Browsing by Author "Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde."

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An exploration of social interaction through the built environment environment: towards a recreational center in KwaDukuza.
(2022) Naidoo, Preben.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
This abstract looks at social interaction when referring to the constructed environment, particularly emphasising a recreation facility in KwaDukuza. The study aims to investigate how social dynamics and community involvement affect built environment design. Inclusion and diversity will be emphasized in the design of the recreation facility, which will provide a range of recreational opportunities and amenities to accommodate a range of age groups, interests, and abilities. The design and layout will be carefully considered to promote chance encounters, teamwork, and visitor socialization. A qualitative method approach was used to conduct an exhaustive review of relevant information, enabling a thorough comprehension of the topic. Qualitative interviews were held to learn more about a smaller group of participants' experiences and viewpoints. The study and triangulation of the results from the data provided an in-depth and complete grasp of the research issue. This method ensured a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the exploration issues by permitting an in-depth exploration of social interaction in the built environment. It will become clear from the study's findings that the recreational center is crucial for promoting social cohesiveness and neighbourhood ties. It can be a focal point for various social events, such as sporting events, cultural gatherings, and educational courses. The centre aims to give locals a venue for meaningful interaction, connection, and relationshipbuilding, ultimately enhancing the KwaDukuza community's social fabric. The center's effectiveness as a gathering place will also be aided by its advantageous location, accessible infrastructure, and eco-friendly features. Green areas, seating areas, and gathering places were incorporated to promote social interaction and community among the visitors. Overall, studying social interaction in KwaDukuza's built environment will emphasize the value of well-designed recreation areas as engines for civic participation and cohesiveness. Future urban planning projects will be informed by the study's findings, which highlight the importance of including social interaction components in the design of public places to build stronger communities.
An architectural response to lost urban and contested post-apartheid spaces: a social housing scheme for Greyville.
(2020) Sirbadhoo, Neshay.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Land is currently a hotly contested topic within South Africa, with the essential notion being that land is a right. However, within the South African context, due to the legacy of apartheid, land is not simply just a commodity, but also an emotional issue. Existing literature suggests that land is a historical and social right, in which all members of society should have access, irrespective of their financial status. However in the postapartheid city, this does not reflect. The apartheid legislature and spatial planning principles fostered the creation of lost urban and contested spaces through methods such as exploitation, expropriation and segregation through the forced removal.
Artistic expression in architecture : towards the design of an art centre for Durban, South Africa.
(2014) Miller, Garreth Allan.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Artistic Expression is the central force that defines human expression and emotion without which anything cannot have any identifiable human substance. The aim of this study is to understand Street Art and the connection it has to Architecture and whether it is possible to attempt to resolve a growing demand for space to exhibit Street Art through design and public place making, encouraged and enhanced by the thoughtful and meaningful Architecture of a place. Through academic and field research this dissertations qualitative methods include investigations of existing architectural urban built form that deals and engages with Street Art. There exists the need to identify and sympathise with urban context and culture in the hope that the outcome is Street Art and Architecture that can inform the proposed building typology and shape itself and the surroundings into something that both designers and users can witness as a positive influence of Architecture as a companion to Street Art.
Biophilic architecture and its influence on human behaviour and well-being : a proposed urban multi-use office park development.
(2013) Blom, Marjorie.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Dealing with the issue of buildings showing characteristics of sick building syndrome, could result in occupants suffering negative side effects. Healthy living is a primary need for society. Everyday pollution in society has led to these negative outcomes of physical and psychological well-being of space users. When investigating factors such as natural light, colour, fresh air, visual contact with water and nature or noise pollution, it is found that exposure to such natural elements positively influences human behaviour, health and productivity in a live, work and play environment. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding conducted under the hypothesis of how architectural environments, through the theory of environmental psychology: a study of the relationship between natural environments, affect human behaviour and well-being. A healthy environment requires regular contact with nature promoting physical and psychological benefits, crucial to an individual’s health and happiness. By reducing sick building syndrome, it could increase performance and improve overall health and well-being. Occupants of the chosen case studies completed questionnaires through distribution and structured interviews personally conducted, focusing on a qualitative method. Assessing and evaluating the aims, objectives and key questions and understanding of how Biophilic Architecture influences human behaviour and well-being was obtained. Case (Alexander Forbes and Nedbank Ridgeview) and precedents studies (Prisma Nürnberg and Khoo Teck Paut Hospital) were investigated through Edward, O. Wilsons’ Biophilia hypothesis theory of mans affiliation with nature and incorporating it into building forms, showing how architectural design can evoke human behaviour through natural design elements. Architectural design is about humanity’s ‘sense of place’ (concept of Genius Loci) in nature and where the natural environment fits into the physical environment. Biophilic designs’ sensory rich world affects human health, productivity, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being, as well as reducing stress levels and eases pain. Biophilic Architecture could be the solution through a link of natural and physical environments, positively influencing human behaviour and well-being. Futuristic sustainability should have the combination of biophilic design and low environmental impact, resulting in a restorative nature based design: a true result of a positive psychological environment, a ‘sense of place,’ people want to experience, that is healthy, nurturing, and delightful to its occupants, improving the experiential quality of architectural space.
