Pretoria Tshwane: Regenerative Capital

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Pretoria Tshwane: The Regenerative Capital

University of Melbourne // University of Pretoria Cooperative Travelling Studio 2013

Pretoria Tshwane: The Regenerative Capital

University of Melbourne University of Pretoria 2013 Cooperative Travelling Studio


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Left and previous page: Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng Photo: Benjamin Scheelings Cover image: Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng Photo: Benjamin Scheelings

ISBN: 978 0 7340 4830 1 Intellectual Property Copyright in this publication is owned by the University and no part of it may be reproduced without the permission of the University. For further information, refer to: www.unimelb.edu.au/Statutes Statement on Privacy Policy When dealing with personal or health information about individuals, the University of Melbourne is obliged to comply with the Information Privacy Act 2000 and the Health Records Act 2001. For further information, refer to: www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/privacy Disclaimer The University of Melbourne has used its best endeavours to ensure that the material contained in this publication was correct at the time of printing. The University gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information and the University reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in its absolute discretion.


Contents

Introduction Veil Workshop Tlholego Pretoria OEP Students Goli Habibi-Kenari Matthew Healey Alberto Garza Barragán Alison Stoakley

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Group Projects Platform Flows of Life Regenerative Rooftops Share the Glow Discovering the Voice of Pretoria

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Acknowledgements This studio would not have been possible without the assistance of the following people and organisations: Roger Fisher, Professor, University of Pretoria, SA Architectural Heritage expert, founder http://www.artefacts.co.za/ Chris Malan, Architect and urban designer at Co-Arc International Architects Inc Dr. Arthur Barker, Director of the Masters program at Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria Jeffrey Wapnick, CEO, City Property The City of Tshwane Bernard Hanekom, Director: Special Projects, City of Tshwane Nàdene Bezuidenhout, City of Tshwane Clifford Malimabe, Project Work Stream Leader, City of Tshwane Pieter Mathews, architect, writer and editor, founder of the Cool Capital initiative Liesl Hattingh, Editor of Earthworks magazine Paul Cohen and Stephne Faine, Thlolego Eco Village and Learning Centre Edna Peres Albert Ferreira, Darren Nel, Trudi Swanepoel and Sizwile Dlamini. We gratefully acknowledge support received from the South African National Research Foundation Grant no 78649.


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Leapfrogging towards sustainability: How can the design process leverage foresight, behavioural economics and entrepreneurship to deliver game-changing interventions? When it comes to accelerating enticing and regenerative sustainability of our neighbourhoods, there is an opportunity to combine the best in entrepreneurship, motivation, ethics and technology in formidable interventions that take us of the linear path, tactically disrupt the status quo and enable leapfrogging, which is both possible and urgently necessary for urban planning.

This book summarises the outcomes of a University of Melbourne, School of Design travelling studio to Pretoria. The students experienced a week-long ‘charrette on steroids’ where they were asked to generate context appropriate sustainability interventions in an actual example of a city experiencing dynamic social and environmental transition through a fusion of multimedia, design, foresight and venture development.

This studio explored and critiqued the prevalent approaches to sustainability, targeting actual intervention and addressing the above questions by engaging students through a methodology purposefully designed to:

They were asked: Are we geared up to springboard of the seismic shifts that are altering the fabric of our communities and neighbourhoods, or will we forever play catch-up? What opportunities to leapfrog towards sustainable communities exist today that have been impossible before? And how can the cities professionals leverage them?

Ť Ť

There is a propensity – to some extent hard-wired into our brain – to assume that the future is more of today. Of course, it rarely is: design, organisational and information models that have served us well in the past may become a liability going forward, since they haven’t evolved to deal with change that is more prolific, disruptive and simply unprecedented. And yet often there are valid reasons why many don’t embrace opportunities for reinvention: whilst information abounds, methodologies for tackling complexity within shrinking budgets and timeframes are much harder to find.

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Track a wide spectrum of global emerging opportunities that enable leapfrogging; Diagnose the best leverage points, or ‘eco acupuncture’ points where interventions are likely to yield the highest impact; Accelerate the innovation and prototyping process through gamification and augmented reality; Mobilise relentless, actionable optimism in people; And launch game-changing solutions.

Studio leaders

Professor Chrisna Du Plessis Dr Dominique Hes Ms Elena Bondareva 5


Introduction

Cooperative travelling studio Pretoria Tshwane: The Regenerative Capital 25 students: 16 design masters 4 OEP research 5 Pretorian

Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design and Architecture Anthropology, Civil Engineering, Physics and Marketing, and Business Administration Professional Masters of Architecture

Input from: Representatives from the City of Tshwane municipality Pretoria CBD master planning and urban design consultants An architectural historian from Pretoria Pretoria street vendors Pretoria CBD Property development company Pretoria tourism authority Cool Capital Permaculture and integral design practitioner Environmental psychologist Editor of industry journal “Earthworks� Faculty from the University of Pretoria Covered: Regenerative, biophilic and sustainable design, venture development, eco-acupuncture, systems thinking, pitching projects, groups development and group dynamics. Output: Architecture journal publication, 5 conference papers and invitation to 2014 biennale for 3 projects


Plain, Akwaaba Lodge Rustenburg, South Africa Photo: Sahra Stolz

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left: Rietvlei Nature Reserve Photo: Benjamin Scheelings

VEIL The VEIL (Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab) workshop conducted by Che Biggs as part of our pre-trip preparations got us looking at systems and how we can make an analysis of a problem in order to bring about a desired change. We looked at examples of dendritic systems such as those used by major power companies to distribute electricity to a major city, and compared these to distributed systems like mycelia, neural pathways, and the internet. What those examples showed was that in a distributed system the chances of system-wide failure was greatly reduced because of its non-dependence on a single autonomous source.

Using systems thinking we were able to break a problem down into parts and use the dynamic flows we could identify between these parts to determine the best possible point for effective intervention. It was a process which most certainly led to team building and a better understanding of an issue from multiple viewpoints. Opening a dialogue about the issue was made easier by having a systematic process to follow.

