The role of architecture in the democratisation of South Africa in disadvantaged communities : a design of a civic centre for Mpumalanga Township.
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Date
2010
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Abstract
In the field of architecture the socio-cultural factors have been deterministic in the
formation of place, conditions within them and consequently, social relations.
Sociologists, anthropologists and environmentalist have advocated that buildings are
essentially social and cultural products - King (1980), Rapoport (1969; 1976; 1977) and
Bartuska & Young (1994). Architecture that addresses the human socio-cultural factors
has been advocated to make a significant contribution to human life; it fosters a sense
of belonging, well being and involvement.
South Africa has endured years of colonisation and apartheid ruling, this has also
reflected on its built environment. It was planned and designed to communicate and
reinforce the dominance of the ruling regime which thus transformed the local populace
by incorporating them into their political, economic and social value systems. The
political shift of 1994 has however (from apartheid to a democratic ruling state)
facilitated a renewed interest in acknowledging peoples differences, their unique
characteristics and celebrating the diverse nature of a heterogeneous society. The
democratisation of South Africa has brought about a major shift in the social and
cultural context of the society which in turn has affected the built environment and
architecture.
It is in this context that this study explores the nature of the transformation, its ideals and principles so to inform the making of environments that help uplift the populace
and to integrate our multicultural society while simultaneously celebrating, facilitating
and accommodating the diverse cultures of the groups within it.
Thus as professionals involved in the design of the built environment, there is an urgent
need to identify and understand the socio-culture of society due to the political shift in
South Africa in order to orientate in the right direction towards playing a role in the
democritisation of South Africa. Hence the topic: The role of architecture in the
democritisation of South Africa.
Description
Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.
Keywords
Theses--Architecture., Architecture--Social aspects--South Africa., Civic centers--South Africa--Mpumalanga Township.