Exploring the integration of sustainable systems through Architecture: towards the design of a seafood market.

Abstract

This research explores sustainable systems through architecture to create a positive environmental response. Such a response was then incorporated into the design of a seafood market located in the Durban Harbour. This research explores the use of materials located in the immediate environment of Durban – the main food resource in Durban being seafood. If the sea and its ecosystems were utilised, by mimicking both systems and architecture that have evolved and developed within their natural environment, one could create a positive architectural response, through systems. This research explored how architecture can be utilised to improve the surrounding ecosystems and local businesses by creating a prototype that with time can clean the Durban Harbour as well as create job opportunities to the local fishing community. This was done through a case study methodology and researching local and global literature. The concepts of sustainability, socio-ecological systems and critical regionalism were explored throughout the study through a case study methodology. This involved case studies for background, interviews for specialists’ views, and site visits. The research resulted in a design of a seafood market in Durban that adopts sustainable and socio-ecological systems to create jobs and reintroduce a lost culture.