterioration, particularly in industrial-based neighbourhoods, focuses on revitalising the area’s physical, social, and economic environment.
3. CONTEXT
APPRAISAL
“ Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context - a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.”
Eliel Saarinen (Saarinen, 1943).
12: Understanding how a design considers the prior smaller and vast . . larger context. (Catalanotto, 2015)
3.1 MARCO ANALYSIS
Understanding how the abandonment of buildings in industrial parks impacts Ekandustria or industrial parks in Tshwane is a global crisis brought on by the competitive market of the commercial and manufacturing industry.
However, in a developing country like South Africa, constant economic growth necessitates the creation of industrial parks that can produce a large volume of required materials. When an industrial park, such as Ekandustria, fails to meet the minimum requirement, several industrial buildings become vacant property due to foreclosure, bankruptcy, and other financial or legal issues. With other buildings becoming permanently abandoned for financial reasons. However, they are usually run down and need restorations and maintenance.
When looking at South Africa as a whole, it is clear that building abandonment is connected to more than simply industrial parks; it is also linked to inner-city decay. For example, in Gauteng, building dilapidation is frequent in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Moreover, the repercussions of urban degeneration can be observed throughout these metropolitan centres, as abandoned structures attract rats and are unfit for human occupancy, becoming a hub for prostitution, narcotics, and urban decay.
Figure
Research on page 28
13: Understanding how a design considers the prior smaller and vast larger context. (Catalanotto, 2015), The location of the project.
Research on page 29
Figure
3.1.1. THE INFLUENCE OF MOVEMENT ROUTES IN THE INDUSTRIAL ...........GROWTH OF TSHWANE.
The identification of the existing industrial parks in Tshwane, then analysing the existing movement routes of various transportation modes to identify a pattern. The pattern shows how the proximity to transition nodes and various transportation nodes influences the location of the existing industrial parks.
Figure 14: Identification of industrial parks and movement routes in Tshwane, . GCRO-2021,https://www.gcro.ac.za/outputs/map-of-the-month/ [Accessed 18 August 2021].
3.1.2. THE INFLUENCE OF POPULATION DENSITY ON ............z INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN TSHWANE.
Identifying and analysing the current industrial parks in Tshwane and the formation order of industrial parks and towns, as establishing an industrial park is strongly reliant on the availability of a skilled workforce; thus, it’s important to understand how expected industrial growth influences the population density of the areas around industrial parks.
Figure 15: Identification of industrial growth alongside the population density in Tshwane, GCRO-2021,https://www.gcro.ac.za/outputs/map-of-the-month/ [Accessed 18 August 2021].
3.1.3. THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC HUBS ON MOVEMENT ROUTES AND EXISTING INDUSTRIAL PARK IN TSHWANE REGION SEVEN.
Looking at Tshwane region seven and its surrounding suburbs, socioeconomic centres, such as the Ekandustria industrial park and the town of Bronkhorstspruit, are situated where transportation routes intersect. As a result, better services (housing) and enterprises are situated within proximity of the socioeconomic hubs. In contrast, communities outside the hubs lack essential services and governmental housing.
Figure 16: Identification of socioeconomic hubs, surrounding neighbourhoods, and movement routes in Tshwane, GCRO-2021,https://www.gcro.ac.za/outputs/map-of-the-month/ [Accessed 18 August 2021].
3.1.4. THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC HUBS ON HUMAN DENSITY AND MOVEMENT ROUTES IN TSHWANE REGION SEVEN.
Looking at Tshwane region seven and its surrounding suburbs, socioeconomic centres, such as the Ekandustria industrial park and the town of Bronkhorstspruit, influence population density and unemployment rates. The closer to the hubs, the higher the possibilities of job employment and overall better housing and government funding; the proximity also gives way to various modes of Transportation.
Figure 17: Identification of socioeconomic hubs, surrounding neighbourhoods, and movement routes in Tshwane, GCRO-2021,https://www.gcro.ac.za/outputs/map-of-themonth/ [Accessed 18 August 2021].
3.2 MIRCO ANALYSIS
Tshwane, Region 7, is a broad rural region with a low population density, significant unemployment, and a quarter of informal housing units, low-income residential areas, and rural regions. Despite having two socioeconomic hubs, Bronkhorstspruit and Ekandustria, the region has a low GVA and many youths without skills or further education. Probing into Tshwane’s region seven, analysing how the region functions, what industries play a role in the economy, and how the decline in economic activity in Ekandustria industrial park affects the surrounding communities.
Looking at Tshwane and understanding how how the consequences of the failing industrial park on the quality of life in Region Seven, as well as the overall deterioration of the entire region, affects an already suffering community. The research suggests particular strategies that might aid the communal regeneration of Bronkhorstspruit as a whole by further analyzing the Ekandustria and looking at the sorts of issues experienced by communities in close proximity to the industrial park.
3.2.1 HOW DOES THE DECLINE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN A INDUSTRIAL PARK LIKE EKANDUSTRIA IMPACT SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES?
The location of Ekandustria and the estimation of the industrial park to nearby neighbourhoods, specifically Rethabiseng and Ekangala , the two townships that initially accommodated the majority of the Ekandustria workforce; the townships also happen to be the two areas with the highest unemployment
Figure 18: Region seven with specific reference to Ekandustria.
1. SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Even with the future development of the industrial park, the lack of infrastructural services to both the rural and informal areas surrounding ekandustria, unemployment, and the sustainability of life is becoming an increasing concern to the more impoverished communities.