Sahra Stolz

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TLHOLEGO

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PRETORIA

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“That is one of the phrases that I would choose to define our trip to South Africa. We not only covered the theoretical foundations of the regenerative design approach, but we achieved it through an intensive, practical and personal process. It exploded both sides of our brains, and pushed us to a better understanding of ourselves. Pretoria and Thlolego provided fertile ground for creativity and individual growth. The process was exciting, powerful, confronting, and an eye-opener for many of us...� Master of Environments student, Pretoria Travelling Studio Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng Photo: Sahra Stolz

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Students: Of fice for Environmental Programs Goli Habibi-Kenari

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Matthew Healey

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Alberto Garza Barragรกn

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Alison Stoakley

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Goli Habibi-Kenari My name is Goli. I was born in Iran, but grew up in the Netherlands. I lived in Dubai for 4 years and worked for a procurement consultancy firm before I decided to go back to university here in Melbourne. I have a bachelor degree in Business Administration, but I decided to change directions as I witnessed the effects of the liberal economic model on the natural environment in the UAE. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made so far as I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year and a half of my 2-year master of Environments degree.

This fascinating insight opened the door to the next question which is whether people, within the Pretorian society, who endorse the philosophy also feel greater connections to other species and nature. And if so, are they also more likely to be concerned for nature and undertake actions to protect the environment. In so doing, this research endeavour will hopefully contribute to the promising connectedness to nature theory and to the wider sustainability research, with the objective to encourage sustainable action in Pretoria.

Throughout the course I have often wondered why it is so hard for people to change their behaviour, when for the last decades scientific data has accumulated on the detrimental impacts that our anthropocentric approach to development has had on the natural environment. My personal interest for cultures and their influence on human values, beliefs and behaviour, led me to explore the major cultural elements that exist within South Africa. This is how I became fascinated by the Southern African indigenous philosophy of Ubuntu, which is one of the dominant cultural narratives within the South African culture. Ubuntu is the short-form of a widespread isiXhosa proverb: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, which means “A human being is a human being only through its relationship to other human beings”. The essential unity between self and other expressed in the ethics of Ubuntu demonstrates a cultural narrative that values connections, interdependence and concern for other people in the community. Although Ubuntu’s emphasis is primarily on human relationships, the philosophy can be extended into other species and the natural environment, which can lead to pro-environmental behaviour.

Above: Goli Habibi-Kenari (right) and Alison Stoakley Photo: Cynthia Ng

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Right: Zebra Rietvlei Nature Reserve Photo: Benjamin Scheelings


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Right: view of the city of Pretoria from the Union Buildings. Photo credit: Matthew Healey

Matthew Healey Urban Regeneration in South Africa: the role of a Story. We all have a story to tell. To me that is one of the most fundamental aspects of who we are, we can interpret and tell our own story – where we came from, where we are, and where we are going (or at least, planning to go).

proposes great changes to the CBD, and such changes may promise to change the story that both the decision makers and street vendors have for that place, and perhaps more importantly, for themselves. A conference hall and a theatre may share similar spatial features... yet we rarely sing or dance when presenting conference papers... we wouldn’t describe this behaviour as “out of space”, but it would most certainly be “out of place”.

Physical spaces have stories too. By space I am referring to any physical area or landscape. It can be the largest country or the smallest room, each space has its own unique story – where it came from, where it is, and where it is going.

Harrison and Dourish 1996

Pretoria, in South Africa, has its own story. A rich, deeply complex story, that began well before the city was founded, continued through the Apartheid era, and is still continuing even now. However, that story is not universal; the story is (re)discovered by each of us, and that story is what transforms a space into a place – because of the accumulation of meaning (Hildreth 2007).

References Harrison, S and Dourish, P 1996, ‘Re-place-ing space: the roles of place and space in collaborative systems’, Proceedings of the 1996 ACM conference on Computer supported cooperative work, pp. 67-76.

The purpose of my research is to examine how the regeneration projects occurring in Pretoria CBD are influenced by the story of the place in which they occur. This is done through examining the story that has been determined by the decision makers in the government in enacting the project, and the story (re)discovered by street vendors, in how the space they occupy contributes to their own story. The project

Hildreth, P 2007, ‘The dynamics of ‘place-shaping’: the changing rationale for urban regeneration’, Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, vol. 1, pp. 227-239.

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Right: Belle Ombre Butchery Belle Ombre Station, Pretoria Photo credit: Sahra Stolz

Alberto Garza Barragán Rebranding sustainability: Improving the effectiveness of communication strategies using South Africa as a test case. The idea behind this project started over a year ago when a group of classmates and I wondered if we could make sustainability sexier. We asked ourselves if it was possible to leverage behaviour change by building a certain passion around sustainability, making it more appealing, interesting and engaging.

Sustainability from a consumerism driven approach would have the opportunity to be rebranded, thriving on the passion of the possibilities that can be achieved (an irresistible future) and becoming aspirational rather than avoidable-negative based. My research seeks to further explore this rebranding opportunity, using South Africa as a test case. It will determine which cultural elements used in South African advertising could increase the mind-share of sustainability, making it more appealing and engaging for its population.

We have come to understand that the current communication strategies used to promote environmental action and motivate behaviour change are deficient, mostly because the sustainability message itself has not been accurately tuned to the human mind (Weber, 2010). Intentionally or unintentionally, we continue to appeal to negative-based emotions in order to get people’s attention: natural disasters, urban protests, global crisis, and carbon taxes. These alarmist, sensationalist, fearful, and shocking representations have not ensured people’s engagement or their long-term interest (O’Neill & Nicholson-Cole, 2009). On the contrary, this disregard for the human thinking process has contributed to the development of a sense of “learned hopelessness”, apathy, and action paralysis (Nagel, 2005).

References Nagel, M., 2005. Constructing apathy: how environmentalism and environmental education may be fostering “learned hopelessness” in children. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, Volume 21, pp. 71-80.

I believe there is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of the sustainability message by redesigning the message itself. And who would know about building and redesigning passion around something better than the advertising industry? The selling methods and knowledge that they could bring to the table may be extrapolated and used to enhance our sustainability communication strategies.

O’Neill, S. & Nicholson-Cole, S., 2009. ‘’Fear won’t do it’’ : promoting positive engagement with climate change through visual and iconic representations. Science Communication, 30(3), pp. 355-379. Weber, E. U., 2010. What shapes perceptions of climate change?. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 1(3), pp. 332-342.

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Photo credit: Benjamin Scheelings

Alison Stoakley

At 11:30 on a Sunday night, approximately three weeks after returning from South Africa, I sat down and drafted an outline for a new research project. While not the most expected occurrence after an eighthour hostel shift chatting with (and cleaning up after) backpackers, sitting down to review my original notes and outline drafted over the course of this research experience created a tiny and spontaneous explosion of inspiration. The jumbled chaos of ideas bouncing around in my head finally coalesced into a relevant, justifiable, and exciting research question. I just had to hope that Dominique would agree in our morning meeting the next day.

