Browsing by Author "Mhlaba, Dumisani."
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Item Architecture informed by social identity, meaning and memory : a provincial legislature for Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.(2011) Miller, Vivian.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.All architecture carries a message that may be positive, negative or indifferent depending on the individual’s experiences and background. In order for a message to be effective it needs to be understood and the primary way of achieving this is through identification with meaning and memory. South Africa needs a contemporary architectural expression which makes use of clear rational decisions. A positive architectural message needs to be understood by the collective whole of society, and with the careful use of meaning and memory, it will carry identification for all. Urban landscapes and the built environment have the power to nurture citizens’ public memory and encompass shared meaning in the form of shared territory and identity. The built environment needs to incorporate elements of social relevance in order to achieve a more successful, and prosperous building. Architecture is perceived as an expression of society and culture at a certain time. In South Africa new frames of reference need to be formulated which encapsulate the spirit of change within the country. A new democracy needs an appropriate architectural image, centered on the aspects of social identity, meaning and memory, to encourage society to redefine its image. Identity, meaning and memory have been split apart by the previous political situations in South Africa, destroying the sense of community. By combining meaning and memory with the new democratic South Africa, society can be reconstructed, creating places that evoke a sense of pride and belonging. Identity is intimately tied to meaning and memory, both individual and collective. People need to be able to identify with a building in order to create a relationship with it. If the public are unable to understand or experience the contribution of the element, it has failed in every way. Meaning is created as a biological response to the physical environment. It is a cultural creation, and without it there is no sense of civic identity and shared history bringing the community together. It is only through order and recognizing mutual dependence that elements become meaningful. The history of an urban landscape is connected to memory which is rooted in place. This memory needs to be transposed into architecture without losing any of its meaning. Architecture is a form of visual communication, which is perceived and interpreted in an individual capacity. Every memory and association is affected by past experiences and events. Architecture expresses the systematic and inter-human aspects of symbolization, through the meanings, values and needs inherent in public life. A meaningful environment is a fundamental part of a meaningful existence and the purpose of architecture is to assist in making human existence meaningful (Norberg-Schulz, 1974: 427-434).Item The body as a subject (not object) of the built form : engaging architecture and the senses : a proposed winery facility in the Natal Midlands.(2011) Nightscales, Dieuwke Lennon.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.Today, our Western world faces a paradoxical situation - at the height of technological mastery, architects often misinterpret the body as an object of architecture, which considers the body an unresponsive physical entity, that does not existentially engage with space. This dissertation draws attention to a generalised problem within the realm of architectural practise; the presupposition that in our age of massive industrial production, surreal consumption, euphoric communication, and simulated digital environments is promoting objective and standardised thought patterns. Twenty-first century ideals are moving away from tangibility, physicality, and meaning towards an age of hyperreality and ethereal superficiality whereby our bodily senses are becoming objects of ceaseless commercial manipulation and exploitation. Pallasmaa (1993), a phenomenological theorist whose ideologies make a large contribution to the body of this dissertation, questions whether further technological advancements are pre-empting our growth – or our inhibition – perceptually. He believes we live our lives in constructed spaces, surrounded by physical objects. “[but], born into this world of ‘things,’ are we able to experience the phenomena of their interrelation, to derive joy from our perception” (Pallasmaa, 1993: 40). This study was, therefore, motivated by notions of the subjective body; the body that moves, the body that feels, and the body the senses - in order to explore dialogue in architecture which is often disregarded; concepts such as beauty, essences, embodiment, and relationship (to name a few). The research, therefore, introduces an architecture which transcends fixed notions of style and emerging technologies; it emphasises the lived experiential realm of the built environment which places the human body and its sensations at the forefront of the design conception. Through both qualitative and quantitative research, this study focuses on the need to encourage and illustrate the pursuit of design - not as a project, imposing preconceived ideas upon a situation, but as a process evolving from the inside – from movement, sensation, surrounding, and dialogue between body and architecture. The aim of the research was essentially to investigate the relationship between architecture and the senses. The emphasis was, therefore, placed on the human embodied experience of sensory space. Three parameters of the sensory body were identified, namely: the ‘flesh’ body which introduces the universal role of the traditional five sense modalities in architecture; the environmentally sited body, which broadens the scope and palette of the senses by introducing environmental variations; and the culturally sited body, which identifies the notion of a ‘sixth sense’ - that which is culturally conditioned in order to understand concepts of meaning, memory, and cultural identity. Overall this dissertation identifies an attitude to architecture that recognises the value of the human body not only as an inspiration for design, but as the very reason for architecture to exist at all. The principal conclusion of this dissertation realises that conceiving of the body as a subject of architecture helps architects to appreciate that they build primarily to stimulate the subjective body, and gives credence to corporeal architecture which intensifies spatial experiences.Item Care for the elderly through meaningful architecture : a proposed intergenerational mixed-use development.