Biophilic design in architecture : towards the design of a natural sciences museum in Durban.
(2014) Padayachee, Roshalin.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Biophilia refers to the innate human tendency to affiliate with elements of the natural environment, and forms the basis of 'biophilic‘ design. Man has historically shared a complex and interdependent relationship with nature, with much of human understanding stemming from thoughtful analysis of the natural world around. Contemporary lifestyle has led to man distanced from the natural environment, leading predominantly indoor lifestyles. Biophilic design provides the prospect for greater connectivity to the natural environment with the capacity to foster greater positive connections and stewardship of nature through more thoughtful, contextually sensitive approach to the creation of architectural built form. The research aims to establish how built form can be characterised through innate connections to the natural environment.
A Comparative Study of Social Housing Developments: Greenfield Developments and Converted/Refurbished Buildings.
(2009) Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.; Adebayo, Pauline Wambui.
Social Housing is a new form of housing delivery in South Africa that has fast gained recognition in the housing sector in the last ten years, because it has proven to be a viable option in solving the housing shortage. It is an affordable option because the government provides funding through subsidies and profit is not earned from the rents paid. Social housing can be in the form of houses, block of flats or townhouses located in Greenfield developments, infill areas or in inner city blocks that are purchased or renovated. The buildings are managed by social housing institutions through public and private funding. This dissertation evaluated and compared two types of social housing schemes, namely, Greenfield developments and refurbished/converted buildings in terms of their affordability, management and the quality of the built environment. The evaluation was done by analyzing their similarities and differences, to reveal which typology delivers a better quality living environment. It also investigated the type of social housing development most suitable for the South African environment and meets the objectives and principles of social housing. The study analysed four existing social housing developments, three in Durban and one in Pietermaritzburg, two were refurbished buildings, and the other two, Greenfield developments. Information was collected by conducting household surveys, interviews and discussions with the residents and management of the housing schemes. The case studies revealed interesting contrasts as well as some important similarities among the social housing schemes. The main findings showed both typologies were functional in providing affordable housing though Greenfield developments proved to be a better alternative in terms of effective management, tenant participation and better built environments. The study proposes recommendations to improve social housing delivery in South Africa such as making social housing affordable, strategies for affordable security and safety systems; energy efficient designs and considerations for persons with special needs.
Empowering education through the built environment : towards a proposed integrated skills development centre for Durban.
(2014) Noble, Craig.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Twenty years since the establishment of democracy in South Africa the country remains in a process of transformation and is currently facing a skills paradox whereby there are severe skills shortages and high unemployment rates. Historically education in South Africa has been restrained by poor governmental policies, poor funding, apartheid, corruption, rapid growth and most importantly by the subsequent built environment of educational facilities. This dissertation sets out to explore the role of the built environment in empowering education, specifically skills development. The aim of this study is to investigate how the built environment may be used as a tool for empowering education. The objectives that are derived from this aim include understanding what empowerment means in the context of the study, to investigate how the built environment can empower learning, to investigate how the built environment can change the perception of FET colleges and to critique existing FET colleges in the context of the study. The research problem therefore centres on establishing the nature of the impact of the built environment on education and, in turn, society. This study used a mixed method approach to the problem in order to prove the hypothesis and achieve the aim and objectives of the study. The research materials included in the quantitative research include the analysis of the learners’ views on existing learning environments in the KZN Coastal FET College and the Umbilo Skills Training Centre in order to understand the conditions of existing educational facilities in Durban, South Africa. The qualitative research was carried out in the form of a site investigation and in the form of focussed interviews with the managers of the respective case studies in order to further understand the quantitative research and to determine how the built environment can empower education. This study determined a set of criteria for educational facilities to empower education and showed that the built environment of existing skills based learning centres in Durban is not empowering education sufficiently in terms of improving the quality of learning and in terms of improving the perception of such facilities. The impact of the philosophy and vision, the location, the physical and micro-design and the physical conditions on education is not understood by the executive personnel who manage these facilities. Similarly, the policies that define and structure FET colleges are not enabling these facilities to realise their potential. If education is to be a vehicle for the development of the country and to resolve the skills paradox then the impact of the built environment on empowering education must be realised and the built environment must be invested in in order to achieve this aim.
