Atrophy OF
KAROO LANDSCAPE
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The Beginning Shannon Jacobs The design of an ecological research and rehabilitation facility for Karoo vegetation in Prince Albert, South Africa
“Every scrap of biological diversity is priceless, to be learned and cherished, and never to be surrendered without a struggle.” - EDWARD O. WILSON, AMERICAN NATURALIST
FIGURE 1: OLD FARM HOUSE by author, 2018
FIGURE 2: EUPHORBIA OBESA ‘Vetmensie’ by author, 2018
DECLARATION This Document is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: ARCHITECTURE [Professional] in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Tshwane University of Technology.
I hereby declare that this is my own original work and has not previously been submitted to any other institution. I further declare that all the sources cited or quoted are indicated and acknowledged by means of a comprehensive list of references.
Shannon Jacobs
THANK YOU To my parents for all your love and support, both financially and emotionally. Thank you for believing in me and always being there for me, allowing me to follow my dreams. To my significant other, Brendan, thank you for your love, patience, understanding and constant words of encouragement, I love you very much. My design mentor, Sieg Schmidt, who broadened my knowledge and appreciation of architecture. Thank you for the time, effort and advice you gave. To Chris Wilkinson, thank you for all the critiques and time spent to guide me through this process To my fellow students thank you for the constant motivation throughout our years in studio. And Kyle.
Figure 3: Lithops localis karoo plant by author, 2018
The design of an Ecological research and Rehabilitation Facility for Karoo Vegetation in Prince Albert, South Africa By Shannon Jacobs Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the Requirement for the degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: ARCHITECTURAL [PROFESSIONAL]
In the Department of Architecture FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Supervisor: Prof, Amira Osman Design-Supervisor: Sieg Schmidt October 2018
Abstract
Figure 4: DEGRADED KAROO LANDSCAPE by author, 2018
THE NATURE OF A PLACE The Great Karoo is a stark and desolate beauty, the only one of its kind in the world that is layered with a vast diversity of natural ecosystems. This dissertation explores the creation of an ecological research and rehabilitation institute for the degradation of the Karoo vegetation in Prince Albert and the Karoo at large. The proposed design aims to provoke learning, dialogue, and action necessary to redefine the consequence of human inhabitants on the land through scientific research, environmental conservation, and support for the sustainable development of communities. Land degradation in the unique parts of the Karoo has long been documented as a significant environmental problem across the Karoo landscape. The Succulent Karoo stretches from the west coast of South Africa to the south western parts of Namibia and has been identified as a biodiversity hotspot by UNESCO World Heritage Centre; however this area has undergone immense loss with the habitat, previously spreading over 102,961 km2 in
2008, but only 29,780 km2 remains today. The rapid breakdown of this pristine vegetation is an ever increasing threat due to pressures of overgrazing, over-cultivation of indigenous vegetation and extreme climate change. There has been exponential growth and concern in the field of ecological research of such biodiversity hotspots. This has resulted in the future need for supporting facilities in dedicated areas to promote effective long-term research in order to preserve these ecosystems. In response, the project will not only provide training and encourage research on the ecological biodiversity of the vegetation, but also allow a greater understanding of the layers of indigenous plant propagation and re-establishment. The public will form an imperative part of the building adding dual functions, allowing research facilities to be reviled through public interpretation and exhibition areas. The design facilitates interaction where these users meet, “harnessing� a socialised culture.
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Contents I II III IV
DECLARATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IDENTIFICATION ABSTRACT
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01 Contents Page
INTRODUCTION Outline Brief Importance of project Argument Research background Research methodology and design strategy Limitations Delimitations Dissertation overview
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02 ISSUES OF CONCERN 2.1. Rehabilitating sensitive degraded landscapes 2.2. Restoring the relationship between man, nature
and the built form architecture’s role in education and eco- tourism
2.3. Establishing
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03 PRECEDENT STUDIES
Figure 5: KAROO PLANT by author, 2018
Nk’mip desert cultural centre Orokonui Ecosanctuary visitors centre Australian Plant bank
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CONTEXT AND SITE APPRAISAL
DESIGN RESOLUTION
Greater Context Precinct Appraisal : History of Prince Albert Site Selection Criteria Site Analysis
Plans Sections Elevations 3D Perspective Exploration
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08
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TECHNICAL REVIEW
BRIEF, PROGRAMME, ACCOMMODATION
Passive Design solutions Sustainable Techniques Technical Drawings
Proposed Client and Funding Design Focus Programe Requirements Accommodation Special Requirements
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09 CONCLUSION
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06 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Concept Materiality Design Development Design Principles implemented Passive Design Techniques
Conclusion References
01 Introduction
Figure 6: Meiringspoort pass by author, 2018
Outline Brief /Importance of project /Argument /Background/ Research Methodology/ Limitations and Delimitations / Dissertation overview
1.1
OUTLINE BRIEF Nature
Ecosystems Landscape Environmental
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Man Educational Recreational Rehabilitation
Architecture Ar
Research Programme
Figure 7: Outline brief illustration by author, 2018
The Succulent Karoo is a world biodiversity hotspot, meaning it has more species of plants and animals for its size than any other arid area. Because these functioning ecosystems are a vital resource in regard to sustaining life, the Karoo land alone would not be valuable economic growth without them. Although their effects may not be immediately evident, they form the basis of many Karoo businesses including Farming (livestock and game farms), eco-tourism, science tourism and horticulture. Therefore this dissertation proposes a project that will include the design of a facility for research and rehabilitation that intends to increase awareness and create a platform for education and research of the Karoo vegetation; it will be located in the centre of the Succulent Karoo region of the Western Cape, in the small town of Prince Albert.
The proposed design is intended to meet various objectives; it is to create a platform for education, research and development by facilitating the monitoring of certain changes within this environment and particularly within these valuable ecosystems. It is also intended to respond to the urgent need to preserve and sustain this landscape and to raise awareness of South Africa’s dependence on these natural ecosystems The envisaged architectural solution is to act as a catalyst for the growth, rehabilitation and repairment of South Africa’s Karoo ecosystems and explore the following three specific issues in order to develop an appropriate response to the determined objectives: The aim is to design an integrated ecological research laboratory which will allow for the monitoring and research of vegetation in the succulent Karoo area of Prince Albert and surrounding land. The proposed facility will assist in the field research monitoring, laboratory analysis, seed collection, data management, scientific reporting on the growing conditions of the
Karoo landscape. A conservation platform and educational facility will also be introduced to foster public awareness, engagement and understanding on the quality of the Karoo vegetation. The envisaged architectural solution to preserving, sustaining and raising awareness of the natural Karoo ecosystems is a design that acts as a catalyst for the growth, rehabilitation and restoration of South Africa’s Karoo ecosystems, and in response to the determined objectives, explores and takes into consideration the following three specific relationships: °
Land education: the relationship between people and their immediate natural environment;
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Land rehabilitation: the relationship between ecological events and built form.
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Land integration: the relationship between passive design principles, climate and sensitivity of the landscape.
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1.2
IMPORTANCE OF PROJECT
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The Succulent Karoo, known for its diverse vegetation, experiences challenges such as over-grazing, over-cultivation and what is considered the greatest threat to the indigenous vegetation: extreme climate change; findings have shown that it can take 30 to 40 years for the veld to recover from the effect of these challenges. (Dean, 2006) In light of current environmental concerns, ecological rehabilitation and research are imperative to combating the vast degeneration of Karoo vegetation. Researching and understanding the change in ecosystems before and after the deterioration of the land is essential to the investigation of the environmental consequence of human inhabitants. The proposed design is thus responding to an urgent need for implementation of a strategy aimed to raise awareness of South Africa’s dependence on the Karoo vegetation.
The significance of the proposed design and essentially the dissertation as a whole is that it aims to address the need for education about, and research and celebration of, the Karoo vegetation, which actively involves the public and simultaneously results in a hub for ecological rehabilitation and research within Prince Albert and surrounding communities. The general public will be awarded the opportunity to observe and interact with the ongoing research and land rehabilitation development taking place at the proposed facility. In addition this will help to provide the necessary exposure of the existing as well as forthcoming South African Karoo rehabilitation facilities and will highlight their involvement in preserving world biodiversity hotspots. The facility will offer a platform for education and research in ecological preservation where prospective students are granted the opportunity to learn from specialists in the field.
1.3
ARGUMENT
Through contextual analysis the need for a facility that can aid the study of South Africa’s diverse landscape, was identified. The necessity for intervention within the small town of Prince Albert specifically is identified here because of the highly influential environmental research programmes that are currently underway in this area(to be discussed on pg 89) , that stand to benefit from a dedicated research facility.
and is ultimately disconnected and not invested in the land’s preservation. However by showcasing the area’s natural history, and processes and inner-workings of the facility, the public can gain in-depth insights into what land rehabilitation entails which is something the public is not exposed to regularly thus is oblivious to. By not only providing a public facility but also a hub for innovation and long-term research about aspects such as Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD), land restoration practices and general means to advance natural medicine and healthcare, a dedicated Karoo research and rehabilitation facility presents a myriad of advantages to the community and beyond.
The goal for the proposed project is to expose the Karoo rehabilitation processes and related research to local communities, tourists and the public. Prince Albert is considered a notable tourist destination but due to an observed lack of interactive public ecosystem rehabilitation facilities the public is unaware of the importance of this rich landscape
The primary purpose of the dissertation is to plan and design a facility committed to nurturing the pristine natural and individual identity of the Karoo through the collection, documentation and provision of information which is made available to private research sectors as well as to the public, to remedy the existing void and to use it as an opportunity
South Africa is considered one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world due to its species diversity, rate of endemism and diverse ecosystems. (Convention on biological diversity, 2005)
Figure 8: Astroloba ‘Gintsuno’ plant by author, 2018
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1.4
BACKGROUND
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With the growing demand on the environment, nature is being pushed to the brink of collapse. This strain reduces resilience and nature’s ability to recover from wildfires, drought and floods in the changing climate. Healthy, undisturbed landscapes support not only plants and wildlife, but the livelihoods of local communities and businesses that produce food, fuel and more (WWF, 2018). In 1988, Norman Myers, a British ecologist was the first to publish a thesis establishing the term “biodiversity hotspots” (Enviroliteracy, 2015), which defines areas that are rapidly losing habitat in which there is a disproportionate number of species found nowhere else. (Myers, et al., 2000) Criteria for a global biodiversity hotspot include areas with more than 1,500 endemic vascular plants that have experienced more than 70% habitat loss. Conservation International (CI) was a pioneer in defining and promoting the concept of world biodiversi-
ty hotspots in 1989, after Norman Myers’ thesis paper was published. Conservation South Africa (CSA) evolved from Conservation International, and in 2001 formed Conservation International’s Southern African Hotspots Programme (SAHP) with the aim of contributing technical and financial resources to support conservation action by local partners in the identified hotspot areas of South Africa (Conservation International, 2017). Then in 2004, a second reworked analysis of the world biodiversity hotspots was released identifying possible areas that qualify. The criteria did not change but several hotspot boundaries were redefined, and by adding new ones that were suspected hotspots for which sufficient data either did not exist or were not easily accessible, the total biodiversity hotspots reached 34 (Mittermeier, et al., 2011). To date there are 36 identified world biodiversity hotspots that represent just 2.3% of the earth’s land surface, but between them they support
more than 50% of the world’s endemic plant species and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrates (Conservation International, 2017). The Succulent Karoo, Cape Floristic Region and Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany of South Africa have been identified as three of these important diverse areas that need to be protected and conserved. SAHP focuses on Africa’s three identified hotspots; South Africa is the third most diverse country in the world and together the three hotspots contain more than 20,000 plant species, of which about half are endemic hence found nowhere else in the world (Conservation International, 2017). Conservation South Africa’s approach to conservation is building regional capacity at every level to increase environmental and social resilience to climate change and to set a course for development which will sustain communities and the ecosystems that support them (Conservation International, 2017).
CURRENT KAROO ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
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WORLD BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS
Figure 9: World biodiversity map by author, 2018
Figure 10: Dying Karoo plant by author, 2018
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1.5
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY South African and international literature was reviewed together with precedent studies and a case study building in South Africa. It was important to the design process to gain sufficient understanding of a comparable building typology, a similar functional programme and the spatial relationships of the building with the surrounding context by visiting a smaller informal research and Karoo Restoration facility. The case study building was investigated through sites visits and comprehensive analyses of the workings of such a facility. The site visits provided a greater understanding to the project programme, functional processes, and educational services, the role a research building has on vegetation rehabilitation and exposing the need for additional functions that would help aid the development of future ecological research and rehabilitation facilities.
Further research was essential in order to gain a greater understanding of the physical, historical and contextual aspects of the site and surrounding context and how they align with the needs of the potential users. Through the mapping out of access routes, zoning, land uses and historical context of The Greater Karoo’s, regional context and the local context of Prince Albert around the proposed facility, helps inform suitable design decisions that can be integrated into the design proposal and set the facility into the context appropriately. Issues of concerns identified are explored through conceptual design development with relevant information evaluated by analysis of significant journal, articles, photographic journals, surveys gathered from professionals in the field of study, and ongoing research projects situated around the study area from the Karoo Biomes Projects
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1.6
LIMITATIONS
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Ecological research and rehabilitation relies on the landscape as a natural laboratory for data capturing however, due to insufficient research facilities and infrastructure in southern Africa and limited access to them, the resulting research is often inadequate or lacking. The existing facilities act as outdoor-based learning and preservation centres for Karoo veld rehabilitation so the scope of local precedents that mimic the typology of the Karoo landscape is limited, hence research about international examples is undertaken to inform the proposed design. Local precedents in the Karoo region are investigated in order to gain a greater understanding of previous climatic and contextual responses.
Access to research facilities which deal with hands on rehabilitation research in a manner similar to the proposed intervention was restricted, resulting in design decisions based on theoretical concepts gain from reviewed literature written by specialists in the field. The principles studied were then adapted to the proposed design. Given that this proposal deals with site-based conservation of existing degraded land in the Karoo, it is important to gain a full understanding of the site and sensitivities of the surrounding context. Physical access to the site can only occur once due to the distance and travel constraints, therefore many designed decisions are made based on photographs, initial on-site analysis, and relevant documentation.
