SPACE LAB // VOLUME 05

TUT Department of Architecture Project by Kyle Philip Coulson October 2018

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SpaceLab FIVE

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Fig. x - Isolated in a public space

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SPACE DEFINED BY PHYSICAL ELEMENTS DURBAN CONTEXT HARBOUR CONTEXT SALISBURY ISLAND POINT DEVELOPMENT LIST OF FIGURES BIBLIOGRAPHY

-TENTS

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SPACE DEFINED BY PHYSICAL ELEMENTS

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Steyn (2013, p. 16) states that it is instinctive impulse to view architecture as a receptacle of space; it is a physical container by which space is a by-product. Ching (2007, pp. 96– 97) considers the positive and negative space of the image which reflects either two faces, or a vase; he explains that the one cannot exist without the other, and similarly with architecture, form and space together form the reality of architecture. Ching concludes that architectural form occurs at the juncture between mass and space.

Ching (2007, pp. 103–160) explains that form defines space in two ways: 1.

Base planes, which define or inhabit the space above them, where the vertical plane becomes implied. The base plane can be elevated, flat, depressed or overhead. The overhead plane defines the space below, instead of the space above (Ching, 2007, p.

102).

2.

Vertical planes, which are critical in that they create visual limits in the spatial field. Vertical planes also serve to separate one space from another, and most notably become a boundary between exterior and interior. The vertical plane can consist of vertical linear elements—a single vertical plane, L-shaped plane, parallel planes, U-shaped planes, or an enclosure of four planes.

The impulse to view architecture as a receptacle of space has been inherited from Renaissance thinking, which was originally inspired by classical Greek thought that was concerned with mass in space, instead of space as an architectural substance (Van de Ven, 1978, p. 191). Architecture was originally positioned as a fulfilment of the basic human need for shelter, but this has changed with the emergence of Modern architecture.

According to Van de Ven (1978, p. 239), Modernism introduced a fundamental shift in the definition of architecture. Space was introduced as an inherent, immaterial dimension of architecture, and no longer seen as a result of elemental composition.

Jenson (1998, p. 323) states that space, by definition, is the most immaterial of all means of artistic expression and that space is also the most difficult aspect of architecture.

However, space is also the ultimate destination to which architecture addresses itself. With the rise of space as a theoretical premise within architecture, the definition of the term has become blurred. Bruno Zevi (1957, p. 30) attempts to describe space as a multi-dimensionality, which has a layering of aspects that define it. Scruton (Jenson, 1998, p. 324) follows a more Cartesian (Euclidean) notion of space, whereby space is identical to

that which constitutes its spatiality (i.e. length, width, and thickness). This defines space as the remaining void between the material.

Jenson elaborates that both of these theories are limited because the theories exclude the notion that humans interact with space.

Steyn (2013, p. 16) proposes that the definition of space should be architectural space that is occupied. Therefore, architectural space as a container, volume or Euclidean space intersects with the activity, movement, and the interpretation of its inhabitants. Jenson (1998, p. 326) explains that when one inhabits an architectural space, the experiential qualities of this encounter do not consist solely of geometrically based relationships of substance or volume, but on the occupation of such spaces by the faculty of imagination.

Steyn (2013, p. 16) enquires whether the conflation of space and activity presents an ethical imperative to architecture. Referring to Le Corbusier’s writings in Towards a New Architecture, Steyn writes that Le Corbusier referred to the “modern man” in a “modern society” and Le Corbusier assumed that this modern man would have an appreciation for the machine. Steyn suggests that if architecture could emulate this perfection, and could influence cultural identity and behaviour, it follows that a perfected society

could emerge from Le Corbusier’s perfected architecture. Unfortunately, modern-day machines are far more complex than the machines of the 1920s and therefore create an unfinished world, saturated with glitches.

Le Corbusier’s idea about modern man is one of the issues that this mini-dissertation uses to showcase the negative impact modernism had on nature.

Jensen (1998, p. 326) concludes that architectural space can never be envisioned as a void contained between physical elements; space is an environment that compromises light, sound, materiality, imagination, and form.

Behaviour forms part of the definition of space and adds to the concept of triangulated difference, where space is not a contrast of physical and void, but a combination of physical elements, activity and the void, which collectively constitute the architectural space. Therefore, the creation of architecture defines space, but allows for an opportunity for the user experience of space to be enhanced.

