Botha, RP - 216239067

BY : RIANDRIE BOTHA

2021

RESILIENT-FLUIDITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS: Prototypical social housing and urban model for mitigating flood vulnerability in Alexandra Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Architecture at the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design in the FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT at the TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

By Riandrie Perto Botha 20-12-2021 Pretoria Supervisors: Main – Dr. MEN Nkambule Co/Design supervisor – Mr. KG Brand

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

DECLARATION ON PLAGIARISM PLAGIARISM The Department of Architecture emphasises integrity and ethical behaviour with regard to the preparation of all assignments.

Although the lecturer/ study leader/ supervisor/ mentor will provide you with information regarding reference techniques and ways to avoid plagiarism, you also have a responsibility to fulfil in this regard. Should you at any time feel unsure about the requirements, you must consult the lecturer/ study leader/ supervisor/ mentor concerned before submitting an assignment.

You are guilty of plagiarism when you extract information from a book, article, web page, or from any other source of information without acknowledging the source and pretend that it is your own work. This doesn’t only apply to cases where you quote verbatim, but also when you present someone else’s work in a somewhat amended (paraphrased) format, or when you use someone else’s arguments or ideas without acknowledgement. You are also guilty of plagiarism if you copy and paste information directly from an electronic source (e.g., a web site, e-mail message, electronic journal article, or CD ROM), even if you acknowledge the source.

You are not allowed to submit another student’s previous work as your own. You are furthermore not allowed to let anyone copy or use your work with the intention of presenting it as his/her own.

Any students, who produce work that is alleged to be plagiarised, will be referred to the Academic Affairs Disciplinary Committee for a ruling. Plagiarism is considered a serious violation of the University’s regulations and may lead to your suspension from the University.

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In accordance with Regulation 4.1.11.1(j) of Chapter 4 (Examination Rules and Regulations), and Regulations 15.1.16 and 15.1.17 of Chapter 15 (Student Discipline) of Part 1 of the 2021 Prospectus,

someone else’s work in a somewhat amended (paraphrased) format, or when you use someone else’s arguments or ideas without acknowledgement. You are also guilty of plagiarism if you copy and paste information directly from an electronic source (e.g., a web site, e-mail message, electronic journal article, or CD ROM), even if you acknowledge the source.

You are not allowed to submit another student’s previous work as your own. You are furthermore not allowed to let anyone copy or use your work with the intention of presenting it as his/her own.

DECLARATION OF PLAGIARISM_ Any students, who produce work that is alleged to be plagiarised, will be referred to the Academic Affairs Disciplinary Committee for a ruling. Plagiarism is considered a serious violation of the University’s regulations and may lead to your suspension from the University.

In accordance with Regulation 4.1.11.1(j) of Chapter 4 (Examination Rules and Regulations), and Regulations 15.1.16 and 15.1.17 of Chapter 15 (Student Discipline) of Part 1 of the 2021 Prospectus, I (full names & surname):

Riandrie Botha

Student number:

216239067

Declare the following: 1. I understand what plagiarism entails and I am aware of the University’s policy in this regard.

2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where someone else’s work was used, it was acknowledged and reference was made according to departmental requirements.

3. I did not copy and paste any information directly from an electronic source (e.g., a web page, electronic journal article or CD ROM) into this document.

4. I did not make use of another student’s previous work and submitted it as my own.

5. I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of presenting it as his/her own work.

I further declare that this research proposal is substantially my own work. Where reference is made to the works of others, the extent to which that work has been used is indicated and fully acknowledged in the text and list of references.

Signature

04/11/2021 Date

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AUTHOR; MISS RIANDRIE PETRO BOTHA_

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BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Full title:

Resilient-fluidity in informal settlements.

Prototypical social housing and urban model for mitigating flood vulnerability in Alexandra

Submitted by:

Riandrie Botha (Miss)

Supervisor:

Main – Dr. MEN Nkambule

Co/Design supervisor – Mr. KG Brand

For the degree of:

Master of Architecture: MArch (Structured) MPAR18

Department:

Architecture

Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

University:

Tshwane University of Technology 7

DEDICATION_ I would like to dedicate this book to those who have contributed to my journey through Architecture school and have inspired me to full fill one of my biggest accomplishments

Amanda & Hendrik

Karen & Renier

To my family, Amanda Brink, Riaan Botha, Karen de Kock, Renier de Cock, Liza Marairs and Hendrik Brink thank you for encouraging me and the unconditional support I received to achieve this project.

To my Architecture family and friends, especially Peter Kinnear and Nick Duarte, thank you for filling every day with happiness and laughter even through the most stressful times

Peter Kinnear

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Nick Duarte

ACKNOWLEDGMENT_ This Thesis would not be possible without the support and guidance of my thesis supervisors and mentors: Prof J Laubscher and Prof Amira Osman, thank you for the guidance and efforts to make this year possible for us as Masters students during these unparalleled times.

Mr Kyle Brand

Dr Emmanuel Nkambule

Prof Jacquas Laubster

Prof Amira Osman

Marinda Bolt

Francine Van Tonder

Mr Kyle Brand (Co-Supervisor), thank you for the constructive criticism that always pushed my project further Dr Emmanuel Nkambule (Main Supervisor), thank you for sharing the knowledge you’ve gained through your experiences and for the commitment you had with this project.

Marinda Bolt and Francine Van Tonder, thank you for the guidance during Specifications and Contract Documentation, you both helped push the limits of the project and most importantly helped making it work.

I would not have accomplished my professional degree without the guidance of the Department of Architecture and Industrial design at Tshwane University of Technology

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Figure I: Rays of hope members packing parcels for their food parcel project, (Rays of hope, 2009)

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT Figure a.2: Author; Riandrie Botha and Rays of hope Member Bafana Mohale at the Rays of Hope Main office in Alexandra, (Photo taken by Morne Pienaar, 2021)

The organization Rays of Hope Alexandra is a Non-Profit Company (NPC) and a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), which manages a large number of social outreach programmes in Alexandra Township (Alex) in northern Johannesburg.

The organisation aims to enable individuals and families to improve all aspects of their lives, thereby creating a lasting impact on the broader Alex community.

Rays of Hope started operating with one project in 1991 and has grown to a network of ten community-based programmes, focusing on education, vulnerable children, and work readiness. Over 2,800 people are impacted in total every year. As such, the organisation is hands-on in Alex, having developed close relationships with community leaders, the police, high schools, the Alexandra Clinic and the Department of Social Development, which has enabled it to leverage appropriate assistance when available and necessary.

I would like to sincerely thank Bafana Mohale and his team members from Rays of Hope that escorted me on a guided tour in Alexandra and for being my secondary source of research information: you have enriched my knowledge on Alex and its community members, it is truly a beautiful community with diverse cultures.

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Figure II: Resilient-Fluidity Cover page created by author (Author, 2021)

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ABSTRACT_ Climate change and rapid urbanization are escalating

The project aims to move people from a state of vulnerability

the occurrences and intensity of natural disaster

to a state of resilience. The project will address vulnerability

events that cause significant damage to lives and

to flooding in an informal settlement. Informal settlements

livelihoods. These effects are noticeably more

are fluid in nature that allows residents to be flexible and

severe in informal (urban) settlements because of

adaptable in their context; these characteristics already contain

their geographical location and social vulnerability

elements of resilience and could supply us with the needed

from being disconnected from their municipalities;

tools for a resilient-fluidity building typology. The architectural

no proper line function exists to resolve current

intervention will mimic and adopt these fluid characteristics to

and evolving issues. Informal settlements are the

migrate Setswetla, a flood vulnerable settlement in Alexandra,

products of a lack of social, affordable housing close

to become flood resilient. The design intervention will use

to city centres, resulting in low-income households

sustainable and environmentally linked systems to allow

developing in dangerous areas without disaster

low-income

individuals

preparedness strategies and essential services and

dwellings

to

to

become

adapt

their

resilient

current bodies.

lack of amenities that exaggerate their vulnerability.

The proposed intervention will consist of social housing and public amenities and services, like ablutions and communal kitchens, with innovative landscape elements to adapt dwellings at stress in the floodplain. These programmes could collaboratively mitigate the physical conditions that often

aggravate the social divide afflicting informal settlements.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS_ 01.

THEOREM 20 DECLARATION OF PLAGIARISM 4 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION 6 DEDICATION 8 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 9 ABSTRACT 12

1.1. BACKGROUND - MY TESTIMONY 20 1.2. INTRODUCTION 22

1.2.1. VULNERABILITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS 22

1.2.2. MISCONCEPTIONS 23

1.2.3.OVERVIEW & 1.2.4.TERMINOLOGY 24

1.3. LITERATURE REVIEW 26

1.3.1.DISASTER RELIEF ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA 26

1.3.1.1. PROBLEM STATEMENT 26

1.3.1.2. DISASTER RELIEF WITHIN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

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1.3.2. NATURAL DISASTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA 30

1.3.2.1. PROBLEM STATEMENT 30

1.3.2.2. NATURAL DISASTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

1.3.2.3. FLOODING IN SOUTH AFRICA 34

1.3.2.4. FLOODING IN GAUTENG - JUKSKEI RIVER

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1.3.2.5. FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

38

1.3.2.6. FLOOD AND WATER RESILIENCE

1.3.2.7. COMPARISON BETWEEN SETTLEMENTS 42

32

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02.

DESIGN ANALYSIS 44 2.1. ALEXANDRA 46

2.1.1.HISTORY 46

2.1.2.LOCALITY 48

2.2. SETSWETLA, ALEXANDRA 50

2.2.1.LOCATION & HISTORY 50

2.2.2.URBANISATION 52 2.3. SETSWETLA SITE ANALYSIS 54

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE 54

03.

DESIGN CONTEXT 64 3.1. PROJECT AIMS 66 3.2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS 68 3.3. DELIMITATION 70 3.4. METHODOLOGY 72 3.5. PRECEDENTS 74

3.5.1.MAKOKO FLOATING SCHOOL 76

3.5.2.AMPHIBIOUS DWELLINGS, MAKOKO 80

3.5.3.FLOATING BUILDING INTERVENTION, THAILAND

3.5.4.PRECEDENT FINDINGS 90

86

BLOCK SCALE 58

HUMAN SCALE 62

3.6. THEORY PRECEDENTS 92 3.7. PROJECT APPROACH 94

04.

05.

