Exploring the potential of architecture for ecological regeneration through the design of an eco-awareness and air recycling facility within the South Durban Basin.

Abstract

Exploring the potential of architecture for ecological regeneration through the design of an eco-awareness and air recycling facility within the South Durban Basin. Durban South Basin is an environment in degradation. The land has both residential and industrial zoning. The shared zoning has created many problems within the community, primarily air pollution. This is due to the combined effects of the petrochemical industries, and the transport required for the produced goods. The problems exist due to past apartheid planning policies known as the group areas act. People of colour were placed in close proximity to industrialized areas, such that they could easily be used for labour. This dissertation enquires how man can live harmoniously alongside industrialized areas with the aid of regenerative architecture. The dissertation aims to find methods of regenerating community confidence and environmental opulence by an enquiry into architecture and its place/space making principles. The qualitative study aims to discover solutions through a theoretical framework, literature study, precedent study, and case study with conclusions and recommmendations. The research findings present key principles towards a regenerative architecture using a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework provides principles towards an architecture that encourages natural eco-system regeneration through awareness and air recycle facility. The principles are developed through the exploration of Regenerative Architecture, Ecological Urbanism Place Theory, Systems Theory, Learning & Empowernment in the built environment, and Symbioses where they will ultimately form a systematised method to architecture that will be applied to the design of a Regenerative architecture.