Masters Degrees (Architecture)

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The growth and development of the organised building industry in the Western Cape with an investigation into the forces that have shaped it.
(1984) Butt, Peter Edward.; Strachan, George.
No abstract available.
The growth and development of the Master Builders Association in the Cape Peninsula.
(1984) Butt, Peter Edward.; Strachan, George.
No abstract available.
Working for nothing : gender and industrial decentralisation in Isithebe.
(1986) Pudifin, Colette.; Ward, Sarah.
"One of the central tenets of critical approaches to social science is that we should not only understand society theory), but use such understanding as a basis for a programme of action (practice) to change society, change...is only possible through an endless cycle of theory and practice. The feminist approach changes and deepens our analysis" (IBG Women's Group 1984:38). A fundamental issue for planners and planning is the question of 'development.' how does it occur, for whom, and with what result? One of the South Africa State's policies which is couched in development terms is that of Industrial Decentralization. This policy is having an impact on both the organization and the location of industry. In this thesis we explore the significance of gender-relations and the geography of gender relations in the reorganization of industry and employment. Our specific orientation is towards drawing the links between gender and industrial decentralization and in order to do this we look at life experiences in Isithebe, an industrial decentralization point in KwaZulu near Stanger. Below we outline the contents of each chapter. The choice of structure and the reasons behind it are discussed in the section on Methodology in Part 1. In brief the process moves from women's personal experience of life (part 2) in Isithebe to the broader social context of this experience (Part 3).
Historic hospitals in Natal.
(1988) Gorny, Hanna Barbara.; Kearney, Brian.
The object of this research is to investigate in detail the origin and growth of Natal Hospitals - their design and function. The 19th Century saw the birth of the Republic of Natalia, and with it the establishment of towns and villages where public institutions, including hospitals, were being founded paraliel with private dwellings. Twofold development of the colony by Voortrekkers and English settlers resulted in different cultural influences, which can be observed in the architecture of that time. Whereas public, commercial, religious, domestic and collegiate buildings in Natal were, in their own scaled-down fashion, comparable with their counterparts in the United Kingdom, matters of public hygiene, mental health and prison systems were seriously neglected. The importance of the problem was recognised only in the late 1850's. The change in thinking was caused by the radical improvements in European Hospitals which were considered to be: "....essentially creations of the era beginning in the mid-18th century (for before this date the accommodation was provided in ad hoc premises), and all possessed the common quality of demanding, that certain clearly defined functions be fulfilled. The new hospitals imposed an overriding demand for maximum ventilation. It was in buildings such as these, that modern functionalism best expressed itself, and as a result, the 19th century subjected to a considerable amount of architectural research." Natal Hospitals represent an interesting group of institutions. Their layouts and architectural styles originating in Europe, they were brought here by Dutch and English settlers. Though the study of the function and design of the hospitals included in this research is focused on a limited range of buildings, the general conclusions-are related to the overall situation in Natal. In addition the research is done only on some specific aspects, covering the most important issues regarding the quality of hospital services and general standard of design. In the complex environment of the Natal hospital, the influence of design upon function is very significant, although it is often believed that function has dictated the design.
An urban residential quarter, Warwick Triangle, Durban,
(1990) Lees, Joanne L.; Vines, Simon.
This thesis is not to be viewed as the solution to the so called "housing problem" in South Africa, or even in Durban, nor does it propose a definitive plan for the Warwick Triangle. It is. rather, an attempt to examine the opportunities that exist for the creation of a viable urban residential quarter that is not only rich and whole in itself, but contributes in some way to the richness and wholeness of the city. In pursuit of this I have looked at city-building, and housing in particular as an important part of city-building, as a process that is infinite and have tried to propose a development that facilitates this process and harnesses the creativity and resources of individuals in the making of urban environments. It is important to note that my concerns are equally to do with the problem of creating urban housing that works and is appropriate, and that of making a positive contribution to the public realm. No urban development should be seen in isolation (it is that selfish attitude that has caused the barrenness of many urban centres) but as part of a growing organism, the city, where each organ has a part to play in the performance of the whole, and interdependence means that no part flourishes at the expense of another. The proposal that results from these concerns, is for a high-density multi-use development. It is predominantly a residential development but includes shops, workshops and community space. These provide amenity, employment opportunities and reduce the potential for isolation of individuals living in the development. A reassessment of the housing process to include user participation and a mixture of· ownership and rental opportunities ensures that residents can express their own identities as opposed to the facelessness of mass-housing schemes.