2. INFORMAL NEIGHBOURHOODS
Townships such as ekandustria and Rethabiseng that originally developed close to ekandustria industrial park to provide the workers with affordable low-income. Housing, where despite the availability of structures, the closure of ekandustria lead to high levels of unemployment.
3. EKANDUSTRIA INDUSTRIAL PARK
The only industrial park in region seven, though it lacks the necessary resources and maintained infrastructure, this region can create large amounts of job opportunities. However, the lack of a skilled workforce and the constant migration of Educated and experienced younger people moving to the metropolitan areas create a continuous degeneration of the community.
4. RESULTS OF FAILURE OF EKANDUSTRIA
The high unemployment rates in the informal settlements lead to a general lack of socioeconomic activities. This lack of income in the area increases the crime rates and affects industrial growth. Moreover, the decline in social activities for the youth results in a majority of young adults turning to substance abuse.
Figure 19: The analysis of region seven and the challenges faced by the communities close to ..................Ekandustria.
4. EKANDUSTRIA
Figure 20: The location of Ekandustria, surrounding provincial borders, and the nearby cities/towns.
4.1 HISTORY OF EKANDUSTRIA
Figure 21: History of Ekandustria, showing the industrial parks decline and investments.
5. SITE ANALYSIS
Figure 22: Map with icons of focus on the selected location (Ekandustria).
When dealing with an industrial site where informal communities have formed within its borders, it is essential to understand certain factors that play a role in the succession of the proposed intervention. Looking at how the industrial park lies on the border of two provincial borders to the close proximity to the two townships in Bronkhorstspruit, certain factors such as the existing collaborative development programs to local businesses and existing movements route are identified.
1. COMMUNAL DEVELOPMENT
2. INFORMAL BUSINESSES
3. TRANSITIONAL NODES
4. EDUCATION / SKILL DEVELOPMENT
5.1.1 COMMUNAL DEVELOPMENT
-TSHWANE FOOD AND ENERGY CENTRE LOCATION: BRONKHORSTSPRUIT-EKANDUSTRIA
On the outskirts of Ekandustria, on 200 of 2 600 hectares zoned for agriculture, is a new development. A communitybased effort aimed at assisting upliftment by empowering the typical Black Economic Empowe rment idea. Food security, production, energy supply, economic stimulus, and job creation were all part of the plan, but ultimately fell short owing to a lack of government financing and resources.
Figure 23: The tshwane food and energy centre entrance building to the land.
5.1.2 INFORMAL BUSINESSES
-STREET VENDORS AND SPAZA SHOPS
Individual food sellers that operate outside of the regular food supply system and, in many cases, do so without legal status or protection are known as informal food vendors. The vendors are identified as spaza shops owners or street vendors that take the opportunity to cater to the lack of service availability in the townships.
By making streets bright and welcoming, informal vendors enliven urban public places and improve public safety. In addition, promoting street vending may help create jobs, keep people safe, and foster the liveliness and comity that characterizes thriving, compassionate communities.
5.1.3 TRANSITIONAL NODES
-PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND MOVEMENT ROUTES
Most residents utilise public transportation to commute to work, school, and companies. The site’s position and closeness to metropolitan areas like Pretoria and Witbank provide greater job prospects and higher education. Taxis and Putco bus services are the primary transportation sources in this region.
Although putco buses and taxis have questionable dependability and safety, most local people utilise them since they cannot afford to go every day by automobile or do not have the financial means to do so. Formal bus and taxi stops might protect passengers’ safety while waiting for the bus while also encouraging the creation of informal enterprises that cater to their requirements.
5.1.4 EDUCATION/ SKILL DEVELOPMENT
-EXISTING SCHOOLS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENTAL SCHOOLS
Existing secondary and elementary schools in the townships surround Ekandustria, specifically concentrating on the Ekandustria industrial park’s skill development centres. However, due to all of the closed businesses that do not require additional skill force, most of them have been abandoned.
How can existing industrial development centres be utilised for community upliftment by providing skill development centres to increase Ekandustria’s industrial opportunities? For example, an architectural intervention might bring community-based programs to develop community members’ new skill sets within multipurpose spaces.
Figure 25: The Ekandustria training centre →
← Figure 24: The informal street vendors alongside the taxi rank.
5.2 SITE SELECTION
5.2.1 THE INITIAL PROPOSED ZONING MAP OF 1960
The original zoning diagram of the Ekandustria industrial park in 1984, what the industrial park had aimed to achieve by the early 2000s.
Figure 26: The initial zoning map of Ekandustria in 1984.
5.2.2 THE STATE OF THE ZONING PROGRAM IN 2021
The current zoning of Ekandustria in 2021, where even with various funding opportunities and restorations of the industrial park, it still remains the majority underdeveloped.
5.2.3 INVESTIGATION OF DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS IN ......... .........EKANDUSTRIA.
Further insight is gained by analyzing the Ekandustria industrial park and determining which zones of Ekandustria have structures and which structures are functional, abandoned, or dilapidated. Then by using the research to focus on the areas of the Ekandustria industrial park that would benefit from redeveloping.
Figure 27: The Ekandustria zoning map in 2021 with limited progress.
Figure 28: Using the analysis to identify the best site for intervention.