(2013) Omarjee, Jameel.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.This research document focuses on care for the elderly that can be fostered through meaningful architecture. It identifies and analyses the manner architecture can be used as a platform to promote care for the elderly. The study goes beyond the findings related to pragmatic issues, such as grab rails and accessibility ramps, but seeks to comprehensively address the social and behavioural needs of the elderly. Architectural elements and design factors are focused upon to design an optimal composition to achieve an effective environment that comprehensively addresses the needs of the elderly and concurrently that of the wider public. The final outcome is the design of a development that promotes care for elderly. However, such a development may only be worthy of contributing to such a cause if the architecture it presents is meaningful to its occupants. The dissertation draws upon theories related to ageing, social integration and meaningful architecture. It explores two fundamental facets of ageing. It unpacks the physical and social impacts of ageing. It presents various needs and issues related to the elderly to inform the architectural approach that is required to promote care for the elderly. The architectural requirements of an environment that fosters care for the elderly is presented by various concepts that are linked to the overarching theories that define the discourse. Pertinent precedent studies that represent a modern and up to date approach to addressing the needs of the elderly are used to exhibit the manner the application of theory has been implemented in the built environment. Similarly, relatable case studies are discussed and evaluated on the premise of the issues that have been discussed throughout the literature review. Lastly, the primary and secondary data is tested against one another to establish correlations and variance and conclusions and recommendations are presented to define the design criteria, principles and guidelines for architecture that promotes care for the elderly. These concepts are exhibited in the built form through the design of a model building.Item Context as an architectural design generator : a proposed arts centre in Durban, South Africa.(2011) Tickley, Laila.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.In modern times it has become common practice for architects to work freely around the globe, Japanese architects in Italy or Italians in China, as universal connections are made easier through modern means of transport. The aspects of identity and culture are important to designers which can be seen in many cities that have long and sustained pasts evident in their architectural traditions and commonly expressed within their historic centers. These are been lost as people are changing the way they perceive and envision their surroundings as globalisation is forcibly imposing global cultures upon local dogmas. As a result, architects often look at international precedent for influence when designing, importing ideas which often disregard local contextual factors in aspiring for global recognition. To understand if these new technological, iconic and trend driven buildings are socially, economically and environmentally appropriate, one must analyse how the respond to their surrounding contextual aspects within the region.Item An expression of an African Renaissance through architecture.(2011) Sithole, Sibusiso Samkele.; Zami, Mohammed S.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.; Lakhan, Yashean.The concept of the African Renaissance has gained ground over the past couple of years since it was first introduce to the mass public in the mid 1990’s. It aims to address a variety of challenges that affect the African continent and the people that reside within it. These challenges are mostly as a result of the centuries of oppression that the continent and its people had to endure as well as the latent effects that persist as a result of those oppressive regimes even though they no longer exist. The African Renaissance is meant to be a tool that will transform all aspects of society throughout the entire continent. The African Renaissance has been associated with a number of different social, economic and cultural issues, but has yet to be adequately investigated in relation to the built environment and architecture in particular. The investigation is therefore a quest to determine whether there is a link or relationship between the concept and architecture, and if so, how can architecture be utilized to further the concept of the renaissance.Item Human perception and the built environment : a proposed Autism Life Learning Centre for Durban.(2012) Reeves, Helen.; Mkhize, Mthembeni.