SPACE LAB // VOLUME 01

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TUT Department of Architecture Project by Kyle Philip Coulson October 2018

L SpaceLab A U O N F C F 01 H AL I C FI OK F O BO E TH ACE SP

Fig.1_ Welcoming space

Fig.2_ Space shuttle launch

0 1 234 Initiation Atmosphere Research Methodology Importance of study Delimitation of study Problem statement Concept List of figures Bibliography

What is space?

Historical context Adaptive reuse Urban tapestry HafenCity List of figures Bibliography

Outer space Laws of physics Einstein Space Exploration SANSA Programme Visual Dictionary Accommodation List List of figures Bibliography

Space as abstract concept Physics and Architecture Space and time Foam theory and Modernism Touchstone Conclusion List of figures Bibliography

LAUNCH LIFT-OFF UMBILICAL FINAL FRONTIER MATHESIS

Declaration Acknowledgment Abstract

56789 Space as amalgamated term Urban Design - City Urban Design - Harbour Urban Design - Site Archispeak Form, Space and Order Design Development Movement - Rocket Movement - Barge Movement - Visitors Movement - Staff Safety and Security Organization List of figures Bibliography

Perspectives Site Plan Ground floor plan First Floor Plan Typical floor Plan Section AA Section BB N Elevation S Elevation W Elevation E Elevation

Final Exhibition

Construction Drawings Naledi Pandor Speech Keith Gottschalk Essay SANSA Pamphlet

TARGET LOCKED AMALGAMATION SPACE LAB CONCLUSION ANNEX

Space defined by Physical elements Durban context Harbour context Salisbury Island Point development List of figures Bibliography

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: ARCHITECTURE: PROFESSIONAL (Structured)

Tshwane University of Technology Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Department of Architecture Supervisor: Prof Amira Osman Mentor: Stephen Steyn November 2018

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I, Kyle Philip Coulson understand what plagiarism is and am aware of the university policy in this regard.

The project is my own work. Where other people’s work has been used (either from a printed source, internet or any other source) this has been carefully acknowledged and referenced in accordance with departmental requirements. I have not used another student’s past work to hand in as my own. I have not allowed and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his/her own work.

DECLARATION

ACK N OW LED GE ME NT

- MY LIFE SUPPORT IN SPACE -

There is a famous saying that “it takes a village�, and none of this would have been possible without my village.

I must start by giving glory to my creator, Jesus Christ. For giving me the ability to do what I love, to direct me and challenge me to be innovative, creative and think out of the box. For every moment, thank you for being there.

To Prof Osman, thank you for pushing every aspect of this process to produce a wellrounded project and steering me in directions I never even considered. I am honoured to have had you as my supervisor.

To Stephen, thank you for your vision for this project and imagining a new dimension, for your advice and encouragement. The banana hat was one of the highlights of my year.

Mnr Mossie, you believed in my structure and assisted in unprecedented ways (as always).

To my mom, you are one powerful woman.

Thank you for working hard and allowing me to follow my dreams. You make it possible for me to do what I love and no words can express my gratitude.

To my dad, thank you for the support, the talks, the ocean basket lunches and listening to me hammer on about this project. Thank you for financial support and for just being awesome.

Vine, I could not have asked for a better sibling and person. You keep it real and you support me in every insane dream I have!

Ouma and Oupa, you are always ready to help at the drop of a hat!

To Hannelize and Lardus, where do I even start? You opened your house to me, you prayed for me, you guided me, we debated and joked and above all you created a place I could call home. May I become the man you always challenge me to be [Eph 1:18].

Amarise and Christof-Elardus, your silliness and unconditional love has affected me more than words can describe, but know that I hold every moment dear to my heart.

Werner Henken, I look at you and you inspire me all over again. You have a passion in you that cannot be tamed and I am excited to see how you will develop and grow as an architect. Mighty man of Valour, go find your greatness!

Michelle and George, thank you for being there and supporting me throughout the year.

Imke, this book would not have been possible without your eagle eye. I appreciate it so much!

Shannon, the best office buddy I could have asked for, thank you for the quick crits, support and chat sessions late at night!