DESIGN PROCESS 96

DESIGN SYNTHESIS 118

4.1. CONCEPTIONAL & THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 98

4.1.1.THEME & CONCEPT 98

5.1. LOCALITY PLAN 120

5.1.1. NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE 120

5.1.2. DETAILS APPLICABLE TO LOCALITY PLAN

4.1.2.HYPOTHESIS 100

MANUAL AUGER BORING

4.2. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 102 4.3. MITIGATION STRATEGIES 106

4.3.1.URBAN SCALE 106

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS 124

4.3.2.BLOCK SCALE 108

4.3.3.DETAIL SCALE 114

4.3.4.SUMMARY 116

5.3. GROUND FLOOR PLAN & SECTION A

BLOCK SCALE 5.4. GROUND FLOOR PLAN & SECTION B

122

5.2. SITE PLAN 128

5.2.1.BLOCK SCALE 128

5.2.2.DETAILS APPLICABLE TO LOCALITY PLAN ADJUSTABLE RAMP 130

132 134

HUMAN SCALE

5.5. PERSPECTIVE AND SECTION C

136

06.

APPENDIX 160 5.6. TYPICAL SECTIONS 138

5.6.1. GATHERING SPACE 138

6.1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION 162

LOCALITY 162

5.6.1. TYRE BOLLARD 140

SITE PLAN & PERSPECTIVE 164

5.7. DETAILS 142

5.7.1. COMPOSTING TOILET 142

5.7.2. FLOATING TYPOLOGY 1 - BOTTLES BASE 144

FLOATING TYPOLOGY 1 - DETAILS 146

5.7.3. FLOATING TYPOLOGY 2 - BLOCKS BASE 150

FLOATING TYPOLOGY 2 - EXPLODED DETAIL 152

FLOATING TYPOLOGY 2 - DETAILS 154 5.8. CONCLUSION 156

GROUND FLOOR & SECTIONS

166

DETAILS 168

6.2. DESIGN POSTER PRESENTATION 172 6.3. REFERENCES 178

Figure 1: A car that was washed away floats close to the banks of the Jukskei River in Alexandra Township after floodwaters ravaged the area on November 10, 2016.

(Khan, 2020)

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01.THEOREM

_

Bring social and economic development to displaced communities prone to flooding through the design of public cultivated edge on the river bed, with the intention of improving current typologies in informal settlements that fail to establish safe houses for low-income individuals

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1.1. BACKGROUND

Figure 2: eManzana, Mpumalanga, South Africa, (Photo taken by Author, 2017)

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Figure 3: locals extinguishing a fire in eManzana (Photo taken by Author, 2019)

“From an early age, I was exposed to natural disasters. I

was raised on a small farm in Mpumalanga, South Africa, near a town called eManzana. The town mainly consists of a local residential area, an informal settlement, and a vacation resort to attract foreign tourists during the summer months. While there are essential amenities like a local clinic and school, they have been badly maintained over the years, making them less valuable to the locals.

I remember being curious why the resort was this prominent ‘high-end’ estate, but the moment one went through the gate, there are poorly paved roads, buildings falling apart and nature surrounding all open spaces in between.

I remember the following disaster event, in particular: I was sitting in the kitchen with my mother when my dad suddenly came rushing in through the kitchen door.

There was news that a great fire was approaching the town. There was no announcement on the radio or sirens to warn us, but by word of mouth, the entire town had become aware of what was heading our way.

When we arrived at the scene of the fire, the smoke was suffocating us and blocking our view. In between the smoke gaps, the sheer size of the fire was surprising —the flames were higher than any building I have ever seen. My mother and I along with others from the town helped the residents evacuate in case the fire reached the settlement. My dad stayed with the rest of the locals to stop the fire; they all worked together using water hoses, water buckets, and selfmade fire mats to extinguish the fire. One tactic that the community commonly used was to start another fire to approach the existing fire and cause it to burn out eventually—a way of fighting fire with fire. On that day we did the same, with great success, the fire was extinguished in just a few minutes, no houses were destroyed, and no people were injured.”

“My home, eManzana, has taught me essential life lessons that I have never forgotten. It taught me kindness and how a small community, not receiving much help from its municipality, could become a robust and resilient family. This is the main reason for selecting this particular research topic.”

The fire had originated on a farm on the town’s outskirts and moving extremely fast to the informal settlement located right next to our farm. My father was one of the few farmers with a water tank that he could attach to his vehicle, so he had an important responsibility to fulfill for the community.

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01.THEOREM

MY TESTIMONY_

1.2.INTRODUCTION

1.2.1. VULNERABILITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS_

Although natural disasters are well-known, not much emphasis is put on educating the public about their magnitude. Climate change and rapid urbanisation are escalating the occurrence and intensity of natural disaster events that cause significant damage to lives and livelihoods. These effects are noticeably more severe in informal urban settlements. Informal settlements are vulnerable because of their geographical location and socially vulnerable for being disconnected from their municipalities; no proper line function exists to resolve current and arising issues (Dintwa, Letamo and Navaneetham, 2019). While these settlements significantly lack disaster

Figure 4: Place vulnerability mitigation strategies (Dintwa, Letamo and Navaneetham, 2019).

preparedness strategies, they also lack essential services and amenities; these settlements are the product of a lack of social, affordable housing close to city centres, that results in low-income households developing in dangerous areas prone to disasters (Salami, Meding and Giggins, 2017).

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There are copious misconceptions in both the theory and the practice concerning disaster relief architecture: First, natural disasters are not exclusively the result of a natural phenomenon, they result from the fragile relationship between the natural and built environments (Briggs, 2021). Secondly, evidence shows that effective rebuilding after a disaster does not necessarily depend on the speed of construction, however, it is restricted by the separation between the rebuilding phases. Currently, relief solutions are centred on reconstructing and supplying aid relief post-disaster, which has devastating aftermaths often more severe than the disaster itself. Relief

Figure 5: Emotional experience in disasters illustration (Braman, 2020: 42).

construction should therefore focus on prevention solutions by constructing resilient, affordable interventions that may stimulate resilience and promote well-being (Nolte, 2017).

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01.THEOREM

1.2.2. MISCONCEPTIONS_

1.2.3. OVERVIEW_ This research will investigate the different aspects contributing to a flood disaster risk within an urban informal context—by studying and comparing case studies in Alexandra, a township in Johannesburg and similar settlements. The social interconnection between the community members living in hazardous conditions and how they have strategically adapted to their environments with limited resources, will be mapped to inform an architectural intervention with a community initiative approach to produce an ultimate urban vision for resilient fluidity. The intervention will be based on the theory of Nabeel Hamdi discussed in his book ‘Small change”. By using small changes to stimulate further growth as strategy to migrate at-risk communities to an environment which has a harmonious balance between nature, buildings, and people (Hamdi, 2004).

Figure 6: Alexandra community sitting together salvaging what is left after a flood event in 2016 (Khan, 2020).

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1.2.4. TERMINOLOGY_ Flood vulnerability: Vulnerable to flooding because of exposure to flood risk catalysis,

01.THEOREM

like inadequate stormwater drainage systems, exposes individuals to frequent flood events.

Water vulnerability: Vulnerable in the face of water-related stresses, in particular not having access to high-quality water services that include water supply, wastewater and sanitation services.

Water resilience: To provide access to high-quality water services-water supply, wastewater and sanitation services for all residents.

Flood resilience: To be able to protect residents from water-related hazards, in particular flooding, by having efficient storm water drainage systems.

Fluid resilience: Informal settlements are fluid in nature by being adaptable and flexible in their environment, these characteristics contain aspects for resilience.

Resilient-Fluidity: The term is derived from characteristics of fluid settlements, with

Figure 7: Resident dumping water out of her home and into the Jukskei River. (Khan, 2020)

added aspects of sustainability and environmentally linked systems, to increase resilience.

That will allow low-income communities to become resilient bodies through implementing systems affordable to all that will enhance individual well-being.

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1.3

LITERATURE REVIEW

1.3.1. DISASTER RELIEF ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA_

Figure 8: Current disaster relief strategy in an urban informal setting. Temporary relief camp made out of tents where supplied to the community after a flood (Nolte, 2017)

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Disaster relief architecture has a crucial role to fill;

A community seldom knows that the same officials helping

it should not just look at reconstructing quick, resil-

them in their time of need are destroying them economical-

ient housing but keep in mind the mental well-be-

ly in the long run. After a disaster, people are at their most

ing and healing process for the victims. South Afri-

vulnerable. When officials step in, residents willingly hand

ca’s current structured disaster relief protocols focus

over the control and the responsibility of their circumstanc-

too much on rebuilding and aid post-disaster, rather

es; this eventually causes dependency, which has devas-

than building prevention interventions (Nolte, 2017).

tating aftermath effects on the individual’s social well-being, much more severe than the disaster itself (Braman, 2020).

Recent disaster statistics by the African Prevention Organization show that 97% of donor finances is used for response aid relief, and the remaining 3% used to produce prevention tactics (PreventionWeb, 2021).

Looking at these figures one can see the radical disparity, which if turned around, could have a far better impact. That roughly estimates that for every R1 South Africa spends on preventing a disaster; R30 that would have been spent on response relief aid is saved.

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01.THEOREM

1.3.1.1. DISASTER RELIEF - PROBLEM STATEMENT_

Figure 9: Locals in Alexandra reconstructing their homes after a flood disaster in 2016 (Pather, 2016).

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Although it is the state’s public duty to supply relief

After a disaster, community members are usually the

funds, the capital seldom reaches the individuals that

first to act; before municipalities supply aid relief, com-

need it the most. Because of the current Covid pandem-

munities tend to have stronger social bonds. Members

ic the budget for post-disaster relief funds is exhaust-

know immediately who is most vulnerable and who

ed to the point where the community and officials’ ar-

needs more help than others. Communities can achieve

rangement is on a lending basis, where the government

successful disaster resilience with the following two

will raise tax rates as a back payment. In many cases

approaches: creating a bottom-up strategy for rebuild-

community members do not have the finances to afford

ing a community and an up-bottom investment from

the municipal tax increases. This causes residents to

municipalities to help keep an individual’s identity and

lose ownership of what was originally theirs, destroying

ownership (Shaw, Joerin and Krishnamurthy, 2019).

the communities. When residents are unable to support their families anymore and are pushed to the point of extreme poverty, the communities resort to creating their own disaster preparations and reconstructing systems, especially in developing countries with low disaster awareness (Shaw, Joerin and Krishnamurthy, 2019).

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01.THEOREM

1.3.1.2. DISASTER RELIEF WITHIN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS_

1.3.2. NATURAL DISASTERS IN SOUTH AFRICA_

Figure 10: The four main natural disaster experienced in South Africa, these include droughts, wild fires extreme storms and flooding, 2021.

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1.3.2.1. NATURAL DISASTERS - PROBLEM STATEMENT_

A natural disaster is a spontaneous natural event that

01.THEOREM

causes significant damage or loss of life (Shamiksa, 2018).