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ARCHITECTURE Durban has a unique and diverse array of architecture styles, noticeably the art deco, Victorian and Edwardian style with an eclectic mix of Islamic architecture. Recent years have seen the introduction of more contemporary structures across the metropolitan, with quite a lot of development in the sport zone, along the pier, as well as inner-city rejuvenation.

CLIMATE Durban is classified as a humid sub-tropical climate, with humid, high temperature summers and warm, dry winters.

Fig.1_ Durban montage

DURBAN

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DURBAN CONTEXT Durban is a multicultural society with a complex history dating back to the original settlers, the Khoi-San. Durban has a natural bay, which was one of the key attractions for the European settlers, who developed a port.

The city of Durban developed as a result of this port. On Christmas Day 1497, Vasco de Gama sailed into the mouth of Durban Bay and named it Rio de Natal (Christmas River).

In the years that followed, Rio de Natal developed into a sanctuary for explorers and sailors as the natural bay offers protection against ocean storms, one of few natural bays along the southern African coastline (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, p. 11).

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In 1840, Durban became a British colony.

The sandbar prevented easy movement for ships and thus established the “battle of the bar”. The port engineers implemented several schemes between 1850 and the 1900s.

However, the relationship between the port and the city clashed from the beginning. The port focuses on maximising the volume of freight across the quay, and the city desires maximum economic benefits for its citizens.

The first settlers arrived in 1823, by ship— The Salisbury. The Salisbury vessel was forced to anchor in a sheltered area while the accompanying ship, The Julia sailed over the sandbar to survey the bay. Lieutenant King, who commanded the ship, befriended King Shaka Zulu who granted him land around the bay (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, p. 12).

The town of Durban had a total of 15 settlers

in 1835. There was peace between the settlers and the Zulu Kingdom when Shaka Zula was still reigning. When Dingane took over the Zulu Kingdom, he started showing open animosity and aggression towards the settlers (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, chap.

12).

In 1844, the British annexed the southern portion of Natal to the already existing Cape Colony. In 1860, a railway was introduced and the settlers found the Zulus to be uncooperative workers. As a result, the British imported the first indentured Indians to work in the sugar cane fields. So-called passenger Indians accompanied the workers. These Indians where free to engage in business.

Like many South African cities, Durban still bears the imprint of the colonial planning.

George Cato implemented a three-street town plan, with two parallel main streets.

However, this rigid grid structure started deforming as it spread to the surrounding landscape, creating an extremely convoluted layout of the Durban suburbs. The city centre still has remnants of its colonial origin, with neo-classical buildings and colonial statues.

The city is also still named after its founder Benjamin D’Urban, although the municipality is now referred to by its Zulu name, eThekwini (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, p. 12).

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By 1890, the railway line was connected to Johannesburg, which assisted travellers who travelled to South Africa for the gold rush.

In 1900, the town had a sewage system,

hardened roads and water reticulation. The expanded railway attracted more people from the Transvaal to vacation in Durban, which established it as the tourist destination that it still is today.

Later, Durban also served as a main disembarkment point for British troops assisting in the rising conflicts in the colony.

By this time, Salisbury Island had been developed as a Royal Navy outpost, to assist during World War II. By 1935, Durban was granted city status.

In 1950, the Group Areas Act was implemented, formalising the communities while large townships where constructed.

The municipal boundaries have been increased over the years and resulted in the larger eThekwini Municipality (eThekwini Municipality, 2011).

S T O R Y

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INNER CITY LAYOUT

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Fig.2_ 1892 map

1892: Map of the natural bay with the initial

city grid slightly visible. The site is a natural island within the middle of the bay with wild life on the edges of the bay.

SITE

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Fig.3_ Central post office 1885

Fig.4_ Durban station 1894

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Fig.5_ City hall 1903

Fig.6_ 1919 map

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INNER CITY LAYOUT

1920:

The city grid has formalized and developed along the bay. The natural bay has also started to formalize around the edges of the bay.