The domestic architecture of William Street-Wilson, 1889-1913.
(1996) Castle, Jenette Perree.; Radford, Dennis John Charles.; Peters, Walter Hermann.
The topic of this thesis is the Domestic Architecture of the Natal Architect, William Street-Wilson (1856-1928) and spans the period from 1889 to 1913. It is based on the original drawing collection which can be found in the Barrie Bierman Architectural Library, University of Natal. Street-Wilson carried out his architectural training in England, and the study sets out to identify the stylistic changes which took place within the Arts and Crafts Movement in England, to establish any English precedent in Street-Wilson domestic architecture in Natal. In order to contexturalise Street-Wilson's domestic architecture in Natal, an overview of the political, social, economic and architectural background is given prior to, and during the year of Street-Wilson's arrival in 1887. The drawing collection is set chronologically during the period of 1889-1913, against the political, social and economic background, in order to study the effect of such influences on the Street-Wilson's houses. The study defines and identifies the different components which compose the plan and then carries out an analysis of the plan, form and style of the different categories of house types, namely the typical single storey, villa/double storey and semi-detached house, to highlight the evolution of the house type from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Since the verandah is the common thread throughout the drawing collection, a special study explores its possible origin and application in a colonial context. Examples of detail drawings have been extracted from the drawing collection to illustrate construction techniques and typical detailing employed by Street-Wilson and his partners, accompanied by a brief history of building materials to contexturalise materials within the studied period. The evolution of services, pertaining to comfort and sanitation, have been examined and applied to the houses designed by Street-Wilson.
Planning the port of Durban : a case study of potential integrated management.
(1997) Mitchell, Laurie-Anne.; Kahn, Michael.
No abstract available.
The introduction of local content clauses in building tender documentation : an investigation into the benefits achieved versus those intended.
(1998) Ntsekhe, Thato.; Norval, George.
Investigating the performance of non-traditional lenders in the provision of end-user finance : a case study of the National Housing Finance Corporation and the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency.
(2000) Salane, Rirhandzu Russel.; Adebayo, Pauline Wambui.
"A significant number of households in need of housing in South Africa can afford to access housing credit, provided that this is available. Such credit is currently not readily accessible by most of such home seekers. Unlocking housing credit is therefore seen as a fundamental requirement in order to facilitate the ongoing improvement of the housing circumstances of such households" (Housing White Paper, 1994). Restricted access and unavailability of housing end-user finance is one of the critical challenges which faces the government in general, and the Department of Housing in particular. Access to end-user finance is limited due to many reasons which the study will identify. This study primarily looks at the access and availability of housing end-user finance to the low income earners. Basically it attempts to explore the impact of Non-Traditional Lenders in the provision of end-user finance to the poor. Non-traditional lenders refer to any lender who is not a traditional retail finance lender/company. The study looks at the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) and the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency's (NURCHA) attempts to mobilise housing credit. It closely pays special attention to the strategies used to mobilise the much-needed credit, their impact and the problems they encounter. This is done with the sole purpose of establishing whether or not it is possible to extend their scope to cater for the low income housing market. To realise this purpose, the study follows the path undertaken by these two institutions in terms of impacting to the poor. Agishana Credit Company's activities were investigated in order to determine Nurcha's impact, and Ithala Development Finance Corporation for the NHFC. Further, a path will be established to determine the impact of these retail lenders on the poor. Thus, Pioneer Park housing project is surveyed to determine Ithala's lending activities as well as Thembalihle (Glenwood 2) housing project for Agishana. It is paramount to indicate that both the NHFC and Nurcha do not lend to a man on the street, but deal with retail lenders. In essence, the NHFC attempts to open the floodgates of housing credit by funding intermediary lenders that on-lend to individual beneficiaries, while on the other hand, Nurcha guarantees activities by these intermediary lenders. This study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one broadly gives an overview of problems regarding access and availability of housing end-user finance and also outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter two identifies and discusses the different housing delivery systems, as well as gives a vivid picture on the functioning of non-traditional lenders. It provides both international and national experiences that proves that it is feasible to provide housing loans to the poor. Chapter three aims at offering historical background of the four institutions. It identifies their missions, sources of funds, nature of clientele, key activities and the strategies they employ with regards to defaults. Chapter four provides the finding and analysis of the surveys conducted. Firstly, a brief background of the case study areas is outlined. Then findings of the study reveal that it is safe to lend to low income households. This proves that there is a potential to successfully lend to this market without running at a loss. Chapter five is a summary of the research findings, conclusions and recommendations. The findings of the study point out that there is a place for provision of housing credit to the poor. To that end, the study recommends that, what is needed to significantly provide housing loans to this market is the amalgamation of the NHFC and Nurcha's activities; establishment of more lending institutions; encouragement of savings for housing purposes; as well as commitment to innovatively devise and introduce new lending products to cater for this market, which is equally met with strategies to level the play field in terms of legislation so that lending institutions can participate in this housing market at scale.