Remember that smoking is bad for you!

Finally, I have to give a HUGE shout-out to Jaco Peens, Heino Viljoen, Leze van Staden, Yolandie Alberts and Nicoline Roux.

Each one of you stepped in and helped in the final weeks leading up to the exam. Your dedication to my project made me stress less and dream bigger. THANK YOU!!!

THANK YOU-BAIE DANKIE-SHUKRAAN -WOORDE Fig.3_ Self portrait

there is perhaps no better a demonstration of the

FOLLY of human conceit than this distant image of our tiny world ________________ CARL SAGAN 1990

Fig.4_ Earth rising from the moon

A BS TR A CT

It is interesting how the intersection of two lines can almost instantaneously orientate us. Tom Porter (2004) explains that it is the recognition of the intersecting lines that makes us distinguish up from down and left from right; it gives us our entire understanding of space.

This mini-dissertation topic is a thought experiment that investigates the word, space.

The proposed dissertation includes the design of a multi-disciplinary collective space lab for the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). Space Lab has a launch complex alongside a launch-vehicle-construction-andassembly facility, with a collective research component that encourages public interaction and integration.

The proposed site is Salisbury Island, in the Durban Harbour. The island has gone through multiple changes throughout history and has reached stagnation. It is currently a naval base, but the proposed dissertation aims to revitalise the derelict state of the site and establish a new urban framework, as well as propose an alternative location for the naval base.

The proposed dissertation highlights Salisbury Island as an integral part of the city context, and proposes a space centre that is unique to South Africa, and perhaps—if needed —a new icon for the country and the city of Durban. It investigates the Modernist approach to space because the modernist philosophy has had an immense impact on architects’ approach to the environment. It also explores the abstract of space, particularly the works of Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which is translated metaphorically to inform the typology. Finally, the dissertation attempts to use Peter Sloterdijk’s philosophy to inform the organisation of the facility, to assist in creating a collective environment.

Keywords: Collective, Space, South Africa, Durban Harbour, Multi-disciplinary, Space Centre

Fig.5_ Spaced

THREE TWO ONE Fig.6_ Falcon 9 Rocket

LIFT OFF

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02 04 06 07 10 10 12 14 15

INITIATION ATMOSPHERE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IMPORTANCE OF STUDY DELIMINATION OF STUDY PROBLEM STATEMENT CONCEPT LIST OF FIGURES BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INITIATION Space is an unlimited phenomenon.

Architectural space, mathematical space, dream space, pictorial space, the literary space created by writers, and the space of physics are but a few of the many types of spaces. There is also outer space as in the universe/cosmos or galaxy.

Space is ambiguous, and this minidissertation investigates and explores the definition in multiple ways.

SPACE IS AMBIGUOUS

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Because this mini-dissertation is a thought experiment, the issues cannot be examined through a purely academic lens.

Therefore, various lenses are used—a hybrid of academic, theoretical, philosophical, social and spiritual approaches. This way, the experiment can be viewed from different angles to try and generate the best possible solutions.

In this way, this mini-dissertation aims to establish a new way of thinking, a new way of designing and programming the built artifact with a collective mindset as the new focus.

The m ain issues discussed are: 1. the definition of the word space; 2. the space typology and why it should be investigated; 3. working within an historical context; 4. the importance of urban design and responding to the water edge.

Investigating these issues individually allows for a better in-depth analysis of each, and in this way attempts to use different sources to assist in the findings.

Fig.7_ Launch pad 39A

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Fig.8_ Africa

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ATMOSPHERE

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After more than two decades of missile development, former President P.W. Botha (1984–1989) decided that South Africa should also develop its own space programme. The objective of the space programme was to develop an earthobservation satellite with the necessary ground support and launcher. The country showed considerable capabilities in establishing this programme, but was forced to discontinue after the 1994 elections.

In order for South Africa to function as a democracy, the military ideals had to be discontinued (Gottschalk, 2010, p. 37).

There are currently six African-owned satellites in orbit, but not one African state has launch capabilities, which effectively means that international states with launching capabilities need to be contracted to get the satellites in orbit. The second South African satellite to be launched, had a two-year delay. The then Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor decided to investigate the possibility of establishing a launch site and launching vehicle in South Africa and concluded that South Africa should have its first 20-year launch plan (Van Wyk, 2009).