That little explosion of inspiration has developed into a research project surveying various aspects of public perception around recycled water in Pretoria. Knowledge surrounding the acceptability of recycled water for various uses and under different conditions or pressures will be valuable in a city that has a well-established water governance framework but is struggling to implement and maintain water systems. While water reuse has the potential to augment the current water supply in Pretoria and assist with the achievement of sustainability, health, equity and financial goals, there is little information on community attitudes toward this water source. The results of this research will highlight potential opportunities or barriers with regard to the implementation of water recycling projects and provide recommendations as to how the government can approach public engagement in the future.

She did, and I have since been off and running investigating various aspects of community perceptions around recycled water. I have, of course, had to play a slightly frenzied game of catch-up, but I don’t like to use that word, because ‘playing catch-up’ implies that I fell behind at some point. On the contrary, it was only through the hours, days, or really, months, spent building the context and literature background (with the help of those in the surrounding pages of this book) that I am now able to tackle the massive issue of water in South Africa with a project that can both contribute valuable knowledge and be completed in one semester of a Master’s degree; a difficult balance to strike, but hence why I am thoroughly convinced by ‘the Process’. Through this experience I have recognized the value in asking the right question as well as all of the paths that must be tread in order to get there.

So, as I should have expected when beginning this interdisciplinary regeneration journey, the engineer has begun to dabble in social research. I’m keeping my fingers crossed as we all continue to blur the disciplinary lines and wish you all luck doing the same.

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“All university subjects I have undertaken have taught me new skills and introduced me to new ideas, however I believe that this multidisciplinary subject has been by far the most influential and has had the greatest impact upon myself. It is the subject that has actually engaged me, made me participate and has motivated me to take the knowledge I have learnt beyond the compulsory 240 study hours. I have always supported cross-faculty learning and I expressed my passion for this in a manifesto last year. It seems that the Pretoria travelling studio has been the only subject so far to take advantage of the multidisciplinary approach towards the built environment.” Master of Architecture student, Pretoria Travelling Studio

“I feel that the greatest strength of the whole trip was the diversity within its ranks – or as I like to say it had “one of every food group”. The varying knowledge bases and complexities of the people within the class allowed for some amazing conversations both in and out of studio mode. I feel that this was cultivated through the highly multi-disciplinary mix of the class that was most heavily aided through the addition of the research students who added a mix that I had never experienced in group work at university before – and I’m envious and a little saddened that I had never been faced with this kind of collaboration previously. I would highly recommend the introduction of more cross department subjects not just internal faculty subjects as it really opens up another world view that everyone is better off for being involved in....” Master of Architecture student, Pretoria Travelling Studio 24


Projects:

Platform

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Flows of Life

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Regenerative Rooftop Modular System

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Share the Glow

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Discovering the Voice of Pretoria

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Jacaranda tree, Pretoria. Photo: Sahra Stolz


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p l a t f o r m 27


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The Pretorian informal sector is a stable but stagnant system. Despite having an incredibly rich ethno-cultural energy, there is little room to express it. Street vendors are stuck in a system of trade which leaves little room for individual innovation or local production. By purchasing low-quality imported goods in Marabastad, and reselling them at a profit in the inner city, street vendors become a channel for imports, which eliminates the need for localized production. Despite the current system working, it effectively eradicates potential jobs, local economic benefit, and the opportunity for indigenous entrepreneurial innovation. Pretoria is in need of a platform to launch its inherent indigenous creativity. 29 So how do you intervene in a system which is essentially functioning but unsustainable?


PROJECT: PLATFORM

TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION

We are proposing a platform where an unskilled individual looking for new opportunities can rent different hierarchies of workspace, tools and materials for an hour, a day, a week and gradually explore new entrepreneurial ventures as part of a flexible system.

By proposing funding based on a “package” system – where a governmental or private body can buy a share in the project by donating anything from R10 to R100 000, investment is made flexible and is non-committal.

The focus would be on local, individual production – and tap into Pretorian creativity and existing skills.

Skills training collaborations with local teaching institutions and volunteers will give individuals with no prior experience the opportunity to become part of the program, and create opportunity for personal growth and business expansion.

By starting small, the greatest change can be effected without uprooting the current trading system.

By incorporating pay-as-you-go and microlending/bartering opportunities, becoming part of the platform will be system accessible to all, including unskilled or entry-level individuals looking for a better life. Without having to fully commit or pay upfront for something which may or may not be successful, the proposed structure allows for leeway and is low-risk in case of failure.

Consequently, the initial intervention would rely only on generating funding through sponsorships, and generating public interest and social relationships through temporary pop-up workshops and digital media. Collaborations with government and local creative events like the cool capitol biennale may also be considered as part of exposure and funding strategies.

Eventually, larger, more permanent workshops will be integrated into the system as individuals establish viable business and production ventures and require more space. Eventual retrofits of existing urban buildings could to accommodate these creative platforms could spark tourism and urban creativity.

Over time, the build-up of partnerships and sponsors would allow for small permanent interventions – single shared work stations for craft production and collaborations with the existing informal trade markets to see what sells.

By effectively proposing a system rather than a single building, the project will be financially self-perpetuating. Essentially, the physical architectural interventions will follow the gradual systemic socioeconomic and cultural growth of the Platform.

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business mosaic: - start producing products to sell - pay-as-you-go access to facilities

Retrofit: - greater skills sharing - small business expansion - infiltration of new markets - additional permanent workshops - integration of environment and built structure

ARUP Masterplan: - reinstate river - social and cultural integration people are full of potential but disengaged

steering committee

vendors selling goods that do not reflect culture

website: - seed funding - community collaboration - social media

-small rentable lockable workstations - modular pop up workshop: - promote local production - opportunities to meet and greet

events - cool capital biennale - funding - cultural sharing

- waterways are reinstated - wetland regeneration

collaboration with local institutions - skills developed - business skills - personal growth - micro-lending - bartering

tourism ripples

- distribution/production increased - increased employment/salary - innovative and engaged

other accupunctural interventions retrofit of other urban buildings

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Vendor livelihood at risk: Belle Ombre Station Marabastad slated for demolistion.

SOCIAL ECONOMIC CULTURAL NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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- goods reflect culture - self sufficient local production


IMPORTS

THE CURRENT TRADE SYSTEM top become wealthy while leaving those at the very bottom, the factory Market vendors in Pretoria are locked into a system which allows no workers making the products, struggling to survive. Further, this system genuine choice in the stock they buy and sell. Their supply chains are imposes a heavy toll on the environment because it is dependent on homogenous and governed by an import industry which sees those at the 32importation from China and India.