Great Zimbabwe : well of ancient wisdom : an examination of traditional Karanga mythology, symbolism and ritual towards an interpretation of spatial distribution and contextual meaning of symbolic structures and settlement dynamics of the royal settlement of Central Great Zimbabwe.
(2000) Aspinall, Kelle J.; Harber, Rodney.
The intention of this thesis is to examine the possibility of seeing mythology and ritual as sources for understanding spiritual, symbolic and spatial structures in architecture. Mythology and ritual are used as sources of creativity for examining a culture's architecture and as a way to understand the creative and cultural processes informing an architectural record. Central Great Zimbabwe is used as a case study for examining this. Karanga ethnography has not previously been considered as a source for interpreting Great Zimbabwe. However, historical evidence documented in this thesis shows that the Karanga were the creators and occupiers of Great Zimbabwe. The study pursues the need expressed by P. 1. Sinclair to consider the mythology of the region as an informative tool to understanding the symbolic values inherent in the landscape of settlement dynamics and symbolic structures; ...one might expect such aspects of material culture as architectural style and settlement layout, organisation and decorative motifs as well as a choice of subsistence needs to be strongly influenced larger scale expressions ofsymbolic values... exist in the expressions of kingship and power Further illustrations might include the associations of the granite mountains found throughout the plateau margins with the widespread distributions ofstone buildings. The mythology of the region has been little considered from this point ofview (Sinclair, P. 1987: 159). The study sets out to test Sinclair's observation by examining whether the Karanga symbolic values sourced from the mythology and ritual practices of the region may be reflected in the settlement dynamics and spatio-symbolic expression of Central Great Zimbabwe. Parts of the study examine Thomas Huffman's fieldwork, documentation and methodology. As the most prolific documenter on Great Zimbabwe, with the most recent interpretations, Huffman's findings are rec.orded and discussed in detail and his hypothesis for domba (initiation centre) function for the Great Enclosure is tested against the information evident in Karanga mythology and ritual. Since his hypothesis is widely criticised by his colleagues, this criticism is also included in this study as an informative tool to contextualise this field of research and outline the current ethno-archaeologica1 debate concerning the function of the Great Enclosure. This dissertation takes a different approach to that of Huffman and therefore the outcome of this study deviates from that of Huffman's. lIDs study adopts a synchronic approach to history while HufIman's methodology is a structuralist one and takes a more diachronic approach. Since both approaches are necessary in this field of study, the synchronic approach here is seen as a way of contributing new information and interpretation to the field. The intention of the thesis is not to suggest an 'answer' to the 'mystery' of Great Zimbabwe, but to offer possibilities and to recognise that this is merely one approach in a very complex, interactive and dynamic research field. In any qualitative study area, research should lead to still further research and should not be considered to be leading to the 'answer' to a 'problem'. Therefore, this study explores a wide range of disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, religion, history and archaeology in order to broaden and deepen the study. Architecture is neither a science nor an art but sits comfortably between the two domains. It is therefore an interactive discipline and is marked by a divergent flow of creativity. Rather than taking a convergent approach, which is marked by a structuralist need to solve problems, this study approaches research in a divergent way, where the grappling with the 'problem' itself is seen as a process leading to discovery and possibility rather than to an 'answer'. The study therefore does not examine Karanga mythology as a way to answer the 'mystery' of the stone ruins, nor to provide proof or evidence for an archaeological hypothesis. It is rather a study towards examining ways in which mythology and ritual can be used to broaden and deepen an understanding of symbolism and meaning in architecture. A method of inquiry which validates the diversity of views and documentation in this field of study is validated by this dissertation and is seen as a valuable way of approaching the history of architecture in Southern Africa at this particular time, where African society is itself undergoing transformation as it reinterprets its past in a 'de-eolonised' African context. For that reason, interpreting Great Zimbabwe based on local ethnography is seen as a valuable way offurther validating African creativity and local origin. We can no longer afford to view history one-dimensionally. We need to learn to accept different grounds and more than one belief system. Examining Karanga mythology and ritual is considered in this study as a new way of seeing and interpreting historical artifact in order to expose the creative domain of discovery. This approach is relevant to the paradigmatic shifts being made in Southern Africa and globally, where society is discovering new ways of seeing itself and concentrating more on its processes than on its products. Society is becoming more tolerant of other perspectives and we need to consider how we can learn more about our society both past and present within the context of so many changing paradigms. The results of the proposed investigations for this study as outlined above are documented summatively in Part 5, Chapter 9 and generally in the Conclusion at the end of the study.