South Africa re-entered the space race 20 years after the end of the Cold War to find that the geo-strategic realm of outer space had changed, and that more developing countries are developing their own spacebased technology resources (Van Wyk, 2009, p. 49).

The African Union has also acknowledged the importance of space travel within the continent’s development. The African Union Agenda 2063 (Van Wyk, 2009) states that space research is crucial for the socioeconomic development of the continent, and concludes that space applications are effective tools for monitoring the environment, assessing natural resources, developing early warning systems, telecommunications, and mobility of people and living things.

The South African National Space Agency was established in 2010 to coordinate and implement the national space programme.

Civil society also plays an increasing role in the development of space-related research, with a growing number of academic research institutions and private sector entities becoming involved in space-related activities (University of Cape Town, n.d).

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This proposed dissertation is a thought experiment. It explores the philosophy surrounding Modernism, as well as theories that act as strong opposition to the modernist philosophy. This is a comparative study on the effects that pro-modernist and anti-modernist philosophies have, did not have, or could have on current outer space programmes, specifically on the South African National Space Programme. It aims to establish a way forward for architecture and space research by either following modernist philosophies, going against them, or finding a middle ground.

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Data has been collected through reliable sources and experts in the various fields.

The initial stage starts grouping the various theories into three main categories of space: abstract, physical and void. Thereafter, the theories are further divided into modernism and anti-modernism.

The second stage interprets the distinction between the theories and explores how a mediation can be formed between the distinct theories within each category. Thereafter, the research explores how a synergy could be achieved by combing the three main categories of space (abstract, physical and void), into one space.

Finally, the research is presented in a series of writings, diagrams and sketches and highlights how each theory impacts the final design.

The initial literature review included a number of studies on modernism and antimodernism. Further investigation of the ambiguous meaning of the word space was conducted. This allowed the researcher to establish a structure where the ambiguity of the word could be manifested into a built artefact using the theories mentioned above, to direct the design process.

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IMPORTANCE OF STUDY Space exploration is important for South Africa. Boateng (2016) insists that by investing in space, Science and Technology can serve as a key enabler for inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.

He explains that Africa is no stranger to space science and that an astronomical observatory was unearthed in Sudan, which is thought to date back to 7000 B.C. Boateng (2016) acknowledged that questions will surface about the appropriateness of space ambitions in the light of other more pressing issues, but encourages African states to press forward because the space sector has huge economic and social developments.

The inspirational area of space will attract scientific talent to address some of the continent’s greatest development challenges.

Ernest Stuhlinger, Associate Director of Science at NASA in 1970, responds to a letter from a nun in Zambia, who asked whether he could justify spending millions on the Apollo mission if there are starving children in the world (Siegel, 2016).

Stuhlinger writes in his letter that he is aware of the grave issues of hunger that the world is facing, but that retaining some of the country’s spending money for research and discovery could eventually contribute more to the relief of human suffering than using every cent to feed the hungry. He explains that satellites in orbit survey and evaluate ground and weather conditions, which could increase food production and better food distribution through improved international relations.

Siegel (2016) insists that investing in space benefits the world. Dashevsky (2017) adds that humanity’s future in space is too far away to predict with absolute certainty, but it is close enough that it is worth the time to carefully observe it as it takes shape.

What was more important was a collective effort to make sure it gets done right. There are no boundaries or state lines in space.

International relations are pivotal for the success of any nation’s space programme and improving international relations in space would benefit relations on earth.

Fig.9_ Zero gravity

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Fig.10_ Star nebula

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DELIMITATION OF STUDY The research does not aim to solve any of the issues mentioned (i.e. environmental, technology, government spending), but instead support the design of a state-ofthe-art facility that can house the experts in those fields to combat these issues within the network of the space sector.

The mechanical engineering component will not be resolved in detail. Estimates are used for ducting and equipment, as well as technical components for the actual integration and launch facilities. The focus of the mini-dissertation is on the allocation of space and as far as possible, the design of technical components.