FIGURE 11: KAROO MUD ROAD by author, 2018
1.7
DELIMITATIONS The project explores the design of an integrated learning and research facility set in a rural, natural environment between the town and outskirts of surrounding Karoo communities. A visitor’s accommodation element is not necessary for the proposed facility as the current town would benefit from providing accommodation to visitors of the facility, thus promoting participation and involvement of the community. This dissertation only investigates the design of the facility and its direct supporting functions.
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FIGURE 12: SPIKE CACTUS by author, 2018
1.8
DI S S ERTATI ON O V E RV I EW The design of a contemporary research facility for Karoo ecosystem research and rehabilitation will address the need for the expansion of ecological research on a tertiary and tourism level, as well as integrating the public into the industry. Such public integration is absent from many facilities and programmes and will set out to create a link with the broad public. The Prince Albert location is ideal given the significant ongoing research projects in the area which should generate even greater awareness for the current ecological research programmes in South Africa and provide additional industry exposure to the project. Establishing the institution as a public amenity boosts awareness of programmes underway and creates a platform for education, further research, overall development and potential discoveries regarding biodiversity throughout the Karoo. The proposed design explores the concept of interaction between visitors and certain specialised research areas that the public is typically less
familiar with, while still maintaining a level of privacy and security. The facility will enable research across the Karoo area to contribute to the global research industry and have a more in-depth exploration of the area and gain more knowledge and understanding of the diverse ecosystems. As part of the design process the following significant principles where investigated: ° ° °
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Response to climatic conditions Integration between public and private realms The interaction between research and education to harness ‘hands-on’ learning environment. The relationship between the Karoo landscape and the built form.
Through the exploration and development of the design, the following methods where used: °
Studying the degradation history of the Karoo landscape.
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Analysing the methods and approach needed for vegetation biodiversity research and rehabilitation
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Investigating and applying knowledge gained through analysis of precedent studies with similar building typologies and programmes.
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Conducting in-depth site analysis in order to understand the sensitivity of the landscape and surrounding elements, to appropriately place the building in the context.
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Outlining a feasible design brief, programme and accommodation.
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Formulating an appropriate concept and design resolution that meet the specific technical aspects required for a dual functional facility.
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02 Issues of concern
Figure 13: Pencil milk bush by author, 2018
Rehabilitating sensitive landscapes/ Restoring relationship between man,nature and built form/ Architecture and Eco-tourism
2.0
ISSUES OF CONCERN Resilience Res il ie n c e r e fe rs to a dy n am i c p ro c e s s en c o mp as s i n g po s i ti ve a d ap ta ti o n wi thi n the co ntex t of s ig nif ica nt (Lu t h a r, e t a l., 2 00 3 ) In d efi n i n g re s i l i e nc e, i t is i m p o r t an t to s p e c i f y w he ther r esi li enc e i s por trayed as pro c e s s, o r a n o ut c om e. ( S ou t h w i ck , 2 01 4 ). H owever, by t h i n k i n g ab o ut re si l ien ce as a pr o ces s a nd n ot ou tc om e, ex p lo rat io n o f how a n o r ga n i s m ’s a c ti ve e co l o g i c al p ro c e s s es c a n i nte ra ct w it h the envi r onm ent po s s i bl e.
adve r si ty a trai t, a a trait or b eco mes
Figure 14: TORTOISE SHELL by author, 2018
2.1
REH AB IL I TAT I NG S ENS I TI V E D EGRA D ED L AN DS CA P ES Relevance and importance
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Paul Hutchings (2002) explains that vegetation is a crucial element in the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and confirms that it is vital for stabilising soil, reducing water runoff and maintaining biodiversity. This research deals with
fragile landscape of significant value, therefore the design should be sensitive to the context of it natural environment in the quest for rehabilitation of the site through the introduction of built form.
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Figure 15: KAROO FARMLAND by author, 2018
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FIGURE 16: GIBBAEUM PUBESCENS SUCCULENT by author, 2018
2.1.1
ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM Protecting the fragile landscape
Ecosystem resilience refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to recover from disturbance or to withstand ongoing pressures like climate change (Resalliance, 2009). Resilience is not about a single ideal ecological state, but rather about an adaptive principle of disturbance and recovery. Increasing the resilience of threatened ecosystems and protecting fragile landscapes is necessary if the areas are at risk of failing to recover from climate-stress and human disturbance. Karoo ecosystems in South Africa undergo extreme stresses due to cultivation, grazing and the ever-increasing climate. This added stress damages or even eliminates vital components needed for the recovery of ecosystems. However, given time, a resilient ecological ecosys-
tem has the ability to recover from such disturbances to a state of equilibrium and become as diverse and healthy as it was before the impact. It is essential that research is conducted to determine a minimally invasive way to increase ecosystems’ resilience, enabling stresses caused by disturbances to be absorbed with the least further degradation as possible. An understanding of the factors that affect an ecosystem’s capacity for resilience is important if research about reversing degradation is to be conducted. There are three key features that can be used to assess an ecosystem’s ability to be resilient in light of disturbance: ° ° °
Ecosystem biodiversity Ecosystem health Effectiveness of protection and management measures
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A ECOSYSTEM BIODIVERSITY
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Ecosystem biodiversity is the variation contained within and between species and denotes the condition of populations of species and their habitats, all of which can be critical factors in resilience (Ecosystem Resilience, 2009). Research indicates that the greater the biodiversity of an ecosystem, the better the chance of the ecological system performing different roles when under stress, meaning it is able to adapt to change.
E c o s y s te m
Bi o
BECOSYSTEM HEALTH
Ecosystem health refers to the natural functioning of an ecosystem’s physical, chemical and ecological processes, and affects an ecosystem’s resilience in that a healthy ecosystem can absorb stress and rebuild after disturbances (Ecosystem Resilience, 2009). Frequency and intensity of disturbance can put off the equilibrium of the natural functioning of a species. If the recovery is too prolonged, or disturbances are frequent or reoccurring, the ecosystem may not have the ability to stabilise leading to gradu-
E c o s y s te m d iv er
He
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PR AND MANAGEMENT CPROTECTION
PHYSICAL
ECOSYSTEM
BIODIVERSITY CLIMATE
HUMANITY
CHEMICAL
BIOLOGICAL
Cultivated resources
REHABILITATION Ecosystem services
Figure 17: Ecosystem resilience diagrams by author, 2018
n
RESEARCH understanding function and structure of ecosystems
ti o
ty
ec
si
Protection and management of ecosystems that are already under pressure denotes measures that address the threats to that ecosystem; these measures are essential to retaining or restoring resilience (Ecosystem Resilience, 2009). Management of ecosystems not only includes addressing natural stresses experienced within these systems but also managing the external threats. By removing unwanted threats that decrease the population of plant species, the protection and management measures can maximize population growth rate. M anage m ent & Pr ot
DTHE ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMME The Ecological Rehabilitation Programme aims to facilitate a resilient environment for the healing of ecosystem biodiversity, ecosystem health and the management and protection of theses ecosystems as mentioned above. The rehabilitation of the site should focus on the stabilization of soil erosion, the establishment of dense and protective plant cover and the introduction of more palatable plant species that have been lost due to general habitat degradation. The general desertification of soil has been the most significant result of land degradation. Focusing rehabilitation methods on ensuring maximum amount of water infiltration into the soil and decreasing the runoff, allows for optimal capture and retention of the water. This retention of water will also allow for a soil protecting plant cover to stabilize the
Figure 18: Plant diversity illustration by author, 2018
soil degradation. Ecological rehabilitation programmes aim to foster a resilient environment where ecosystem biodiversity and health might be restored through well-informed management and protection as mentioned above. Such a programme would be inseparable from its building programme that in this case consists of supporting administration offices, research facilities and laboratories dedicated to improving the understanding of fragile landscapes, greenhouses and rehabilitation testing areas assigned to the re-establishment of threatened areas and plant species in the relevant degraded landscape. On-site research into the rehabilitation of degraded land through the enhancement of ecosystems’ resilience, can be applied to many other areas in the Karoo.
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FIGURE 19: EBERLANZIA SCHNEIDERIANA LEAVES by author, 2018
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“If you start with the primacy of the site, everything else becomes a direct response to that particular place. I think it is important not to compete with the landscape – built or natural – and to acknowledge the place of architecture within the larger context.” —Tom Kundig
2.1.2 SITE SENSITIVE ARCHITECTURE Designing a building in an identified fragile landscape with significant ecological value requires sensitivity not only towards the natural ecological networks that already exist in the area but also towards architectural principles that will connect the built form to its context. This sensitivity should result in a building that is a seamless extension of the natural landscape. The way the building is integrated into the landscape should be considered for minimum impact.. Examples of some of today’s most influential site-sensitive architecture by well-known architect Tom Kundig can be considered; work by Kundig is often described as buildings which take a backseat to their surroundings (Kundig, n.d.). In recent years specifically, Tom Kundig’s committed architectural approach to elemental design has been to allow built products’ context to take priority. Materials are left in a raw, rugged state and left to age naturally over time through human contact and
exposure to the elements. Buildings are given the freedom to evolve with their context and to adapt to changing environments by tacitly weaving into the surroundings, which in turn reduces both the physical and visual impact of the structure and causes a sense of harmony. Similarly, the proposed building is harmoniously anchored into the existing site and includes sizeable rammed earth walls that not only enable the building to fade into the landscape but also provide effective thermal mass capabilities. The degraded area of the site is used as the primary material for the rammed earth walls; the top layer of unstable soil is removed and the viable, usable soil is transferred to the green roofs of the building which serve as rehabilitation areas. This method of rehabilitating severely degraded areas and making use of green roof structures minimizes its visual and physical impact. Utilising the site’s degraded parts and employing various rehabilitation techniques is an attempt to increase resilience by maintaining the health
of the less degraded portions, thus improving the overall health of the surrounding environment and fusing the building and the site into what might be considered a single living ecosystem. Construction of the proposed project is the first step in rehabilitating the Karoo vegetation. The initial process for the rehabilitation of the existing degraded site as follows: °
Mark out degraded areas to be used and environmentally stable areas to be avoided.
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Remove the top layer of soil of degraded areas.
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Relocate the viable soil to indigenous green roofs.
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Make use of severely degraded areas of soil as a construction material.
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Re-establish the natural site conditions with the reintroduction of indigenous, resilient plant species.
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2.2
REST ORI NG T H E RELAT I O N S H I P B ET W E E N M AN , NAT U RE AND TH E B UI L T F O RM Relevance and importance
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Figure 20: Man,nature,human illustration by author, 2018
“Architecture embodies humanity’s relationship to the earth� (Hosey, 2012) as humanity depends on the natural environment for both material resources as well as the establishment of communities. Too often, a differentiation is made between architecture and the natural environment which then prevents people from forming the need to build that physical relationship with nature. Favoring an environmentally sensitive relationship with architecture can serve to reconnect humans with their natural surroundings.
This, however, demands three levels of architectural resilience starting with the design of adaptable structures that are able to learn from their environments and sustain life even in the face of adversity. Then, it should be possible for architects to learn from their buildings and refine designs solutions in response to findings. Finally, the people who use and live near the structures must be directly involved in the design and creation of healthy and inclusive living environments (Mills, 2010).
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Figure 21: karoo community members by author, 2018
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FIGURE 22: ACACIA LEAVES by author, 2018
2.2.1
CONNECTING BUILDING TO THE CONTEXT Communities of the Southern Africa Karoo have a profound understanding of and relationship with their natural environment. The location of the project and the environment’s fragility demand a level of sensitivity to the surrounding natural context, thus the design aims to maintain the harmony between natural and man-made forms. It is the architectural principle of contextual connectivity that informs the planning of a building that maintains this ongoing relationship with the surrounding context. This relationship depends on the creation of seamless building boundaries that separate indoor and outdoor spac-
AMATERIALITY PERMEABILITY
es. In this way users can engage with the natural context through multiple interactive experiences with the unique but fragile Karoo landscape, resulting in renewed appreciation. Design elements that establish a strong connection between exterior and interior spaces, thus bringing the user closer to the surrounding context, should be thoroughly investigated. Exploring the limitations of defined boundaries and how the principles can be incorporated into the proposed building is key to investigating contextual connectivity. For example, the following was considered:
CSITE CONTOURS INFORM LINEAR PLAN
BINDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES SHARING MATERIALITY AND TEXTURE
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AMATERIALITY PERMEABILITY
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Figure 24: Circa Gallery permeability
Materiality and permeability denote a potential solution to the disconnected users experience in fully enclosed spaces that are entirely separate from their contextual landscape. Limiting the use of solid walls and minimising the occurrence of fully enclosed spaces, allow for relatively high levels of connectedness while protection and shelter from harsh climatic conditions is still provided. Users do not feel enclosed while moving through a building composed with these varying contextual ele-
ments. The north and south facades demonstrate the most prolific use of permeable materials in the building, where perforated rain screens allow for adequate interior ventilation and protection against the harsh light and lessen the sense of being enclosed. The Circa Gallery in Johannesburg, designed by studioMAS architects & urban design in 2009, is an example of material permeability in architecture used to sustain contextual connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The gallery showcases ar-
Figure 23: Degree of privacy diagram by author, 2018
chitecture where the spatial experience is paramount, and in turn the lines of architecture become blurred (Archdaily, 2009). The architect responsible achieved this by attaching tall aluminum panels to the facade. These elements, or fins, act as partitions between the inside and outside spaces, but when observed together; their repetitive placement along the facade creates a monumental sculptural form (Archdaily, 2009).
Figure 25: Circa Gallery permeability 2
BINDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES SHARING MATERIALITY AND TEXTURE
Indoor and outdoor spaces that share materiality and texture cause the building to feel like a natural extension of the landscape rather than something that is just placed harshly in a natural context. The use of outdoor materials and textures in interior spaces results in a building which mimics the natural landscape; the shared materials and textures blurs boundary line between the respective spaces. Layered rammed earth walls will ensure the user experiences the materiality and texture of the
Figure 26: The School of Visual Arts of Oaxaca
Karoo soil both inside and outside, meaning the building is anchored in its context. page
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Figure 27: Dried river bed , by author,2018
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CSITE CONTOURS INFORM LINEAR PLAN Site contours that inform the linear plan epitomise structures with a strong connection to the earth, as Christopher Alexander’s (1997) pattern 168 from A Pattern Language confirms. Alexander explains that a building seems isolated from the surrounding natural context unless its floors are directly interleaved with the earth that surrounds the structure. He goes on to explain that this can be done by creating a series of paths, terraces and steps around the edge of
the building to make the defining boundary line between indoor and outdoor spaces, ambiguous. The project explores the possibility of utilising design elements that mimic the layered context of the Karoo landscape such as the mountain slops and vast open plains to inform the absolute positioning of elements in this landscape. The building adapts to the natural layered context through a linear plan and form that promote a flow with the current movement axis on site.