Although natural phenomena are the most significant contributors, it is not the only thing to blame; many natural disasters often have a human origin. Humans contribute to when and why some natural disasters occur. It is a misconception that natural occurrences are the only cause fragile relationships between the natural and built environments mean that only minor events turn into disasters.

Another misconception is that only climate change influences these events. Although climate change has contributed to natural disasters, the most significant influence is vulnerable people and infrastructure being exposed to extreme events. In 2012, the South African Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that trends in human exposure to hazards, and people’s vulnerability were the most significant cause of changing disaster effects (Briggs, 2021).

Figure 11: Natural disasters misconception illustration (Rao, 2021).

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Figure 12: Homes in Alexandra being flooded in 2018 the steam is strong enough to sweep up everything in its path (Khan, 2020).

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South Africa has experienced multiple natural disasters over the years, and these extend from droughts, extreme storms, wildfires, to flooding events.

Disaster statistics from the PreventionWeb, a CSIR database, shows that flooding is the natural disaster that occurs most frequently in South Africa and the rest of the world. Floods have caused severe damages over the years, with extensive loss of life and livelihoods. South Africa alone experienced 77 major floods in the last decade with around R2,3b estimated loss through damages and left thousands of people homeless (PreventionWeb, 2021).

Figure 13: South-Africa’s natural disaster statistics from 2010-2020 (PreventionWeb, 2021:1-4)

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01.THEOREM

1.3.2.2. NATURAL DISASTERS - SOUTH AFRICA_

Figure 14: South-Africa’s flood risk areas prediction for 2030 (Le Maitre, Kotzee, Le Roux and Ludick, 2019: 23-26).

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1.3.2.3. FLOODING - SOUTH AFRICA_

01.THEOREM

Flooding risk causes are a combination of vulnerable people and infrastructure with the added catalysts of rapid urbanisation, geographical context, climate change and pollution. Because of this, it only takes minor natural events to cause a disaster (Salami, Meding and Giggins, 2017). For example, when inadequate drainage systems are built in overdeveloped regions, along with pollution blocking stormwater inlets and outlets, water runoff after a rain event is restricted and causes an accumulation in water mass that eventually leads to flash floods. The eastern side of South Africa, in regions like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, is most vulnerable to future flooding; these overdeveloped regions have bad drainage systems and pollution that amplifies flooding because water is unable to effectively drain (Le Maitre, Kotzee, Le Roux and Ludick, 2019).

Figure 15: Flooding risk assessment

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Figure 16: Jukskei River map of Gauteng & Jukskei River water flow per year from 1965-2014 (Rimayi, Chimuka and Odusanya, 2016: 55-68).

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1.3.2.4. FLOODING IN GAUTENG - JUKSKEI RIVER_ Flooding events predominantly occur in informal settlements located along

01.THEOREM

the Jukskei River in Gauteng. Due to spontaneous development of these settlements in hazardous conditions, like living in floodplains or next to river beds, this exposes residents to great risk, especially because the Jukskei River flow rate is increasing yearly (Rimayi, Chimuka and Odusanya, 2016). An example of some of these informal settlements includes Alexandra, Diepsloot and Klipspruit; all have similar catalysts that make them vulnerable to flooding, but Alexandra has the greatest combination and variations of these catalysts. These include geographical location, rapid urbanisation, climate change and pollution, illustrated in figure 15.

Figure 17: Gauteng’s flood risk areas along Jukskei River prediction for 2030 (Le Maitre, Kotzee, Le Roux and Ludick, 2019: 27-29).

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Figure 18: Fluid Vulnerability illustration

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Urban informal settlements suffer the most during

Due to the complexity, their homes contain fluid

flooding events; there are no strict regulations for

characteristics; dwellings are constructed out of

prevention strategies and awareness protocols.

materials like corrugated sheet metal and wood that

Informal settlements usually occupy plots illegally;

can easily be deconstructed and reconstructed in a

these areas are typically classified as hazardous or at

different location. These fluid characteristics allow

risk due to their geographical vulnerability and should

the community residents to move around as needed.

be unoccupied for that reason. Still, urbanization is

Municipalities often relocate these residents away

forcing individuals with a low-income status to live in

from areas with a risk potential. But still, due to open

these dangerous areas because they are rent free and

space being scarce in these settlements, the moment

located near work opportunities. These settlements

plots are available again, they will be occupied by

may have no proper layout planning and basic needs

future residents, showing that the current system is

like running water, adequate sewage connections,

ineffectual. Reconnecting the relationship between

and most importantly, no stormwater drains and

these community residents and their municipalities by

flood outlets (Salami, Meding and Giggins, 2017).

supplying good essential services, may create a basis for residents to develop their fluid homes into robust rooted dwellings that adapt to their environment.

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01.THEOREM

1.3.2.5. FLOOD VULNERABILITY IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS_

1.3.2.6. FLOOD AND WATER RESILIENCE_

Water resilience describes the capacity of cities to function in the face of water-related stresses so that those living and working within the city can survive and thrive. A water resilient city is one that provides access to high-quality water services for all residents –including water supply, wastewater and sanitation services—and protects residents from water-related hazards, like flooding. Assessing the strengths and weaknesses in a city’s system is a critical first step in identifying and prioritizing future action (Morgan, Shouler and Bruebach, 2019).

Figure 19: Water resilience system (Bruebach, 2019).

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1.3.2.7. RESILIENT-FLUIDITY_

When harmony is achieved between elements of nature, buildings, and

01.THEOREM

people, it could act as a model for well-being. But to find this balance, there is a need to use innovative and sustainable elements that would use ways of embracing fluid phenomena rather than trying to restrict and repel against them. Acknowledging the complexities of the geographical and the social vulnerability and finding ways of working with the complexity can supply the best solution for enhancing well-being. A theory by Fahcry (2018) states that people who embrace their vulnerability are consciously aware of their situation and can then find ways of bettering their lives. The complexities of a flooding event may benefit the residents by supplying interventions that focus on migrating communities at risk to resilient individuals. The fluid characteristic that informal settlements contain is not a bad characteristic; it allows for change. However, when these settlements are vulnerable because of water-related stresses, for example, not having proper drainage systems leads to flash floods, that result in significant damages to the dwellings. The goal is to find resilient fluidity, allowing residents to develop themselves as resilient well-beings that adopt and embrace their fluid environments.

Figure 20: Resilient-fluidity Illustration

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Figure 21: Comparison between 1. Alexandra, 2. Diepsloot and 3. Kipspruit, three settlements located next to the Jukskei river, that experience multiple floods annually (Images adapted from Google Maps, 2021).

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01.THEOREM

1.3.2.8. COMPARISON BETWEEN SETTLEMENTS_

A comparison between three informal settlements along the Jukskei river showed that although Alexandra, Diepsloot and Klipspruit have similar characteristics. Alex has the most severe catalysts. This is notable in the rapid urbanisation after the Marlboro Gautrain station was constructed in 2017 leading to a new independent extension in Alexandra, known as Setswetla.

1.

2.

3.

Figure 22: Comparison between 1.Alexandra, 2, Diepsloot, 3. Klipsruit site context and annual flood statistics.

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Figure 23: Photo of Site in Setswetla which shows the pedestrian bridge and Marlboro Gautrain station in the distance

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02. DESIGN ANALYSIS

_

Setswelta informal settlement, Alexandra Township, Johannesburg is the project site.

Alexandra’s residents experience multiple flood events annually that cause severe damage through loss of livelihoods and life. Setswetla, an informal settlement experiences the most significant damages during these events, due to a pronounced lack of services and infrastructure.

45

2.1. ALEXANDRA 2.1.1. HISTORY_

Figure 24: Alexandra community sitting salvaging their homes during a flash flood in 2016 (Pather, 2016)

46

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

Alexandra (Alex) township was established in 1912 and is located close to the Johannesburg city centre.

Because Alex is close to employment opportunities, it has experienced rapid growth over the years. The unplanned population growth has overloaded the infrastructure to the point where essential services are almost non-existent today. The high density and congested nature of the dwellings within the settlement make access for maintenance very difficult or well-nigh (Web.mit.edu, 2018).

Alex falls within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Metropolitan Local Council (EMLC), but currently, services are the responsibility of various sections of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council. Alex is very socially disconnected from the municipalities; council’s responsibilities are scattered with no proper line of function for residents to raise issues (Web.mit.edu, 2018). Alex has had multiple flooding disaster events because of unplanned urbanisation; open space is extremely scarce in the settlement. This has resulted in overcrowding in hostels and informal developments on the Jukskei Riverbank and its three tributaries.

These areas are at a significant risk of future flooding because they fall within the floodplain that is expected to rise by an extra 50% in the next 30 years (Web.mit.edu, 2018). Alex has multiple complexities that contribute to its flood vulnerability, which result in frequent flood damages, which will increase by the year. For these reasons, it is the selected study area.

47

2.1.2. LOCALITY_

Figure 25: Locality map of Alexandra during the apartheids era (Bonner and Nieftagodien, 2016).

48

Alexandra, is described as a ‘special’ place in the

In the 1980s and 1990s, Alex experienced

context of South African urbanism as it has survived

an increase in population, and high levels of

a number of urban formalisation and development

political conflict and mobilisation. This was a

methods of both the apartheid and democratic

period signified by negotiations for a demo-

government, and yet has maintained its distinct flavor

cratic South Africa (Onatu and Ogra, 2013).

of a South African black urban world (Bonner and

Alex is now divided into three parts, namely:

Nieftagodien, 2016). Under the apartheid regime, the

- The old Alex, is situated on the west bank

Mentz Committee was tasked with enforcing the 1950

of the Juskei River. It is the poorest part of

Group Areas Act, an Act which segregated people

Alex, made up of old hostels and informal

along racial and ethnic lines (Bonner and Nieftagodien,

dwellings, such as backyard shacks.

2016).

- The East Bank was developed in the 1980s

The

committee

recommended

that

Alex

should not be allowed to grow and that its residents

and is occupied by middle-class people. East

should be limited to people working in the northern

Bank is made up of a mixture of RDP houses,

suburbs (Bonner and Nieftagodien, 2016). Despite the

social housing flats and houses.

recommendations, Alex grew because the township

- The Far East Bank, which is now called the

is strategically located close to residential areas,

‘Tsutsumani’ (Mere, 2011: 03) is occupied by

factories and commercial opportunities (Cirota, 2017).

middle-class people and is well developed.

Population growth in Alex coincides with the projected trends of urbanisation. The township has high rates of informality, unemployment, poverty, social violence and is constantly vulnerable to social and weather extremes.