Exploring alternative residential care facilities for the intermediate elder : towards a retirement facility in Warwick Junction.
(2016) Marx, Frans Jacobus.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
South Africa has an ever growing elderly population above the age of 65, mostly African with limited education and employed in the informal market. Due to unforeseen socio-economic issues, the elderly have taken on the role of sole breadwinners, working well past their retirement age, making use of Child Support Grants and Old Age Grants to support a multi-generational/ extended household. Most suburban care facilities built during the past forty years have been designed for an exclusive demographic society, based on social, racial, economic and age groups. Current care facilities have become an outdated and irrelevant idea and does not meet the requirements of the current South African context. Research was conducted under the hypothesis that an inner city retirement facility with an additional intergenerational housing typology can become a suitable housing option for the ageing population in the lower economic bracket. The aim of this dissertation is thus two-fold. Firstly, it is to “rethink” care facilities to accommodate low income elderly with extended families and secondly, to re-imagine the experience of living in a care facility in Warwick Triangle. The scope of the work was limited to South Africa’s low income ageing population who have been affected by the current trend of mass urban migration and a skipped generation society. The research for this study follows a qualitative approach. An architectural response was generated through an investigation of current literature, case studies, precedent studies and personally conducted interviews with a number of low income elderly. The outcome of the research shows that there is a general lack of housing for low income elderly, especially those who support extended households. This calls for a care facility within Warwick Triangle responsive to the needs of the elderly.
Exploring how the healing and reintegration of the physically disabled informs architectural design: towards a rehabilitation and special care centre in the city of Durban.
(2018) Jinnah, Aadila.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
South Africa is a developing country with a rich heritage and a past etched in the lives of its people. The year 2018 marks 24 years into a new democracy yet the country still faces a multitude of challenges. One of these challenges being government funded healthcare, more so healthcare for the physically disabled with mobility impairments. Focusing on the Greater Durban Metropolitan Area it is clear that the current community is divided into two extremes these being a small population of the elite and a large population of the poor. In current times the gap between these two groups is increasing rapidly. This meaning that proper healthcare is easily accessible to one group whereas the other is left with little hope of recovery. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding of the needs of the physically disabled during their recovery process, and how meaningful architecture can aid in this process. This study specifically explores how the needs of the physically disabled can be incorporated into the architectural design process and in turn work towards physical rehabilitation. The research conducted explores theories and concepts related to the physical and psychological healing process. It identifies architectural spaces and elements that should be incorporated into these centres of healing to encourage rehabilitation and promote revitalization. This study critically analyses the current level of facilities provided for physically disabled people with mobility impairments in the Durban area. It also analyses successful international models which can be adapted to South Africa and in turn initiate the path to better healthcare. Lastly, the data acquired from both primary and secondary sources are compared and various conclusions and recommendations are drawn up. These can be used as design guidelines for buildings which focus on architecture that promotes healing for the physically disabled.
Exploring the impact of afrocentric gender politics on the design of a court building in the city of Durban, South Africa.
(2023) Mnguni , Senamile Bongeka.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Abstract available in PDF.
Exploring the spatial needs of autistic individuals in the built environment: towards a learning centre for Durban.
(2020) Naidoo, Roman.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
This study looks at the neurological condition of autism which impairs an individual’s perception to interact with people and the built environment. Recently autism has become a frequent subject of study in various fields this includes architecture, and architecture for Autism. Through research it has shown individuals with autism experience sensory and perceptual difficulties and therefore require special spatial needs and consideration in order for them to be able to manage their condition within the built environment. Most centres for autism deal only with the social, imaginative and communicative difficulties experienced disregarding the specific spatial, sensory and perceptual difficulties. The approach taken by this study includes concise literature review precedent studies, case study and semi structured online interviews. The study has shown that autistic individuals experience multiples sensory and perceptual difficulties both in learning and social spaces. The theoretical framework explores the paradigm of phenomenology which responds to the sensory stimulation and socio-spatial theory which addresses the importance of the public interface and its role in public awareness towards the autistic community.