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Figure 28: Site contours development sketches by author, 2018
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FIGURE 29: DILAPITATED BUILDING by author, 2018
2.2.1
LANDFORM VS BUILT FORM This study investigates the integration of nature with the built environment and the potential for design synergy where nature’s narrative is apparent to visitors through a setting that showcases the landscape’s fragility and need for conservation. The building type is seen as institutional and public which can prove difficult to place within such a sensitive landscape. Resilience is of key importance That said, an understanding of the design strategies that affect a building’s ability to be resilient is fundamental for the longevity of a structure. The following three factors can be used to inform a design strategy of a building that is to be resilient: ° ° °
Building function Building placement and layout Passive design techniques
A simple design strategy not only increases robustness but also demands resourcefulness and planning for resilient buildings’ defining capacity to adapt. In some cases, architectural resilience can only be achieved through effective arrangement and use of the existing site and building features. When designing for resilience and performing site selection, the level of resilience of the surrounding community, and basic infrastructure and services in particular, should be considered. Incorporating passive design techniques into infrastructure helps to ensure the protection of building inhabitants, the broader property and the structure as a whole against potential man-made threats and natural hazards that test a building’s resilience. Passive building design can be broken down into
seven fundamental elements (Centre for Livability Real Estate, n.d.): ° ° ° ° ° ° °
Orientation Spatial zoning Thermal mass Ventilation Insulation Shading Glazing
The project should help celebrate the natural sensitivity of the surrounding landscape, and should neither contend with nor take over the landscape. The building is intended to reflect the instinctive character of the site therefore the resilient design must strive for environmental, social and economic sustainability, along with the ability to adapt to known and unknown risks and vulnerabilities (Faia, 2015)
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2.3
ARCH I T EC TU RES RO LL I N EDU C AT I ON A N D EC O - TO U RI S MS Relevance and importance
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Figure 30: Proposed facility main functions illustration by author, 2018
Education and training improves access to employment opportunities and helps to sustain and accelerate overall development. It expands the range of options available from which a person can choose to create opportunities for a fulfilling life. Through indirect positive effects on health and life expectancy, the level of education of a population also influences its welfare. (Western Cape Government,Provincial Treasury, 2017)
E c ol o g ic a l
res
ea
rc
h an
dr
eh
Education
itation facility
Rehabilitation
a b il
Research
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Figure 31: REHABILITATION SITES by author, 2018
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Figure 32: REHABILITATION SITES by author, 2018
2.3.1 RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION The main components of the project include the facilitation of research and rehabilitation. The process of preserving the rich ecological diversity of the sensitive landscape and aiding future development, research and educational interaction is spread along the project’s linear typology. This dissertation investigates varying degrees of public interaction through different spatial arrangements that create a dual-function, integrated and collaborative learning facility. Thus research and rehabilitation are the points of departure that are consciously analysed in an attempt to create an active learning environment for both the local community and tourists.
ARESEARCH: 1. Various supporting facilities for the public and administration program provide the community with employment opportunities. 2. The student conservation research centre provides educational research facilities for long-term on-site research. 3. Public areas overlook sample processing laboratories are looking out onto public areas revealing research to the public allowing for a controlled public-private interaction of the workings of the proposed facil-
BREHABILITATION 1. Preservation of fragile ecosystems with the introduction of the Ecological Rehabilitation program, using knowledge of current restoration facilities in the area to rehabilitate the damaged ecosystems in the Karoo. 2. Open air exhibition spaces throughout building to display educational information to the public acts as an interactive learning space. 3. Vegetation rehabilitation areas with raised platforms for visitors with the aim of providing
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Research A EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES A.1
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In the small Karoo town of Prince Albert employment opportunities are limited and many people lack the skills to improve their circumstances. This is seen as the primary cause of poverty in many of the Karoo regions. However, the project being proposed aims to provide employment opportunities to the communities of Prince Albert in order to address some of the current poverty issues. The programmatic entities that aim to provide the community with these opportunities are:
°
Cultivation research centre – Aims to provide employment opportunities to the members of the community that have the necessary skills and training in administration positions.
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Public restaurant and supporting shop facilities – the restaurant, information centre and bike shop will provide training and employment opportunities for otherwise under-skilled community members.
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Public exhibition areas – this form a substantial portion of the proposed building programme and play an important role in public interpretation of the building. There are employment opportunities in cleaning and maintenance, and exhibition tours.
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Ecological Rehabilitation Program – employment and education opportunities will be created through the implementation of vegetation rehabilitation facilities; community members’ abundance of valuable local knowledge will be employed to create new opportunities and the programme will provide a platform for knowledge exchange between the researchers and the locals.
A STUDENT CONSERVATION RESEARCH A.2 Much like the ecological rehabilitation program, the community or student conservation research centre provides a platform for academic involvement of South African educational institutes. Community members and students benefit from informal and formal training, on-site field work, access to ongoing research and the knowledge exchange with many specialists in the field. The project provides indoor and outdoor learning spaces where discussions of various educational and research interests can take
place. It provides students with practical experience; postgraduate students might explore careers in research and community members are exposed to the importance of biodiversity in Karoo vegetation. By erecting educational facilities in the Karoo area, conservation and environmental awareness will be stimulated through activities and educational programmes that develop interest among people from the local communities and among students
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Rehabilitation B.1ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
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The main purpose of the ecological rehabilitation programme has been set out. The physical process that is required to implement the rehabilitation programme is discussed in the following section. The long-term rehabilitation approach of re-introducing diverse indigenous plant species that stabilise the degraded area is the central objective of the programme. The process for ecological rehabilitation will entail sustainable collection of indigenous plants such as grass, shrubs and succulents from surrounding farmlands and vegetation programmes in the area that are suited to the local soil and climate. This plant material will be processed at the cultivation facility where it will undergo laboratory testing and documentation before being dried out to prevent rotting. The plant material or seeds are then stored or transferred to the greenhouses in preparation for sowing.
The Renu Karoo Veld Restoration is an influential facility devoted to developing indigenous seed orchards and local skills to restore mining and grazing damage in arid Karoo regions (Milton-Dean & Dean, 2015). The rehabilitation initiatives include provision of indigenous seed to the area, some of which are listed below: ° ° ° ° ° ° °
Fingerhuthia africana (vingerhoedgras) Tripteris sinuata (bietou) Rhus lancea (karee) Eriocephalus ericoides (kapok) Tetragonia spicata (klappiesbrak) Drosanthemum lique (skaapvygie) Portulacaria Afra (Spekboom)
OVER CLIMATE CHANGE
CULTIVATION
OVER GRAZING
LAND DEGRADATION
REHABILITATION PROCESS
SOIL PREPARATION
The Introduction of Jute Geo-textile on degraded slopes and gully erosion areas allows for the stabilization of the top soil. Top soil is removed and stockpiled in a dry area as to preserve valuable microorganisms. The degraded land is then reshaped and the angle is decreased to
ease the runoff. Jute is then pegged to the soil adding stability and topsoil is reintroduced with new seeds on top of the jute layer. This provide an appropriate rehabilitation environment for rapid, lasting plant establishment.
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PLACEMENT OF JUTE GEOTEXTLIE
ECOLOGICAL
INTRODUCTION OF SPEKBOOM
MULSHED HOLLOWS
REHABILITATION PROGRAM
The Spekboom has been identified as a valuable plant that can provide the rehabilitation process a boost. It is a soil protecting cover plant as it grows creating a canopy over the soil. It is also know for its water retention characteristics aswel as its Co2 eliminating properties providing the surrounding soil with oxygen.
RE-INTRODUCE SEEDS
The creation of mullshed hollows is most effective in areas affected by sheet erosion caused by the loss of the soil-protecting plant cover through extensive long-term overgrazing , over cultivation and climate change. The method involves making protected hollows for water collection across the soil surface. A
ridge is created on the bottom end of the hollow allowing water to settle and infiltrate the soil but also prevents the runoff. This create an ideal environment for new growth. When a layer of sticks and debris are placed onto hollows it provides for an effective barrier against wind erosion.
Figure 33: Vegetation rehabilitation illustration by author, 2018
B.2PUBLIC EXHIBITION SPACES
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Involving the public in the everyday operations of the proposed facility is one of the project’s fundamental responsibilities; hence a large extent of indoor and outdoor space will be dedicated to educational exhibitions. The outdoor exhibition spaces create a guided linear route through the centre of the building to reveal the facility to the public.
°
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The entry points guide the public into the central covered courtyard via an organically curved, green, rammed earth wall covered by indigenous plants used for the rehabilitation research that forms part of the public exhibition experience. The planted rammed earth wall extends throughout the exhibition route and features not only the indigenous plants used in the rehabilitation of degraded land, but also display cases that relay information about the fragile landscape and its importance to humanity. In this way, greenery forms a backdrop for information about the inner workings of the facility, from research to testing laboratories and more, all of which are visible and accessible to the public.
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The centre of the facility encompasses an open but shaded courtyard for public gathering. Here people can interact and be led to the areas that branch off from the central meeting point.
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The public exhibition routes also extend to on-site production areas of the ecological rehabilitation programme. The public is exposed to the long-term research of degraded land and the process and methods of vegetation rehabilitation, by raised perforated walkways above the sites. Controlled greenhouses for the prorogation of indigenous seeds form part of the exhibition routes, and allow for an in-depth understanding of the project in its totality.
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Figure 34: Public integration development by author, 2018
03 Pr ec ed e nt St ud i es
Figure 35: Old dilapidated farmhouse by author, 2018
Nk’mip Desert Interpretive Centre/ Orokonui Eco Sanctuary Visitor Centre/ Australian Plant Bank
3.0
precedent studies
Th e fo ll ow in g p r e c ed e nt st u di e s i n for m t h e m a i n de si gn d e c i s i o n i n t er ms of ec olo gic al pr i nc ipl es of func tio nal it y, m a t e r i al it y, s ite s e ns i t i v it y, p r ogra m me a n d c l i m at olog y. T h e s e pr o j e c ts ar e anal y sed t hr ou gh a com pr ehe nsi ve inve s t ig a ti on o f d es i g n e le me nt s s u c h a s c o n t ex t ua l i n te grat i o n , s p a t i al zoni ng, ci r c ula ti on, outd oor i nte gra ti on, m a t e r i al it y a n d c li m a tic r e s p o ns e s. F u nd a me n t a l d esi g n p r i n c i p l e s h ave si nc e s ur fac ed, an d t hes e ac t as de si gn gen e ra tor s w he r e ob s e r vati o ns ar e ap p l i e d i n an d i ns p i r e th e de s i g n a nd d eve lop ment o f t he ecol ogi c al r es ear c h an d reh a bi l i t at i o n c e n t re.
NK’MIP DESERT INTERPRETIVE CENTRE_
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Programe (building typology) Materiality
Functionality
Sensitivity to site and cultural context
Climatic Strategy
Conceptual development
Sustainability Figure 36: Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
F A
OROKONUI ECO SANCTUARY VISITOR CENTRE_
Figure 37: Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre / Architectural Ecology
AUSTRALIAN PLANT BANK_
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Relationship with context Linear typology Figure 38: Australian Plant Bank
3.1
NK’MIP DESERT INTERPRETIVE CENTRE_ Osoyoos, British Columbia, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects + Urbanistes, 2006
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The centre is located in the Canadian desert, in the South Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia – an extremely sensitive landscape both ecologically and culturally. The centre, designed by Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden, was designed to be an environmentally sustainable response to a historically unique context. The building is the ideal example of the expressive potential of architecture in helping to unite the inhabitants of the land (native Okanagan people) and in celebrating the rich
history and culture of an area. The semi-arid desert climate is relatively similar to the proposed project area of the Karoo, with hot, dry summer days and cool, dry nights. The building being proposed aims to respond to these climatic conditions in such a way that it becomes an extension of the natural landscape and speaks to the visitors about the natural environmental elements, just as the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre does.
Figure 39: Entrance to Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre Entrance
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Figure 40: Main view from Nk’Mip Desert Cultural contextural view
The initial aim of the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre was to encourage sustainability through awareness of this desert landscape’s fragility. Due to the extreme climate fluctuations, sustainable design was approached sensitively by the architects. The design incorporates a traditional 600mm thick rammed earth wall, a strong architectural element that acts as the centre’s primary visual feature. Another function of the wall is that it is a climatic barrier; the substantial thermal mass of the wall retains warmth in the winter and helps cool the building in the summer. (Archdaily, 2014) The centre also makes use of habitable indigenous green roof spaces which provide further temperature control and insulation. The partially submerged structure moderates the extreme temperatures, and its orientation maximises the passive solar performance. (Archdaily, 2014) Careful selection of sustainable elements and architectural design technologies support the architect’s cultural and environmental objectives for the facility and make a powerful, influential yet straightforward architectural statement. (Archdaily, 2014)
The design elements that can be taken from this example and incorporated into the design of the ecological research and rehabilitation centre for Karoo vegetation are identified as follows: °
Natural environmental elements on site will create thermal mass walls for temperature control of the building.
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Visual hierarchy with the surrounding site context will be maintained by constructing a building that forms part of the landscape rather than dominating it.
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Collaborations of local technologies with modern architectural form will be evident.
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Lightweight shading devices will be used as a protective layer against solar radiation.