49

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

CITY SCALE_

2.2. SETSWETLA, ALEXANDRA

2.2.1. HISTORY & LOCATION_

Figure 26: A picture of Alexandra in the 1990’s. The starting point of rapid urbanisation which extended beyond the master layout planned for the Township (Mere, 2011: 03)

50

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE_

Figure 27: Locality plan of Setswetla (Bonner and Nieftagodien, 2016).

Setswetla is located on the north west edge of Alexandra. There is not specific date for when the informal settlement was established , but older residents of the settlement believe it was also around the 1980’s. It should be noted that it is somewhat contested whether Setswetla is part of Alex or not. For the purposes of this study, Setswetla is assumed to be part of Alex, because most of the official reports from the Data Monitoring Committee of South Africa and literature used, such as Bonner and Niftagodien (2016) and Mere (2011) treat Setswetla as part of Alex.

51

2.2.2. SETSWETLA RAPID URBANISATION _

Figure 28: Incremental development of Setswetla from 2004-2021, image adapted from Google Maps, 2021

52

Alexandra

grew

with

two

new

residential

Today, the settlement has reached its full capacity,

developments known as the East Bank and Far East

extending from the pedestrian bridge to the

Bank residential extension. In 2004, the construction

Gautrain station. Considering the rapid urbanisation

of the Marlboro Gautrain Station and a new pedestrian

growth through these years, it should be noted

bridge commenced. By 2007, both projects were

that although the settlement grew incrementally, it

completed. This promoted rapid urbanisation which

also changed and adapted in specific periods. This

led to illegal occupation of open undeveloped land

is mostly because of the relocation of residents

between residential areas in Alexandra now known

to safer areas in the aftermath of a severe flood.

as Setswetla. Setswetla settlement has an odd

Dwellings previously located on the river bed are

name, which means ‘nakedness’. The name also

known to have been destroyed or even swept up

comes from Spoke H song titled “Stjwetla”, a song

by the tide during a flash flood, leaving residents

about a modern dance, which envolves twerking

with nothing except the clothes on their backs.

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE_

while naked. The settlement’s name provides some indication of the vulnerability of the area, as people are settling where they are ‘naked’ and exposed to social and extreme weather vulnerabilities.

By 2015, Setswetla had already grown to

50%

capacity, with congested dwellings in and around the

pedestrian

bridge

(Mere, 2011: 07-10).

53

2.3. SITE ANALYSIS Local entrepreneurs: Many local entrepreneurs were noted, these included, local brick makers, steel manufacturers, tyre shops and convenience/spaza shop.

Rays of hope Alexandra: A non-profit organisation that deals with gender based violence, orphan children and relief aid after a flood.

Site visits conducted with the organization by means of a guided tour through Alexandra.

Figure 29 (top): local brick makers Figure 30 (bottom): Author and Rays of Hope member Bafana

54

Figure 33 (left map): site and surrounding context of Setswetla, adapted from Google Maps, 2021.

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE_

Figure 31 (top Figure 32 (bot

Transitional housing project, 2016:

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

The transitional housing project was completed in 2016 and is still operational today. It is used as emergency housing for residents affected by a flash flood. Affected residents receive aid relief for as long as required until they are relocated a new permanent safe environments.

Lion Cres Jukskei Park: The public park is implemented as a strategy to stop residents from building withing the floodplain along the Jukskei River bed.

p): Transitional housing project ttom): Lion Cres Jukskei park

Figure 34: Maps shows Site, surrounding context and congested nature of dwellings adapted from Google Maps, 2021.

55

Figure 35: Shows site and vehicle routes, map adapted from Google Maps, 2021.

56

NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE_ NO CAR ACCESS TO SITE_ Because Setswetla is an unplanned informal settlement, no standard services like roads and public amenities ex-

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

ist. This contributes to the settlements vulnerability, which is already complex due to its physical conditions. These added complexities need to be carefully acknowledged when designing the proposed interventions. Without motor access to the site, it restricts the project in many ways. Firstly, the entire project would have to be built manually using lightweight materials and smaller equipment that can fit through the narrow pedestrian walkways. Secondly, the construction of the interventions will take much longer without the use of industrial machinery like cranes and excavators.

Figure 36: Residents of Setswetla queuing with their equipment to transport bricks, 2021.

57

BLOCK SCALE_

Figure 37

1.

2.

Figure 38

View over Jukskei river and Marlboro Gautrain station.

Congested nature of pedestrian walkways with water channel.

Dwellings are compacted to the edge of river bed. The river is polluted by greywater and rubbish and the settlement dumpsite is located 500m up river from site.

Pathways are narrow with a water channel that drains greywater into river.

Pathways are relatively clean, and most shops are located alongside these pathways

58

3.

Figure 39

Old concrete sewer connection covered with corrugated sheet metal.

Greywater and rainwater drain to Jukskei River. Dwellings are usually built near such servitudes.

Figure 37-40: Site photos of Setstwetla,2021

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

4.

Figure 40

River bed bollards Tyre and sand bags are used to reduce the impact of a flash flood, these help to minimize damages to dwellings right next to the river bed.

Other strategies include • 4.a/c Bund walls • 4.b. Dwellings with rock • foundations

Figure 41:Setswetla context, current flood line and future flood line, Adapted from Google Maps, 2021.

59

BLOCK SCALE_

1.

Figure 42:

THE SHACK DWELLING The shack dwelling is predominantly found throughout Setswetla; these dwellings are typically made from flexible materials like corrugated sheet metal and timber.

2.

BRICK DOUBLE STOREY Some double storey buildings were noted on the site visit. These structures are typically made from bricks and are used to support the more lightweight structures as seen in the illustration.

Figure 42-44: Sketches of dwelling types in Setswetla, 2021.

60

Figure 43:

3.

Figure 44: SHARED BUILDINGS It was noted that many dwellings have shared amenities, where one house would be occupied by more than one family.

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

The map shows the many pedestrian walkways found throughout Setswetla, all shops are located right next to these pedestrian walkways.

The map also shows the existing at risk dwellings next the River Bed that are most vulnerable to the elements.

Figure 45: Many interlinked pedestrian walkways and shops located in Setswetla, adapted from Google Maps, 2021.

61

HUMAN SCALE_

1.

Figure 46: RESIDENTIAL TYPE Plots are completely filled with dwellings. in some cases dwellings use the existing concrete columns used for cable distribution as support columns.

62

2.

Figure 47:

SHOP TYPE The shop type comes predominantly fourth along the wider pedestrian walkways. These dwellings are similar to the residential type, except they have wider entrance doors and a shop front window with a canopy.

3.

Figure 48: BATHROOM TYPE Currently there are no proper bathroom amenities and water supply points in Setswetla due to the congested nature of the settlement. The municipalities have resorted to supplying portable plastic toilets along the wider roads and Jukskei River bed.

02.DESIGN ANALYSIS

Figure 46-48: Sketches of buildingtypes in Setswetla, 2021.

Figure 49: Combination of different building types, 2021.

The shop and residential types as well as the portable toilets are common features in Setswetla. The pedestrian walkways are active hence many shop owners use the walls of dwellings facing the walkways to advertise and market their services using paint and chalk.

63

Figure 50: Project approach strategy, 2021.

64

03.

DESIGN CONTEXT

The chapter will include the main aim, research questions, delimitation, methodology and approach for mitigation flood vulnerability in Setswetla. The chapter also includes precedents of projects in a similar context as Setswetla to inform the best approach applicable to the problem statement

65

3.1.

PROJECT AIM

Figure 51: Place vulnerability mitigation strategies (Dintwa, Letamo and Navaneetham, 2019).

66

The project will strictly supply prevention strategies

within Setswetla by implementing an urban model and prototypical

by identifying the risk and potential hazards and

social housing that will migrate the settlement to a resilient

mitigating them before a disaster occurs. Because

community. The hypothesis is that social vulnerability can be

of the site’s congested nature, these prevention

mitigated by providing essential services and resources like

strategies will be implemented incrementally,

proper stormwater servitudes and flood prevention strategies. The

allowing individuals to invest in their homes

physical/geographical vulnerability can be mitigated by applying

over a time until they have reached resilience.

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

This research aims to mitigate the physical and social vulnerability

innovative strategies adopted from nature to produce a resilient and adaptable building typology affordable to low-income households.

Individual ownership must be kept throughout the project process; thus, it is crucial to supply owners with multiple options to cater to their specific needs. The aim is to stimulate incremental development that allows residents to develop their homes into more resilient dwellings adaptable to the changing context.

67

3.2.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS MAIN & SUB QUESTIONS_

68

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

Figure 52: Site photo of Setswetla showing the poluted Jukskei river bank

Main: How can flood vulnerability be reduced in Setswetla informal settlement through the design of resilient, affordable and sustainable social housing and an urban model?

Sub Questions: 1. Could sustainable living within Setswetla produce a balance between nature, buildings, and people to create resilient, but fluid environments that are affordable to all?

2. Can a solution contribute to both Setswetla’s short-term need for mitigating the flood/water vulnerability and the long-term need for rapid urbanisation and its social-economic complexities?

3. Could there be a way that Setswetla residents can benefit from a natural disaster to the point where a flash flood becomes a celebrated natural event ?

4. How can individual ownership be kept for the residents of Setswetla while relocating them to a safer environment?

69

3.3.

DELIMITATION COMMUNITY INITIATIVE APPROACH_

Figure 53: Community initiative project approach, community residents cleaning up and rebuilding their community after a flash flood

70

By keeping to a community initiative approach, individual ownership can be preserved while producing solutions affordable to all. A “lowfab” approach—using materials locally made or grown to build, may significantly save construction costs and help promote the economy of local entrepreneurs. The current problem is not communities’ ability to prepare for a natural disaster, but their ability is restricted by not having accessibility to education and recourses in their circumstances. Therefore, the proposed interventions will use local materials and construction methods combined with elements supplied from an architectural professional’s knowledge of sustainable living that will act as a blueprint for building resilient dwellings. The intervention should show that fluid resilience is achievable in an affordable way if the necessary recourses and services are supplied.

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

Every community is unique. There is no one solution for all settlements, and on a human scale not one solution can satisfy the needs of different individuals. In a recent journal “State-led versus community initiated” by Adegun, (2015, p.3-6) there has been much uproar by communities over this issue. Housing developers try to find a simple copy-and-paste solution that gives all community members the same size house or plot, no matter what their home/ plot size and assets were before a disaster.

Entrepreneurs that rely on their homes as their main source of income now must start from scratch destroying the before thriving local economy. Many families and entrepreneurs’ monthly income rely on their houses, whether they run a small business from home or rent out flats. It is important not to disrupt the existing urban fabric but to find innovative ways of enhancing opportunities to develop and expand informal settlements in a safe manner (Adegun, 2015).