5.2.4 THE BUILDING TYPOLOGY IN EKANDUSTRIA .
By looking at the part of Ekandustia with functional, decaying or abandoned industrial structures. The site selection is centralised in the most decaying parts of Ekandustria, where redeveloped would contribute to the urban regeneration of the areas.
Figure 29: Exploration of the existing structures and land use, of the urban decay sites.
5.2.5 THE SELECTION OF THE SITE AND POINTS OF INTEREST.
Directing the design intervention to the edge of Ekandustria, an area with the highest level of dilapidation that still strives on transportation nodes, public interaction and informal vendors.
Figure 30: The selected corner edge of Ekandustria as a site.
6. PROJECT AIM AND APPROACH
Continuous urban growth is one of the reasons for the deterioration of spaces and structures. Because buildings that are unable to adapt to the needs of their surroundings lose their original purpose and uses as a result of constant social and technological advancements. The central challenge for urban regeneration is to understand the categories of neglected properties, distinguishing between untouched land and land with an acquired use or reclaimable spaces. Furthermore, meaningful benefits should be used for land regeneration to develop a positive mindset within the land’s communities.
Sustainable redevelopment of abandoned urban spaces is dependent on understanding specific neighbourhood requirements and the functions required to redevelop spaces that could improve the liveability of surrounding neighbourhoods.
6.1.1. PROJECT AIM
The architectural design mini-dissertation looks at the dialectics of form and function. Specific reference made to derelict industrial parks in Tshwane, by exploring the Ekandustria industrial park, the design proposal aims to understand the potential of the dilapidated industrial structures, with the functions and impacts of industrial parks on surrounding communities considered.
Figure 31: Project aim, dialetics of form vs function
At the beginning of 2020, commercial and manufacturing industries faced challenges due to downward pressure on the demand and production of existing products versus the needs of society as the Covid-19 pandemic intensified. These industries had to face a new reality of uncertainty and complex opportunities. Many businesses had to adapt to thrive. The more the manufacturing industry declined, certain industrial parks such as Ekandustria could have benefited from its strategic location to supply potential opportunities and new spaces for the surrounding neighbourhoods. In the book, Principles of Sustainable Development, Douglas (2006, p. 69) emphasises the sustainability of the adaptive reuse method “Adaptive reuse of existing buildings is environmentally friendly than renovation or demolitions. The latter involves demolition moreover as new-build activities, each of that expends additional energy and waste than adaptation.” (DOUGLAS & RUMBACH, 2016)
6.1.2 ADAPTIVE SUSTAINABILITY.
Adaptive reuse is a sustainable strategy for reusing sites or buildings that become unsuitable for their original function due to technological advancements, newly drafted policies, or economic development. Although adaptive reuse defines historic preservation and a new life, the rehabilitation of industrial buildings reduces the amount of energy and material consumption needed to demolish and reconstruct structures. As designers, how we deal with restoring sites connected to communities and cultures is fundamental to maintaining a balance between historic preservation and sustainability. This research contends a specific concept of urban resilience. The approach to sites like Ekandustria, moulded by the misconception surrounding adaptive reuse in rural communities, illustrates the relationship between adaptive reuse, repurposing and sustainability.
The conception of urban resilience with a bouncing forward perspective, particularly within the designed setting, were previously successful redevelopment projects based on social, environmental, and economic improvement.
Campbell’s (1996, p. 77) adaptive reuse strategy evaluation further shows the approaches to industrial buildings and sites that illustrate relationships between the methods mentioned below.
In Figure 39, the corners represent three priorities, and the three axes between each point mean conflicts that are always in between two factors. Campbell (1996, p. 75) emphasises sustainable development that harmonises the three factors, reaching the elusive centre of the triangle. Adaptive reuse strategies should evaluate against these elements, defined further in the research with green building ideas and sustainable development strategies, adaptive reuse can promote the energy performance of Ekandustria.
However, as mentioned above, the relationship between the redevelopment, preservation, and energy performance of industrial parks is significantly influenced by the materials used and manufacturing industries such as Ekandustria. Would it be possible to innovate new materials using these structures’ industrial waste and existing materials?
Figure 32: The Planner’s triangle presenting threepillar for sustainable development.
(CAMPBELL, 1996, p. 75)
Figure 33: Using dialectical means of problem-solving to address the selected site to introduce various types of intervention to solve challenges faced by the industrial parks and surrounding communities.
6.2.1 THE ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL SITES IN EKANDUSTRIA
Industrial buildings that require demolition and the collection of valuable materials that could be recycled or better developed further.
ADAPTIVE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY: REPURPOSING
34: Repurposing the building that have lost their original function.
6.2 PROJECT APPROACH
Figure
6.2.2 THE EMPTY INDUSTRIAL SITES IN EKANDUSTRIA
Sites zoned for further industrial growth, which after many years without a use became sites for industrial waste land , where locals developed informal settlements.
ADAPTIVE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY: RECYCLING
6.2.3 THE UNMAINTANED INDUSTRIAL SITES IN EKANDUSTRIA
Industrial buildings that require renovation and maintenance to better improve the functions and improve the work-flow of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
ADAPTIVE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY: REHABILITATION
Figure 35: Recycling material from dilapidated building for new elements on the site. Figure 36: Restoration/ rehabilitation of buildings that still have the original function.
6.3 ADAPTIVE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
6.3.1 REPURPOSING
How would the change of function of an industrial par influence the surrounding communities and the South African economy? How would the advancement of materials lead to a sustainable outcome? Furthermore, how would the newly developed buildings solve current problems the surrounding communities face? of Ekandustria improve GVA or the unemployment crisis faced by surrounding communities?