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Connection to formal development as well as ecological sensitivity to the context will be apparent in the design
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Figure 41: Main floor plan Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre plan
3.2
OROKONUI ECO SANCTUARY VISITOR CENTRE_ Architectural Ecology/ Dunedin, New Zealand/2010
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The Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Dunedin, New Zealand is a hub for education, research and ecology. It was designed for the primary purpose of protecting the surrounding natural habitat from disturbance and intruding pests, thus promoting sustainability of indigenous flora and fauna. The centre responds to the local climate and features soaring rooftops that provide shade and protection from the rain; the centre also boasts shade screens, and rainwater collection and wastewater processing facilities (Archdaily, 2011). Notably, the centre was designed as an interpretation of the area towards the discovery of the landscape, in order that it might act as a depository for findings from the natural ecosystems and the history of the local communities. Throughout New Zealand land-
scapes, micro-climates define not only the soil types, plants and animals of the area, but also the way people inhabit and build architecture. This site, in particular, is typically misty, and the vegetation is described as a “Cloud Forest� (Archdaily, 2011). The region sees high winds, summer droughts and snow and ice in the winter and the centre responds to these climate conditions with minimal impact on the environment. The low profile of the roof structure means the building fits into the surroundings as complemented by the colours and the materials used.
such a way to reduce reflection and minimise bird strike, epitomise architectural sensitivity. Relevance
Being sensitive to, and acknowledging, the surrounding ecosystems is a priority, and the building’s design clearly reflects this. For instance, simple design interventions such as windows that are angled in
Various other educational and research aspects (perhaps an education centre and lecture halls) may be incorporated to diversify the programme.
The centre uses the natural landscape to determine movement routes which guide the public along carefully demarcated paths which exhibit an understanding of the sensitive ecosystems; visitors can then experience an intimate but comprehensive connection with the natural landscape and the expressive, complex layers that make it unique. The Karoo rehabilitation centre should use these insights:
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Figure 42: Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre facade
3.3
AUSTRALIAN PLANT BANK_ Royal Botanical Gardens, Australia, BVN Donavan Hill, 2014
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The plant bank is located in the protected area of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Australia. It is a centre for plant research and includes laboratories and archive facilities that focus on the preservation of indigenous seeds and on native plant conservation. Designed by BVN Donavan Hill Architects, this centre is an environmentally sustainable building that reveals the work of plant researchers to the public to create an intimate level of visitor engagement with the work being done at the facility. The design is a direct response to a calling for a building of dual function, suited to the healthy, natural context. These functions necessitate a specialised research section with a repository of seeds, and exhibition spaces that facilitate public engagement and interpretation of the research areas. The building is intended to be Australia’s defence and insurance against the loss of indigenous plant species through its preservation of these habitats. The facility houses long-term cold
room facilities for storage of seeds, a drying room, incubators, and seed processing and testing laboratories to aid in the conservation of New South Wales’ plant species. (Durrant, 2014) The diverse floor plan layout allows for multiple viewing points into the research sections of the building; visitors are directed through the lobby where massive glass curtain walls expose visitors to the activities of the research laboratories, epitomising the plant bank’s strong focus on applied education. The daily functioning of the facility rings of sustainability; the plan arches to maximise the number of north-facing visitor facades and the sunlight is then easily controlled by louvres that allow adaptability. In terms of materiality, low combustible materials respond to the context to ensure fire protection and they create a thermal labyrinth that reduces the HVAC load and allows for greater cross-ventilation with the building’s courtyards.
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Figure 43: Australian Plant Bank facade
There are numerous design elements that are considered appropriate to the design and development process of the Karoo ecological research centre: °
A structure with sections arranged linearly, where cross-ventilated passages and courtyards meet, means the portrayal of the relationship between the natural environment and the building is maintained.
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Integration of education and research will make for a live exhibition space for public engagement.
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Materiality is used to reflect the surrounding natural environment.
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Natural thermal mass available on site is can be used by submerging parts of the structure into the landscape.
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An emphasis on the architectural approach to the structure forms part of the visitor’s journey towards the building even through supporting garden spaces.
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Movement routes should be designed to run throughout the whole centre, just as the plant bank illustrates.
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Figure 45: Australian Plant Bank main axis movement route
Figure 44: Space exploration diagram by author, 2018
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Figure 46: Australian Plant Bank exposure of public to research
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Precedent conclusion It can be concluded that architecture forms an integrated role in creating a threshold between man and the natural environment and the relationship thereof. Architecture can therefore act as a meeting point that enhances the interconnectivity of fragile ecosystems, relating to both humanity and nature. page
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Figure 47: SPEKBOOM LEAVES by author, 2018
04 Context and Site Appraisal
Figure 48: Rock perspective by author, 2018
Greater Context / Precinct Appraisal : History of Prince Albert / Site Selection Criteria / Site Analysis
4.1
regional context Great Karoo The name Karoo comes from the ancient Khoisan word for “land of thirst” (Karoo, n.d.) and the region can distinctively be divided into the Great Karoo which lies to the north of the Swartberg mountain range, and the Little Karoo that lies to the south. One of the Karoo’s defining characteristics is that it lies almost entirely within two of South Africa’s six biomes, namely the Succulent Karoo biome and the Nama Karoo biome. The Succulent Karoo is known to have extensive and complex ecosystem diversity when it comes to plant species due to its vast array of habitat types, especially for its semi-arid climate – something one will not find just anywhere else in the world (Critical ecosystem partnership fund, 2003).
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Figure 49: PRINCE ALBERT PERSPECTIVE by author, 2018
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Figure 50: Location map illustration by author, 2018
The project is situated within this uniquely diverse biome of South Africa’s Succulent Karoo, specifically in the small Karoo town of Prince Albert which can be found on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, and at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. The town is known for being ringed by vineyards, and fruit and olive farms that form the primary economic backbone of the area. It is situated 72km from Oudtshoorn and spans 88km through the awe-inspiring route of Meringspoort, meaning it is often a major stopover point for people traveling between Gauteng, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. As such, the building facility should take advantage of the additional exposure and the
opportunity for ecotourism as tourists move between these major cities. Prince Albert has already played a significant role in land rehabilitation; the Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration project set up a working model outlining how to resuscitate a degraded environment using sustainable practices in the protected Wolwekraal Nature Reserve. Moreover, the Tierberg Karoo Research Centre near Prince Albert in the southern Karoo is where significant academic research on plant philosophy, vegetation dynamics, plant-animal interaction and animal population is currently being conducted.
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ECOLOGICAL BIOMES OF SOUTH AFRICA Figure 51: Vegetation biomes illustration by author, 2018
4.1.2
CONSERVATION HISTORY IN AREA
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Humanity relies on the interconnection of plants and animals and the distinctive roles each of them play in our greater ecosystem. In order for our country to use these connections in order for them to flourish, we need to value, respect and protect these natural ecosystems. However, many Karoo ecosystems have become degraded, fragmented and broken down (WWF South Africa, n.d.) This is largely due to the mismanagement of land and a lack of understanding when it comes to the importance of conservation. Even so, the existing notable research facilities that strive to bring balance to the ecosystems in the area should be investigated.
Figure 52: RENU-KAROO VELD RESTORATION by author, 2018
Figure 53: REHABILITATION TESTING SITE by author, 2018
ATIERBERG KAROO RESEARCH CENTRE The Tierberg Karoo Research Centre (TKRC) is a long-term ecological research facility available for use by organisations involved in research and tertiary education in the natural sciences. The rationale behind the contained site is that experiments and observations carried out by students and researchers might contribute to the understanding of the processes by which Karoo plant and animal assemblages change
in response to grazing and weather (Milton, 2010). The site comprises 100 hectares of natural Karoo shrubland situated on the privately owned land. It has been fenced since July 1987 to exclude domestic livestock before which it was the focus of Karoo Biome Project (TKRF SITE, 2010).
BRENU-KAROO VELD RESTORATION The mission of the Renu-Karoo project is to make the ecological restoration of local indigenous plants in the Central Karoo a sought after service, thereby sustaining these ecological services and generating sustainable livelihoods (Milton. S. Dean, 2015). To supply indigenous seeds and plants and to develop expertise in
FIGURE 54: WOLWEKRAAL NATURE RESERVE by author, 2018
seed collection, horticulture and ecological restoration, work is needed within the village of Prince Albert and beyond. Increasing awareness of the services provided and developing a knowledge base allows for demonstrations on communal rangeland that can involve students and the community in restoration and research (Milton. S. Dean, 2015).
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Swartberg Hotel
Figure 55: Swartberg hotel sketch by author, 2018
4.2
HISTORY OF PRINCE ALBERT The dominant narrative of Prince Albert’s history begins with the establishment of a loan farm, Kweeckvalleij, or, “the valley of cultivation and plenty” in 1762. It is said that soon thereafter, Kweeckvalleij attracted other farmers and a community began to develop. The community was originally known as Albertsburg but when it obtained municipal status in 1845, the town adopted the name Prince Albert after Queen Victoria’s husband (McEwen, 2013). The loan farm system remained the preferred system of colonial land possession throughout the 18th century and had important implications through its creation of private and consolidated land. It is known that by the end of the 17th century the European settlers across the Karoo had annihilated the indigenous population of the area through displacement, war and disease (McEwen, 2013). The original loan farm on which Prince Albert is now established was allocated to Zacharias De
Beer who established fruit orchards, vineyards and wheat fields in the fertile soil of the region. With its abundance of water and crops, the farm soon became a stopover for travelers and explorers needing refreshment and a resting place during long journeys through the mountains and plains of the Karoo. The main street is lined with well-preserved Victorian, Cape Dutch and Karoo Architecture, and 13 of these structures have been declared national monuments. In the late 1850s and early 1860s, Carel Lotz created the famous gables of Prince Albert, many of which are still in good condition today and contribute greatly to the character and charm of the town. Local farms yield produce of incredible quality; in the fertile valleys tucked into the folds of the Swartberg deciduous fruit, wine, olives and figs are produced for export. On the farms of the Great Karoo there are also flocks of sheep and angora studs that provide meat, wool and mohair (Albert, 2015).
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4.2.1 LAND USE
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According to the socio-economic profile of the Prince Albert municipality, the town has a population of 14,091 that is divided into two main residential areas: a main village the includes the central business area, and the North End which is predominantly the lower income community (Western Cape Government,Provincial Treasury, 2017). The town has three main land uses including agriculture, residential and tourism. The agricultural land lies on the perimeter of the main town and is supplied by a water furrow system along its streets to irrigate gardens and small-town farms along the Swartberg mountain range. Agriculture, forestry and fishing account for the largest percentage of land use at 33.3%. The main village showcases a range of shops, restaurants, guest-hous-
Figure 56: Price Albert land used map by author, 2018
es, residential houses and tourist activities and attractions. The heart of many small Karoo towns is the church; Prince Albert is home to the NGK Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1842. Along with the church, many other buildings have received heritage status, namely The Swartberg Hotel, the Gallery CafĂŠ at Seven Arches and the Karoo Looms Weavery. The North End Township lies higher up from the main town and is home to a vast majority of the lower income working class community members. Many community members work in the tourism industry of the town by weaving wool or selling art. Restaurants and shops in the main village employ residents from the lower income area to help with peak tourist season.
4.2.2 TOURISM Prince Albert’s most famous and sought after attraction is its local delicacies. This includes sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, especially figs and apricots, Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and cheese. In the southern Prince Albert valley, farmers have restored vineyards that were last cultivated in the 19th century, and are now producing excellent wines (Relish, 2015). The architecture in the small town plays a big part in its appeal as a tourist attraction. Many of the national historical monuments have been restored and maintained to a pristine condition, allowing tourists to truly step back and experience the full historical memory the town has to offer. Landmarks
1. Albert’s Mill 2. Dutch reformed church 3.The Showroom theatre 4. Swartberg hotel 5.Avoova Luxury African gifts 6.Karoo Looms weavery 7. Seven Arches Gallery Cafè 8. Swartberg House
Figure 57: Price Albert places of interest map by author, 2018
The Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration programme offers tourists a two-hour guided nature walk through the Wolwekraal Nature Reserve. The tour is presented by Sue Milton Dean, a specialist in ecological consulting and veld rehabilitation, game introduction and impact assessments. During the tour, people learn about the geology, botany, natural and cultural history of the area, and the importance of its preservation.
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4.3
SITE SELECTION Based on the literature analysis, the proposed design does not suggest a significant impact the biodiversity, or a negative effect on the ecological functions of the surrounding context. Specific criteria has been set out to ensure that the final site is an appropriate location to integrate the community, respond to the issues and threats discussed previously, and express the theoretical underpinning of the thesis.
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Figure 58: Site selection images by author, 2018
4.3.1 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA The following criteria were explored:
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The site is in an area significant in Karoo ecological research and rehabilitation, so the following criteria were explored: 째
Sustainability: the site is close to existing research and rehabilitation facilities or activities, and the architecture may then encourage tourism, acting as a beacon for ecological research and education on sustainability in the Karoo.
째
Connectivity: the site is in close proximity to the town centre, hence the comfortable walking distance ensures that the public will be able to engage with the facility, and access to water supply eases the process too.
째
Fragility: the selected site is degraded which provides the opportunity for rehabilitation through education, research and public participation; a damaged ecosystem allows for rehabilitation initiated by construction of the building.
째
Community: the facility will be situated in close proximity to existing infrastructure and near to potential staff.
Figure 59: Site locality by author, 2018
4.3.2 SITE SELECTION COMPARISON
2
The location for the proposed project has been investigated through identification of potential sites that surround the main town but still maintain close proximity. The existing Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration Nursery forms the starting point for possible locations for the new ecological facility. As mentioned, the Renu-Karoo Veld Restoration programme offers ecological walks through the Wolwekraal Nature Reserve which is a vital factor when
selecting a site as the new facility should be able to incorporate these walks as part of the educational aspect and it should act as a support facility for the current nursery and programme in the town.
Option 1: Old Degraded market land
Option 2: North Intersection of Prince Albert
°
Good access and close to the main road
°
Good access and close to the main road
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The site offers majority northsouth facing opportunities
°
Removed from essential nodes and walking trails
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Close to essential nodes and walking trails
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Narrow and smaller piece of land than option 1
°
Various levels of degradation
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Close proximity to supporting facility and informal community
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Tourist presence °
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Damaged ecosystem allows for rehabilitation initiated by construction of the building
Construction would be insensitive to a healthy ecosystem
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Obscured by access routes and roads
A comparison between the two potential sites is needed to identify the advantages and disadvantages of both options so as to determine the optimal location for the proposed project.