71

3.4.

METHODOLOGY JOINT PROCESS DESIGN_

The methodology approach uses a joint process design strategy; this strategy consists of a sequence of designing prototypes, constructing models and putting them through a simulated flooding scenario, improving the design and then analysing the results. Repeating the process as many times as possible should supply the best applicable design prototype for Setswetla.

Figure 54: Methodology joint process design illustration, 2021

72

By analysing Alexandra’s urban framework with a systematic and initiative approach has informed where the imbalance lies between buildings, people, and nature to inform innovative sustainable systems. By experimenting with a series of context models to test different situations and scenarios, it will inform a design that allows residents to be rooted in their environment while adaptable to the changing context.

Using a quantitative approach this study will draw on various design activities; drawings, models and collages, as well as observations and analysis of similar precedents to develop proposed solutions. Observations will reflect what was noted after visiting the site with the organisation Rays of Hope Alexandra.

Analysis of literature and precedents of existing solutions will identify appropriate solutions that will best fit within the fluid context of Alexandra.

The findings will reflect and respond by thinking critically about the complexities contributing to flooding vulnerability.

Through prototyping different architectural solutions on a scale model of a specific site within Alex that is the most flood vulnerable by experimenting with various interventions and putting them through a synthetic flooding scenario, it will show which intervention will be the most applicable to the everchanging context of Alex. Scale models will be used, along with the simulated flooding model to inspire unique solutions; through working with physical materials, a different perspective will be encountered which might inspire different

73

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

A context study with a systemic quantitative approach, by mapping, analysing the site and weather patterns, researching statistics and case studies of similar environments, will identify areas most vulnerable to flooding within Alexandra. It is essential to understand patterns and statistics to help evolve a solution, but a qualitative approach can better understand the in-tangible contributions and complexities through analysing text, videos, and audio from published sources.

Opinions and experiences can gather in-depth insights into current issues and extend to generate innovative ideas for problem-solving that will inform the design intervention and programme that will consist out of affordable, resilient, and sustainable building typologies best applicable for environments prone to flooding.

3.5.

PRECEDENTS

Three different precedents of informal settlements where explored that have a similar context and problem statement as Setswetla.

All the precedents investigated solutions to minimize flood damages to low income communities living in flood prone environments.

A design solution will be adopted from the strategies used in the following precedents.

3.5.1. Makoko floating school, Nle, Makoko, Nigeria, 2013.

74

03.DESIGN CONTEXT 3.5.2. Amphibious dwellings, Akinlabi A. Afolayan, Makoko, Nigeria, 2008.

3.5.3. Floating building intervention, Site specific and Prefab Labrotory, Thailand, 2010.

75

3.5.1. MAKOKO FLOATING SCHOOL, NLE, MAKOKO, NIGERIA, 2013 _

Figure 55: Makoko floating school,Nigeria by NLE architects (Velasco and Strijland, 2013).

76

FLOATING TYPOLOGY_ Makoko Floating School is a prototype floating structure built for the community of Makoko located on the coast of Lagos, Nigeria. The project uses innovative ways to address the community’s social and physical needs affected by climate change and rapid urbanization in an African context. The project aims to generate a sustainable, ecological,

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

adaptable building system and urban culture for the growing population in Africa’s coastal regions. The school was built as the first phase out of three development phases to produce an interlocked and floating community.

Figure 56: Makoko floating school sectional sketch.2013)..

77

Figure 57: Makoko floating school mater plan that is part of the second phase of the project (Velasco and Strijland, 2013).

78

Figure 58: The Makoko floating school had collapsed a few years after it was constructed, a new and improved school was built in its place (Velasco and Strijland, 2013).

URBAN MODEL_ The intervention uses local materials and

Aspects taken and used from the precedent include:

resources to produce an architectural design and

reflects

their

cultural

•

Making use and reuse of lightweight materials that are locally available, like timber and plastic barrels. This will significantly

background.

save construction costs.

The composition of the design is a triangular

•

Adapt local construction methods currently used by the com-

A-frame section made from timber; the rooms

munity with added aspects from a professional architectural

are partially enclosed with adjustable louvres.

point of view. This will promote local entrepreneurs and pre-

A green public space surrounds the school,

serve the community’s cultural heritage while teaching resi-

with an interactive playground below. The

dents of newer technologies.

design further contributes to sustainability by

•

Allowing the structure to float and to embrace water rather than

placing Solar Photovoltaic cells on the roof and

restricting against the water forces relates to the theory of Fah-

incorporating rainwater catchment servitudes.

cry (2018) that advocates embracing vulnerability as the best

The building floats because the base is made

mitigation strategy.

of typical plastic barrels, which promote the

•

Lastly, the proposed intervention will follow the same strategy

reuse of locally available materials. The

as the precedent by implementing a master plan to ensure safe

barrels are used as water storage collected

future development. With the intention to supply a prototype

from

that will stimulate and grow incrementally into the master plan,

the

rainwater

catchment

system.

which is based on the theory of Nabeel Hamdi, small change with great significance (Hamdi, 2004, p.140-150).

79

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

that accommodates the community’s needs

3.5.2. AMPHIBIOUS DWELLINGS, AKINLABI A. AFOLAYAN,

MAKOKO, NIGERIA, 2008 _

Figure 59: Amphibious dwelling prototype, Makoko, Nigeria (Afolayan, 2008).

80

AMPHIBIOUS CLINIC_ The amphibious building project started out as a student project by Akinlabi A. Afolayan in 2008. The project’s aim was to migrate at risk squatter dwellings in informal settlements in coastal areas into resilient floating homes. As

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

part of the project a prototype structure was built that can function on both land and on water. Today, the completed prototype structure functions as an amphibious medical clinic that floats on the lagoon waters in Makoko, Nigeria.

The objective was to find a plausible solution for an informal settlement with little open space and is exposed to frequent flooding, with the added pressures of rapid urbanization and climate change (Afolayan, 2008).

Figure 60: Amphibious dwelling butterfly roof prototype 13)..

81

MODULAR SYSTEM_

Figure 61: Amphibious dwelling prototypes, Makoko, Nigeria (Afolayan, 2008).

Various prototypes were built before developing a final design typology. All prototypes contained similar aspects and characteristics but had minor differences in their composition and techniques. They were made from low or no cost locally available materials, such as recycled wood from construction sites, plastic foils, used sheet metal, reeds and thatch. The dwellings are constructed on buoyant platforms equipped with rainwater collectors, purification units and dry composting toilets to ensure minimum sanitation (Afolayan, 2008).

82

03.DESIGN CONTEXT Four different roof types were explored: a butterfly roof, a curved roof design, a pitched roof, and a shell roof design based on a modular system. The modular system allows for multiple design arrangements using the same materials, where only the construction methods may differ (Afolayan, 2008).

83

1.4.2

Figure 62: Amphibious dwelling master plan, Makoko, Nigeria (Afolayan, 2008).

84

AMPHIBIOUS MASTER PLAN_ Afolayan and his team further added to the

Aspects taken and used from the precedent include:

project by designing a master plan which •

Making use and reusing lightweight local materials and imple-

four different typologies. The dwellings are

menting sustainable aspects like rainwater harvesting and

connected by a timber pedestrian walkway

composting toilets. The precedent shows that sustainability

supported by columns to allow the walkway

can be affordable when strategically designed.

to extrude above water. The project is

•

To supply more than one design typology to allow different

currently still active with the goal to complete

options for homeowners. This relates to the proposed proj-

the

ect’s aim to provide for individual infill specific to their needs.

master

funding

is

plan

after

received

the

necessary

(Afolayan,

2008).

•

Allow the structure to float along with a pedestrian walkway that connects dwellings to each other, not only does the walkway give a structured layout but supplies residents with quick access to their homes. The precedent shows that although the pedestrian walkway is placed as a fixed structure, homeowners still have the freedom to move their homes when needed, which embraces the fluid characteristics informal settlements contain.

•

Implement an amphibious master plan consisting of the different typologies that act as a starting point for incremental mitigation until the entire community reaches resilience.

85

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

includes a strategic combination of the

3.5.3. FLOATING BUILDING INTERVENTION, SITE

SPECIFIC & PREFAB LABROTORY, THAILAND, 2010 _

Figure 63: Floating building intervention, Thailand, by architects Site-specific and Prefab Laboratory (Meinhold, 2011).

86

FLOATING BUILDING TYPOLOGY_ Thailand has an increasing flooding problem; as a result, two architecture firms, Site-Specific and Prefab Laboratory, worked together to create a solution that could permanently solve the property damaging and life-

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

threatening issues. They proposed a floating building typology that can rise and fall with water (Meinhold, 2011).

Figure 64: Floating modular building intervention

87

Figure 65: Floating building intervention, 3D perspectives of different design options based on the same typology (Meinhold, 2011).

88

SUSTAINABLE MODULAR SYSTEM_ to accommodate the communities’ needs; using affordable and resilient housing typologies.

The building structure is constructed on top

Aspects taken and used from the precedent include: •

metal roofs strategically designed to catch rainwater that is

of a prefabricated steel floating system places on top of a concrete trench. The dwelling is fixed to the trench with a slip-column system

strong enough to withstand exterior forces.

•

relates to the proposed project’s aim to provide for individu-

the water tide rises and lowers. As flooding when the trench reaches its total capacity, the home will start to float before significant damages

occur.

Aspects

like

rainwater

collection, solar and wind power systems, and protected food storage areas allow residents to feed the community when city

A modular system with load-bearing exterior walls allows individual interior infill development (Meinhold, 2011). This

that lets the house move up and down as occurs, water first pools in the trench and

Use materials and methods like a steel frame and sheet

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

Different building prototypes were investigated

al infill specific to their needs.

•

Designing a trench-like element, either in front or underneath the floating typology, to absorb most of the impact forces of a flash flood to minimize damages to the buildings. Implementing this strategy will also extend the reaction time; the trenches will indicate a flood that will allow residents to evacuate to a safe area before damages occur.

utilities fail. As the building floats, no property is damaged or lost, and people can continue to live as usual, through traveling by boat from dwelling to dwelling (Meinhold, 2011).

89

3.5.3. PRECEDENT’S FINDINGS_

Figure 66: Summary of precedent findings that will be used as strategies for the new design intervention.

90

It is noted that all these precedents have similar

The second phase will comprise designing multiple

approaches and solutions for reducing building

prototypes to explore affordable, resilient, and adaptable

damages when flooding occurs; the findings will

solutions for the changing context, like how the precedent

be applied in phases, followed by a site-specific

amphibious buildings (Afolayan, 2008) prototyped

design solution for Setswetla informal settlement.

with different design compositions based on a singular aspect of allowing the dwellings to float on the water.