THE PROPOSED TRADE SYSTEM The proposed system incorporates a diversification of sources for products available for vendor stock. This benefits the vendors by giving them genuine choices which help to support their local economy and 33

represent their culture. It benefits the local artisans and manufacturers by giving them an outlet for their creativity and involving them in the trade economy. It benefits the environment by reducing CO2 emissions from international imports and recycling waste material back into production.


FUNDING MODEL Platform’s website would be its main point of contact for users and investors alike. Investment packages would allow individuals and groups, including government and private investors, to purchase shares in Projects and/or Community Initiatives. Both Project and Community Initiative packages are considered to be investments as distinct from

donations or grant funding where a financial return is not the expectation. Projects include building works and infrastructure for the Platform project as a whole, where Community Initiative packages are initiated by individual and cooperative users of the Platform scheme.

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SYSTEMS THINKING

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You

You Wh

You You

You

You

Belle Ombre Station, site for intervention

Marabastad, centre for distribution

BEL OMBRE STATION By exploring the current system of trade, Marabastad was recognized as the informal local goods distribution center to the entire CBD. By suggesting acupunctural intervention at a leverage point in the existing trade system, the proposed design would be non-invasive, reducing the risk of failure.

The station is already part of the Marabastad urban structure, and part of the local trade system. It is also the main transport interchange in connecting with peripheral urban environments like Soshanguve. Pretoria CBD, Church St Street Traders

The building has many exceptional architectural and spatial qualities, and its robust brutalist concrete shell and space frame roof provides flexible interiors, ideal for modular work-and community spaces.

The Bel Ombre train station in Marabastad was identified as an ideal space to change the current system from within.

PLATFORM

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K ATIE C H EC K EN - U NIV ER S ITY O F M EL B O U R NE IA N H INC E - U NIV ER S ITY O F M EL B O U R NE S A H R A S TO L Z - U NIV ER S ITY O F M EL B O U R NE H EIDI VA N EEDEN - U NIV ER S ITY O F P R ETO R IA

So w

By e distr the

syst loca envi


THE PLATFORM CENTRE

Small rentable work stations can be integrated with the existing informal markets occurring in the

modular workspaces. the project be successful, building may be undergomarkets physical Small rentable work stations canShould be integrated with thetheexisting informal occurring in the housing station, and with time, shipping containers can be stacked in units. the building to provide larger, flexible modular workspaces. Should the project By tapping into the established product trade relationship between Marabastad distributers, local be successful, the may channels be undergo physical taxibuilding and train transport and inner-city vendors,construction the risk of failure is retrofits reduced, and over existing livelihoods not uprooted. work spaces and possible live-work housing time, to introduce morearepermanent units. The existing building already encompasses a passive design system of natural light penetration and

pLATFORM

pLATFORM

to involve a black water waste treatment system using an eco machine, with the advice of biologists

By tapping into the established and aquaponic experts.product trade relationship between Marabastad distributers, localThetaxi and train transport channels and inner-city vendors, the area to the north of the site will be utilised by the waste-water treatment, regenerated into a wetlands area. risk of failure is reduced, and existing livelihoods are not uprooted.

sound pipes

TFORM

M

In addition, the station is located on the intersection between Apies and Steenhoven rivers, and is an ideal space to reintegrate natural systems as part of the built fabric. A moisaic artwork with integrated listening pipes will enable the people in the concourse to connect with stream underneath.

Pretoria: imagine your future‌

The Platform project aims to integrate the existing social, cultural and environmental structures, and gradually redevelop the train station from distribution center to a center for local production and skills development, the station has the potential to become a holistic inner-city hub.

city.

This will encourage tourism of the both the Platform center and larger Marabastad area, and may potentially activate further socio-cultural projects and events in the area, tapping into local artistry, trade skills, and performance skills like music and theatre. Tourism may provide further economic growth and a vested interest in the project. The future

This initial “acupunctural� intervention will perpetuate further socio-cultural development and potentially initiate similar schemes in other location across Pretoria, producing ripples of urban change. This will encourage cultural cohesion and urban expression, transforming the CBD into a place we could love.

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Your local economy is invigorated through your culture of innovation. Your street vendors sell locally produced goods. Your job opportunities expand. Your new-found energy attracts tourists, as well as locals. Your communities are more cohesive, your demographic more diverse. You appreciate your waterways and natural systems. Your urban areas are regenerated. Pretoria: you have a sense of place.


ESD components & Biophilic aspects of the design

ESD COMPONENTS

I

E

The existing building already encompasses a passive design system of natural light penetration and efficient cross ventilation with thermal mass cooling. The proposed retrofit will upgrade the station to involve a black water waste treatment system using an eco machine, with the advice of biologists and aquaponic experts.

View from station to the North pLATFORM

The area to the north of the site will be utilised by the waste-water treatment, regenerated into a wetlands area. In addition, the station is located on the intersection between Apies and Steenhoven rivers, and is an ideal space to reintegrate natural systems as part of the built fabric. A mosaic artwork with integrated listening pipes will enable the people in the concourse to connect with stream underneath. 38

View from station to the North pLATFORM


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CENTRE FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT The Platform project aims to integrate the existing social, cultural and environmental structures, and gradually redevelop the train station from

distribution center to a center for local production and skills development, the station has the potential to become a holistic inner-city hub. 40


Potential scenario for the development of cultural precincts around ‘PLATFORM’ STEENHOVEN SPRUIT

pLATFORM

CBD sites for potential future creative platforms

CBD SITES FOR POTENTIAL FUTURE CREATIVE PLATFORMS The Platform project will encourage tourism of both the Platform center and larger Marabastad area, and may potentially activate further socio-cultural projects and events in the area, tapping into local artistry, trade skills, and performance skills like music and theatre.

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This initial “acupunctural” intervention could perpetuate further sociocultural development and potentially initiate similar schemes in other location across Pretoria, producing ripples of urban change. This will encourage cultural cohesion and urban expression.


You are a Pretorian. You are a street vendor, selling hats, sunglasses, phone covers and watches on Church Street six days a week. You have a toddler and two school-aged children, who are looked after by your elderly aunt while you are at work. You travel for an hour to get from your home in Soshanguve to Pretoria, staying overnight in a shared room in the city for three nights a week to save money. You pick up goods to sell at the Marabastad distribution centre from your agent, who lets you know what is available. In turn, you let him know which products have been selling well. One day, as you are carrying a box full of stock from the distribution centre to your taxi, you step into a pothole and fall awkwardly, fracturing your knee. Your recovery is slow. You’re unable to go to work. You don’t know what other work you can get – everything you’ve been offered requires you to be able-bodied.

