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Resuscitating Dead Fabric

Part 2 Project 2009
Edward Botha
 University of Pretoria | South Africa
This university, as an ever changing institute of higher learning, celebrated its centenary in 2008. This occasion provided an ideal platform to rethinking its past and possible future. Past developments on campus have achieved constructive form; however, the proposed project is a search for and a reconstruction of that which has been lost. In this sense, it represents a projective timeline. Its approach is anchored in the past in order to project into the future.
Contextual research concludes that this university’s main campus is set within fixed boundaries which prevent further expansion in any direction. The current situation indicates that the main campus of this university aims to stay within its existing boundaries and to keep functioning as the heart of the institution, instead of attempting integration with the surrounding city fabric. The rate at which the number of first year students is increasing at this university is placing additional pressure on the existing infrastructure. The project explores a possible solution with regards to the future expansion of infrastructure and facilities, without losing the essence of campus life and sense of place currently experienced .Instead of destroying green spaces and exploiting more resources for expansion, perhaps the greater challenge is to adapt and improve existing buildings to generate benefits similar to those that new constructions would provide.
This project deals with a terminally ill building and the surrounding public spaces that display similar symptoms. Surrounding buildings function as isolated objects, with undefined open areas around and between them. The project aims to re-connect the lost space at the foot of the podium of the Humanities Building to the surrounding urban landscape. The thesis further investigates the Humanities tower as a somewhat outdated symbol of the university and looks into how this building can be adapted to represent the current zeitgeist. The investigation questions how the legibility of current elements and forms could be preserved whilst retaining the iconic qualities of the existing object. The proposed design aims towards a contemporary expression, by transforming one of the most iconic elements of this university campus into a visionary identity.



This project focuses on the adaptive re-use of an existing landmark building, situated on the main campus of this university, in South Africa. The building once represented certain Modernist ideals, but is
currently labelled a sick building by its occupants. Within this context, Edward investigates possibilities, focussing on the boundary and its extension. The research question leads to the re-interpretation
of existing horizontal and vertical planes. The result is a new volumetric expression that allows light and air to penetrate previous dark and inhabitable spaces.

The design exploration is constantly informed by the existing. During the design process Edward uses freehand drawing, sculpturing techniques,video imaging and computer modelling. The design realises the poetic within pragmatic constraints. In addition, Edward manages the transition
between existing and new with maturity. The visitor might be unsure as to the extent of the designer’s involvement, and that makes the project successful. Through this project Edward opens possibilities and realises a ‘place to be’.
Tutor(s)
2009
The Monster - A photograph and figure ground map of main campus. A poll done on campus clearly rates the Humanities as the most disliked building on campus. This photo collage compares the Humanities building to iconic Hollywood monsters.
Campus/City Context - the building is isolated to its surrounding landscape. A photo collage of various iconic and symbolic elements from the surrounding Tshwane city landscape. These works of art have specific connection to the places they represent.
Site Exploration - A digital collage depicting buildings and activities within the selected study area. The surrounding buildings are shown as isolated objects floating in the existing landscape with little or no connection between each other.
An extended programme is formulated to comply with the enormity of the Humanities Building.
Structural Analysis - An analysis of the existing structural load bearing elements and provisions made for new interventions. The existing building is stripped and dissected into various layers to suit the new intervention
Design Metaphor -New light weight members are introduced to work in a symbiotic relationship with the existing building.
Conceptual Development - Design analysis sketches demonstrating the removal of enclosures from the existing fabric. This in turn frees up space and generates form.
Conceptual Development - Sketches exploring the possibility of a secondary structure to support a retrofitted building skin.
Design Parameters - Architectural timeline illustrating the different architectural styles on campus over the past 100 years. 3D Images illustrating the proposed lightweight superstructure on top of the existing exposed structure.
The existing structure is prepared for the new intervention by stripping and dissecting the structure down to its original load bearing elements. The existing building is being freed up from the limitations set by the ‘object'.
The newly defined space should allow daylight to penetrate down to the lowest levels. The new contribution does not function independently; a dialogue is established with existing elements that contribute to the palimpsest.
The intervention represents the evolving future of the university. Old and New express themselves side by side whilst the new is legible and significantly different. The historic structure provides opportunities for a hybridized design language.
The intervention 0perates within severe restrictions of structure and infrastructure. The design is guided by and strongly relates to context. The location and nature of the site predetermines structural solutions and the construction process.
The combination of existing and new calls for a specific solution that is largely dependent on the relevant object and task. The genius loci is supported and even refreshed through the new intervention. The existing provides a stage for the new.
The existing/old building is given a new identity. Lightweight structural steel frames are installed where the enclosed roof of the podium used to span. In addition, new circulation ramps and other proposed conversions are introduced.
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