Iconism as a tool for social identity : a proposed city hall for Durban.
(2012) Hoffmann, Sarah.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
The concept of iconic architecture has been around for thousands of years. It has taken the form of great structures that have portrayed powerful messages, to impress and to intimidate society, from the pyramids and tombs of Egypt to the great Gothic cathedrals in Italy. It is by these structures that individuals have been exonerated and great nations have been identified. This concept is still very much prevalent today. Great structures and monuments fill the landscape, providing local and national identity and power to many communities and cities across the world. Today, icons bear the responsibility to represent more than just individuals and corporate structures but rather to provide an identity for every part of society. This document aims to understand this new role that icons have to play in society and how iconic architecture can facilitate the representation of a group of people through capturing their identity. This is an important opportunity for communities and nations to uplift and develop themselves as units of strength, on a local and international scale. To understand the purpose of icons, it is necessary to also understand the various characteristics of iconic architecture and how icons are made. These range from the physical identity to more representational characteristics. Both of these aspects begin to breakdown the essential ingredients that make up the powerful image of an icon. It is this image that provides identity for society. The theories of Semiology and Place Theory, as well as the concepts of Identity, Critical Regionalism, and Psychological Perception, are also used to discuss and highlight the various issues surrounding iconism and aids in the defining of icons as entities that establish and represent social identity. Throughout this document, the discussions into the various purposes of icons, portrayed through precedent studies and case studies, defines iconism for the present day. In so doing, the ways in which iconism can bring identity to a group of people, to a community and to society, is ultimately understood, and strives for a more empowered society, such as that of Durban. The outcome of the document proves the hypothesis to be true. Iconsim is a tool for social identity through its ability to portray the representation of communities as a unified whole. The redefined role of iconism to take on this responsibility is achieved through the theories of Semiotics, Place Theory and Psychological Perception. The physical presence of an icon is proved to be an important characteristic of iconism as it celebrates unique forms and the use of technology. The selected case studies are used to interpret icons in Durban, the location of the study, as well as discover the ways in which they benefit or fail the community with regards to their new defined role within society.
Ideology and the making of built form : a contemporary museum of South African colonial history.
(2014) Buthelezi, Sinethemba Slade.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
The aim of the study is to ascertain the prevalence of colonial ideology within contemporary museological practise. The Empire exhibition of 1936 is used as the basis from which to understand how colonial ideology constructed the built environment and therefore the ideological narratives that continue to inform contemporary post‐colonial museological settings.In the literature review and analysis components of the dissertation the researcher introduced a remedy for the disuniting historical praxis from which the research emerged. By proposing that through a theoretical framework that is founded on Ideology, Post‐Colonial theory and Alterity, one may begin the process of creating an architecture that will serve to acknowledge the Empire Exhibition… an architecture which seizes to be a vestige of colonialism and fosters a positive collective memory in all its visitors. In order to successfully complete the research, the researcher engaged in both primary and secondary data collection and a ualitative approach to data collection was used. Primary data collection was conducted through the use of 14 semi‐structured expert interviews and afocus group of 8 building users. These semi‐structured interviews were conducted in relationto two museum case studies in the Johannesburg area. A third research method was conducted by the researcher in the form of a visual account/ audit of the buildings themselves. Coupling these interviews with thorough case studies of the buildings provides an accurate impression of the effective and ineffective measures in place. Ultimately, the recommendations and conclusions of the dissertation relate directly to the architecture of a proposed Contemporary Museum of South African Colonial History that addresses both the aims and objectives of the study by using the research to determine in what ways architecture was used to create perceptions of the Union of South Africa and its’ indigenous people during the Empire Exhibition of 1936, with particular focus on its role in the mobilisation of colonial ideological narratives and furthermore, proposes the design of a Contemporary Museum of South African Colonial History that creates spaces where an unbiased story of South Africa’s colonial past can be told.
Influence of cinematic strategies on architectural design. towards a film institute for Durban.
(2018) Bhayat, Sumaiya Yusuf.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
The perception of abstract symbolism and its effect on political architecture : towards a Pan African Parliament in Durban.