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You hear about a workshop available through The Platform which, in exchange for very little money, will give you dressmaking skills. You arrive at the former Belle Ombre train station to find a bustling hive of activity, with workshops, traders, teachers, studios and living spaces. You take part in a workshop run by the TUT and gain skills in simple pattern making and machine sewing. You register to use a shared sewing machine and produce garments to both sell to your former agent and on the community website. You have the chance at a new start – the chance at a new life, and the chance to be a part of a new city. You are your people. You are your natural systems. You are your opportunities. You are Pretoria.


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Photo: Emilio Lovisa


Fl o w s o f L i f e Leigh Bramley

Tinus Van Der Merwe

Cynthia Ng

Master of Architecture University of Melbourne M a s t e r o f A r c h i t e c t u r e ( P r o f. ) University of Pretoria Master of Landscape Architecture University of Melbourne


Water has always had not only a beneficial function for the Pretoria CBD, but also a historical and place-specific meaning. The Apies River finds its source at the Fountains Valley, which was originally called ‘Zubuhlungu’. The name means ‘that which hurts’, referring to the dolomitic stone from which the groundwater surfaced, and also testifies of a strong tangible connection between the people of the area and the natural environment.

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The Apies River runs from East to West, the movement of the sun, which is symbolic of the journey from birth to death. The rivers of the region themselves are soft, flowing and changeable, and they represent the nurturing woman that supports the inhabitants of the area.


“Pretoria is one of the prettiest towns in Africa. Today water runs down every principal street and is used to irrigate the town… There could be no better watered town in the World than Pretoria.” (taken from a local brochure, 1903).

The connection between the inhabitants and the water of Pretoria had been severed by modern city planning and infrastructure; most probably to mitigate potential flooding, which did become a problem as the city began to mature.

Storm water is now sent immediately under ground into a subsurface system of about 900 km of concrete pipeline. Water, which used to be Pretoria’s most abundant and precious resource, is currently disposed of as quickly as possible, without us even knowing.

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What will happen to the city infrastructure with the predicted increase in rain fall? Leaking potable and storm water pipes are one of the greatest causes of sinkholes? Car falls into hole

Pavement gives way

Road base

Culvert collapses

An aging culvert ...

... finally collapses

Pavement gives way ...

“The City is also challenged by sinkholes, with Region 4 being the most prone to dolomitic sinkholes. Two of the most recent occurrences are the ones in Jean Avenue and Basden Road. As these are busy roads, the vinconvenience to the community has been significant and the City would like to resolve the matter with speed.

... and swallows a car

By May 2012, the Jean Avenue sinkhole will be completely fixed, the site completely rehabilitated and the road re-opened to the public. The Basden Road sinkhole will be completely rehabilitated by August 2012.”

Excerpt taken from “State of the City Address” (2012) http://www.tshwane.gov.za/About Tshwane/Council/OfficeofExecutiveMayor/ages/State-of-the-City-Address-27-March-2012.aspx

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Humans and water are similar in that we like to take the easiest and fastest path from Point A to Point B. We need to Slow the Flow and allow people and water to mix at a number of locations in the city, with the first being the most important.

The site chosen for this intervention is Station Plaza. This is a main gateway to the city which contains many connections to the city and beyond. The site has a strong historical connection for the city inhabitants, with it’s reference to water, makes it ideal for this much needed intervention. The intervention is a seed to create a city wide water treatment system and can cause a ripple effect across Africa, making Tshwane a city of Excellence in Water.

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The Plaza in front of the Pretoria Train Station, located in the CBD, at the southern end of Paul Kruger Street, is a historical site for both water and human collection. The site is currently conducive to fast flowing movement of people on the surface and fast flowing water in underground pipes.

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The site plan and section indicate the location of the two ponds that are to be used to help reconnect people with water, helping to slow the flow of both humans and water in the area. The play equipment and water fountain makes the site interactive.

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Visually and physically re-connecting people to water by the use of two sunken beds. The first bed is the educational bed that is full of reeds and other plants to show that the incoming storm water can be filtered naturally (not to a potable standard). The second sunken bed contains the water features for the biophilic nature that is desired for this installation. A pond where people can sit and enjoy the water and the company of others, of all ages.

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The small playground installations of the see-saw and round-a-bout help the children of Pretoria engage and learn about their precious resource. The play equipment helps to pump the water from one pond to the other and this is backed up by the solar panels which are installed in the shade houses.

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Site perspective indicating proposed installations of the two ponds and water features.

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Perspective of the water filter pond with a boy playing in the water fountain

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The initial site is indicted in red with the hope that from this small intervention the concept can be repeated across the city. The plan is not to replace the existing storm-water system but to work with the existing infrastructure in a complementary way. This map indicates some of the future target areas and sites.

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One future plan is to aid in the greening of roads by adding trees and suitable ground plants to aid roadside water filtration and treatment. An added benefit of this programme is a reduction in the Heat Island effect. This can be implemented in the current plan for Paul Kruger Street and any future road redevelopment. 57


Buildings can also be used to help collect and store rainwater. This stored non-potable water can be used to water a roof-top garden (which produces crops), wash down buildings, and/or used in other systems that do not need potable water, such as the flushing of toilets. The stored rainwater could also be sold to others or transported to other locations.

By using the rainwater and treated storm water in selected ways, more potable water is then available for other purposes, such as public drinking fountains or larger water supply programs.

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Tshwane’s future

where “...water runs down every principal street and is used to irrigate the town…” and is an African City of Water Excellence, with a Sustainable Water Management Plan.

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Regenerative Rooftop Modular System Ingmar Buchner The University of Pretoria Tom Thakonphaet The University of Melbourne Erica Cheong The University of Melbourne Simon Dihn The University of Melbourne

Regenerative Rooftop Modular System 60


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Our vision is to transform the skyline of Pretoria, to restore ecological balance in the city, and nurture a sense of community pride and belonging, through regenerative rooftop systems

Current Pretoria We’ve found that in our interaction with the current city and its residents, conditions in the city are not pulling people to live and contribute to the city to its full potential. Most people travel to the city for work – but then head back to their homes in the suburbs. There is also a perception that the city is unsafe and has little to offer for these people. This creates a culture that does not foster a sense of community and belonging. People tend to only venture into the CBD only when absolutely necessary - a sense of pride for the administrative capital seems almost non-existent.

The city is not nurtured, for the home is where the heart is.