1
TOWN CENTRE
Figure 60: Site comparison illustration by author, 2018
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4.4
SITE ANALYSIS
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Figure 61: SELECTED SITE by author, 2018
Following the locality analysis, Option 1, the site that lies to the East of the main village proves most suitable for the proposed design project. It is situated on land that displays varying degrees of degradation from severely degraded land to healthy vegetation. The chosen site is located one street away from the main (Church) street which allows for easy pedestrian and vehicle access. Furthermore, it is in close proximity to the existing Gordon’s Koppie walk which in fact be-
comes part of the journey towards the building. Although the site is severely degraded in some areas, it still offers a unique sense of the typical Karoo aesthetic. These unique features of the site should be explored during the development of the proposed design and the idea of introducing built form to aid in the rehabilitation of degraded land should be further investigated.
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4.4.1 SITE CONTEXT MAP Site analysis involves mapping out and analysing the chosen site and its surrounding physical context. Context refers to the existing surroundings and their influence on the building’s function, main access routes, and proximity to nodes for research. The main tourist route into the town (R407 and Church Street) is one street away from (in front of) the proposed design. Due to the small size of the town, it is essential that the sensitive facility is on the main road, however, by placing the facility one street back, the built form is both part of the landscape and part of the community and is in walking distance for tourists and other pedestrians. Figure 62: Site context sketch by author, 2018
1.
2.
3.
4.4.2 MAPPING SITE ELEMENTS
3 4 2 6
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5
Figure 64: Site characteristics map by author, 2018
4.
5.
6.
Figure 63: Site characteristics images by author, 2018
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4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
TOPOGRAPHY
CLIMATIC CONDITION ON SITE
VIEWS FROM BUILT FORM
The proposed building is located on a slightly sloped site with the fall towards the front street edge, and the Gorden’s Koppie lying towards the back of the site. In this way the topography of the site is a significant design factor which should lead to a layered, linear building that allows for multiple viewpoints.
The building is intended to be predominantly north-facing, keeping in mind extremely harsh western sun that may become problematic and the long shadows from Gordon’s Koppie that will be cast in the afternoon. The building should be adaptable in order to provide protection from the heat in summer and harness light in winter.
Views act as built form placement generator to create a link with the Town visually and the surrounding natural context
Figure 65: Site topography mapping by author, 2018
Figure 66: Climatic condition on site by author, 2018
Figure 67: Views from site mapping by author, 2018
Severely Degraded land
4.4.6 DEGREE OF DEGRADATION
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The selected site shows three varying levels of degradation due to the exposure of the mentioned effects. The plateau just behind the site is identified as a rocky outcrop and as a result suffers from erosion through water runoff due to the lack of a protective plant layer. The erosion is mostly a result of dead plant material where the rocks do not provide a stable soil condition. For this reason, the lower end of the site is severely degraded and is therefore an ideal placement for the proposed design. The proposed built form can create a barrier against the harsh run-off and allow for dedicated zones of rehabilitation. Figure 68: Level of degradation mapping by author, 2018
Low Degraded Land
Intermediate Degraded Land
Desertification is the consequence of land degradation and results in reduced perennial vegetation cover; this increases exposed bare ground, accelerates soil erosion and reduces efficient absorption of rainfall. These effects cause a reduction in the productivity of a site.
Figure 69: Level of degradation mapping by author, 2018
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Figure 70: MAIN ROAD OF PRINCE ALBERT by author, 2018
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05 Brief Programme Accommodation
Figure 71: Broken farm windmill by author, 2018
Proposed Client and Funding / Design Focus / Program Requirements / Accommodation / Special Requirements
5.0
client defined
The primary client for the proposed Ecological research and rehabilitation facility is the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP)
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FIGURE 72: EBRACTEOLA WILMANIAE SUCCULENT by author, 2018
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5.1
CLIENTS AND FUNDING The primary client for the proposed ecological research and rehabilitation facility is the Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP). The Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme (SKEP) is a long-term collaboration of government and private conservation organisations that aim to promote sustainability and economic development of the Karoo region under discussion. The vision of the SKEP programme is for the people of the Succulent Karoo to take ownership of and enjoy their living landscape in a way that maintains biodiversity and improves livelihoods, now and in the future (SANBI, 2018). The SKEP partnership is coordinated by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) which helps facilitate the interaction of multiple organisations, government departments, universities and privately owned companies; SANBI is responsible for the research exploration and growth of South African natural biodiversity.
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The Succulent Karoo Programme is involved in the following activities: ° ° ° ° °
Figure 73: Aloe claviflora by author, 2018
° ° °
Securing land in priority areas Expanding relevant partnerships Linking livelihoods and biodiversity Building local government capacity Strengthening linkages between natural and social science, and management in the Succulent Karoo Capitalising on climate change and renewable energy Involving the mining sector Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity
Figure 74: Karoo locust by author, 2018
The client mentioned above is invested in the continued preservation and rehabilitation of Karoo vegetation biodiversity, and will thus benefit from the proposed ecological research and rehabilitation facility.
5.2
ECO TOURISM
DESIGN FOCUS
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The building complex aims to satisfy the need for a platform where various activities that are centered on conservation, can take place. This includes the exchange of knowledge and resources, as well as the skills development that is intended to enhance understanding of the fragile Karoo landscape across the South African ecological conservation industry. The integrated programmes to be housed by the proposed design accommodate for ecological conservation in the area of Prince Albert as it offers education facilities, industry-specific research facilities and opportunities for public interaction with this research. The building will become a hybrid eco-tourism attraction centre, community engagement infrastructure, educational activity provider and on-site repair and ecological research hub.
SKILLS
PRESERVATION
DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
DESIGN FOCUS
EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE
RESEARCH LABORATORIES
ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Figure 75: Design focus breakdown illustration by author, 2018
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ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND REHABILITATION FACILITY
Figure 76: Building perspective illustration by author, 2018
5.3
PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
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The programme supporting the ecological research and rehabilitation facility has been developed to branch three ways, namely ecological research, education and administration infrastructure. The public will form a crucial part of the build-
ing in that research facilities will be open to public interpretation through inclusion of exhibition areas. The design facilitates user interaction and harnesses social culture through is layout which promotes an active learning environment
ADMINISTRATION
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH EDUCATIONAL
Figure 77: Three primary entities diagram by author, 2018
5.3.1
PUBLIC VS PRIVATE The design intends to blur the line between public, semi-public and private spaces without eliminating the differentiation entirely. Through the implementation of design elements as both physical and visual barriers, the building will convey 째 째 째 째 Public
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Interactive space (public) Educational space (semi-public) Research Laboratory space (semi-private) Administrative facility space (private)
PRIVATE
Semi - Private
varying degrees of privacy throughout. For the design of the ecological research and rehabilitation facility, four crucial elements serve the primary functions and capacities of the building.
PUBLIC
Private
INTERACTIVE PUBLIC SPACE
LIC
IN
E TIV AC R TE
E AC SP
B PU
PRIVATE
PUBLIC
Figure 78: Public vs private parti diagram by author, 2018
Figure 80: Education spaces by author, 2018
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Figure 79: Public interactive spaces by author, 2018
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INTERACTIVE
SPACES (PUBLIC)
The interactive public space plays an essential role in demonstrating the importance of ecological research and rehabilitation to the public. These areas will consist of public exhibitions, engaging walkways and spaces designed for interaction and communication about the site-based rehabilitation. Public exhibitions make up the spine of the building where spaces dedicated to the processes of conservation are exposed during the journey through the facility. Together these elements create a sense of connectivity with the natural landscape.
EDUCATIONAL SPACE (SEMI-PUBLIC) Due to the relative lack of formalised ecological, educational facilities in the area, a portion of the facility is dedicated to this by serving as an ecological research centre for students. The centre is to be equipped with vegetation rehabilitation facilities, discussion rooms and auditorium space. This particular component renders space for public and private use. The educational features should result in the interweaving of public visitors, students, community members and professionals.
Figure 82: The administrative facility spaces by author, 2018
Figure 81: The research Laboratory spaces by author, 2018
RESEARCH
LABORATORY SPACES (SEMI-PRIVATE)
Due to the highly sensitive nature of working with plant materials, the Ecological research and laboratory facilities will not be directly accessible to the public. A semi-private section is created by separating public from private areas using a glass facade, allow visitors to appreciate and observe the processes of vegetation and seed preservation and testing in the laboratories. This component of the proposed programme is dedicated to the investigation and further research into the biodiversity degradation of the Karoo.
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ADMINISTRATIVE
FACILITY SPACES (PRIVATE)
The administrative portion of the building mainly consists of offices, boardrooms and lecture halls. As such it is a private element which does not allow for direct interaction with the public
Figure 83: Succulent karoo plant by author, 2018
5.4
ACCOMMODATION
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Research and rehabilitation facility
The ecological conservation centre focuses on the research, rehabilitation and documentation of Succulent Karoo vegetation and ecosystems occurring at the zoned site and the greater regional context. The programme should function in conjunction with the facility, the context, and beyond the rehabilitation and cultivation space. Supporting features provide the necessary space for greenhouses and longterm research and testing areas. This semi-private section is located on the northwestern wing and is accessible from the central public courtyard via the shaded walkways. It is also directly accessible from the private staff parking area on the western part of the site. Aspects of the programme are currently being conducted on a smaller scale in the surrounding area but combining them in one united facility with all the required amenities and equipment in the Succulent Karoo area itself, presents great advantages. Research into conservation is vital in order to find new methods that ensure the survival of fragile ecosystems.
B Administrative Facility
This section of the building proposed is to house the supporting offices that accommodate the ecological rehabilitation programme and the Succulent Karoo ecosystem programme that will provide job creation for the surrounding community. Because this section is regarded as a private section of the building complex, it will be set in the west wing of the research facility hence separated from the general public spaces. It will however be accessible by the central shaded walkway.
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C
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Educational Facility
Education forms a crucial part of the centre as the facility showcases the importance of different Succulent Karoo plant species and provides a platform for primary and tertiary educational programmes both theoretical and practical within the actual environment where the organisms survive. The centre is comprised of two main educational components. The first is the student and community research and learning centre containing a research library and seperate, semi-public, laboratory whereby tertiary research can be conducted. The second component is an outdoor demarcated learning area whereby longterm practical tests can be undertaken. In addition there are auditoriums and lecture rooms used for seminars, information sessions, briefings and short courses which should also contribute to the educational programme as a whole. These spaces are central to the building’s layout
Figure 84: Thorn tree by author, 2018
as the exhibitions are set up against the rammed earth wall which guides the public through the building thus promoting their further education. A central, covered public courtyard on the east side of the building complex serves as an assembly point for the building from which various functions flow. The public educational learning experience and the exhibition spaces allow this interlink with other functions and processes of the semi-private programme and are thus positioned in such a way as to give the public visual access to the inner workings of the laboratories. This access is made possible via interactive courtyard pockets along the central movement routes. Guided walks through the on-site rehabilitation areas will teach students and other visitors about the fragility of the surrounding landscape, which is fundamental to the decision to erect the structure in the first place.
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ADMINISTRATION
ACCOMMODATION
EDUCATIONAL
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Figure 85: Accommodation breakdown illustration by author, 2018
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Figure 86: Building perspective diagram by author, 2018
5.5
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SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Given the highly sensitive nature of dealing with plant materials and soil samples, there are special requirements of the facility such as; laboratories, instrumentation, documentation spaces, supporting office areas and sampling and storing facilities.
Specialised Resources Required: •Drying Room •Seed and sample cleaning room •Dry Laboratory spaces •Incubation or cold storage area
page
This insulated and humidity controlled room will house individual drying racks with seeds stacked on them so that the plants may be dried to prevent decomposition. The required equipment includes seed packing presses, a moisture tester, a thermo-hygrograph, microscopes, a hygroPalm, a balance scale and of course the drying shelves. The recommended drying room temperature is 15째C, with equilibrium, and relative humidity of 15%.
The seed and sample cleaning facility is to be used for newly received samples. Through the process of cleaning samples, the risk of diseases is reduced and it eliminates any other contaminated materials before samples are taken into laboratories. 째
Sieves with different mesh sizes are used to separate seeds from the bulk material and smaller debris.
째
A seed aspirator removes similarly sized, lighter, heavier, dry or infested seeds and debris.
째
Finally hand sorting the seeds can also be done using a more complex seed container for certain debris pieces.
Dry laboratories are facilities that utilise microscopes and data capturing equipment to identify and record specific findings. After samples have been tested and documented they are placed in cold storage or transferred to the greenhouse or to rehabilitation areas for planting.
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06 Design Development
Figure 87: Spekboom leaves by author, 2018
Concept / Materiality / Design Development / Design Principles implemented / Passive Design Techniques
6.0
concept
Nature has managed carbon for 3, 8 billion years.
Nature has evolved strategies to manage, and even take advantage of the presence of carbon. The natural carbon cycle is a constant operating condition of earth and the natural world, including organisms and ecosystems.(Ecosystem Resilience, 2009) These champion adapters have become resient and help humans tackle the carbon and climatic change mimetically.
page
132 Colony Insects
Figure 88: Bee hive colony
Sea Kelp
Figure 89: Kelp and Sea Grass
Coral Reef
Figure 90: Corals outcrop on Flynn Reef
Plants and Algae
Figure 91: Lichens photosynthetic alga
page
Forest Ecosystem
Figure 92: Costa Rica’s ecosystem: Rain forest
Schools of fish
Prairie Ecosystem
Plant Fibres
Figure 93: Schools of fish swim over corals
Figure 94: Succulent Karoo Rose aloe
Figure 95: Yucca leaf fibers
133
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6.1
ESTABLISH THE BASIS OF RESILIENT THINKING Resilience refers to a dynamic process encompassing positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity (Luthar, et al., 2003) In defining resilience, it is important to specify whether resilience is being portrayed as a trait, a process, or an outcome. (Southwick, 2014). The construct of resilience comes from the Latin verb resilire, meaning to spring back, resilience was first used by physical scientists to denote the characteristics of a spring and describe the stability of materials and their resistance to
external shocks. (Davoudi, 2012) The faster the system bounces back, the more resilient these systems can become too unpredictable changes. By thinking of resilience as a process, rather than a trait or outcome, one can explore how an organism’s active ecological processes interact with the environment, This thinking is useful in fully understanding the effect of foreign, often negative, influences on a system and the best way to negate them.