SITE

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Fig.7_ Memorial tower 1946

Fig.8_ Enterprise building 1931

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Fig.9_ Art deco building

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Fig.10_ 1958 map

1958:

The bay is mapped for bigger vessels to move through bay, Salisbury Island (site) is formalized by the Royal Navy and a thoroughfare is added to the main land with further development on the bluff side of the bay, train infrastructure introduced into the port

INNER CITY LAYOUT

SITE

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Fig.11_ Nedbank building 1961

Fig.13_ Riebeeck 1965

Fig.12_ Crasulla 1967

Fig.14_ Sugar Terminal 1962

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Fig.15_ House Masjoda

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Fig.16_ Ocean Jetty 1961

CONTAINER PIER

Fig.17_ 1985 map

1985: The port is formalized around the

edges of the bay and Pier 1 and container pier was built into the middle of the bay as well as the train infrastructure expanded around the bay

INNER CITY LAYOUT

PIER 1

SITE

Fig.18_ KZNSA Gallery 1995

Fig.19_ Mangosuthu Technikon 1982

Fig.20_ Joe Slovo building 1982

INNER CITY

SUGAR MILL

CONTAINER CARGO

Fig.21_ 2018 map

NER CITY

2018: The port is formalized around the

edges of the bay and Pier 1 and container pier was built into the middle of the bay as well as the train infrastructure expanded around the bay

EB

SIT

PIER 1

THE BLUFF EA

NORTH

SIT

Fig.22_ Durban Stadium

Fig.23_ Convention center 1994

Fig.24_ Investec Building

Fig.25_ Proud Heritage 2006

Fig.26_ Unilever 2010

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HARBOUR CONTEXT Before the industrial boom, the original bay housed an opulent mangrove forest on its edges where crocodiles, flamingos and hippopotamuses roamed free. The hills surrounding the bay were home to lions, elephants and hyenas. There was also a massive sandbank in the middle of the bay (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, p. 11).

The British colony realised in 1840, that the success of the colony lies within the import and export of goods through the port of Natal.

The original plan was unable to go ahead due to financial constraints and the sandbank located at the entrance of the bay, which also raised a lot of concerns. Port engineers focused on the sandbank from 1850–1900, and by late 1930s the “battle of the bar” was won. The port has always been of national importance, whereas the city has only been of municipal concern. Unsurprisingly, the port and city have always had different goals—the port focuses on increasing and maximising freight across the quay, while the city strives to maximise economic benefits for its citizens (Mather, no date, p. 131).

As one of the busiest ports in Africa, the harbour forms a pinnacle point of the city and is the heart of the Durban economy. The port itself employs roughly 50 000 individuals and this estimate excludes external firms that depend on the port in some way or another (Mather, no date, p. 130).

The port is South Africa’s main general cargo and container port, and handles around 31,4 million tons of cargo with an estimated worth of R50 billion each year. The port is one of few in the world that is right next to the central business district. Pilotage is also compulsory at the port, which means a designated port captain is flown to the vessel outside the port and the port captain then pilots the vessel into the harbour (Mather, no date, p. 135).

Fig.27_ Durban Harbour

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Fig.28_ Durban Harbour at night

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SALISBURY ISLAND Before the industrial boom, the original bay housed an opulent mangrove forest on its edges, where crocodiles, flamingos and hippopotamuses roamed free. The hills surrounding the bay were home to lions, elephants and hyenas. There was also a massive sandbank in the middle of the bay, which was later removed to open the bay to bigger ocean fairing vessels (eThekwini Municipality, 2011, p. 11).

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As one of the busiest ports in Africa, the harbour forms a pinnacle point of the city and is the heart of the Durban economy. The port itself employs roughly 50 000 individuals and this estimate excludes external firms that depend on the port in some way or another (Mather, n.d., p. 130).

The port is South Africa’s main general cargo and container port, and handles around 31,4 million tons of cargo with an estimated worth of R50 billion each year. The port is one of few in the world that is right next to the central business district. Pilotage is also compulsory at the port, which means a designated port captain is flown to the vessel outside the port and the port captain then pilots the vessel into the harbour (Mather, n.d., p. 135).

Salisbury Island has got an extremely complex and rich history and although the buildings on the site are significant, the real heritage aspect lies with the site and its interaction with the community and city.

The island has the ability, if opened to the public—even partially—to be reimagined and reused to inject new economic vitality, job creation and urban design benefits for the city of Durban.