(2013) Mtshali, Daluxolo.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
The focus of this research is in the area of political architecture and the way it has been affected by the way people perceive architectural symbols that represent abstract political agendas and ideologies. Such a study is important in order to create political buildings that respond better to their region and the society present there. The research approach adopted in this dissertation includes an extensive study of relevant literature and the implementation of practical research through case studies of the Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Court, using semi-structured interviews with key figures and standard questionnaires to the general public visiting the buildings. The findings from this research provide evidence that people’s perception of abstract symbolism represented architecturally is affected by their age, familiarity with architecture and level of education. Furthermore, it was found that political architecture should embody the true nature of its region and the society, while still representing the political agenda of the present power. The main conclusion being that the abstract political message becomes positively interpreted and adopted by the society, and the building becomes the physical symbol of that abstract political intent. This dissertation argues for a political architecture that symbolises the diverse identities of all South Africans so that the architecture can, through its symbolism, bring about positive social change.
Perception of the built environment and its impact on the process of rehabilitation from addiction : a proposed life-recovery facility for Durban, South Africa.
(2014) Rouche, Samantha Anna Suzanne.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
In an increasingly urbanized modern context, physically and mentally damaging addictive behaviours are endangering the emotional and moral stability of society. Cognitive Behavioural therapies and operant conditioning have long been used to modify destructive and anti-social behaviours, such as those symptomatic of addiction; and while many studies have illustrated the impact of these therapies on those suffering psychological ills, few have linked one's perception of the built environment with the potential for improving, directly, the treatment of rehabilitation from addiction. Thus the primary purpose of this study, is to explore the ways in which one perceives the built environment and how this impacts one's own perception of self; and subsequently how this may be utilized to improve the effectiveness of the current methods of addiction treatment. Therefore an understanding of the duality of addiction and of the nature of the addict is required to ensure a realistic and functional approach. To this end, personal interviews with those in recovery for a minimum of two years and the professionals - both recovering addicts and non-addicts alike - who treat them, was crucial to providing a balanced and definitive account of the nature of those affected; the nature and origins of the disease and the preferred treatment therapies most commonly applied in South Africa today. This qualitative data was supplemented by a closed-ended quantitative study, describing the profile of the addict which was subsequently fleshed out in a qualitative focus group. The results reveal the current broad cultural and socio-economic base of recovering addicts in Durban and the underlying psychological distress at the heart of the disease. As well as describing a powerful and well connected fellowship, the study has demonstrated an incredible sense of spiritual order and humility as central to sustained recovery and a positive perception of self. The built environment has shown to improve the effectiveness of the available treatment methods, in enhancing one's perceived sense of self by providing a meaningful cultural and personal connection to the users of it. Physiologically the built environment directly impacts addiction treatment in affording opportunities for unconscious and challenging physical and mental stimulation in an enriched and meaningful environment. Findings describe the ways in which the built environment may be utilized to encourage a positive self-image and directly impact the process of rehabilitation from addiction, through both the physiological and psychological impact of one's perception of self within it.
The perception of the self within the built environment and its impact on urban regeneration : towards the design of a food market in the city of Durban.
(2012) Leith, Mark.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Street trade within South Africa contributes to a significant portion of the informal sector and is now seen as something that contributes to the economy as well as the character of the city. It plays an active role incontributing to the livelihoods of many people ofthe informal sector. The informal sector has almost become synonymous with South Africa becoming a democratic entity as people that had struggled through exclusion from entering the cities, now had a platform towards citizenship to the city. Historically street trade has always been perceived as a nuisance in the city and as a result traders were marginalized to use spaces which did not present proper opportunity to support the needs of the traders. Urban public space has become one of the most valuable assets to people entering the informal sector, therefore it is important to understand the properties that play a role in the meaning of urban public space with for the users within the informal sector. The square, the street and the buildings make up the public face of towns and cities. The street has the opportunity to become a comfortable environment when the user is able to perceive it in such a way that they are able to orientate themselves with it. Further the street can be examined as a series of integrated spaces and when the physical elements of space are ordered a central point of relation to the user develops. The problem arises whereby urban public space in general has for some time been analyzed and interpreted from a first world viewpoint. One of the primary aims of this dissertation is to understand the various factors involved with third world developing countries, more specifically the informal sector and to understand how these factors may be supported and enhanced by the existing knowledge of place to aid in the design of meaningful architecture aiding in urban revitalization. The case studies outlined within this paper seek to demonstrate the importance of creating architecture that acknowledges that relationships between its, cultural, economic, and environmental, contexts of which can have the ability to sensitively and positively have an impact on its surrounding urban fabric.
Processes of promotion of well-being as a generator of built environments: the design of a community healthcare facility for Durban.