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Toward the Solution We believe that creating a sense of belonging within Pretoria felt like they belong within their own families and immediate neighbours. By targeting a shared space, we wanted to create an environment that gave people a chance to interact with one another, to foster new relationships and create a sense of community that allowed trust, pride and security to develop and grow within these neighbourhoods. The opportunity arose on Paul Kruger street on the city rooftops, when it was noted rooftops were being used as a small social space. Our intervention aims to maximise that potential, through a system that not only brings back life to these underused resources but also to regenerate the city. Over time, vibrant rooftops in conjunction would bring back life to scale, next a community scale, then a neighbourhood scale and eventually the city scale. We hope to see a ripple effect that will translate to activity down the street in 4 stages:

surroundings. The rooftop modules at its core are designed to ecologically regenerate the rooftops immediately by having a natural presence. The inclusion of plant life not only enables people to feel such as listed on the slide. 2. The next stage is the community regeneration: As people start to enjoy the rooftops for their own uses, a community will be encouraged. People will learn to respect others’ properties (like crops), and social interactions are encouraged. A building that gets along with one another will give people a sense of belonging. not only bring about positives for just the residents but also the wider neighbourhood. Safety can be increased due to passive surveillance. Positivity and familiarity will be promoted throughout the immediate proximity as the area is a beacon for change. Over time, combined with other rooftops in proximity installed with our

4. The last stage of our ripple effect is the city regeneration. All the Excellence.� Giving Pretoria something to be the forefront of, whilst making the solution very contextualised will give residents some pride 63 all of which will contribute to giving the people a sense of belonging.


1. ECOLOGICAL REGENERATION

CONNECTION WITH NATURE

BENEFITS

The rooftop modules at its core are designed to ecologically regenerate the rooftops immediately by having a natural presence. The inclusion of plant life not only enables people to feel safe and secure, but also provides benefits for the building itself.

2. COMMUNITY REGENERATION

< RAINWATER RUNOFF < HEAT ISLAND EFFECT < HEAT/COOL LOADS IMPROVED AIR QUALITY

OWNERSHIP, CONTRIBUTION

BENEFITS

As people start to enjoy the rooftops for their own uses, a community will be encouraged. People will learn to respect others’ properties (like crops), and social interactions are encouraged. A building that gets along with one another will give people a sense of belonging.

SPECIES DIVERSITY

RESPECT, TRUST, UNDERSTANDING POSITIVITY, CLOSENESS STIMULATING, EDUCATIONAL

3. NEIGHBOURHOOD REGEN.

PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE

BENEFITS

A retrofit rooftop will not only bring about positives for just the residents but also the wider neighbourhood. Safety can be increased due to passive surveillance. Positivity and familiarity will be promoted throughout the immediate proximity as the area is a beacon for change.

4. CITY REGENERATION

FAMILIARITY, NETWORKS RECLAIM LOST SPACE > BUILDING VALUE

PRIDE, FUTURE VISION

BENEFITS

All the above benefits are now a framework towards an “African City of Excellence.” Giving Pretoria something to be the forefront of, whilst making the solution very contextualised will give residents some pride -- all of which will contribute to giving the people a sense of belonging.

MENTAL HEALTH

FOREFRONT OF SUSTAINABILITY VIBRANCY, ACTIVITY TOURISM, ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS “A SENSE OF BELONGING”

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Our Proposal : A Modular Roofing System So how do we propose to achieve all this? A retrofit roof solution would enable its users a chance to interact with one another but a green roof solution would not only cater to that but also allow its residents to immerse themselves in a comforting environment through nature.However, installing green roofs on existing buildings is not easy, so our challenge was how to create a roofing system that was easy to install, as well as being lightweight, so that almost anyone could use it. We combined the ingenuity of Lego units and the wasteful abundance of plastic bottle crates - to come up with a modular roofing kit that was adaptable to the building’s needs and was capable of different functions. By drawing on established knowledge of green roofs from around the world and adapting them to a South African context this enables leapfrogging ahead to provide modular accessible green roof designs to the masses.In keeping in line with regenerating the city, we looked towards using only recycled materials in order to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible. Plastic timber is a product pioneered in South Africa that presents all the benefits of wood - its durability, its texture, its strength - but in a 100% recycled plastics format.These modular kits are aimed at building owners who wish to contribute to the regreening of the city. They also provide immediate benefits for the building, potentially increasing building value due to the inter-building harmony and community promoted by the system.

SEAT MODULE Can be configured to: - A single chair - A large couch - Bench and table combination - Ottoman - Bartop, amongst others

TA B L E / S E AT. M O D U L E

wood tabletop 700x700x25, 10.4kg (estimated from Tufflex Plastic Products)

3 x 76 x 13 x 51 J Bolt

wood tabletop 700x700x25, 10.4kg

(estimated from Tufflex Plastic Products) wood seat 360 x 360 x 25, 2.6kg

3 x 76 x 13 x 51 J Bolt

crate280x330x330, 2.2kg (estimated from PlasteCo.) wood seat 360 x 360 x 25, 2.6kg

crate280x330x330, 2.2kg (estimated from PlasteCo.)

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TA B L E / S E AT. M O D U L E


PLANTER MODULE Can be configured to: - A garden bed - Patterns for a pathway - Educational tool for learning about flora - Different heights, amongst others

soil 300x300x100, 5.85kg (estimated from Chamberlains Pty Ltd) geotextile 2.1m2, 0.63kg crate perforated 110x330x330, 0.87kg (estimated from PlasteCo.)

wood grid 4 x 100x75x450, 11.2kg wood grid 2 x 125x25,1290, 6.2kg (estimated from Tufflex Plastic Products)

crate solid 75x330x330, 0.82kg

wood grid 2 x 125x25,1290, 6.2kg wood grid 4 x 100x75x450, 11.2kg

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CREEPER MODULE Can be configured to: - A barrier/balustrade - Green walls - Shading device - A pergola, amongst others cross bracing 1500long, 0.2kg

cross bracing 0.2kgPty Ltd) (estimated1500long, from Chamberlains (estimated from Chamberlains Pty Ltd) wood joist 65x24x1050, 1.3kg

wood joist 65x24x1050, 1.3kg

wood posts 90x90x1250, 8.9kg (estimated from Tufflex Plastic Products) crate section 330x280x12, .44kg

(estimated from PlasteCo.) wood posts 90x90x1250, 8.9kg (estimated from Tufflex Plastic Products)

crate section 330x280x12, .44kg (estimated from PlasteCo.)

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Plant selections

soil > 100 mm

The following plants are appropriate to grow in a South African climate, and are also suitable for our modular system because the depth of soil required is not too deep.