The existing buildings on the site were originally established as workshops and factories to construct and maintain ocean vessels. The new function celebrates the

original purpose of the buildings by adapting them to once again build a type of vessel; a space vessel. The key difference between the old function and the new, is that the old function restricted any form of public interaction, whereas the new site encourages it.

The existing infrastructure on site has been investigated. Unfortunately, since the site is a military base, I was not granted access onto site and because of its sensitive nature, photographs, information and plans are extremely limited. The investigation has therefore been conducted through models, found information and photographs on public platforms, google earth and documents from the Department of Defence archives and museum. The information gathered shows that most of the buildings are in a dilapidated state due to lack of maintenance and financing.

Some buildings are unoccupied, and some are completely damaged because of a tropical storm. Therefore, it is not possible or practical to preserve all the existing buildings. Those that will be preserved, must be adapted significantly for their new function, introducing new structure, foundations and services. The current site is also not currently used to its full capacity. The naval base only houses three offshore patrol vessels; therefore, the naval base is transferred to the southern portion of the site. The remaining part of the site will be rezoned for the space centre and a significant part as commercial public space.

Salisbury Island is situated at the water’s edge, within a port typology, so it is important to understand the connection to the water’s edge and the connection to the port and the city.

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Fig.29_ Salisbury Island

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Fig.30_ Salisbury Island view

S Public access to site

RSA N RSA Navy Home base Construction of road and rail way to site

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Royal Navy takes control of the site Imperial airways station // flying boats in the Harbour Quarantine station established on site Jetty and channel development Colonial authorities remove settlers Headquarters for first commercial Indian fishing industry Indian immigrants settle permanently

Indian immigrants use site for fishing industry Site is used as a leisure spot for picnickers, water sport activities and Holiday homes for the wealthy

1861 1865 1870

1900

1930

ISLAND

1941

1948

1957

SALISBURY Time-line of Salisbury Island, Illustrated by author, information from (Maitland, 2016)

SpaceLab Naval base Naval station All recreational activity ends and site is closed to public Pier 1 construction starts University college for Indians Reclamation of land behind site RSA Navy Home base moves to Simon’s Town

me base

rail way to site

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l of the site

our

1957 1960

1969

2002 2012 2018

Fig.31_ Salisbury Island aerial photo

SI T E -

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NO

RTH

NO

RTH DRAWING NAME

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

Project Name

EX PLO R A T IO N

PROJECT NAME

Fig.32_ Salisbury Island plan

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Fig.33_ Salisbury Island inverted figure ground map

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NO

RTH

Fig.34_ Salisbury Island figure ground map

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NO

RTH

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NO Fig.35_ Salisbury Island existing

structure massing model

RTH

RT H NO

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FOCUS AREA

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Fig.36_ Salisbury Island existing

structure detail model

Fig.37_ Existing built structure

investigation

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Note: Structure was developed from public accessible photographs that where taken inside the structure.

Photos are available with author

Fig.38_ Existing built structure

investigation detail model facade

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EXPLORATION

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Fig.39_ Existing built structure

investigation detail model interior

Fig.40_ Existing built structure

investigation detail model interior volume

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Fig.41_ Existing built structure

interior perspective

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POINT DEVELOPMENT The author recognizes the proposal made for Point development and responds to the proposal. There is also no critical stance taken on the typology and ideals of the development.

The mini-dissertation proposes that Space Lab becomes a tenant in one of the buildings by renting out two floors as the Mission Control centre. This gives a clear view of the launching barge that will be situated out in the ocean.

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Fig.42_ Point development rendering

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Fig.43_ Durban promenade with launch

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Figure 1- Durban montage. 2018. By Author Figure 2 - 1892 map. 2018. Photo taken by Author, (Map viewed at the Department of Architecture archives, University of KwaZulu-Natal) Figure 3 - Cental post office 1885. 2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-cityguide/victorian-and-edwardian/centralpost-office Figure 4 - Durban station 1894. 2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-cityguide/victorian-and-edwardian/durbanstation. [Accessed: 02-07-2018] Figure 5 - City hall. 2018. https://www. kznia.org.za/durban-city-guide/victorianand-edwardian/city-hall. [Accessed: 02-07-2018]

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Figure 6 - 1919 map. 2018. Photo taken by Author, (Map viewed at the Department of Architecture archives, University of KwaZulu-Natal) Figure 7 - Memorial tower 1946. 2018.