The creation of livable spaces not previously habitable to human beings uses indigenous materials/ methods to technologically advance materials previously lotted or destroyed. Using the requirements of the selected site, proposed affordable housing could be introduced for the surrounding neighbourhoods. The intervention could lead to advanced redevelopment of the structure to be converted to sustainable housing developments.
Figure 37: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building repurposing process.
6.3.2 REHABILITATION
The process of creating potential through finding compatibility in functions for a property through renovations, alteration, and additions, whereas conserving structural components convey branches of historical and cultural knowledge values. However, how would rehabilitation fulfil the needs of the community and the requirements of Ekandustria? Would reinvestments and restorations increase the economic revenue and social aspects? Would rehabilitation of Ekandustria improve GVA or the unemployment crisis faced by surrounding communities?
The maintenance of the current infrastructure and the neglected industrial buildings, rehabilitating the building structure and exterior materials to maintain the existing exterior industrial facade. However, the surrounding communities require interior redesign to create multi-functional spaces. The newly designed spaces could accommodate various functions at different times. such as adult development centre(night) and recreational hall/ extra classes (day).
6.3.3 RECYCLING
The idea of clearing the entire industrial park, then utilising the materials of the demolished building to create a new industrial park with a completely new function better suited for the location and the surrounding communities. The idea could also revolve around recycling buildings by recycling wasted materials(deteriorated) into new concepts.
Using the investment funds from the DTI to revitalise the park to the original structures or to create a new industrial ecology, where materials could be recycled in endless ways.
Figure 38: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building rehabilitation process.
Figure 39: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building recycling process.
7. PRECEDENT STUDIES
7.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR PRECEDENT SELECTION
A good design is constructed through the analysis of precedent studies. The approaches and the responses to the design intervention can be categorised according to different criteria. The focus of this chapter is the analysis of four precedent studies from other parts of the world.
Each precedent study is selected to develop suitable design responses for the following criteria:
• Adaptive reuse: The use of local materials and public opinion inclusion.
• Form versus function: How typical structures could be technologically adapted within a specific budget.
• Transitional spaces: How building materials can create spaces.
• Direction: Using existing movement routes and building elements to form the massing.
7.2
PRECEDENTS
• Plaine des sports France
• Gando primary School, Burkina Faso.
• Sabou School, Burkina Faso.
• Richmond sports hall, Australia.
Figure 40: The locations of the selected precedent studies are depicted on a world map.
7.3. PLAINE DES SPORTS
Year Built: 2017
Location:
Saint-Paul-lèsDax, France.
Architects : OLGGA
Architects + Atelier.
The roof’s size and shape create a linear box that serves as shade and provides an interpretation of the site’s area. The design arises from the earth to absorb the site’s natural slope, using the steep levels of the ground floor. The design suggests a simple rectangle to serve as a transition between the two-level indoor and external sports facilities.
Figure 41: Sketch of the Plaine des sports, stetched by author but sourced from https://www. archdaily.com/889004/plaine-des-sports-olgga-architects-plus-atelier-cambium.
Figure 42: Sketches of the transitional space stetched by author but sourced from https:// www.archdaily.com/889004/plaine-des-sports-olgga-architects-plus-atelier-cambium.
7.4. RICHMOND SPORT HALL
Direction (Using building elements to direct traffic)
Architects : Suters Architects
Area : 4600.0 m2
Location : Richmond, VIC, Australia
Project Year : 2011
The sports centre project uses the team logo to form creative cladding designs, which are not only used as shading devices but also as guides around the building. The long narrow strip of land surrounding Punt Road Oval allowed this pattern to continue, with the structure contorting and squeezing between the oval’s perimeter and AFL Way as it progressed towards the MCG from Punt Road.
Figure 43: Element of focus sketched by author but sourced from https://www.archdaily. com/172677/punt-road-oval-redevelopmentsuters-architectsarchite cts-plus-atelier-
Figure 44: Sketches explaining the cladding system used to direct traffic stetched by author but sourced from https://www.archdaily.com/172677/ punt-road-oval-redevelopmentsuters-architectsarchitects-plus-atelier-cambium.
7.5 GANDO PRIMARY SCHOOL, BURKINA FASO, 2001
Year Built: 2001
Location:
Gando / Burkina Faso
Architects : Gando
Community/ Kéré
Architecture
A community based primary school design located in the rural parts of Burkina Faso. The dialectics between the availability of resources against the cost and climate restraints resulted in a project that could use minimal and locally sourced materials to create maximum results. The design consists of locals’ materials and methods, including straw bale construction, mud bricks, and floor.
45: Photographs of the structure of the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdaily.com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture.
Like all African cultures, where communities work together to build homes, the school design aligned with the cultural practice of Burkina Faso. By utilising sustainable techniques such as the elevation of the school roof for natural ventilation and perforated clay ceilings to the ecological footprint of the site.
Figure 47: Section through the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdaily. . .................com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture.
Figure
Figure 46: Photograph of the side view of Gabo primary all sourced from
Figure 48: Exploded axonometric of the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdaily.com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture .
Figure 49: Plans of the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdailycom/785955 ................../primary-school-in-gando- kere-architecture.