THE SPEKBOOM The Spekboom, South Africa’s own environmental warrior plant, indigenous evergreen succulent plant native to South Africa’s Eastern Cape Karoo region. A plant hailed for its abilities to tackle carbon emissions like no other plant. Also known as Portulacaria Afra or Elephant’s Food, Spekboom trees grow to between 2 and 5 meters tall and can live up to 200 years. Characterizes by having small fat round leaves and red stems it is not something that is easily missed. Not only can it help with carbon emissions it is an incredibly resilient plant as it can survive drought and fire due to its ability to store water in its leaves. Making it the perfect focus in rehabilitating the Karoo degradation and learning how resilience principles can be transferred across disciplines. page
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Figure 96: Spekboom leaves [Online] http:// justinbonello.com/notes/spek-boom/ [accessed on 20-05-2018]
6.1.1 page
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RESILIENT PRINCIPLES OF THE SPEKBOOM By taking the core Ecological principles of the unique succulent plant Portulacaria Afra commonly known as ‘Spekboom’, shows how the resilience of this unique plant can be translated into architectural responses that can inspire resilience in the built environment. Through this exploration of functioning resilient ecosystems and architecture a mutual learning environment can be facilitated, that focuses on producing a tangible resilient environment for communities, ecological systems, and architectural infrastructure alike, assisting them in becoming more adaptable to environmental stresses.
With the adaptable abilities and properties of one natural ecological system of the spekboom, we can enhance resilience across all areas of environmental, socioeconomic and architectural resilience. By learning from and applying principles used in nature. Strategies that protect the natural environment can enhance resilience for all living systems. Through implementing the fundamental properties that make the spekboom ecologically resilient and translating them into architectural interventions using interpretation, architecture and ecological environments can work together harmoniously.
SPEKBOOM
Spekboom has the ability to store more carbon than normal plants, although all plants trap carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, the spekboom is highly efficient in the way it can still trap carbon dioxide even after its breathing pores are closed. This unique process of Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis allows for the reduced photo respiration in hot, dry climates and allows the plant to effectively remove more carbon from the atmosphere using very little water. (Babylonstoren, 2017)
CRASSULACEAN ACID METABOLISM (CAM) PHOTOSYNTHESIS
4 TONS OF CARBON PER YEAR
CO2 EMISSION ABSORPTION
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Spekboom cycle diagram
Through its unique filtration of carbon dioxide, it can provide fertile soil conditions that are a suitable micro-climate for surrounding species to flourish. While a portion of this carbon is stored in the aboveground plant material, most are in the topsoil, especially in the mulch layer thus acting as a catalyst in the restoration of the landscape. (Kuzuko, 2010). The extensive, closed-canopy foliage of spekboom plays a further significant role in the enrichment of the soil conditions by shading the soil surface from extreme temperature increases. This favours the formation of stable aggregates and the ability of the roots to compact the soil, thereby improving the water-holding capacity of the soil allowing for increased resilience against soil erosion.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
INCREASED FERTILE
EXHAUSTION, DEHYDRATION
SOIL CONDITIONS
AND HEAT STROKE
ANTISEPTIC
ENHANCED SURROUNDING ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE
TREATMENT FOR SUNBURN
S TA B I L I S E D SOIL
CLOSED-CANOPY FOLIAGE
SHADING
Figure 97: Spekboom resilient elements illustration, by author,2018
Fact:
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‘Spekboom thicket is ten times more effective than the Amazon rainforest at removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One hectare of Spekboom can sequester between 4 and 10 tonnes of carbon per year. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and the move towards a zero-carbon world.’ Samara Private Game Reserve,2014
Figure 98: Spekboom leaves, by author,2018
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Translating ecological properties of a spekboom into architectural design decisions that foster the collaborative understanding of resilience The following ‘PARTI’ diagram development represents the exploration of the initial design intention stage. The key thoughts and concepts where explored ° ° ° ° °
Linear Typology (Arranging buildings along the contours) Central Shading courtyards - overhead canopy Public Node (Degrees of publicness) Thermal Mass (Green Roofs , Wall contact , Earth covered) Passive design measures that reduce co2 emission (Rammed earth )
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Transfer of resilient principles Figure 99: Spekboom hedge by author
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The material palette for the proposed building is inspired by the existing material aesthetic surrounding the site; these represent the colours and textures of the Karoo landscape. It is important to understand how these materials can express the natural surrounding through aging and weathering to connect the old and the new. By exploring this technical aspect to the design, the new proposed building acts as an environmental remediation of the Karoo landscape, as well as inheriting the physical characteristics that allow the building to become connected with the surrounding natural environment.
Mentis grating
Corten steel
MATERIALITY
Rammed earth
6.2
Brick
Glass
Unfinished/off-shutter concrete
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6.3
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Development of the green spaces
EARTHWORK / LIVING WALLS
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Central rammed earth wall of the building can act as another layer for the introduction of vertical green walls
Figure 100: Building spacial development illustrations by author
Figure 101: Green space intergeneration development sketches by author
SHADE
ECOLOGICAL GREEN SPACES
Using the shade from acacia trees and perforated roof canopies will create inviting pause areas for the users
Using rehabilitation areas to grow local produces and foraging gardens will promote the cultivation of indigenous vegetation at home.
WALKWAYS
GREEN ROOFS
GREENHOUSES
A network of rehabilitation site platforms for the discovery and learning around the research centre
Pause areas a long the routes for interaction with the surroundings
Exposure to controlled facilities for learning
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Plan Development
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“It was a fixed rule of his [Eaton’s], when driving in the country, that one should stop at any appealing view or site and leave the car to walk freely into the country, down or up the hill, and allow the trees and plants and rocks and streams to reveal themselves” (FISHER, 1997)
Exploration of building form within contour lines
Figure 102: Design development diagram exploration by author
Continued exploration of linear path and rammed earth wall guiding the movement route
Exploration of one long movement route from front of site to back of site cutting between public and private. Space allows for interaction of people and has the potential to become a recreational area page
147
Overlap of visitor with private functions, allowing the interaction between space.
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Development of plan allowing for the integration of the existing Gordens koppie walk from the back of the site
Figure 103: Linear Design development diagram by author
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Revised Development of plan developing spaces around the building complex
Figure 104: Camdeboo mountain sunset by author
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Revised Development of plan investigating the working of internal spaces Figure 105: Initial Design plan, by author
07 Design Resolution
Figure 106: Rock Outcrop by author
Plans / Sections / Elevations / 3D Perspective Exploration
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page
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Figure 107: Final Building overview sketch by author
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Public Parking Spekboom introduction garden Ecological observation platforms Gordons koppie walk Green Houses Rehabilitation land Staff Parking
3
2 1 7
6 5 6
4
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.
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PLAN 0
5
10
15
Public courtyard Administration and information centre Book shop Restaurant Foraging garden Exhibition platform Lobby Discussion room Auditorium Facility ablutions Research administration office Meeting room Sample collection Sample quarantine Primary sample preparation laboratory Laboratory offices Sample drying room Staff kitchenette and Ablutions Cataloging library Sample storage Sample processing laboratory Long term research offices Student conservation research centre Ecological research library Open plan research stations Private offices Research testing laboratory Student testing site
6
5
3
4
2 18 19 21
12
16
17
20
15
11 1
14 13
22
7 10 26
24
23 25
27 28
8
9
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° ° ° ° ° °
page
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Auditorium foyer Auditorium Green wall Working Stations Discussion rooms Walkway
page
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° ° ° ° °
Ablutions Exterior walkway Research Laboratory Passage Staff Platform
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SECTION B - B
page
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Section bb
ENTRANCE PERSPECTIVE
ENTRANCE PERSPECTIVE page
164
page
165
page
166
page
167
page
168
page
169
page
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page
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WALKWAY PERSPECTIVE
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ROUTE PERSPECTIVE Gorden Koppie
page
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page
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08 Technical Review
Figure 108: Rock image by author
Passive Design solutions/ Sustainable Techniques/ Technical Drawings
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8.0
Passive design
“In the Gaia theory air, water, and soil are major components of one central organism, planet Earth. What we typically think of as life - the plants and animals that inhabit the earth - has evolved merely to regulate the chemistry of the biosphere. Humans are insignificant participants, far less important to the life cycle than termites. Even the imbalance that we have created by adding massive quantities of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere may be brought back to acceptable levels by other organisms functioning in their capacity to correct excesses.� _David Easton, The Rammed Earth House
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page
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Figure 109: STONE WALL by author
8.1
PASSIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS
page
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Special consideration needs to be given to passive design solutions and sustainable technology strategies of the building. These considerations will assist in minimizing the buildings carbon footprint and reduce resource and energy consumption. Attention has been given to thermal mass, solar control, shaded courtyards/natural ventilation, water harvesting/treatment
Figure 110: Rammed earth construction exploration by author
Rammed earth walls was the preferred construction type due to the severely degraded site providing all the necessary raw material ‘earth’ needed in the construction. The rammed earth walls also provided the opportunity to remove the top layer of degraded soil and exposes the healthy soil below which is ideal for the rehabilitation process. These walls are easily constructed and as most of the material is found on site, it makes it very accessible and keeps the carbon footprint of the building low.
BSolar control
Thermal mass Thermal mass can reduce or even cancel out the need for air-conditioning, furthermore thermal mass in addition to cross ventilation and overhangs are vital components to cooling a building without mechanical energy sources. Specific design elements such as rammed earth walls and green roofs increase the stability of temperature inside the building reduces the amount if heat gain during the day.
Due to the harsh environment the proposed facility has to deal with high solar radiation 4 identified methods of dealing with solar radiation have been identified: 째
Lightweight shading devices on northern and western facades of building
째
Indigenous green roofs.
째
Natural shading with large trees along public walkways
째
Courtyard spaces with overhead lightweight perforated shading steel pergola allowing for natural ventilation
C Water harvesting
Water harvesting will take place on the roofs of the ecological facility; all roofs have been designed to harvest rainwater into an underground tank. Water will then be treated and re-used in the building and for irrigation purposes by mechanically pumping it back up to be used as irrigation systems for all rehabilitation and cultivation areas of the proposed site. These water harvesting techniques will help lessen the demand on municipal water supply.
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8.2
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WZ
102 000
^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ƌƵŶŽĨĨ
WZKWK^ h/> /E'
102 500
sĞŐŝƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƌĞŚĂďŝůŝƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƐŝƚĞ
'ƌĂǀĞů ǁĂůŬǁĂLJ
sĞŐŝƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƌĞŚĂďŝůŝƚĂƚŝŽŶ ƐŝƚĞ