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Due to the complex nature of range safety requirements, estimates are used for launching radius and launch corridor systems after consulting an expert in the field (Coetzee, 2018).

I was not granted access to the physical site, therefore the existing infrastructure is a speculative study.

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PROBLEM STATEMENT The South African National Space Agency requires a facility that is on the forefront of space technology and adds a unique lens to the current approach to the space sector.

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Fig.11_ Imagination station

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CONCEPT Earth and outer space, technology and man, man and nature, land and water…

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As the project’s concept started to formulate, it seemed from the start, that the concept might just be ‘contrast’. Porter (2004, p.

38) states that it is contrast that assists in our understanding to detect differences in our immediate environment, changes in temperature from hot to cold, up and down, or sweet and sour. Contrast is also pivotal to our visual perception. It is what makes us perceive three dimensions, the differences in light, size, colour, and texture that helps decipher the three-dimensional space.

Ironically, this lens contrasts the direction of the project, and it soon became clear to the researcher that the theories where not necessarily in contrast with one another, but rather just different. Land and water are in contrast to one another, but when one introduce the sky it becomes three elements that are different from one another instead of in contrast. The same applies to up and down, and left and right. Introducing the z-axis makes it different. Therefore, it has become evident that the concept and lens through which the entire mini-dissertation should be approached is triangulated difference.

Continuously introducing a third element allows the subject to be viewed differently.

To explore the theory of the concept, a series of triangulated difference models have been built to explore the concept in more depth.

These models are translated into design development generators as well.

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Fig.12_ Triangulated difference concept exploration

Figure 1 - Welcoming space. 2018. By Author Figure 2- Space shuttle launch. 2013 https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=310220 [Accessed: 02-08-2018] Figure 3 - Self portrait. 2018. By Author Figure 4 - Earth rising from the moon. 2018. By Author Figure 5 - Spaced. 2014 https://nylon.com/articles/lazy-oaf-space-oddity [Accessed: 20-07-2018]

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 6 - Falcon 9 Rocket. 2018. By Author

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Figure 7 - Launch pad 39A. 2018. By Author

Figure 8 - Africa. 2006. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blank_MapAfrica.svg. [Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 9 - Zero gravity. 2018. By Author Figure 10 - Star nebula. n.d.. https://sovera.org/flaming-star-nebula/ [Accessed: 30-06-2018]

Figure 11 - Imagination station. 2015. https://www.smudgetikka.com/fashion/cool-space-kidsfashion-story-by-sandra-freij-for-milk-magazine/ [Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 12 - Triangulated difference concept exploration.

2018. By Author

BIB LI O GR A PH Y

Boateng, P. (2016) Outer space is the place for Africa’s future. Available at: https://mg.co.za/article/2016-05-26-00-outer-space-is-the-place-for-africasfuture (Accessed: 1 January 2018).

Coetzee, G. (2018) Conversations about Space, Rockets and Space centers.

Pretoria : Email (Documents available from author) Dashevsky, E. (2017) Welcome to SpaceX City: The Ultimate Startup.

Available at: https://www.pcmag.com/article/355323/welcome-to-spacex-citythe-ultimate-startup (Accessed: 15 February 2018).

Gottschalk, K. (2010) ‘South Africa ’ s space programme - Past , present , future’, 8, pp. 35–48. doi: 10.1080/14777622.2010.496528.

Latour, B. (2013) ‘The Breakthrough Institute - Love Your Monsters The Breakthrough Institute - Love Your Monsters’, (2), pp. 1–5.

Porter, T. (2004) Archispeak. New York: Spon Press.

Siegel, E. (2016) Why Exploring Space And Investing In Research Is NonNegotiable. Available at: http://exonews.org/why-exploring-space-andinvesting-in-research-is-non-negotiable/ (Accessed: 12 February 2018).

University of Cape Town (no date) Space in South Africa. Available at: http:// www.spacelab.uct.ac.za/space-south-africa-0 (Accessed: 30 January 2018).

Van Wyk, J.-A. (2009) ‘South Africa’s space policy and interests: a new dawn or black hole?’, Strategic Review for Southern Africa, pp. 46–73.

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