7.6 SABOU COMMUNITY SCHOOL AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
Year Built: 2018
Location: Sabou / Burkina Faso
Architects : Sabou community and 3RW Arkitekter
The charitable organization, local instructors, the town of Sabou, local artisans, and the architects worked together closely to complete the project. It’s a textbook example of how programs may be one of the most effective strategies to reduce poverty in similar areas. It is an example of community-driven development that enriches local surroundings while allowing residents to take control of their own fates.
of the school showing all the programs, all sourced from https:// www.archdaily.com/934038/sabou-school-3rw-arkitekter
Figure 51: Pictures of Sabou school showing the connected roof design. All sourced from
Figure 50: Axonometry
8. PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAMME AND ACCOMMODATION
8.1 PROJECT BRIEF
Using the Ekandustria industrial park as a central point for the communal regeneration of a decaying neighbourhood. The intended architectural intervention strives to bring forth dialectical methods of dealing with abandoned industrial structures by reinviting the community into previously inaccessible spaces. The proposed architectural intervention in the form of a communal centre centralised around the needs of both the industrial park and the surrounding communities.
By focusing on industrial parks close to small communities, the objective of the research is to explore dialectical methods for dealing with neglected industrial parks by investigating different types of approaches could lead to a sustainable outcome, as highlighted in the previous chapters.
For the centre’s success, the following requirements must be met:
• .. Redevelopment: How the redevelopment of Ekandustria could bring forth the urban regeneration of an entire community.
• Innovation: The introduction of new materials and assigned functions to the abandoned industrial structure and the technological advancement of existing building materials of industrial buildings in Ekandustria.
• Placemaking: How the existing walkways and transitional nodes could promote the concept of unity within the community.
• Connections: The interconnection of the three types of sites. How the existing walkways and transitional nodes could promote the concept of unity within the community, and how the combination of different needs of different groups could create better solutions.
•Empowerment: How to properly equip the community members with various skill sets that don’t limit the community to the industrial and agricultural sectors but provide multiple opportunities and lessened unemployment rates.
8.2 USER CLASSIFICATION
The communal centre hosts various types of occupants, which can form part of more than one user classification depending on the time schedule. Similar to how commuters could be informal traders, all depending on which activities the user requires.
General public
The centre’s facilities are open to the general public, such as interactive spaces, restaurants and public bathrooms.
The commuters
The community members use the site as a public transportation hub( putco and taxi’s).
General staff
The employed staff members who guarantee that the building functions daily.
Informal vendors
Informal traders and street vendors that use the centre facilities to make additional income.
Figure 53: The user classification and the types of users located on the site. ↓
8.3 ACCOMMODATION LIST
REPURPOSING
The multifunctional sports hall includes:
• Multifunctional sports hall
• Offices
• Training rooms
• Sports bar/ restaurant
• Changing rooms and Ablutions
• Waste-management spaces
• Maintenance room
• Kitchen/restaurant/canteen
• Reception
• Waiting area
• Parking area
• Storage
RECYCLING
The transitional node includes:
• Taxi rank/ Bus terminals
• Bussines facilities
• Auto repair shop
• Informal vendor trading spaces
• Greenspace
• Public bathrooms
• Public seating/ auditorium
• Waiting area
• Parking area
• Restaurant
• Kitchen/restaurant/canteen
• Reception
• Waiting area
• Parking area
• Storage
REHABILITATION
The skill development centre includes:
• Laboratories (agricultural and industrial based)
• Multifunctional developmental classrooms
• Computer laboratories
•Greenspace and green roof
• Agricultural outdoor centre
• Public bathrooms
• Changing rooms and Ablutions
• Public seating/ auditorium
• Waiting area
• Storage
8.4 POSSIBLE CLIENTS
Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme (IPRP)
The Special Economic Zone has a current framework that utilises the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme strategies, focusing on the revitalisation of industrial parks in South Africa. However, using the research paper and further investigations, a better-informed framework could be proposed to address the redevelopment of industrial parks in South Africa similar to Ekandustria.
National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF)
Finding the suitable program allocation for Ekandustria in the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) that the National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF) produces every year might boost government support due to an increase in the public interest.
9. CONCEPT AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Figure 54: The concept of ARCHICULTURE AGRICATION, Available from https://www. vecteezy.com/vector-art/2216036
9.1 THE SITE SELECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CURRENT ...... ......ISSUES OF THE SITE.
Figure 55: The analysis of the existing site, which elements require improvement and ...................additions.
A site within walking distance from the entrance of the industrial park and also near the main transportation node, by using existing vehicular and pedestrian routes to decide the best location of the site as investigated from the influence of movement on the economic growth of the park.
SITE FALL AND HEIGHT
The steep fall of the site will result in proposed interventions masses having various ground level entry and interconnecting spaces with various roof levels based on sun study.
SELECTED ABANDONED SITE
Currently used by the community as for used cars auction space. Existing material on the site to be reused on the proposed centre or recycled as furniture.
1. LINE OF TREES
The proposed intervention develops around the site’s existing vegetation, and the existing trees could assist with the natural ventilation and shading for the proposed structures and users.
2. PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
The existing walkways developed into public spaces that the community can utilise as integration hubs and potential informal vendors markets.
3. INTERCONNECTED DIRT ROADS
Utilise the existing transportation hubs as points of connection to currently inaccessible areas of the surrounding communities.
9.2 THE PROPOSED PARTI DIAGRAM OF THE SELECTED SITE WITH PROPOSED PROGRAMS.
56: The proposed program based on the requirements of the site.