The first phase is to do a rigorous site analysis to identify areas most vulnerable and investigate what

The last phase will be a further development of the prototype

materials are currently used and available to the

most applicable to the research project site to ensure it

community. This phase was completed in Chapter

allows for individual infill and additions by end-users. A

Two, which identified a specific site within Setswetla

modular typology structure will be designed like that of

that is most vulnerable. The precedents acknowledge

the floating buildings in Thailand, which uses one modular

that it is essential to investigate all local materials to

structure with infinite design outcomes (Meinhold, 2011).

determine materials that can be reused in different ways; for example, the Makoko School project reused the plastic barrels locally available for part of the building’s construction (Velasco and Strijland, 2013).

91

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

APPLICATION TO PROJECT_

3.6. THEORY PRECEDENTS

Figure 67: Small intervention theory (Hamdi, 2004: 140-150).

92

Figure 68: Cable car caracas (Metro Cable, 2010).

settlement. In Caracas, the residents of the

bus stop in an urban slum and a vibrant

hilltop Barrios do not have access to essential

community sprouts and grows around it - that

services. In this specific context, the project’s

is the power of small changes that have huge

approach was that architects must sometimes

positive

140-150).

function as an activist and mediator, bridging

Many architects have followed this same way

the gap between top-down planning and

of thinking as Nabeel Hamdi, such as David

community initiative approaches (Metro Cable,

Deo and the architects of Urban Think Tank.

2010). The project relates to Hamdi’s theory

effects.”

(Hamdi,

2004:

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

“What exactly is ‘small change’? Build a

(2004) by supplying a small change that is The precedent of the bus stop from Hamdi

the cable car system will mitigate the hilltop

(2004: 140-150) compared with Cable Car

residents’ vulnerability. By allowing them more

Caracas intervention in Venezuela by the

accessible access to services in the valley,

architects of Urban Think Tank offer aspects

there is a lesser need to supply those services

for further discussion. The project’s problem

on the hilltop, showing that a slight change can

statement is that physical conditions often

have a significant impact through innovation.

exacerbate the social divide afflicting informal

93

3.7.

PROJECT APPROACH

Figure 69: Project approach defined, 2021.

94

The project approach uses aspects and strategies from the aims, precedents, and theory precedents to supply the best solution for the problem statement.

The project’s main aims are that the interventions should be affordable,

03.DESIGN CONTEXT

community initiated, sustainable prevention strategy.

Specific precedents were explored with a similar aim. The main findings derived from the precedents for successful outcomes include: •

The use of locally available materials that will supply a possible solution for the affordability aim.

•

A floating system relates to the theory of Tom Fahcry (Fahcry, 2018). that states that embracing vulnerability will supply the best mitigation strategy.

•

A modular system that allows for individual infill that will cater to homeowners’ specific needs contributes to the deeper intangible aim of preserving individual ownership.

The project approach will also use the precedent theories from Hamdi (2004: 140-150) and Urban Think Tank (Metro Cable, 2010). By supplying a small cluster of interventions in Setswetla will act as the first part of a series of phases for an urban model that can be adopted by the rest of Alexandra to mitigate flood vulnerability within the township.

95

Figure 70: Floating building model, 2021.

96

04. DESIGN PROCESS

_

Ideas and strategies from the precedent studies and literature study were used to design a resilient building typology for Setswetla. The first step to building resilience was to identify materials and methods currently used in Alexandra. The next is to combine elements from the precedents and architectural scale models to design dwellings that can move and adapt to the changing context.

An urban model is also investigated in the chapter to explore mitigation strategies and resilience from an urban to human scale.

97

4.1. CONCEPTIONAL & THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 71: Project concept development, Embrace theory, 2021

98

When harmony is achieved between elements of nature,

it allows for change. However, when these settlements

buildings, and people, it could act as a model for well-

are vulnerable because of water-related stresses, for

being. But to find this balance, there is a need to use

example, not having proper drainage systems leads

innovative and sustainable elements that would use

to flash floods, that result in significant damages to the

ways of embracing fluid phenomena rather than trying

dwellings. The goal is to find resilient fluidity, allowing

to restrict and repel against them. Acknowledging

residents to develop themselves as resilient well-be-

the complexities of the geographical and the social

ings that adopt and embrace their fluid environments.

04.DESIGN PROCESS

4.1.1.THEME & CONCEPT_

vulnerability and finding ways of working with the complexity can supply the best solution for enhancing well-being. A theory by Tom Fahcry states that people who embrace their vulnerability are consciously aware

By using the concept of embracing vulnerability can confirm the hypothesis that the solutions for flood/water

of their situation and can then find ways of bettering their lives (Fahcry, 2018). The complexities of a flooding event may benefit the residents by supplying interventions that focus on migrating communities at risk to resilient individuals. The fluid characteristic that informal settlements contain is not a bad characteristic;

99

4.1. CONCEPTIONAL & THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 72: Project concept development for well-being, 2021

100

The project aims to move people from a state of being

to gradually grow into a resilient settlement. By

vulnerable to a state of resilience. The particular type of

making residents part of the mitigation process

vulnerability that will be resolved is flooding. Informal

it allows for individual interpretations and

settlements are fluid in nature that allows residents

applications that could strive to mitigate the

to be flexible and adaptable in their context; these

physical and social vulnerability simultaneously.

characteristics already contain elements of resilience. The proposed architectural intervention mimics and adopts

In addition, the design intervention will use

these fluid characteristics to migrate Setswetla informal

sustainable and environmentally linked systems

settlements from being vulnerable to a state of resilience.

that may allow low-income communities to become resilient bodies. The hypotheses are that

The project also uses the small change theory of Hamdi,

resolving the social vulnerability contributions by

which is discussed in the theory precedents section on

providing essential services and resources and

Page 92-93. it applies his theory by implementing a series

reducing the physical/geographical contributions

of small mitigation strategies that supply the necessary

by applying innovative strategies that embrace

building blocks from an architectural professional’s point

nature like sustainable living, it will produce

of view that allow residents the freedom to adapt their

a resilient and adaptable building typology

homes on their own terms. The proposed intervention

affordable to all that will promote individual well-

acts as blueprints for Setswetla to enable the community

being, that aligns with urban vision to reconnect people

and

buildings

with

the

biosphere.

101

04.DESIGN PROCESS

4.1.2. HYPOTHESES_

4.2. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Figure 73: Mitigation strategy development, 2021 Mitigation Strategy: The first step to the design proposal is to identify the dwellings at most stress next to the river bed.

This will inform the specific location of the first phase of the proposed intervention.

Early in the design development, the proposed intervention consisted of three main strategies: new proposed social housing, a stepped park, and a water channel. At this design development stage, the project has not yet investigated floating typologies but explored the collaboration between these three design strategies to find the best formula for resilience.

102

04.DESIGN PROCESS Figure 74: Mitigation strategy typical section, 2021

103

The Mitigation strategies further defined below; 1. The proposed stepped landscape will have vegetation like

3. The water channel is placed all throughout the settlement

reeds and other water plants at the intersection with the

to help with water and stormwater drainage as well as to

river. On the higher steps will be street furniture along with

disperse water evenly during a flash flood to minimize dam-

trees, the street furniture and trees will not only act as flood

ages.

bollards/buffers but help to prevent residents from building within the floodplain.

It is imported to note that this particular mitigation strategy has changed and developed later on in the project when bet-

2. The social housing is a modular system that can easily be added to and removed, allowing the residents to plug and play with their house design. To define this in simple terms the building components like walls, floors, and openings can be compared to those of the well-known childhood toy, Lego building blocks. Almost anything can be built out of those small blocks because of their modular design and temporary joints.

104

ter explored on different scales.

04.DESIGN PROCESS

Figure 75: Water channel, 2021

Figure 76: Mitigation strategy, typical 3D section and Site plan, 2021

105

4.3. MITIGATION STRATEGIES 4.3.1. URBAN SCALE_

NATURAL RIVER MEANDERING PROCESS_ River meandering is the natural phenomena that rivers experience over a time period. When there is a slight curve in the river, over some time the bend will become bigger until the river eventually finds the shorter path where the curve will break off from the river and become a secondary dam. When an obstacle, like a cluster of trees are next to the river, it will restricts the meandering process as seen in the figure to the left. (Ausable River Association, 2021) The project adopted these characteristics into the design by creating a landscape that snakes all along the river.

The landscape is stepped in such a way that the parks and area closest to the river will flood incrementally, which not only reduces damage to the dwellings but acts as a warning beacon for when the river starts to rise.

Figure 77: River meandering, 2021

106

04.DESIGN PROCESS Figure 78: Urban mitigation strategy, parti-diagram, 2021.

Figure 79: Urban mitigation strategy, river meandering, 2021.

107

4.3.2. BLOCK SCALE_ FLOATING TYPOLOGY_ The floating building typology was explored, by using physical models, to investigate how to build a new house while occupying the existing dwelling.

Recycled materials found on the project site were used to create a floating base; the base consisted of a palette platform filled with plastic and other materials with buoyancy characteristics that could allow the new proposed dwellings to float during a flood.

Figure 80: Typology construction phases, 2021

108

04.DESIGN PROCESS

Figure 83: Model 1, Floating base model, (left) model without water, (right) model with water, 2021

Figure 81: Typology frame exploration sketch, 2021

Figure 82: Typology materials and methods exploration, 2021

109

4.3.2. BLOCK SCALE_ PULLEY SYSTEM_ Because there is no car access to the site, all materials and construction methods would have to be handled by people without machines. With this in mind, the materials used should be lightweight and floors should have an added temporary pulley system to allow individuals to lower /raise their homes to the desired height. A 3:1 pulley system was further developed, this system is only added to the dwelling when needed and can be removed afterwards to be used on a different household.

Figure 84: Pulley system development sketches, 2021

110

04.DESIGN PROCESS

A 3:1 pulley system is temporarily fixed to every corner of the steel frame. The four systems are incrementally pulled by four people on each corner to gradually move a floor to the desired height. The floor is kept in place with a footing underneath fixed to the column, which restricts the floor from moving downwards but still allows for movement upward when

the

water

level

rises.

Figure 85: Model 2, Pulley system added to model 1, 2021

111

4.3.2. BLOCK SCALE_ FLOATING TYPOLOGY CONSTRUCTION_ Firstly, four steel columns are installed around an existing dwelling. The main floating base is added and temporarily fixed above the existing dwelling after the columns are anchored to the ground with carbon mild steel round bars hammered in place. The existing dwelling is then deconstructed and reconstructed on a new floating base. A temporary pulley system is then used to adjust the floor to the desired height. A first floor may be added by the household, incrementally, depended on affordability.