Ocimum-basilicum

Mentha-citrata

Coriandrum-sativum

soil < 100 mm soil > 100 mm

Some of these plants can be used as foods, whilst others promote biodiversity in the city. The size of your crate will determine which plants are suitable for you. soil < 100 mm S U I TA B L E R O O F T O P S P E C I E S ( < 1 0 0 m m ) PLANTS SUITABLE FOR < 100mm SOIL

Aptenia-cordifolia PLANTS SUITABLE FORBulbine-abyssinica > 100mm SOIL

Bulbine-natalensis soil > 100 mm

Ocimum-basilicum Solanum-tuberosun

Mentha-citrata Vicra-faba

Coriandrum-sativum Brassica-oleracea

Cissus-quadrangularis

Cissus-rotundifolia

Cotyledon-orbiculata

soil > 100 mm

soil < 100 mm Aptenia-cordifolia Brassica-gemmifera

Bulbine-abyssinica Brassica-capitata

Bulbine-natalensis Solanum-melongera

Ornithogalum-longiscapum

Crassula-alba

Crassula-expansa

Lactuca-satira

Allium-wakegi

Capsicum-frutescens

Brassica-gemmifera Crassula-ovata Solanum-tuberosun

Crassula-pellucida Vicra-faba

Brassica-oleracea

Beta-vulgaris

Solanum-lycopersicum

Brassica-chinensis

Brassica-gemmifera

Brassica-capitata

Solanum-melongera

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Combinations The ingenuity of a modular system means that it can be adapted to different needs. Our modules have been de signed so that they all connect and fit in with each other, to create a range of possibilities.

The combinations above utilise both planter and creeper modules to create a shading device as well as a garden.

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Can have multiple options, or a singular option depending on how you want your roof to be used. The following floorplan shows a typical roof on Paul Kruger Street

NANA SITA STREET

PAUL KRUGER STREET

Regenerative Rooftop

Possible configurations for different building typologies

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Exploring possible scheme So now we’ve introduced our modules, let’s have a look at how this would fit in its contexts. A typical building typology on Paul Kruger street are residential buildings with spaces for retail on the bottom floor.

Garden option could utilise the planter box and creeper module for residents to grow their own crops.

Fitted with our modular system, it provides an opportunity for these unused areas to be used to its full potential, over time will flourish into a social area which aims to regenerate its surroundings.Here is a possible floorplan configuration, just an example of how things might look on an existing roof. We can see the flexibility in the plan, that the modules can be laid out in any way you wish, or in “groups” depending on function. In the north west corner, we have a possible garden layout. This area could be used for residents to grow their own crops, for personal or selling purposes, or even for simply just the enjoyment of the range of flowers available on your rooftop.

Social option makes use of the seating modules to create areas for residents to congregate and engage with immediate neighbours.

Social opportunities can arise from another arrangement of the modules. These benches and tables provide the fostering of existing relationships, and perhaps a starting point for new ones. As stated earlier, we hope that this small intervention can cause a ripple into the streets, by first injecting life into the unused rooftops. We anticipate that success of a first project will stir interest onto other buildings, and when we have all these green roofs in close proximity, the benefits are amplified. However, this will take time, ongoing maintenance and interest in the solution by existing building owners. In order to facilitate the ongoing system, we will require assistance from the local council in order to make our scheme successful.

Shading option can block out the harsh summer sunlight, as well as 71 complementing a gardening or a social option.


PHASE ONE Pitch to Council

Council forms “Municipal Regreening Program” The Municipal Regreening Program will be in charge of coordinating the project to ensure a smooth transition. Durban, South Africa, has a similar council dedicated to the installation of green roofs in that municipality.

Municipal Regreening Program implements competition to find suitable Pilot Project site The pilot project will not only act as an advertisement, generating buzz, but will also act as a feasbility study to ascertain the appropriate data regarding our modular system.

Assess suitability of modules We may find that the proposed modules aren’t suitable, or that there are better ways of constructing these modules. The pilot project allows for modifications to be completed.

Who will be on the team? The Municipal Regreening Program team should work together with a large range of groups such as green roof experts, engineers, university students and building owners.

Conditions of entry The winning building will have a scheme implemented on its roof, based on its current building typology. In order for the team to assess its success, the conditions of entry should be as follows: - Building owner must give feedback on whether the system is working - The plants and framework must be maintained by the owner - Owner will be given modular units to keep, however should have an open mind in terms of trying out new configurations

Install/make modifications onto chosen Pilot Project site The new modules are then retested, and results collected to show effectiveness.

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Implementing the Vision Phase one of the implementation scheme assesses the viability of the project through a pilot project - which is also intended to create hype and buzz around the project. Modifications and adjustments can be made to the modules before they are released to the public - like a trial period.


PHASE TWO Product/Service made available to public Following success of the pilot project

Ongoing self maintenance

Advice given to customers Based on roof structure, intended usage... the Municipal Regreening Program could give customers advice on which modules to use/work best for their roof.

Self installation by the customer/building owner The modules would come as flatpacked as possible, ready for the building owner to easily install himself. Soil and plants would also be provided, however the building owner can also use his own if he wishes.

Phase two can be started once phase one is complete. Phase two will still require ongoing management so that the vision that Pretoria be a regenertive capital is always kept clear. If the Council wishes, eventually the processcan be privatised. However the project will require the council’s hand in starting up, as thecouncil can asses whether the project is suitablefor Pretoria as a whole.

The building owner will have to ensure that his plants are maintained. This could be done through community encouragement, or by hiring of a gardener.

Make modifications based on advice to existing modules Newer templates can be developed.

Ongoing relationship with existing customers maintained

Assess success of existing modular units based on feedback

For the vision of transforming the skyline to be a reality, relationships should be kept with these customers, as they are contributing to bringing life back to Pretoria.

Back at the Municipal Regreening Program, feedback based on complaints or praised would be analysed and used to make the process simpler, or more engaging for the customers.

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A great future for Pretoria is one where its residents can safely walk the streets whenever they wanted. A great future for Pretoria is one that allows for a positive, caring environment with an amplifed community feel. A great future for Pretoria is one where green practices are encouraged, contributing to strengthening the relationship between residents and nature. A great future for Pretoria is one that feels like home. A great future for Pretoria is one that feels like you belong.

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Share the Glow

Dayne Beacom

Master of Architecture U n i ve r s i t y o f M e l b o u r n e

Mimi Davey

Master of Architecture U n i ve r s i t y o f M e l b o u r n e

Nick Pappas

Master of Architecture U n i ve r s i t y o f M e l b o u r n e

Jake Taylor

M a s t e r o f Dayne A r c h i tBeacom ecture U n i ve r s i t y o f M e l b o u r n e

Carla Taljaard

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Mimi Davey M a s t e r o f A r c h i t e c Nick t u r e Pappas ( P r o f.) U n i ve r s i t y oJake f P r eto ria Taylor Carla Taljaard


Upstream and downstream development of informal trade systems to foster social, ecological and economic value, through the implementation of a social network, modular vendor unit, urban farm and administrative hub.