By Author Figure 8 - Enterprise building 1931.

2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durbancity-guide/art-deco/enterprise-building.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 9 - Art deco building. 2018. By Author Figure 10 - 1958 map. 2018. Photo taken by Author, (Map viewed at the Department of Architecture archives, University of KwaZulu-Natal) Figure 11 - Nedbank building 1961.

2018. By Author Figure 12 - Crasulla 1967. 2018. By Author Figure 13 - Riebeeck 1965. 2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-cityguide/modernism/crasulla. [Accessed: 05-07-2018]

Figure 14 - Sugar Terminal 1962.

2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durbancity-guide/modernism/sugar-terminal.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 15 - House Masjoda 1961. 2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-cityguide/modernism/house-masojada.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 16 - Ocean Jetty 1961. 2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durban-cityguide/modernism/ocean-terminal-t-jetty.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 17 - 1985 map. 2018. Photo taken by Author, (Map viewed at the Department of Architecture archives, University of KwaZulu-Natal) Figure 18 - KZNSA Gallery 1995. 2018.

By Author Figure 19 - Mangosuthu Technikon 1982.

2018. By Author Figure 20 - Joe Slovo building 1982.

2018. https://www.kznia.org.za/durbancity-guide/late-modern/88-joe-slovo-str.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 21 - 2018 map. 2018. By Author, (Original map from MapAble) Figure 22 - Durban Stadium. 2018. http://andrewrhbphotography. co.za/durban-my-hometown-in-bw/.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 23 - Convention center 1994.

2018. By Author Figure 24 - Investec Building 2010. 2018.

By Author Figure 25 - Proud Heritage 2006. 2018.

By Author Figure 26 - Unilever 2010. 2018. By Author Figure 27 - Durban Harbour. 2018. https://andrewharvardphotography. com/tag/durban-south-africa/page/14/.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018]

Figure 29 - Salisbury Island. 2013. https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/ kwazulu-natal/navy-to-return-to-durbanssalisbury-island-1496219. [Accessed: 05-07-2018] Figure 30 - Salisbury Island view. 2018.

By Author Figure 31 - Salisbury Island aerial photo.

2018. By Author Figure 32 - Salisbury Island plan. 2018.

By Author Figure 33 - Salisbury Island inverted figure ground map. 2018. By Author Figure 34 - Salisbury Island figure ground map. 2018. By Author Figure 35 - Salisbury Island existing structure massing model. 2018. By Author Figure 36 - Salisbury Island existing structure detail model. 2018. By Author Figure 37 - Existing built structure investigation. 2018. By Author Figure 38 - Existing built structure investigation detail model facade. 2018.

By Author Figure 39 - Existing built structure investigation detail model interior. 2018.

By Author Figure 40 - Existing built structure investigation detail model interior volume.

2018. By Author Figure 41 - Existing built structure interior perspective. 2018. By Author Figure 42 - Point development rendering. 2018. https://northglennews. co.za/130287/first-phase-billion-randpoint-waterfront-project-launched/.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018]

Figure 43 - Durban promenade with launch. 2018. By Author Figure X - Isolated in a public space.

2018. By Author

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 28 - Durban Harbour at night.

2018. https://clhg.com/blog/2012/11/ ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-durban/.

[Accessed: 05-07-2018]

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BIB LI O GR A PH Y

Ching, F. D. K. (2007) Form, Space and Order. Third. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. eThekwini Municipality (2011) Durban. Durban.

Jenson, M. (1998) ‘Space in Architecture: A reinterpratation of its essential role’, in ACSA International Conference. Boulder.

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Maitland, V. (2016) Heritage Impact Assessment for the Proposed Landside Infrastructure Development at Berth 203 to 205, African Centre for heritage activites.

Mather, A. A. (no date) ‘Durban and its Port : An Investigation into the relationship between the City and port of Durban’, Retours d’expériences internationales, 2, pp. 127–142.

Steyn, S. (2013) Narrative factory. University of Pretoria.

Van de ven, C. (1978) Space in Architecture. Amsterdam: Van Gorcum Assen.

Zevi, B. (1957) Space as Architecture. New York: Horizon Press.