Figure 86: Model 3, interactive model to illustrate construction process, 2021

112

Further design exploration was done to resolve how service pipes may move along with the rest of the dwelling when needed.

A sheet metal roof with a rain harvesting system was explored in model 3 as well to find an applicable location for the gutter to

04.DESIGN PROCESS

connect to the roof and downpipes.

113

4.3.3. DETAIL SCALE_ FLOATING TYPOLOGY - BASE EXPLORATION_ The project developed two different bases for the typology to allow residents to choose the most applicable solution depending on their circumstances and income.

Type 1, therefore, is a more affordable option made out of plastic bottles, which is best appropriate for residents with a lower income status.

Type 2 is the more technologically advanced option, which is more expensive but can withstand heavier loads. These two types are discussed below.

Type 1: Plastic Bottle The plastic bottle base is made of plastic bottles sandwiched between two layers of damp proof membranes or any durable tensile material. This base cannot carry heavy loads but is most appropriate for smaller dwellings and the pedestrian walkways.

Type 2: Docks SA Blocks 500 x 500 x 300 mm standard floating block made of recycled plastic manufactured by Docks South Africa. it has a buoyancy standard of 272kg/m2 which equals to an estimate of 4000kg for a 16m2 (4m x 4m) building.

114

04.DESIGN PROCESS Figure 87: Plastic bottle base (Steinburg, 2009).

Figure 88: Docks SA Blocks (Docks SA, 2012).

115

4.3.4. SUMMARY_

The mitigation strategies investigated three primary design elements: the stepping landscape, the floating typology, and the water channel.

STEPPING LANDSCAPE A welded wire mesh filled with rocks is proposed for forming a stepped edge. The shape and form of the stepped landscape adopt the natural phenomena of meandering to help slow the river down during a flash flood (Ausable River Association, 2021). The innovative stepped landscape will help absorb the impact of the Jukskei river water forces. The first step has tyre bollards and vegetation fixed to the wire mesh to help absorb the impact force, and at the higher level, public parks with smaller steps will help disperse water along the river and slow down the erosion.

FLOATING TYPOLOGY Because the stepped landscape will absorb most of the impacts of a flash flood the floating dwelling does not have to repel the water force, but only to withstand the water pressure from underneath as the water level starts to raise during a flash flood. Two different floating bases, the one base is the more alternative option made from plastic bottles sandwiched by a damp-proof membrane to create a seal, this option is the cheapest. The second type makes use of Dock SA floating blocks that are made from recycled plastic, these cubes are 500 x 500 x 300 in dimension and for the 16sqm building floor is able to lift 4000kg in total weight.

116

WATER CHANNEL Since there is no municipal sewer line close to the project site the intervention needs to deal with greywater sanitation, a natural bio-filter water treatment system is proposed. The water channel steps down until it intersects with the river with multiple compartments with natural filters. The project further extends to deal with blackwater treatment by implementing composting toilets, that can be used as fertilizer for the gardens and parks.

04.DESIGN PROCESS Figure 89: Mitigation strategy bubble map, 2021

117

118

05. DESIGN SYNTHESIS

_

The aim is to bring social and economic development to displaced communities prone to flooding through the design of public cultivated edge on the river bed.

The intention is to improve current housing typologies in informal settlements

119

5.1.

LOCALITY PLAN

5.1.1. NEIGHBORHOOD SCALE_

The design has two main aspects. The first aspect will be the housing model strategy for Setswetla. This strategy is a stepping landscape with characteristic adopted from the meandering process. As seen in figure 79. The stepped landscape has two subcategories that it breaks into, namely the tyre bollards fixed to the lowest step and a public park at the higher step.

The floating system is the second main aspect. Two different floating bases were explored to allow residents to choose their

desired

typology

depended

on

their income. These two systems may be used for constructing shops, houses, ablutions, showers and water supply points

Figure 90: Illustration of two main aspects, 2021

120

On the locality plan it indicates to where there is car access, as seen there in no car access directly to site. The areas between where the roads end and the site are fully compacted with dwellings which are connected by narrow pedestrian walkways no wider than two metres. A crucial node close to site is the Marlboro Gautrain station, that many Setswetla residents use daily.

121

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 91: Locality plan, 2021

5.1.2. DETAILS APPLICABLE TO LOCALITY PLAN_ MANUAL AUGER BORING PROCESS FOR PILES_

Figure 92: Manual auger boring process for pile foundations, 2021

122

As mentioned on page 121, there is no car access to the site; therefore, alternative construction methods need to be used.

The first complexity that arises is how a pile foundation will be constructed without using a boring machine. A common method used in developing countries is the manual auger three-pole triangular frame. The frame allows the drill to move upwards when cranked. The technique is illustrated in figure 92.

After the desired depth is reached, the drill is removed from the hole, and a custom formwork is then placed around the hole.

The formwork will keep the steel rod in place while concrete is cast to construct the pile foundation. After the concrete has been set, then the steel column can be fixed to the steel rod.

Figure 93: Auger boring system with existing at stress dwelling, 2021

123

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

boring method, which includes using a manual drill fixed to a

5.1.2. DETAILS APPLICABLE TO LOCALITY PLAN_ CONSTRUCTION PROCESS_ STAGE

1:

After the pile foundation has been set, a threemetre increment steel column is fixed to the steel rod cast into the foundation. After all four corners have their round steel columns fixed, a steel footing is fixed to the bottom of the columns, and a custom bracket is slid over the top of the columns.

When all four brackets are in place, the base platform is fixed to the brackets. After the platform is fixed, a steel equal angle is fixed to each corner. The equal angle’s primary purpose is to keep the next platform above in place. It is essential to note that the bracket is not permanently fixed to the column but slides along with it. The footing at the bottom of the column will keep the bracket and platform from moving lower than a specific height and allow the platform to rise when the water level rises.

Figure 94: Construction process, Stage 1, 2021.

124

STAGE

2:

After the first stage is completed, a second increment three-metre steel round column is fit over the already fixed columns. After the new columns are fixed, the same steps are followed as in Stage 1 for constructing the platform and fixing it to the four newly added brackets. The platform using the pulley system discussed previously.

When constructing over an existing dwelling.

The same steps are followed; the only difference will be the number of columns a person starts off with and the height at which the platform will then be temporarily fixed until the existing dwelling is completed reconstructed on the new platform. Afterwards, the platform can be lowered to the desired height by using the pulley system.

Figure 95: Construction process, Stage 2, 2021.

125

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

is raised and lowered to its desired height by

Platform / floor Construction: 100 x 50 x 5mm Galvanized mild steel lip channel profile bolted to 160mm Dia. 10.0mm x 528mm galvanized steel bracket, 80 x 40 x 5mm Galvanized mild steel lip-Channel slid into 100 x 50 x 5mm steel lip -profile and kept in place with screws, construct bottom part of steel frame by fixing 80 x 40 x 5 mm galvanized lip-channels to each other with hex head screws and galvanized mild steel angle brackets, construct 3 layer 228 x 50 x 1200 timber planks together with hex head screws and galvanized mild steel angle brackets to form timber pallet, fit timber palette in steel frame (resting on wall plate and bottom lip-channel beams), fix second wall plate to bracket above palette along with fixing top lip-channel profile to steel frame( palette should be sandwiched between steel frame, add last 228 x 50 x 1200mm treated timber floor planks on top of steel frame fixed with flat head screws, after whole floor is constructed the four brackets should slide over 4 steel columns and adjusted with temporary pulley system until the desired height is achieved, fix footing with pins to steel columns to restrict brackets from going lower then the prescribed height.

126

STAGE

3:

After stage 2 is completed, the final increment

three-metre

steel

round

column is fixed, and the same steps as in stage 1 and 2 is repeated. The only difference will be the type of platform that is fixed. The roof platform has additional purlins on the top to fix the corrugated sheet metal; these purlins are made of timber and can be removed to become a standard platform/floor again.

This

roof

platform

can

also

be

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

installed at stage 2 if a single floor dwelling is desired, which can be modified later to become another floor.

Figure 96: Construction process, Stage 3, 2021.

127

5.2. SITE PLAN 5.2.1. BLOCK SCALE_

1.

SHOP TYPE

Figure 98

2.

Figure 99

RESIDENTIAL TYPE

As mentioned in the locality plan introduction, the floating typology is divided into three different types: shops, residential, and bathrooms (ablutions, showers, and water supply points). The reason for choosing the types was derived from the site analysis, which indicated the great need for a combination of all three. The types are illustrated above.

Figure 97: Birdseye perspective, 2021.

128

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 101: Site plan, 2021.

3.

Figure 100

BATHROOM TYPE

129

5.2. SITE PLAN

5.2.2. DETAILS APPLICABLE TO SITE PLAN_ ADJUSTABLE RAMP DETAILS_

Figure 102: Adjustable ramp 1:24 incline detail, scale 1:20, 2021.

130

A pedestrian walkway is supplied to connect all the newly proposed buildings and to give residents access to the buildingsduring a flood. Residents can access the walkway either from the existing pedestrian bridge or from ramps that are connected to the ground and pedestrian walkway. These ramps can adjust as needed when a flood occurs, as seen in the sections below. The ramp before a flood is set at an incline of 1:24, which is much lower than the standard incline requirements.

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

The maximum riser height of the walkway is 800mm, which is the estimated 50-year height increase for the Jukskei River.

Figure 103: Adjustable ramp sections, 2021.

131

5.3. GROUND FLOOR & SECTION A BLOCK SCALE_

Figure 104: Section A-A, scale 1:100, 2021.

In figure 105 the natural bio water treatment channel is shown. The stepped compartments allow greywater to go through multiple bio-filters before entering the Jukskei River. The site analysis noted that the community already used informal water channels within the pedestrian walkways to drain greywater from their homes to the river. The newly proposed channel adopted and adapted this aspect to make sure the water is properly cleaned before entering the river.

132

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS Figure 105: Water channel, 2021.

Figure 106: Ground floor plan, 2021.

133

5.4. GROUND FLOOR & SECTION B HUMAN SCALE_

Figure 107: Section B-B, scale 1:100, 2021.

134

Figure

108

shows

the

configuration of furniture and how the public and private

spaces

can

be

used. It is important to note that this configuration is programs

when

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

flexible to allow for different needed.

Figure 107 is a section through pedestrian proposed

the

existing bridge,

interventions

and the existing shack. It compares the new vs the old while showing how the public spaces can be used.

Figure 108: Ground floor plan, human scale, 2021.