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We are share the glow, our proposal aims to improve the street quality and retail opportunity of Paul Kruger Street by establishing a formal market system. This system would allow entry for micro entrepreneurs while providing opportunities for social integration and environmental regeneration. Given the limited project time frame we needed to quickly identify key areas where small interventions would

Through the implementation of a social network, modular vendor unit, urban farm and administrative hub we see opportunities to bridge the gap between the existing informal and formal trade economy. The multifaceted system can be implemented through a stage-by-stage roll out; whilst these stages can be interconnected they are not interdependent and can be implemented individually. This system aims to uplift the social and environmental development of Pretoria, South Africa.

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network

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urban farm system

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urban farm system

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urban farm system

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urban farm system

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hub

hub

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vendor unit

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Construction Utilises Local Skills PV Cells LED Lighting System

Modular Components

Compact Design Transportable Compost & Recycling Bin System

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staging implementation

vendor to vendor communication, facebook page setup, vendor and business profiles promoted locations promoted

19,000m2 of potential roof top space for urban farm farming along Paul Krugar e St private funding through building owners investment, revenue through produce sold and savings in building energy requirements

inventory management system setup financing gained through advertising

closing the loop of the vendor market through composting of vendor and consumer waste, to be utilized in urban farm regeneration.

promotion of business to consumers

an

fa STA rm GE fun s 2 din - pr iv bu g ild thr ate ing ou ow gh ne rs

urb

ne tw o

STA rk se ge GE tup ne 1 - n rat et e f wo un rk din to g

vendor network app creation

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local council strives to clean up the Paul Krugar e St to attract tourists and inspire multiculturalism through step by step formalization of the informal street traders

local manufacture through the hub, with either council or private funding

a hub is set up for vendor unit design, manufacture, distribution and storage, also acting as the administrative hub for vendors

replaceable bags / baskets for ease of stock replacement

a collapsible compact cart design, can be folded and unfolded by one person with ease

a permit for trading can be purchased from the hub and vendors can rent or buy a “Thswane� branded cart sh

roof incorporates amorphous pv cells that charge the led lights for night trading and also provides charging point for consumers to connect electronic devices to

r

un STA it G co E 4 un - lo fun cil o cal din r pr iva g te

do ve n

hu

b STA G co E 3 un - lo cil c fun al din g

variety of fabric materials available prototype: roof material - woven tetra pak basket material - recycled tartan plastic duffel bags

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EACH STAGE CAN BE IMPLEMENTED INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER THUS PROVIDING 4 BUSINESS ENTRANT OPPORTUNITIES


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Discovering the Voice of Pretoria Benjamin Scheelings

Master of Landscape Architecture University of Melbourne

Ta m a r a B u r t o n

Master of Architecture University of Melbourne

Julia Hurley

Master of Urban Planning University of Melbourne

Dina Bacvic

Master of Urban Design University of Melbourne

MariĂŠ CronjĂŠ

M a s t e r o f A r c h i t e c t u r e ( P r o f. ) Universit y of Pretoria

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How do Pretorians feel about their city? What are their hopes for the future? Pretoria is a place filled with stories waiting to be told, but people lack a voice, and an opportunity to tell them. Our proposal aims to allow the voice of Pretoria to be heard, respected and valued. For this to occur you must ask the right questions. Through fun and engaging installations, involving open air question and voting stations, the people of Pretoria will be given the opportunity to answer questions about their lives and their city. The information obtained will bring a voice to the community. It will also provide a process for businesses and institution to gain knowledge and insight about their city. By asking strategic questions, conversations will be hosted on issues of substance. This will provide a fresh perspective on public opinion. Eric Vogt in the article, ‘The Art of Powerful Questions’ highlights that “questions that challenge current operating assumptions will be the key to creating positive futures.” So asking questions has the ability to generate insight that will help shape the future. The art of seeking new possibilities lies in asking the right questions.

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LACK OF BELONGING

LACK OF CARE FOR PLACE

DISENGAGEMENT

PRECONCEIVED IDEAS

DIS-EMPOWERMENT

LACK OF SOCIAL COHESION

CRIME

VOICE

INEQUALITY 98


Current Social Conditions Through injecting a voice of the people we aim to gain insight into the true problems and issues affecting Pretorians. Through the collection of data, appropriate interventions can be made, creating a ripple effect throughout the community helping to facilitate change.

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Trust Building Installation Would you like to answer this question?

Initially, a fun installation would be established to create awareness of the Think Tank intervention. The question would generate participation and a public art display. Public questions and multiple voting stations

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would provide interaction and activity within the city center. It would hope to create comfort and support within the population as issues are addressed and responded to.


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Light Installation Would you like to know how to cut your electricity bill in half?

Through asking a question such as “Would you like to know how to cut your electricity bill in half?� This opens a discourse about lifestyle, what the Pretorian population know, what they would like to be educated on and how they feel about certain environmental issues.

The example below demonstrates an interactive voting station where a button is pressed and then a particular answer is lit up. The scafolding board to the right would display the results collected from the voting stations in an artistic form.

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Cultural Values Installation Do you think South Africa is a racist country?

This type of installation targets cultural and value issues. The installation would drive a more emotive response compared to the other themes addressed. Questions would involve writing down and posting short and long

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responses to particular questions and then these would be posted in a secure capsule. More expressive answers would be expected which would Vinstigate further research and analysis.


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Business Phasing

PRIVATE INVESTOR/ COUNCIL/ COMPANY WITH A VISION

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH

CITY COUNCIL

THINK TANK

THINK TANK

THINK TANK

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

THINK TANK STAGE 4

-

IDEA BUSINESS MODEL QUESTION DISPLAY QUESTIONS TRUST BOARD & DESIGN OF FUN QUESTIONS INFRASTRUCTURE - VALIDATION ENGAGEMENT

THINK TANK STAGE 5

NGOs

INCREASING TRUST INCREASING ENGAGEMENT INCREASING VALUE

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Right: Wall art Lebone II College of the Royal Bafokeng Photo: Benjamin Scheelings


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Pretoria Tshwane: The Regenerative Capital

University of Melbourne // University of Pretoria Cooperative Travelling Studio 2013

Pretoria Tshwane: The Regenerative Capital

University of Melbourne University of Pretoria 2013 Cooperative Travelling Studio


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