103 000 ϮϬϬŵ Kh E
Z z >/E
103 500
^ŝƚĞ WůĂŶ
'ŽƌĚĞŶƐ <ŽƉƉŝĞ ǁĂůŬ
^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϱϬϬ 104 000
103 500
A1
B1
ϰϬϱϬ
C1
ϱϬϬϬ
ϱϬϬϬ
D1
E1
ϱϬϬϬ
F1
ϱϬϬϬ
G1
ϱϬϬϬ
H1
ϱϬϬϬ
ůŝŶĞ ŽĨ ƌŽŽĨ ĂďŽǀĞ
ϮϯϬ
ϯϴϯϬ
ϮϴϵϬ
ϮϯϬ
ϮϯϬ
ϮϬϮϬ
ϯϬϬϬ
ϯϱϮϬ
ϭϭϵϬ
ϯϬϬϬ
ϮϯϬ
ϴϬϴϱ
ϴϬϬ
-
ϱϬϬ ϱϲϲ ϴϬϬ
ϵϵ ϵϭϱ
ϭϬϰϮϯ
^ƚĂĨĨ ďůƵƚŝŽŶƐ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
ϭϬϲϬ ϱϬϬ
ϭϬϱϵ ϱϬϬ
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
KƉĞŶ DĞĞƚŝŶŐ ZŽŽŵ
ϭϮϰϬ
ϭϮϰϬ
ϳϰϲ Ϭ
^ DW> Z ,/s ^
ϭϮϯϱ
ϭϮϯϱ
dŝŵďĞƌ ĚĞĐŬŝŶŐ
ϱϬϬ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
1
ϱϬϬ
ϱϬϬ ϴϯϭ ϮϯϬ
27 14
> KZ dKZz K&&/ ^ 'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
Z , />/d /KE ' Z E^
--^ƚĂĨĨ ĚĞĐŬ ĂƌĞĂ
^ůŝĚŝŶŐ ŽƌƚƌŶ ^ƚĞĞů ůŽƵǀĞƌƐ
ϭϯϰϭ
ϭϯϰϭ ϭϴϵ
ϯϯ
-
ϯϬ
---
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
sŝŶLJů ϭϵϴϴϬ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
ĐĞ
ϬϬ ϴϮ
ŝĞ
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƌŽŽĨ ĂďŽǀĞ
ĐĞ
ŬƐ ƐŝŶ
ϬϬ Ϯϲ
ϰϱ ϯϲ
^, t ><t z
ϬϬ ϭϯ
ůŽĐŬ WĂǀĞƌƐ
ϭϮ
ϭϬ
^ DW> Yh Z Ed/E
3 00
sŝŶLJů
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
4
ϴϬϬŵŵ ƚŽ ϲϬϬŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ĂŶŐůĞĚ ƌĞŶŝĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƌĂŵŵĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ǁĂůů ƚŽ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
ǀ ďŽ ŵ Ă ĞĂ Ĩ ď Ğ Ž ůŝŶ
Ğ ĐĞ ŝĞ
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů ϱϳ ϲϬ
7
ϴϬϬ
ϮϬ ϳϬ
ůŝ Ϭ ^ ƌĂŶŽ Ϭ Ϭ Z ' ϭϬ ϱ ϳ Ϭ Ϭ
50
ϵϱϬ ϱϬϬ ϵϬϬ ϱϬϬ ϵϬϬ ϱϬϬ
ϭ
ϳϬ ϮϮ
/ && Ě , K ^ĐƌĞĞ Z ƚŚŝĐ Ϭ
A2
ϱϳ Ϯϴ ϲϱ ϭϯ
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ /
ƚŚŝĐ Ϭ Žůŝ ĂŶ ϬϬ 'ƌ ϬϬ
ϴϬϯ ϱ
Ϭ Ϭ ϭϬ
/s >d h
^ DW> K>> d/KE
ŬƐ ƐŝŶ
^ Z
KZ , >sŝŶLJů Z ϬϬ
ϴϬ
Ϭ
^ / && K ĞĚ E Ğ d/K ^Đƌ
ϳ ϰϭ ϭϭ
ϳϱ ϳϮ
B2
ϬϬ ϮϬ
ϲϰϳϬ
ϲϰϳϵ
ϯϬ Ϯϵ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
ϴϱ ϴϬ
ϳϬ ϳϵ
z KZ d
^ DW> d >K'h
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
Ϭ Ϯϯ
-
---
2
Zz/E' ZKKD d >K'h >/ Z Zz
Ϭ Ϯϯ
ϰϬ Ϯϳ
C2
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
sŝŶLJů
ϭϭϭϭϱ
D2
ϴϬ
ϴϬ
ϯϰ
^ DW> WZ W Z d/KEͬ d ^d/E'
ϮϯϬ ϭϮϳ ϱ
E2
ϭϵ
Z , />/d d/KE D/E/^dZ d/KE K&&/
ϵϮϱ
ϭϯϰϭ
ZĂŵƉ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϭϮ
ϱϬϬϬ ϭϯϰϭ
/
ϱ ϱϮ
>hd/KE^
ϮϬϭϴ
Ϭ ϴϬ
ϯϴ
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů
ϵϬ
ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
t ><t z
Z DW dK ϭ͗ϭϮ & >>
ϭϱ ϯϴ
ůŽĐŬ WĂǀĞƌƐ
8
ϮϬϬ Ϭ
ϳ Ϯϴ ϭϮ
ϳϭϵϱ
UP
ϴϮϬ
ϭϬϯϬ
ϱϮϱϱ
ϬϬ ϰϬ ϳϵ
D >
ϱϬŵŵ T hWs ǁĂƐƚĞ ƉŝƉĞ
& D >
ϵϬ
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
'ƌĂŶŽůŝƚŚŝĐ ^ĐƌĞĞĚ
Ϭ ϳϬ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ϵϱϬ
ϵϱϬ
ϵϱϬ
ϵϱϬ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ϵϱϬ
Ϯϯϳϴ
ϵϱϬ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ĐĞ
ϬϬ ϭϴ
6 Ϭ ϳϬ
Ϭ ϱ ϭϬ
^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĚƵĐƚ ŝĞ
ϬϬ ϭϴ Ϭ ϳϬ
^ůŝ ϬϬ
ϲ ϮϬ
11
ŝĞ
ĐĞ
ϯϬ ϱϳ
Ϯϵ
^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬϬ
ϵϬ
ϭϭϬŵŵ T hWs ƐŽŝů ƉŝƉĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ǁĂƐƚĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ƚĂŶŬƐͬ ŵƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů ĐŽŶŶĐĞƚŝŽŶ ͍
ĐĞ
ϴϵ ϳϵ
'ƌŽƵŶĚ ĨůŽŽƌ WůĂŶ
ĞͿ
ŝĞ
ϮϯϳϬ
Z DW dK ϭ͗ϭϮ & >>
ϲϯ Ϯϴ
ϯϲ Ϯϱ
10
Ϭ ϭϬ
ŝĐ ŽĨĨ
ϭϯ
Ϭ Ϯϯ
^ Z
KZ , >sŝŶLJů ϬϬ Z ϱ
ϱ ϱϵ ϭϮ
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů
Ɛ ;
ϰϵ ϱϰ
Ϯϲ ϭϲ
Ϭ ϴϬ
ϴϱ ϳϴ Ɖ
z KZ d
Žŵ ƌŽ ĂƚĞ ƌŝǀ
'ƌ
ϵϱϬ
ϮϲϬϴ
Ϭ
ϭϯ ϯϴ
ϴϬϬŵŵ ƚŽ ϲϬϬŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ĂŶŐůĞĚ ƌĞŶŝĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƌĂŵŵĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ǁĂůů ƚŽ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
E h ^d
, Z Ě ĐƌĞĞ ^ ƚŚŝĐ ^ Ϭ Ϭ d Z ĂŶŽůŝ
ϵϱϬ
24 00
ϳϬ
Z Ed
ϵϱϬ
ϰϱϴϮ
ϲϬ Ϯϲ
9
ϵϱϬ
ϰϱϴϮ
5 ^ůŝĚŝŶŐ ŽƌƚƌŶ ^ƚĞĞů ůŽƵǀĞƌƐ
Ž Ő ĚŝŶ
ů ůŽ ƚĞĞ Ŷ ^ ƌƚƌ
Ɛ Ğƌ Ƶǀ
-
---
ĐĞ
A1
B1
C1
D1
E1
F1
G1
H1
-
---
1
ϱϬŵŵ Ζ'ĞďĞƌŝƚ WůƵǀŝĂΖ ƐŝƉŚŽŶŝĐ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ǁŝƚŚ ůŽĂĚ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ 'ĞďĞƌŝƚ ƉƵůǀŝĂ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ƚŽ ϭϬϬŵ , W
Z , />/d /KE ' Z E^ ϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ZĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƵƉƐƚĂŶĚ ďĞĂŵ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϯϬϬdžϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƵƉƐƚĂŶĚ ďĞĂŵ ƚŽ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
E2
'Z E ZKK&
-
-
ϭϬϯ ϭϳϱ
---
---
2 ^d > W Z'K> ϭϬϱ ϲϬϬ
D2
C2
ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϱϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ
'Z E ZKK&
ϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ZĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƵƉƐƚĂŶĚ ďĞĂŵ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϭϬϯ ϭϳϱ
3
^Žŝů ǁŝƚŚ 'ĞŽ dĞdžƚŝůĞ ĐŽǀĞƌ ĐĞ
ŝĞ
ĐĞ
ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϱϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ
B2
150 x 100 x 5mm Mild steel T-section purlin fixed to 203 x 203 x 86mm H-beam to suport purpose made Steel Bar grating saddle clips to span two bearing bars grating system fixed with M12 Hot Dipped Galvanised Hexagon bolts and lock nuts
^, t ><t z
ϱϬŵŵ Ζ'ĞďĞƌŝƚ WůƵǀŝĂΖ ƐŝƉŚŽŶŝĐ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ǁŝƚŚ ůŽĂĚ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ 'ĞďĞƌŝƚ ƉƵůǀŝĂ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ƚŽ ϭϬϬŵ , W
4
ůŽĐŬ WĂǀĞƌƐ
A2 ĐĞ ŝĞ
'Z E ZKK&
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů
ϭϬϯ ϭϳϱ
7
ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϱϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů
t ><t z ϭϱ ϯϴ
ůŽĐŬ WĂǀĞƌƐ
8
UP
5 'Z E ZKK& Z DW dK ϭ͗ϭϮ & >>
ϭϬϯ Ϭϰϱ
9 ĐĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ŝĞ
ĐĞ
6 ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĚƵĐƚ ϴϬϬŵŵ ƚŽ ϲϬϬŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ĂŶŐůĞĚ ƌĞŶŝĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƌĂŵŵĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ǁĂůů ƚŽ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
'Z E ZKK& ϭϬϯ ϱϬϬ
ϱϬŵŵ Ζ'ĞďĞƌŝƚ WůƵǀŝĂΖ ƐŝƉŚŽŶŝĐ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ǁŝƚŚ ůŽĂĚ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ 'ĞďĞƌŝƚ ƉƵůǀŝĂ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ƚŽ ϭϬϬŵ , W
ŝĞ
ϭϭϬŵŵ T hWs ƐŽŝů ƉŝƉĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ǁĂƐƚĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ƚĂŶŬƐͬ ŵƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů ĐŽŶŶĐĞƚŝŽŶ ͍
ĐĞ
-
---
ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ^ƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů
10
ZŽŽĨ WůĂŶ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬϬ
11
ĐĞ
ϮϬϯdžϮϬϯŵŵ ,Ͳ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĐŽůŽŵŶ ǁĞůĚĞĚ ƚŽ ϮϴϬdžϯϬϬdžϭϮŵŵ DŝůĚ ^ƚĞĞů ďĂƐĞ ƉůĂƚĞ ďŽůƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶĐŚŽƌ ďŽůƚƐ ϮϬϯŵŵ dž ϮϬϯŵŵ , ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĐŽůŽƵŵ ϯϬϬ
ϭϬϬ
ϯϬϬ
300mmx500mmx200mmx12mm tapered asymmetrical I section column
ϵϬ
ϮϬϯ
WĂŶ ŚĞĂĚ ƐĐƌĞǁƐ
ϭϲϬ
ϰϬŵŵ dž ϴŵŵ ŵŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ĞƋƵĂů ďŽůƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Dϴ ĂŶĐŚŽƌ ďŽůƚƐ ϱϬϬ
ϭϲϬŵŵ dž ϴŵŵ DŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ƐŝĚĞ ƉůĂƚĞ
220mmx220mmx12mm steel pin welded to 280mmx300x12mm mild base platesteel bolted Slatted timber seating on steel 45mm x45mm hollow to concrete footing tube sections bolted to concrete footing
ϱϬϬŵŵ dž ϱϬϬŵŵ dž ϴϬϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϱϱϬ
ϱϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
220mmx220mmx12mm steel pin conncection plates welded to upside of flat plate of 300mmx500mmx12mm tapered asymmetrical I section column
ϮϮϬ
ϮϮϬ
ϮϮϬ
ϮϴϬŵŵ ϯϬϬŵŵ dž ϭϮŵŵ DŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ďĂƐĞ ƉůĂƚĞ ǁĞůĚĞĚ ƚŽ , ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ϮϴϬŵŵdžϯϬϬdžϭϮŵŵ ŵŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ďĂƐĞ ƉůĂƚĞ ďŽůƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĐĂƐƚ ŝŶ ĂŶĐŚŽƌ ďŽůƚ ϱϬŵŵ dž ϯϬϬŵŵ dŝŵďĞƌ ƐůĞĞƉĞƌ ƐĞĂƚ
Mild steel flat plate welded to end of asymmetrical Isection cloumn to allow for welding of steel pin connection plate
ϮϮϬ
ϭϬϬ
ϰϬϬ
ϴϯϲ
220 x 108 x50mm COROBRICK PA 'Nutmeg'clay paving 800mm x 1000mm reinforced concrete footing
&ŽŽƚŝŶŐ ĞƚĂŝů WůĂŶ
25 mm Soil crete Sand-cement binding layer
ϭϭϬϬŵŵ dž ϱϬϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϱϬϬ
Compacted back filling layers of 150mm
ϭϭϬϬ
EDGE DETAIL 4
d /> ϱ
Scale 1:10
Scale 1:10
ϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ŶĂƚŝǀĞ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ƚŽ >ĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞ ĂƌĐŚŝƚĞĐƚƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ͘ ϱϬϬŵŵ ĚŝĂ͘ ĐŚƌƵƐŚĞĚ ƐƚŽŶĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ĨŝůůĞĚ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ĨƵůůͲďŽƌĞ ŽƵůƚĞƚƐ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ͘
hƉƉĞƌ ZŽŽĨ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϱ ϴϮϮ
'ĞŽƚĞdžƚŝůĞ ĨĂďƌŝĐŬ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ŽŶ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ ĞůƚĂ D^ϮϬW ƉĞƌĨŽƌĂƚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŶƐŝƚLJ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚLJůĞŶĞ ĚŝŵƉůĞĚ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ϮϱϬ ŵŝĐƌŽŶ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚĞŶĞ ƐŚĞĞƚŝŶŐ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ůĂƉƐ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ƐĞŶƐŝƚŝǀĞ ƚĂƉĞ ϯŵŵ ĐƵƐƚŽŵ ŵĂĚĞ ŐĂůǀ͘ ƐŚĞĞƚ ŵĞƚĂů ĐŽƉŝŶŐ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ƌĂŵŵĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ǁĂůů
KŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϰ, ƌŽŽƚ ďĂƌƌŝĞƌ ŽŶ ŽŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϯ ǁĂƚĞƌƉƌŽŽĨŝŶŐ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ƐŝĚĞ ůĂƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϱϬŵŵ ĞŶĚ ůĂƉƐ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďLJ ΗƚŽƌĐŚͲĨƵƐŝŽŶΗ ŽŶ ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ ĨŝůůĞƚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϲϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ
'Z E ZKK& EKd ͗ ϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƐŽŝů ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ŶĂƚŝǀĞ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ 'ĞŽƚĞdžƚŝůĞ ĨĂďƌŝĐŬ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ŽŶ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ ĞůƚĂ D^ϮϬW ƉĞƌĨŽƌĂƚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŶƐŝƚLJ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚLJůĞŶĞ ĚŝŵƉůĞĚ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƐŚĞĞƚ͕ ŽǀĞƌ ŽŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ϮϱϬ ŵŝĐƌŽŶ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚĞŶĞ ƐŚĞĞƚŝŶŐ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ůĂƉƐ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ƐĞŶƐŝƚŝǀĞ ƚĂƉĞ ͕ŽŶ KŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϰ, ƌŽŽƚ ďĂƌƌŝĞƌ ŽŶ ŽŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϯ ǁĂƚĞƌƉƌŽŽĨŝŶŐ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ƐŝĚĞ ůĂƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϱϬŵŵ ĞŶĚ ůĂƉƐ͕ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďLJ ΗƚŽƌĐŚͲĨƵƐŝŽŶΗ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ ĨŝůůĞƚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϲϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďLJ Ă ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƌŽŽĨ ƐůĂď ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͘
dŽƉ ŽĨ ǁĂůů ƚŽ ĨĂůů
dŽƉ ŽĨ ǁĂůů ƚŽ ĨĂůů D ϭ
ϲϬϬŵŵ dž ϲϬϬŵŵ ůƵŵŝŶŝƵŵ ǁŝŶĚŽǁ ĨƌĂŵĞ
ϲϲϬ
D ϯ
>hd/KE^
ϯϬϬϬdžϲϬϬdžϭ͘ϱŵŵ >/ Zd KZͲd E ϲϬϬ ƉĞƌĨĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƉƌŽĨŝůĞĚ ƌĂŝŶƐĐƌĞĞŶ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ĐͲ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů ƉƌŽĨŝůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƐĞůĨ ĚƌŝůůŝŶŐ ƐĐƌĞǁƐ
W ^^ ' KĨĨ ƐŚƵƚƚĞƌ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ
ϭϮϬϬ
ϭϮϬϬŵŵ dž ϱϬϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϴϬϬ
&KhE d/KE EKd ͗ ϭϳϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ϮϱϬ DŝĐƌŽŶ h^ 'Z E ĚĂŵƉ ƉƌŽŽĨ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ŽŶƚŽ ϯϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ^ŽŝůĐƌĞƚĞ ƐĂŶĚͬĐĞŵĞŶƚ ďůŝŶĚŝŶŐ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽŶ ĐŽŵƉĂĐƚĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ŝŶ ůĂLJĞƌƐ ŽĨ ϭϱϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ
ϯϬϬ
ϯϬϬ
1000
ϭϳϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƚŚŝĐŬĞŶĞĚ ƐůĂď ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϱϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
ϯϬϬ
Section AA
D ϱ
350
500
ϴϬϬ
^d && W> d&KZD 'ƌŽƵŶĚ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
ϰϬϬdžϯϬϬŵŵ ĐĂƐƚ ŝŶƐŝƚƵ KE Z d ƐƚŽƌŵǁĂƚĞƌ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů ĨŝůůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐƚŽŶĞƐ ZĞĐĞƐƐĞĚ ŝŶͲƐůĂď ůŝŐŚƚƐ Λ ϮϱϬϬŵŵ Đ͘Đ
D ϰ
^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϱϬ
Z ^ Z , > KZ dKZz
džƚĞƌŝŽƌ tĂůŬǁĂLJ
ϱϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƉƌĞͲĐĂƐƚ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ tŝŶĚŽǁ Ɛŝůů
Ks Z h d
>ŽǁĞƌ ZŽŽĨ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϯ ϯϬϬ
ϯϮϱ Ϯϱϱ
Ϯϱϱ
ϲϲϬ
ϴϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ƌĂŵŵĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ǁĂůů ƚĂƉƉĞƌĚ ƚŽ ϲϬϬŵŵ Ăƚ ƚŽƉ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĐŽŵƉĂĐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ĐŽŵƉĂĐƚĞĚ ůĂLJĞƌƐ ŽĨ ϭϱϬŵŵ
ϴϬϬ
ϴϬϬŵŵ dž ϯϬϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
D Ϯ
ϭϳϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƚŚŝĐŬĞŶĞĚ ƐůĂď ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
3mm custom made SHEET METAL coping
^ƚĞĞů ƌŽĚƐ ǁĞůůĞĚ ƚŽ ďŽƚƚŽŵ D/> ^d > ĐŽƉŝŶŐ ĨŝdžĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ƉƌĞĚƌŝůůĞĚ ŚŽůĞƐ ĨŝůůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ /< // WƵƌĞ ƉŽdžLJ ŝŶũĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĐŚĞŵŝĐĂů
ϲϬϬ
ϭϭϯ Ϭ
ROOF TOP GARDEN
ϭϳϬ Ϭ
300mm thick layer of native growing medium to Landscape architects specifications. 500mm dia. chrushed stone to be filled around full-bore oultets as per manufacturers specifications.