135

5.5. PERSPECTIVE & SECTION HUMAN SCALE_

Figure 109: Pedestrian bridge perspective, 2021.

136

Figure 110 is a sectional elevation

showing

the

proposal

before

and

during a flood. As seen, the

gathering

space,

outdoor amphitheatre, fills with water first during a flood, which acts as the primary beacon to indicate residents

to

locate

to

higher ground. The park and steps will gradually be filled with water; this will protect the buildings above and slow down the rate at which the river bed would normally flood. This

Figure 110: Sectional-elevation, 2021.

gives residents more time

137

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

which can be used as an

5.6. TYPICAL SECTIONS 5.6.1. GATHERING SPACE_

There are two mitigation strategies for the stepped landscape as seen on in figure 111. Although both make use of the natural meandering phenomena, each of them has an individual strategy for mitigating flood damages.

As labeled 1 in figure 111, the first is; the exterior gathering space. As previously mentioned, the external gathering space can be used as an amphitheater during the non-rainy seasons and as a flooding beacon in the rainy seasons. The gathering space is the first indication of a flood. It therefore is repeated multiple times throughout the design intervention along the Jukskei River bed to be clearly visible for all Setswetla’s residents. In addition, this gatherings space beacon can be used as a swimming pool in the future if the river water level rises as predicted for the 50-year flood plain.

Figure 111: Birdseye of stepped landscape before a flood, 2021.

138

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 112: Typical section of gathering space, 2021.

139

5.6

TYPICAL SECTIONS

5.6.1. TYRE BOLLARD_

The tyre bollard with the stepped park is labeled as 2 in Figure 113. The tyres are fixed to the wire mesh floor; these tyres will slow down the rate at which the river bank floods.

The tyres can be used to plant reeds and other water plants. The vegetation will help slow down the water and clean the river.

The stepped park adopted the strategy from the Jukskei Park discussed in the design analysis to prevent residents from occupying right next to the river bed. Simultaneously, it supplies public green space back to the community.

The only downfall of the strategy is that during the rainy seasons or when a flash flood occurs, residents will not be able to access the park, which is a much better alternative than houses being flooded.

Figure 113: Birdseye of stepped landscape during a flood, 2021

140

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 114: Typical section of tyre bollard, 2021.

141

5.7. DETAILS

5.7.1. COMPOSTING DRY TOILETS_

It was noted in the site analysis that there are no municipal sewer connections. Because of this, it is impossible to supply your standard flushing toilet. For this reason, composting toilets were used in the design. Composting dry toilets are a sustainable method of dealing with black water because no water is needed, and the excrete can be used as fertilizer in the gardens and park.

It should be noted that the composting toilets can only be installed in dwellings made of the Docks SA blocks base. The bottom compartment is designed to be the same dimensions as the standard blocks from Docks SA to easily fit into the same place that a block would have. This makes it easy to be replaced with a standard floating block if the owner decides to move or remove the toilet at a later stage.

As seen in Figures 115 and 116, a vent pipe is installed in between the cavity of the walls that extrude above the roof to help ventilate gas build-up and remove most odour.

Figure 115: Typical section of composting toilet, 2021

142

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 116: Typical section of composting toilet zoomed, 2021.

1.

143

5.7. DETAILS

5.7.2. FLOATING BASE 1_

TYPE 1: PLASTIC BOTTLE BASE_ As mentioned in the design development, there are two types of bases. The plastic bottle base is the more affordable option consisting of a raft type platform filled with plastic bottles found on site. These bottles need to be probably cleaned and dried before they are sandwiched between the two layers of damp proof membrane; or any durable tensile material. The membrane will help keep the bottles in place and evenly distributed.

An additional cover can also be placed over the plastic bottle and membrane to protect it from foreign materials that could puncture the membrane during a flood. The construction method of the base can be seen in figure 117 & 118

144

Figure 117: Isometric section of floating typology type 1: Plastic bottle base, 2021.

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS Figure 118: Isometric section of floating typology type 1: Plastic bottle base enlarged, 2021.

145

146 Figure 119: Isometric detail of floating typology type 1: Plastic bottle base, 2021.

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS Figure 120: Detail section of floating typology type 1: Plastic bottle base, 2021.

147

Figure 121: Detail plan of floating typology type 1: Plastic bottle base, 2021.

148

Figure 121 is a detailed plan of the plastic bottle base that shows the wall cavity that can be used to distribute cables through the building. The vertical wall shows how a wall will be constructed when two buildings are fixed to each other, and the horizontal wall shows how an external wall is built.

A custom bracket was designed to allow the building to slide up and down along the columns; this bracket is illustrated in Figures 119-121. The bracket consists

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

out of a 160mm diametre cold-formed galvanised circular steel tube with four welded fins. The fins have pre-drilled holes to fix additional parts like wall-plates and lib channels that fix to the floors. The bracket is very complex and is especially hard to understand on plan and section. Therefore, many isometric details are drawn and illustrator to better understand the construction, like in figure 119. The overall fixing method of the building is predominantly screws and bolts, which allow the building to be quickly and easily be taken apart at any given time.

149

5.7.3. FLOATING BASE 2_

TYPE 2: DOCKS SA BLOCKS BASE_ The second base, discussed in the design process page 114115, is the Docks SA floating blocks. These blocks come in a standard size of 500x 500x 300 mm and are made of recycled plastic with an interior air cavity which allows the blocks to carry heavier loads. These blocks come with standard fixing pins to connect multiple blocks together. The blocks have extruded edges with holes that overlap and are then kept in place with the pins. These extruded edges can also be easily connected to the steel frame of the building. To restrict the blocks from deforming due to gravity when hanging in the air, additional lib channels are added at increments fixed to the blocks and steel frame.

150

Figure 122: Section of floating typology type 2: Docks SA blocks, 2021.

5.7. DETAILS

151 05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 123: Section of floating typology type 2: Docks SA blocks enlarged, 2021.

The exploded isometric in figure 124 and 125 shows how the pallet platforms, steel frame and the building as a whole is constructed.

These figures also show how the wall partitions are constructed. Different construction methods exist for different wall applications like walls with windows and door openings. The walls consist out of an interior structural timber frame, which is fixed to the steel frame, with corrugated sheet metal fixed on the exterior and interior sides of the timber frame. Galvanised steel flashing is fixed over the exterior corrugated sheet to the steel frame to prevent rainwater from seeping in between the joints between the walls and platforms.

Figure 124: Exploded isometric of floating typology type 2: Docks SA blocks, 2021.

152

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS Figure 125: Exploded isometric of floating typology type 2: Docks SA blocks enlarged, 2021.

153

154 Figure 126: Detail of first floor platform, 2021.

155 05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Figure 127: Detail of floating base platform, 2021.

5.8.

CONCLUSION

Figure 128: Mitigation strategy parti-diagram, 2021.

156

Nature had existed long before the industrial and techno-

tions are limited by only taking the surface of the problem

logically advanced era took over the world. Many people

into account. In most cases, the profound intangible contri-

lived years deeply connected to Mother Nature and re-

butions have greater significance to arising issues than the

ceived many benefits from doing so. Our disconnection

physical realm. Setswetla is repeatably affected by flash

started when the misconception came that nature should

floods every year, and although some officials have tried to

be removed to make way for a better future, a future that

relocate and better the lives of those affected, the greater

turned out to be a concrete jungle occupied by depressed

intangible contribution is the community’s social vulnerabil-

living creatures. Working against nature will be humanity’s

ity which was never addressed. As long as the intangible is

greatest downfall. Nature can provide us with added heal-

not addressed, no means of relief aid will ever be sufficient.

ing strategies to promote mental and physical well-being.

All humans, rich or poor, deserve a change to a better life;

“At

in my opinion architects can influence the quality of life of

shape

the

end

our

we

own

make

the

environment”

world

we

(Swett

live

Marden,

in

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

The research project concluded that many current solu-

and 2007)

people. Our surroundings greatly influence our well-being, it shapes our views on the world without us being consciously aware. By now being aware, we can use it to our benefit by starting to shape better and healthier environments for ou

157

158

The project also concluded that flood vulnerability in Setswetla can be reduced through affordable, sustainable social housing and urban model. When these interventions are available and, most importantly, feasible for low-income households, residents are no longer restricted from becoming resilient, as previously mentioned in the problem statement. Individual ownership has a great influence on the success of the project; the previous means of mitigation strategies by relocating residents to safer locations had devastating aftermaths, which led to homeowners losing ownership and, in the process, also pride in their homes and themselves. The proposed intervention strives individuals to willingly invest in their homes to become resilient, pride and ownership in the process are preserved and promoted. When owners are free to invest in their homes without the fear that in the future they could lose their homes should it be through officials relocating them or a flash flood, a more significant effort of investing in resilience will occur.

Resilient and fluid environments are a crucial necessity for informal settlements; these settlements need to be able to adapt and change over time. When balance is restored between nature, buildings and people through sustainable living, it will allow the residents to adapt and evolve as to how nature does. By being able to adapt and evolve, the project supplies a solution for the short term need for flood vulnerability and addresses the long term need for rapid urbanisation. Because the proposed social housing is never permanent and can be moved and adapted for future developments, it supplies more opportunity for change as informal settlements have a great need for.

It is impossible to relocate people and preserve individual ownership; the project allows residents to adapt their current homes to become resilient, which addresses the problem rather than moving people away from it.

159

05.DESIGN SYNTHESIS

to address this complexity by preserving the residents’ pride in their community and individual homes. By allowing

160

06.

APPENDIX_

161

6.1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION A series of working drawing and details were produced for the subject Contract documentation to explore and investigate the construction and feasibility of the project in South Africa. Many of these details are shown in the Design Synthesis chapter and discussed in detail with illustrations.

By working through the scales, a better understanding and approach was derived from this assignment, which resulted in a set of comprehensive plans and details to better present the project.

162

163 06.APPENDIX

164

165 06.APPENDIX

166

167 06.APPENDIX

168

169 06.APPENDIX

170

171 06.APPENDIX

6.2. DESIGN PRESENTATION

172

173 06.APPENDIX

174

175 06.APPENDIX

176

177 06.APPENDIX

6.3. REFERENCES

178

•

Khan, G., 2020. Disaster management models need adjusting: a case study in South Africa explains why. [online] The Conversation. Available at: <https://theconversation.com/disaster-management-models-need-adjusting-a-case-study-in-south-africa-explains-why-144296> [Accessed 4 September 2021].

•

Adegun, O. B. (2015) ‘State-led versus community-initiated: stormwater drainage and informal settlement intervention in Johannesburg, South Africa’, Environment and Urbanization, 27(2), p. 407–420.

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