(2014) Mngoma, Talente Khayelihle.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Health, in whatever form remains a worldwide issue just short of being declared a global pandemic. Current urban architectural environments in modern day lifestyle contribute immensely to ill-health and negative well-being of humans. This dissertation investigates the shortcomings of architectural environments, how they can be improved to promote good health and well-being and how this practice results in a positive domino effect to other fields such as social and economic discourses. The research explores the improvement of healthcare facilities through the primary concept of biophilic design; the incorporation of nature in built form, to promote healthy and living environments thus in-turn re-identifying an appropriate typology as a tool for the promotion of well-being. This concept is supported by the Genius Loci theory and the Critical Regionalism theory of place and placelessness with particular reference to the South African context. Research methodology focused on a qualitative study to meet the aims and objectives of the dissertation by addressing key and relevant questions. The answers and findings would be extracted from literature, case and precedent studies and posed to specific groups and individuals relevant to the health and built environment sectors including the users. The literature review and theoretical framework form the basis criteria used in which the case and precedent study were assessed and analysed; the findings were such that the biophilia hypothesis is a viable concept which has been employed successfully among a few projects. Persons interviewed also displayed a fondness towards nature and a belief in its healing properties. Essentially, the research document suggests a multi-faceted architecture which considers broader aspects of well-being such as alternative treatment, community and social involvement, financial liberty and environmentally conscious.
Regeneration in contested post apartheid urban space : towards the design of a remediation hub in the Durban South basin.
(2014) Claassen, James Michael Philips.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
Currently the world sits in a state of global economic, ecological and social crises. The city, the icon of triumph of human civilisation, needs to respond to these crises with sustainable and innovative solutions. South African cities are burdened by the history of planned segregated urban spaces that brutally fragmented communities. This induced urban sprawl, inequality and exclusion which was exacerbated by current global economic and environmental strains. South Africa cities are characterised by a high Gini coefficient, low skill levels, high unemployment contrasted by inefficient and rapidly sprawling urban forms that promote exclusion and economic segregation. This dissertation will seek to explore the relationship between space and place and how architecture can act as a catalytic regenerative tool. The various urban intervention processes will be outlined and will seek to introduce and research how architecture can remediate and regenerate the economic, social and environmental strains in the Durban South Basin Area. This will be explored through an urban and architectural intervention that generates skills, economic opportunities and resources (water, energy, food). The research method used is qualitative in nature and sought to glean research data on the topic through a literature review, precedent and case studies and finally through informal loose interviews and a qualitative questionnaire that utilised a random purposive sampling method. The findings revealed a need for an architecture that empowers and for urban interventions that are community focused that remediate environmental and economic stresses. The need for skills development, and economic opportunities in this empowerment process was highlighted in this regenerative approach to architecture. The approach should induce a site sensitive architecture that is responsive to the issues on the site while seeking to establish a sense of place in the contested urban spaces in which it is situated.
Rethinking the architecture of incarceration : a proposed pre-release centre for female offenders in Durban.
(2015) Goga, Nadia.; Ogunsanya, Lawrence Babatunde.
It is beyond the scope of the present brief to appraise the degree of failure regarding the idea of imprisonment or to uncover a universal prototype for all incarcerative facilities. Therefore the focus of this dissertation will pertain directly to the rehabilitation and reintegration of women in prison through the built form, with specific emphasis in dealing with the psychological repercussions that the correctional environment incurs. The research study identifies rehabilitation and reintegration as key strategies for lowering the recidivism rate of offenders and attempts to understand the complex incarcerative subculture that exists in order to facilitate change. Criminological theories linked to the key strategies include: Panopticism, the theory of rehabilitation and the institutional theory. Here the interest leans toward current and dated methods of reform. The search for characteristics which constitute an effective facility that will seek to ready the offender for release will drive the design process and create a resource for forward-thinking, small scale, correctional and pre-release facilities for women. The dissertation includes issues which have come to dominate discussions surrounding incarceration and a response to the commonly asked question: should incarcerative facilities be moving toward rehabilitation rather than punishment? Corresponding qualitative research involving both local and global institutions is conducted in order to provide a multifaceted understanding of the existing state of South African correctional facilities and contemporary interpretations aligned with positive change worldwide. Findings through observational analysis and interviews with correctional personnel will be used to inform the outcome of the research which confirms that there is a definite need for an emphasis to be placed on the re-entry process of offenders. It also indicates that while South African penal policies are largely progressive, facilities in which offenders are imprisoned remain outdated, ultimately revealing an environment that is unfavourable towards rehabilitation.