The relationship between informal land markets and tenure security in the Durban Metropolitan Area : the case study of Folweni .
(2001) Magni, Peter.; Von Riesen, Annette Janine.
No abstract available.
The role of the group housing savings schemes in housing delivery : a Piesang River experience.
(2002) Sibiya, Robert.; Adebayo, Pauline Wambui.
This dissertation is based on research undertaken on the role of the housing group savings schemes that provide end-user finance to the poor households to address their housing needs with special reference to South African Homeless People's Federation (SAHPF) at Piesang River outside Durban. The housing conditions inherited by the new Government in South Africa were characterized by backlog. In order for the Government to address housing shortage, housing subsidy assistance was introduced, which only provided the 'starter house', which was not sufficient enough for the poor in terms of size and quality of the house. It was hoped that the traditional financial institutions would come to the party and provide small-scale loans to the poor to incrementally improve the condition of their housing. The poor households have been seen as "unbankable". Basically the study bids to explore and establish the effectiveness of the savings schemes as an intervention in making end-user finance available to the poor households in S.A. to meet their shelter needs. The study revolves wholly around the group housing savings clubs as an intervention for proving housing for the poor. Practice has proved that incremental upgrading of a core unit using incremental finance is more suitable than long-term loans and does not bind the poor into long-term financial agreements. Given the fact that the poor are not willing to subject themselves into long-term financial commitments, consequently, the poor households have initiated financial self-help groups of the likes of ROSCAs, Stokvels, RCAs and ASCRAs as a mechanism to deal with the predicament that they are facing. The study explores the circumstances under which these saving schemes have evolved and the cause of their proliferation, looking at the international and local experiences. The study draws successful lessons from SAHPF of Piesang River about group lending and the possible expansion of its activities to other parts of S.A. Lending groups have the potential to provide affordable credit to the poor and the group members will use peer pressure to encourage repayment. Group lending is capable of making an individual repay that would have easily defaulted under individual lending. The researcher uses the combination of sample survey and case study to argue that the success of SAHPF particularly in making end-user finance available to its members is due to its strong, central focus on savings and loans. Finally the recommendations are that savings for housing purposes should be seen as an appropriate mechanism, to augment the housing subsidy given the fact that formal end-user finance is not forth coming especially to the poor as anticipated.
A comparative analysis of the developer driven process versus people's housing process : a case study of Wiggins Fast Track and Piesangs River in Durban, South Africa.
(2002) Luzulane, Nosisi Cynthia.; Harber, Rodney.
No abstract available.
Building Design Group Architects (1968-1977) : a study of their practice, buildings and projects.
(2003) Sanders, Paul.; Peters, Walter Hermann.
This research examines the practice, buildings and projects of Building Design Group Architects (BDG), a collaborative of architects and students in Durban during the period 1968-1977. It traces the careers of its principal members, firstly as students at the University of Natal, and later in private practice through the formation and practice of BDG. BDG operated at the fringes of conventional practice. Through a diminished office hierarchy, a team culture was established whereby the endeavors of all personnel were to the common purpose of furthering the architectural objectives of the practice. Responsibilities were shared by qualified architects and students alike. BDG were young and uninhibited by the dogmas of the established profession, architectural compromise being supplanted by investigation and experimentation. The practice operated in a studio atmosphere where a heightened expectation was imposed on each project design and individual concerned. The resulting product of the practice was a vibrant oeuvre of work, predominantly residential; the designs asked questions of the conventions of building form, spatial relationships, technology and building economics. The answers to these questions manifested in an architecture resonating with regional identity. The study identifies the early careers of many important architects who were associated with BDG, and who would contribute to the development of contemporary South African architecture. Paul Mikula, Bryan Lee, John Edgar, Brian Kearney as founding members of BDG would shape the direction of the practice and beyond. They were joined at various stages and durations by Kevin MacGarry, Colin Savage, Tony Wilson, Peter Wilkinson, Bruce Stafford, Luis Ferreira da Silva and Jo Noero, all of whom would later start their own independent practices. However, what emerges from the study is the pivotal role of Paul Mikula in the account of BDG. It was his vigor, vision, passion and talent for design that ignited the practice and drew the attention of the local architectural fraternity. The influence of his work and personality was felt by all those around him; he has significantly marked the architectural landscape of the region, and this study promotes the recognition of Paul Mikula as a significant South African architect.