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.Buildings affect people both physically and psychologically, this study analyses this impact which the built environment has on people's lives. This interrelationship between people and the built environment is based on human perception. The study explores this relationship further in order to develop an understanding of the ways in which architecture influences peoples' moods, behaviours and experiences. By determining the importance of this interrelationship and developing a better understanding of it, a deeper analysis of the specialized needs of individuals with altered or impaired perceptions is developed. Focus is placed on individuals with autism spectrum disorders, who are known for their difficulties with perception. In addition, despite its overwhelming prevalence, they have a history of being inadequately catered for within the built environment because their wide range of complex needs are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to establish an understanding of the unique needs of this particular user group, to interpret the implications of these needs with regards to the built environment, to assess existing facilities in regards to these findings and to provide information which can be used to develop guidelines for creating positive environments which can enhance the daily lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The research was carried out by way of a review of existing relevant literature on the subject of perception, experience and autism spectrum disorders, a review of relevant precedent studies, a critical analysis of relevant case studies and interviews with parents, teachers and principals who have had first-hand experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The built environment, which plays a large role in people's lives, must be carefully considered and designed to ensure that the needs of its users are met and their overall wellbeing is maintained. In contemporary society, where human needs are often ignored, built environments have become ego-driven objects of visual seduction (Pallasmaa, 2005). This study calls for re-humanising architecture, considering human aspects in design and catering for all human needs. By focusing on responding to users particular needs, throughout the design process, buildings which make significant, positive contributions to the lives of individuals can be made.Item The incorporation of nature into architecture as a healing aid : a hydrotherapy health centre.(2011) Moodliar, Marshnee.; Kucukkaya, Ayse Gulcin.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.The intension of this dissertation was to investigate why architectural environments were not healing, but harming people, and what factors could be looked at in order to provide healing environments for mankind. The human living and working environments are contributing more to illness and the aesthetic, than to creating environments that comfort, engage and heal the human beings. Buildings needed to become more attuned to people’s physical and mental well-being and by providing an architecture that incorporates water and finds ways to heal while being functional. Nature’s principles incorporate networks of complexity while remaining harmonious and by looking towards, and using nature in architecture is where inspiration can be found for a solution. The aim of this dissertation was to create an appropriate architecture that respects nature, while providing the essential resourceful, sensitive, delightful and therapeutic environments for the betterment of those who suffer from illnesses. The challenge was that creating balance between architecture and nature is difficult but necessary for producing healing environments for human well-being. A research investigation was carried out in the form of a literature review that covered nature, water and architecture and the factors and elements that these categories contribute to healing. Precedents and case studies where investigated and analyzed to prove these theories of healing of a successful collaboration between nature and architecture. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with medical professionals to establish the relevance of water in healing for humans through hydrotherapy. The research concluded that healing environments were possible and greatly enhanced when nature, water and architecture were combined. What can be contributed on a large scale is that healing environments is achievable and should be implanted in every society and city for the overall well-being of mankind, and specifically, can contribute medically to healing certain diseases and conditions.Item The indigenous architecture of KwaZulu-Natal in the late 20th century.(2009) Mhlaba, Dumisani.; Frescura, Franco.Studies on a variety of facets of the subject of indigenous African architecture have increasingly received the interest of many post-colonial researchers, in search for indigenous African identity in the international world of architecture. One of the challenges that provoked this project is that not many, if any, of those studies in this subject have attempted to find out where the indigenous traditional architecture of the African people can place itself in modern architecture today and what role it could play in the development of our contemporary modern built environment. This study seeks to identify the primary problem and attempt to find answers to certain key questions. One of the problem areas identified in general observations and literature review is the perception that the architecture of the indigenous people of KwaZulu-Natal belongs to itself only, and is not fit to participate in the development of the contemporary urban physical environment other than as a facility for tourism. What makes up the traditional architecture of amaZulu has been understood to be underdeveloped primitive construction materials only. For this reason, studies on the indigenous architecture of KwaZulu-Natal have been done primarily for historical records. A generally acknowledged factor in the development of some prevailing unfortunate perceptions in this subject is the ideology of European supremacy over every sector of life of the indigenes of the African continent. It is such ideological perception that questioned international wisdom in African indigenous architecture and suppressed it from global participation so far. This study investigates the rich cultural forces that directed the history of the indigenous architecture of this region. It also investigates historical socioeconomic factors that have influenced the direction of evolution of the traditional architecture of the indigenes of KwaZulu-Natal. From the latter, one would question the gap between the sophisticated indigenous artwork found in the informal trade of the province and the struggling state of architecture found in the rural built environments of the same people. ii Given that the indigenous people of KwaZulu-Natal today include several groups of abeNguni that merged into a nation over the history of the province, this study acknowledges the diversity of those various groups, and further searches for its global worth.Item Indigenous arts and crafts on contemporary South African architecture : the influence of culture and identity : a proposal for an arts and crafts centre in Pietermaritzburg.