1. INDUSTRIAL EVOLUTION
Spaces modulated to create interactive spaces with more considerable opportunities for the community. An intervention about widening the variety of experiences while encouraging physical activity & interaction. By introducing new types of interest for the township’s community such as open restaurants, public playgrounds, market spaces & communal clinic space.
2. INNOVATION
Community innovation hubs offer farming courses, feeding schemes, and computer classes to bring innovation to the deteriorating industrial park. In addition, the introduction of material research and advanced methods could teach the locals new skill sets and farming techniques.
3. CONNECTIONS
Proposed walkways that interconnect the site on various levels to promote the concept of unity and show how the combination of ideas could create better solutions. The intervention on a small village’s principles and how elders communicate. The main components are situated around the central space, which functions as a village square. The space where the different users and visitors of the building meet each other.
4. PLACEMAKING
A place to be heard, perform, read, socialise, debate, and feel taller, an open area where the community can unite (Community meetings) and a space for functions or recreational events. The intervention of a proposed multi-functional community hall.
Figure
5. EDUCATION
Introduction of a muti-purpose school meant to serve all community members regardless of age. The design of the space could serve as an information centre, a primary school and a night school for the elderly and working community members. The step floor variation further contributes to the learning zone, allowing for different activities simultaneously.
The introduction of user-friendly access modes makes it easier for the community to access the various parts of the site while promoting public transportation modes.
For example, the introduction of the pedestriancrossing to prevent motor vehicularly/ pedestrian accidents and the new proposed bus stop enable all community members to access the site or surrounding areas.
The creation of interactive spaces will provide the community with new opportunities and awareness. These spaces or programs are to include administration offices and open restaurant spaces(public interaction), innovation farming hubs(Where locals can exchange and develop agricultural methods further) and, a multifunctional community Centre (Used as a clinic or sports hall).
The proposed educational hubs challenge the existing informal teaching/ learning norms, which are meant to be a school and a community-led project. Meant for the empowerment of community members, a centre that equips the locals with the proper skill sets.
Figure 57: Photographs of the process model, showing the different masses.
Figure 58: The development of the structural massing 01-03, shows the massing. Figure 59: The development of the structural massing 04-06, shows the structure.
60: The proposed site plan development without the context.
Figure
Figure 61: The proposed perspective of the conceptual building development.
62: The sections and elevations of conceptual development.
Figure
Figure 63: Photograph of the phase one of the process model.
Figure 64: Photograph of the phase two of the process model. .
10. DESIGN RESOLUTION
65: Perspectives of the architectural intervention.
Figure
63: Perspectives of the architectural intervention alongside the adaptive sustainability strategy for each site.
Figure 76: The development of the selected component to be developed.
Figure 77: The theory behind a structural facade development.
Figure 78: The development of the structural massing from the existing.
Figure 79: The types of materials of existing buildings and proposed materials.
Figure 80: Selected material and the COR-TEN steel aging period
Figure 81: The fixing of the selected corten steel panels to existing structures.
Figure 61: Building system specifications.
12. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I want to offer all glory to my God, who has provided me with the knowledge, bravery, and strength to carry out this dissertation and aid me during 2020-2021. I would not have overcome depression and survived if I hadn’t known God.
To my supervisors, Dr Emmanuel Nkambule and Mr Tebogo Ramatlo, thank you for the time invested in the project the constant guidance and motivation throughout the difficult times. All my lectures at the Tshwane University of Technology helped shape who I am now during the seven years to accomplish both degrees. I will be eternally thankful for the advice.
Finding a mentor who was both a black female and an architect like myself was indeed a blessing. Thank you, Katleho Sesemane, for playing such an important part in directing my master’s thesis project in the right direction, aiding me to project what the design signified.
To my support structure, without whom l would not have endured everything l have been through in Architecture, I am so grateful to have you as my family.
To Elizabeth Duduzile Modipi, my mother, thank you for all the endless nights you’d stay up with me, all the times you’d pray for me and be there for me when l couldn’t even be there for myself. Thank you for raising me to be the person l am today. Without your everlasting love and support, none of this would be possible.
Thank you to my other mother, Mom Xoli Godlo, for always listening to all my ideas, naturing my mental health, and always being there.
Thank you, Nolakhe Sphiwe Dada and Fundile Teddy Dada, for constantly pushing me to be better and guiding me in everything l do. I am blessed to have both of you as role models.
To the person after whom I am named after. Gogo Lucia Nolizwe Mtsepa, it’s is because of your prayers that we have gotten this far. I walk with my head held high, knowing that I was named after a legend, and I swear to do all in my ability to demonstrate the brilliance I received from you to the rest of the world. Gogo wami, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.
This book is dedicated to Amila Aphumelele Dada and Phoebe.
13. APPENDIX 1 & 2
APPENDIX 1: EXHIBITION
SITE ANALYSIS SITE SELECTION
DIALECTICAL METHODS OF SUSTAINABILITY
SITE MASSING AND PROGRAM ALLOCATION
CONCEPTUAL MODELS
FOR THE MASSING INTRODUCTION TO THE THREE METHODS
DESIGN RESOLUTION
SPECIFICATION COMPONENT
DESIGN RESOLVED MODEL TO DETIAL.
APPENDIX 2: SPEECH
Good morning everyone, my name is lucia modipi, and the thesis topic is the dialectics of forgotten infrastructure: The redevelopment of the ekandustria industrial park.