Adaptive re-use of university buildings : a case study of four academic buildings on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of Natal.
(2003) Howe, Peter R.; Peters, Walter Hermann.
This study investigates the capacity of buildings to be adapted when required by changing circumstances or situations. Furthermore it has special reference to buildings constructed for academic teaching and research purposes. At the outset the author reviews the reasons for buildings outlasting their original functions and identifying the various possible causes for the change . The ability to sustain modifications and the varying extent of the modification is established with examples being cited of both commercial and academic typologies. The thesis then explores some examples of early adaptions of buildings such as basilicas and the influence on the architecture of the early and later Christian churches. In later years cathedrals and monasteries became the precursor of the early universities that were born out of the evolution of secular teaching and education and the need for repositories for books. The architecture and form of these buildings was dictated largely by the development of the towns into cities and the concurrent need to expand these centres of learning . The history of the University of Natal is discussed from the years preceding its formal inception and subsequent interventions relating to the development of the Pietermaritzburg campus . A model upon which a measure may be made of four buildings of differing era's and occupancy are discussed identifying their original plan form and the changes that have ensued over three decades. These modifications are critically evaluated and tabulated graphically thereby indicating the comparative changes as a ratio of the area of the change against the area of the entire building. The notable Old Main Building was found to be a rigid building , built in load bearing brickwork and large high ceilinged spaces that sub-divide with ease while ensuring the retention of its integrity. Conversely the Main Science Building , a reinforced concrete framed structure with brick in-fill, is of an amorphous plan shape that lends itself to modification at the expense of its external character. The Rabie Sanders Building , a formal neo-classical building of framed reinforced concrete construction with face brickwork in-fill and a rigid facade does not, by virtue of its plan form and elevation , have the capacity for external alteration but has the potential for extensive internal. Finally the New Arts Building , a linear five storey precast reinforced concrete structure with free standing continuous modular window provides infinite variability of the interior whilst the exterior remains unaffected and there is no possibility of extending. The changes, varying in complexity and extent, clearly indicate that the buildings are indeed malleable and with creative planning, the changes can have an enhancing impact on the internal spaces. This information should considered as a working guide to provide the institution with pointers for the future design of campus buildings.
An investigation into alternative domestic water, sewer and electricity supply systems in the eThekwini municipal area.
(2004) Crompton, David William.
Millions of Black South Africans still lack access to adequate housing, mainly as a result of apartheid era development policies. The delivery of low income, state subsidised, housing includes the provision of water, sewer drainage and electricity supply services. These services are provided via individual connections to the bulk infrastructure, or grid, supply network. Whilst this delivery mechanism meets community aspirations, it masks the environmental impact of this access to natural resources. This research investigates the low income housing delivery mechanism in South Africa, both past and present, and considers the associated infrastructural service delivery in the context of what is understood as sustainable development. In order to identify a more environmentally sustainable format of service delivery, the notion of autonomous housing is investigated. This investigative research establishes the body of knowledge in respect of rainwater harvesting and renewable energy sources capable of being harvested at a domestic level and uses this knowledge to inductively derive theoretical models for the provision of water and electricity supply as well as sewer drainage to low income housing in the Ethekwini Municipal area. The objective of the research is therefore to propose a more autonomous, or self reliant, system of service delivery that constitutes sustainable development.
South Africa's spatial development initiatives : the case of the Lubombo SDI and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
(2005) Zaloumis, Andrew Phillip.; Todes, Alison Elaine.