(2012) Sokhela, Andile.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.; Mkhize, Mthembeni.No abstract available.Item Influence of positive youth development on the design of the built environment : the design of a youth development centre in Durban.(2014) Naidoo, Bhavisha.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.Youth are a reflection of our future and the methods we use to educate, nurture and guide them, assist in determining the type of adults they grow to be. This dissertation analyses how the built environment can serve as a platform to help youth grow into responsible and well-balanced adults. A theoretical framework is set out to explore the requirements involved in understanding physical, mental and emotional changes a youth is faced with at this stage in their life by providing them with environments to assist them in discovering their means of existence, their role in society and vital skills to enter upon adulthood. A set of case studies and precedent studies aided the research and determined the vital impact a Youth Development Centre may have in evolving and socially uplifting youth and their community. The findings demonstrated that a greater awareness and education is needed in understanding the behavior of the youth to establish a society that is tolerant, respectful and healthy. Limited and restrictive means to how youth expressive themselves, learn and develop leads to a youth population that is confused, conflicted and unable to take on the challenges of adulthood. Thus, highlighting the need for the built environment to serve as a platform where healthy self-expression and learning opportunities, which stimulate the minds and bodies of youth, are encouraged. Such places were shown to inspire youth and their community to do better and be better. Youth are the future leaders of a country and their well-being and healthy development is of utmost important to us all.Item Musical expression in architecture : a proposed music complex for Durban.(2012) Ngcongco, Nokuthula.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the relationship that may exist between architecture and music. This study has two folds. The first is a focus is on the social and cultural aspects which connect the field of architecture and music. In this, view architecture and music may be understood metaphorically. Focus is based on ‘expression’. The second focus is on the principles of composition that exists between the two fields. This part, mainly focuses on a comparative analysis between the ‘form and structure’ of architecture and music. This, as a result, would create an image that would best express architecture musically.Item Socio-psychological experience as a generator of space and form : designing an orientation centre for migrants in Durban.(2011) Bekker, Mary-Anne.; Kucukkaya, Ayse Gulcin.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.Durban has often been referred to as one of the fastest growing cities in the world. During the Post-Apartheid years, migration of people from other parts of South Africa as well as African countries to Durban has drastically increased. However, the challenges migrants face in the city vary from mild antagonism, to the difficulties of finding employment, to aggressive xenophobic outbreaks. There is a need for orientation for these migrants to help them adapt and feel more at home in the unfamiliar setting. This research dissertation explores the various approaches to creating a new type of architecture to aid the transition of migrants into the city of Durban. The psychological and social changes that they are experiencing in their transitional state have been translated into a set of architectural place-making methods that explore the possibility of an architecture that orientates and promotes transition, as well as provides a place where migrants can find temporary refuge. The dissertation aims to ultimately result in the design of an original architectural typology; a landmark that facilitates orientation and adaption of migrants, both physically and psychologically, and also educates and promotes inter-cultural understanding and appreciation amongst communities of migrants and locals.Item Sport as a tool for social integration : the design of a multi-purpose sport and leisure precinct for Durban, eThekwini.(2013) Kirkpatrick, Craig.; Mhlaba, Dumisani.The purpose of this dissertation was to determine the significance of sport in society and its influence on the built form. The project investigated the social powers of sport, as well as the social benefits of a well-designed built environment. More specifically the project had three aims. The first being to explore the social aspects of sport; by understanding how it breaks down social barriers and becomes a tool for social integration. The second aim was to explore how the built environment can aid in a similar capacity, through the design of good public space and an architecture which encourages integration. Lastly this dissertation focused on creating a relevant meaningful architectural response, which is responsive to both its uses and its surrounding context. Through the investigation of literature, theories, precedent studies, case studies, and personally conducted questionnaires and interviews the desired outcome was met. It was found that sport does have an extremely positive role in social integration. The research showed that not only does sport united people and break down social barriers, but the built environment in which sport takes place can greatly affect how successful the integration is.