Poster A = The abstract and brief introduction
This dissertation in architectural design investigates the dialectics of form and function in a neglected industrial park in Tshwane, South Africa. The research aims to introduce an architectural intervention to address the current challenges faced on selected sites and communities by considering the potential of deteriorating industrial structures. The dissertation explores sustainable solutions that could improve industrial parks by analysing the building classification primary functions and what leads to the termination of industrialstructures. Furthermore, the architectural intervention plans to address the potential economic, social, and environmental contributions, which, when explored, could lead to sustainable developmental opportunities in the Ekandustria industrial park.
By following dialectical means of including various opinions, the intervention introduces the combination of architectural and communal input for a better-informed intervention. For example, an intervention could introduce communal regeneration by utilising generational knowledge, locally sourced materials, and existing methods for better architectural interventions.
Knowing how Ekandustria can potentially create multiple jobs in various sectors (City of Tshwane, 2021), the inclusion of informal settlements would decrease unemployment and crime figures. Moreover, the redevelopment of Ekandustria would open opportunities for a town known as having a lowskilled labour force available to equip community members with advanced skill sets.
The study concludes with the comprehension of how adaptive reuse methods could be a solution in contributing to the urban regeneration of Ekandustria.
Poster B - Site analysis and site selection
Understanding how the abandonment of buildings in industrial parks affects Ekandustria or industrial parks in Tshwane is a global dilemma brought on by the commercial and manufacturing industries’ competitive market. In a developing country like South Africa, however, continuing economic expansion needs the establishment of industrial parks capable of producing enormous quantities of essential commodities. Several industrial buildings fall vacant when an industrial park, such as Ekandustria, fails to reach the minimal criteria owing to foreclosure, bankruptcy, and other financial or legal concerns. As a result of the economic downturn, more buildings are being permanently abandoned. They are, however, frequently dilapidated and in need of restoration and care.
Looking at Tshwane and determining how the failing industrial park impacts the quality of life in Region Seven, as well as the general decline of the region, affects a community that is already suffering. By examining the Ekandustria and looking at the kind of difficulties faced by communities around the industrial park, the research offers specific measures that might promote the communal regeneration of Bronkhorstspruit.
Poster C - Conceptual massing and initial idea
Adaptive reuse is a long-term approach for repurposing places or buildings that have become obsolete owing to technical improvements, newly formulated legislation, or economic development. Although adaptive reuse entails both historic preservation and a fresh lease of life, industrial building restoration minimizes the amount of energy and materials required to destroy and rebuild facilities. Maintaining a balance between historic preservation and sustainability depends on how we deal with restoring places tied to people and cultures as designers. The focus of this study is on a specific idea of urban resilience. The approach to places like Ekandustria, which is shaped by rural communities’ misconceptions about adaptive reuse, exemplifies the link between adaptive reuse, repurposing, and sustainability.
Successful redevelopment initiatives focused on social, environmental, and economic betterment were previously successful redevelopment projects with a bounce forward view, particularly within the designed setting. Adaptive reuse strategies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The importance of three different redevelopment methods (repurposing, retrofitting, revitalisation, or rehabilitation) was further articulated by researching different adaptive reuse strategies and understanding which would be advantageous in the redevelopment of industrial parks such as Ekandustria.
LATHAM (LATHAM, 2013).
Poster D - Design resolution and Precedent studies
The addition of user-friendly access mechanisms makes it easier for the community to navigate the site while also supporting public transit. For example, the addition of a pedestrian crossing to reduce motor vehicle/pedestrian collisions and the new proposed bus stop allow all members of the community to access the property and its environs. The establishment of interactive places will bring new opportunities and awareness to the community. Administration offices and open restaurant spaces (for public contact), innovation farming centers (where people may trade and improve agricultural ways further), and a multipurpose community center are among the places or programs to be created (Used as a clinic or sports hall).
The planned educational centers, which are designed to be a school and a community-led enterprise, challenge existing informal teaching/learning conventions. A center designed to empower community members by providing them with the necessary skill sets.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to a quick overview of the dissertation. Do you have any questions?
14. LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: The National Research Foundation of South Africa logo 2 [Image], Available from: https://www.nrf.ac.za/ 2
Figure 2: Two opposing opinions that form a new point of view. 6
Figure 3: The author’s life narrative is depicted in the sketches. [Image], 8 Available from https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/2216036 8
Figure 4: The idea of the retrenched communty members of the retrenched 9 community launching their own initiatives. 9
Figure 5: The scope of a research study showing the three types of approaches 13 the research includes. 13
Figure 5: The dependent relationship on each system is included in the scope of a 13 research study that shows the three sorts of approaches. 13
Figure 6: Street entrance to Ekandustria industrial park shows the deteriorated buildings alongside the existing taxi rank and informal vendors. 18
Figure 7: The concept of the Ekandustria industrial park being used 20 to investigate possible township commercial initiatives. 20
Figure 8: How human biengs and buildings can be a tool for resilience. 22
Figure 9: The consequences of employees’ vulnerability include a lack of housing and a safe working environment. 23
Figure 10: The looted materials or dilapidated materials of the industrial structures that are either regarded as waste, require maintenance, or destroyed. 23
Figure 11: A method for dealing with urban deterioration, particularly in industrial-based neighbourhoods, focuses on revitalising the area’s physical, social, and economic environment. 24
Figure 12: Understanding how a design considers the prior smaller and vast larger context. (Catalanotto, 2015) 26
Figure 13: Understanding how a design considers the prior smaller and vast larger context. (Catalanotto, 2015), The location of the project. 27
Figure 18: Region seven with specific reference to Ekandustria. 30
Figure 19: The analysis of region seven and the challenges faced by the communities close to Ekandustria. 31
Figure 20: The location of Ekandustria, surrounding provincial borders, and the nearby cities/towns. 32
Figure 21: History of Ekandustria, showing the industrial parks decline and investments. 33
Figure 22: Map with icons of focus on the selected location (Ekandustria). 34
Figure 23: The tshwane food and energy centre entrance building to the land. 35
Figure 24: The informal street vendors alongside the taxi rank. 37
Figure 25: The Ekandustria training centre → 37
Figure 26: The initial zoning map of Ekandustria in 1984. 38
Figure 27: The Ekandustria zoning map in 2021 with limited progress. 39
Figure 28: Using the analysis to identify the best site for intervention. 39
Figure 29: Exploration of the existing structures and land use, of the urban decay sites. 40
Figure 30: The selected corner edge of Ekandustria as a site. 41
Figure 31: Project aim, dialetics of form vs function 42
Figure 32: The Planner’s triangle presenting three-pillar for sustainable development. 43 (CAMPBELL, 1996, p. 75) 43
Figure 33: Using dialectical means of problem-solving to address the selected site to introduce various types of intervention to solve challenges faced by the industrial parks and surrounding communities. 44
Figure 34: Repurposing the building that have lost their original function. 44
Figure 35: Recycling material from dilapidated building for new elements on the site. 45
Figure 36: Restoration/ rehabilitation of buildings that still have the original function. 45
Figure 37: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building repurposing process. 46
Figure 38: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building rehabilitation process. 47
Figure 39: Adaptive reuse sketches showing the building recycling process. 47
Figure 40: The locations of the selected precedent studies are depicted on a world map. 49
Figure 41: Sketch of the Plaine des sports, stetched by author but sourced from https://www. archdaily.com/889004/plaine-des-sports-olgga-architects-plus-atelier-cambium.50
Figure 42: Sketches of the transitional space stetched by author but sourced from https://www. archdaily.com/889004/plaine-des-sports-olgga-architects-plus-atelier-cambium. 50
Figure 43: Element of focus sketched by author but sourced from https://www.archdaily. com/172677/punt-road-oval-redevelopmentsuters-architectsarchitects-plus-atelier-cambium.
Figure 44: Sketches explaining the cladding system used to direct traffic stetched by author but sourced from https://www.archdaily.com/172677/punt-road-oval-redevelopmentsutersarchitectsarchitects-plus-atelier-cambium. 51
Figure 45: Photographs of the structure of the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdaily.com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture. 52
Figure 46: Photograph of the side view of Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.. archdaily.com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture. 52
Figure 47: Section through the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdaily .................com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture. 52
Figure 48: Exploded axonometric of the Gabo primary all sourced from 53 https://www.archdaily.com/785955/primary-school-in-gando-kere-architecture . 53
Figure 49: Plans of the Gabo primary all sourced from https://www.archdailycom/785955/ primary-school-in-gando- kere-architecture. 53
Figure 50: Axonometry of the school showing all the programs, all sourced from https://www. archdaily.com/934038/sabou-school-3rw-arkitekter 54
Figure 51: Pictures of Sabou school showing the connected roof design. All sourced from 54 https://www.archdaily.com/934038/sabou-school-3rw-arkitekter 54
Figure 52: The roof canopy, reused material and structure from 55 https://www.archdaily.com/934038/sabou-school-3rw-arkitekter 55
Figure 53: The user classification and the types of users located on the site. ↓ 57
Figure 54: The concept of ARCHICULTURE AGRICATION, Available from https://www.vecteezy. com/vector-art/2216036 59
Figure 55: The analysis of the existing site, which elements require improvement and additions. 60
Figure 56: The proposed program based on the requirements of the site. 61
Figure 57: Photographs of the process model, showing the different masses. 62
Figure 58: The development of the structural massing 01-03, shows the massing. 63
Figure 59: The development of the structural massing 04-06, shows the structure. 63
Figure 60: The proposed site plan development without the context. 64
Figure 61: The proposed perspective of the conceptual building development. 65
Figure 62: The sections and elevations of conceptual development. 66
Figure 63: Photograph of the phase one of the process model. 67
Figure 64: Photograph of the phase two of the process model. . 67
Figure 65: Perspectives of the architectural intervention. 68
Figure 68: Locality plan not to scale. 75
Figure 69: Site plan not to scale. 76
Figure 70: Lower ground floor plan(A) not to scale. 77
Figure 71: Lower ground floor plan(B) not to scale. 78
Figure 72: Ground floor plan(A) not to scale. 79
Figure 73: Ground floor plan(B) not to scale. 80
Figure 74: Section A-A not to scale. 81
Figure 75: Section b-b not to scale. 82
Figure 76: The development of the selected component to be developed. 83
Figure 77: The theory behind a structural facade development. 84
Figure 78: The development of the structural massing from the existing. 85
Figure 79: The types of materials of existing buildings and proposed materials. 86
Figure 80: Selected material and the COR-TEN steel aging period 87
Figure 81: The fixing of the selected corten steel panels to existing structures. 88
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