A varied literature has emerged assessing the history and principles of the SDI programme and its individual initiatives. Within the literature, a widespread critique has developed that views the SDIs as falling short in two crucial areas. First, the SDIs have, in general, had limited developmental impacts . Second, many of the initiatives failed to develop adequate institutional responses to the specific conditions they faced in their various localities. The study describes the Lubombo SDI and its anchor project, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It argues that the Lubombo SDI, from the outset, took institutions seriously with a long view of development. It did not seek to deliver large-scale investment in a short period. Rather, it focused on shifting the development fundamentals - including key aspects of the Lubombo region's institutional arrangements - and concentrating its resources on facilitating a major project capable of pulling the various agencies with a stake in the region's development onto a common platform. This concentration of effort, and the creation of a dedicated authority with a clear statutory mandate to promote development and conservation, has brought advances to an area where development was effectively blocked for many years. But the dynamic nature of the institutional environment remains a key challenge affecting the GSLWP and the execution of the Authority's mandate. The ability of the Authority to continue mediating the multiple tensions and complexities affecting the GSLWP will be crucial if the agenda first set by the Lubombo is to be carried forward in the coming years.
Reconciliation and reconstruction of post-genocide Rwanda : a search for an appropriate architectural expression.
(2006) Mudenge, Josephine Kairaba.; Adebayo, Ambrose Adeyemi.; Frescura, Franco.
African countries have for a long time undergone a series of problems that include; genocide, racism, economic depression, colonisation, civil wars, and so on. These have left many African societies in hopeless situations that entail considerable intervention. This study will explore the possible causes of conflicts mainly genocide and collective violence, in which the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda will be the main focus. This genocide which led to the massacres of one million Tutsi and moderate Hutus in approximately one hundred days left the entire Rwandan society fragile and divided. It is perhaps the worst of its kind in recent history. After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda was characterised with a tattered social fabric, dilapidated infrastructure, economic repression, and as a consequence massive refugees displacement into neighbour countries. Despite the tragic consequences of this genocide, the government of Rwanda has been working tirelessly to find lasting peace arid reconciliation for its broken and divided society. In order to understand the possible causes of this tragic event in Rwanda, this study will explore' the situation in Rwanda in pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods, and in this case, the 1994 genocide. This analysis will then become a basis on which tools that can foster peace and reconciliation will be sought. Architectural expression among others will be explored as a tool that can promote reconciliation and unity among people. As a tool that shapes peoples way of living, architecture will be the emphasis of this study in order to achieve the above these goals. An appropriate architectural expression will thus sought, that which not only acts as medium for the memory of genocide, but also as a tool to achieve reconciliation and reconstruction of Rwanda's broken society.
An architectural strategy for the rehabilitation and integration of street children back into society : a Durban case study.
(2006) Kerr, Brendan.
In Durban as well as many other cities around the world one can find the phenomenon of street children. Studies have highlighted various factors such as historical, political, social and economic, which have contributed to the formation of this phenomenon. The aim of this project is to analyse these factors in an attempt to understand the underlying issues and circumstances that lead to the phenomenon of street children. In conjunction with this, one needs to study existing examples of architectural solutions both local and abroad in order to identify the fundamental requirements that a design of this nature would need to include. It is also important that one analyse the local context as it may hold region specific needs that may not be evident from studies of foreign examples. This project seeks to identify the specific methods of rehabilitation and development, in order to create a successful architectural solution. In order to achieve this, one needs to recognise the specific design needs of children in an attempt to create a more conducive environment for rehabilitation.
Freedom and unity in diversity : the role of architecture in the creation of an African Union centre.
(2006) Adebayo, Miriam Oluwatoyin.; Frescura, Franco.
Throughout the African continent several significant historical events occurred that partly influenced current problems in African societies. The Problems are economic underdevelopment, social crises, racism and internal conflicts. It explains the great need for an institution like the African Union (AU), which is working towards a common goal including all African peoples of selfempowerment in social economic, cultural and political terms. The selected history of the African continent is mainly concerned with Colonial Africa leading to contemporary period. The colonial part has left a mark on Africa that several movements such as the Pan-African movement, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and today's African union attempted to create a union of Africa as a greater gain of emancipation on the comments of nations. Architecture is the main focus in this study, which through several precedents of traditional African settlements key principles are studied and highlighted. The colonial era in Africa has left a great mark in African societies in adapting their planning principles and architectural structures which are still visible today. During this time architecture identifying Africa has been neglected and in current year it has been reintegrated. Examples of current trends of architecture in Africa are examined, which are a fusion of traditional elements and ideologies and current technologies. The aim is to find an architectural approach which synthesizes African elements and creates a new African identity in the common goal of the African Union. The intention of the study is to understand the principles of African elements and to give a holistic understanding of African architecture. The case study area is Durban, a place of multiplicity in cultures and architectural styles which can become the host for the AU center and its expression of unity and diversity.

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