Y10 10mm STEEL reinforced rods to be welded to bottom of coping and fixed into pre-drilled chemical fixing
Geotextile fabrick loose laid on Derbigum Delta MS20P perforated high density polyethylene dimpled drainage layer 250 micron polyethene sheeting loose laid with 100mm laps sealed with pressure sensitive tape
One layer of Derbigum CG4H root barrier on one layer Derbigum CG3 waterproofing membrane with 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps sealed by "torch-fusion" on 50mm screeded corner fillet to fall 1:60 to rain water outlet
Y10 10mm horizontal STEEL reinforced rods as per engineers specifications at 1000 c/c
ϱϳϱ
ϲϬϬ
Y10 10mm vertical STEEL reinforced rods as per engineers specifications at 300 c/c
Expansion joint filled with 35mm closed-cell polyethylene joint filler ' ABE DURA.SHEET 40' and sealed 35mm 'ABE DURA.KOL GHM' joint sealant.
Ϯϱϱ
sͲũŽŝŶƚ
800mm thick reinforced Stabilized rammed earth wall tapped to 600mm at top as per engineers specifications compacted in compacted layers of 150mm desired for visual effect.
255mm thick reinforced concrete slab as per engineers specifications
tĂůů ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŝŽŶ EŽƚĞ͗ ^Žŝů ĂŶĚ ůŝŵĞ ŵŝdžƚƵƌĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ƵƐĞĚ ĂƐ ƐƚĂďŝůŝnjŝŶŐ ĂŐĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐŚƵƚƚĞƌŝŶŐ ďƵŝůƚ ƵƉ ŝŶ ůĂLJĞƌƐ ŽĨ ϭ ŵĞƚĞƌ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ĨŽƌ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞŵĞŶƚ ƌŽĚƐ͘&ŝŶĂů ǁĂůů ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ,Zz^K KE^ > ƐĞĂůĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ĂƉƉůŝĞĚ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
Concrete soffit to be skimmed and receive primer and final coat of paint
PASSAGE
EXTERIOR
Y10 10mm horizontal STEEL reinforced rods as per engineers specifications at 1000 c/c Y10 10mm Vertical STEEL reinforced rods as per engineers specifications at 300 c/c 800mm thick reinforced rammed earth wall tapperd to 600mm at top as per engineers specifications compacted in varouis heights
INTERIOR
Note: Lift heights to vary colour tinits between 125mm - 170mm Expansion joint filled with 35mm closed-cell polyethylene joint filler ' ABE DURA.SHEET 40' and sealed 35mm 'ABE' joint sealant.
1000 x 500mm thickened reinforced concrete raft foundation according to engineers specification
250 Micron damp proof membrane
400x200mm cast insitu CONCRETE stormwater channel filled with stones
25mm soil crete sand-cement binder Recessed in-slab lights @ 2500mm c.c Compacted back filling layers of 150mm 220 x 108 x50mm COROBRICK PA 'Nutmeg'clay paving 170mm thick reinforced concrete slab to engineers specifications
25 mm Soil crete Sand-cement binding layer
ϭϮϬ
ϰϬ
ϰϬϬ
ĞƚĂŝů ϯ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬ
ϭϬϬϬ
ϮϬϬ
ϭϱϬ
ϭϱϬ
ϱϬϬ
Ϯϱ
ϭϲϬ
Ϯϰϱ
ϭϳϬ
ϰϬ
300mm thick layer of native growing medium to Landscape architects specifications. 500mm dia. chrushed stone to be filled around full-bore oultets as per manufacturers specifications.
x;1 TOP OF SLAB 116 660
Geotextile fabrick loose laid on Derbigum Delta MS20P perforated high density polyethylene dimpled drainage layer
ϮϯϬ
BOTTOM OF SLAB 116 660
ϵϱ
ϴϬ
ϭϭϰ ϭϬϲϴ
ϰϬ
ϱϬϬ
ϯϬϬ
ϴϬ
One layer of Derbigum CG4H root barrier on one layer Derbigum CG3 waterproofing membrane with 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps sealed by "torch-fusion" on 50mm screeded corner fillet to fall 1:60 to rain water outlet
ϭϳϱ
250 micron polyethene sheeting loose laid with 100mm laps sealed with pressure sensitive tape
Ϯϱϱ
ϲ ϱ ϰϱ
BOTTOM OF SLAB 116 660
ϮϯϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ KE Z d ƐůĂď ƚŽ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ DϭϬ dž ϭϬϬŵŵ ŐĂůǀĂŶŝƐĞĚ ŵŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ĐŚĞŵŝĐĂů ďŽůƚ ĂŶĚ ƌƵďďĞƌ ǁĂƐŚĞƌ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ǁĂůů ϯϮϱ
ϯŵŵ ŵŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ϮϬϬ^ ƐŝĚĞ ĨŝdžĞĚ ďƌĂĐŬĞƚ ϮϬϱ
255mm thick reinforced concrete slab as per engineers specifications
ϭϬϬ dž ϴϬ dž ϯŵŵ ,/>> > D D/> ^d > ϮϬϬ' ƚƌĂĐŬ ǁŝƚŚ ƌŽůůŝŶŐ ǁŚĞĞůƐ ĂŶĚ ϬϮϬϬ ĂĚũƵƐƚĂďůĞ ŚĂŶŐĞƌ
Concrete soffit to be skimmed and receive primer and final coat of paint
ϯϬdžϯϬdžϮŵŵ D/> ^d > ĐͲĐŚĂŶŶĞů ĂƐ ƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ĨŝdžĞĚ ŚĂŶŐĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ Dϱ ŶƵƚ ĂŶĚ ďŽůƚ
EXTERIOR
ĞƚĂŝů ϭ Ͳ ^ůŝĚŝŶŐ ůŽƵǀĞƌ
ϯϬϬϬdžϲϬϬdžϭ͘ϱŵŵ >/ Zd KZͲd E ϲϬϬ ƉĞƌĨĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƉƌŽĨŝůĞĚ ƌĂŝŶƐĐƌĞĞŶ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ĐͲ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů ƉƌŽĨŝůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƐĞůĨ ĚƌŝůůŝŶŐ ƐĐƌĞǁƐ
ϮϲϰϮ
^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬ
PASSAGE
ϰϬ
500mm x 340mm thickened reinforced concrete foundation according to engineers specification
250 Micron damp proof membrane 25mm soil crete sand-cement binder Compacted back filling layers of 150mm
ϯϬdžϯϬdžϮŵŵ D/> ^d > ĐͲĐŚĂŶŶĞů ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ŚŽůůŽǁ ƚƵďĞ ĨƌĂŵĞ ǁŝƚŚ Dϯ ŶƵƚ ĂŶĚ ďŽƚ
170mm thick reinforced concrete slab to engineers specifications
ϰϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
Ϯ ϱ ϴϱ
Ϯϱ
ϯϰϬ
ϭϳϬ
,ŝůůĂůĚĂ ďŽƚƚŽŵ ϰϴͬϭϵ ďƌĂƐƐ ŐƵŝĚĞ ŽŶ Ϯϭŵŵ dž Ϯϭŵŵ dž Ϯŵŵ ďƌĂƐƐ 'ƵŝĚĞ ĐŚĂŶŶĞů ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞ ŐƵŝĚĞ
^ůŝĚŝŶŐ >ŽƵǀĞƌ ƉůĂŶ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬ
ĞƚĂŝů ϮͲ ^ůŝĚŝŶŐ >ŽƵǀĞƌ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬ
ϰϱϬ
ϴϬ
ϰϱϬ
ϴϬ
ϰϱϬ
ϴϬ
ϮϬϴϰ
ϮϬϯ dž ϮϬϯ dž ϴϲŵŵ ,ͲďĞĂŵ
DϭϮ ,Žƚ ŝƉƉĞĚ 'ĂůǀĂŶŝƐĞĚ ,ĞdžĂŐŽŶ ŶƵƚ ƐŶĚ ďŽůƚƐ
ϮϬϯ dž ϮϬϯ dž ϴϲŵŵ DŝůĚ ^ƚĞĞů ,Ͳ^ĞĐƚŝŽŶ ϭϲϬdžϲϬdžϱŵŵ DŝůĚ ^ƚĞĞů ůĞĂƚ DϭϮdžϰϬŵŵ ,Žƚ ŝƉƉĞĚ 'ĂůǀĂŶŝƐĞĚ ,ĞdžĂŐŽŶ ŶƵƚƐ ĂŶĚ ďŽůƚƐ
ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŵĂĚĞ ^ƚĞĞů Ăƌ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐĂĚĚůĞ ĐůŝƉƐ ƚŽ ƐƉĂŶ ƚǁŽ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ ďĂƌƐ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ϲϬ dž ϱŵŵ DŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů ƉůĂƚĞ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ,Ͳ^ĞĐƚŝŽŶ
ĞƚĂŝů ϲ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϱ
ϭϱϬ dž ϭϬϬ dž ϱŵŵ DŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů dͲƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ƉƵƌůŝŶ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ϮϬϯ dž ϮϬϯ dž ϴϲŵŵ ,ͲďĞĂŵ ƚŽ ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŵĂĚĞ ^ƚĞĞů Ăƌ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐĂĚĚůĞ ĐůŝƉƐ ƚŽ ƐƉĂŶ ƚǁŽ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ ďĂƌƐ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ĨŝdžĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ DϭϮ ,Žƚ ŝƉƉĞĚ 'ĂůǀĂŶŝƐĞĚ ,ĞdžĂŐŽŶ ďŽůƚƐ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐŬ ŶƵƚƐ
ĞƚĂŝů ϲ ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗Ϯϱ
'Z E ZKK& EKd ͗ ϯϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƐŽŝů ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ŶĂƚŝǀĞ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ 'ĞŽƚĞdžƚŝůĞ ĨĂďƌŝĐŬ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ŽŶ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ ĞůƚĂ D^ϮϬW ƉĞƌĨŽƌĂƚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚ ĚĞŶƐŝƚLJ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚLJůĞŶĞ ĚŝŵƉůĞĚ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ƐŚĞĞƚ͕ ŽǀĞƌ ŽŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ϮϱϬ ŵŝĐƌŽŶ ƉŽůLJĞƚŚĞŶĞ ƐŚĞĞƚŝŶŐ ůŽŽƐĞ ůĂŝĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ůĂƉƐ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ƐĞŶƐŝƚŝǀĞ ƚĂƉĞ ͕ŽŶ KŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϰ, ƌŽŽƚ ďĂƌƌŝĞƌ ŽŶ ŽŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϯ ǁĂƚĞƌƉƌŽŽĨŝŶŐ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϬϬŵŵ ƐŝĚĞ ůĂƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϱϬŵŵ ĞŶĚ ůĂƉƐ͕ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďLJ ΗƚŽƌĐŚͲĨƵƐŝŽŶΗ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ϱϬŵŵ ƐĐƌĞĞĚĞĚ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ ĨŝůůĞƚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϲϬ ƚŽ ƌĂŝŶ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŽƵƚůĞƚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ ďLJ Ă ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƌŽŽĨ ƐůĂď ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͘
ϭϱϬ dž ϭϬϬ dž ϱŵŵ DŝůĚ ƐƚĞĞů dͲƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ƉƵƌůŝŶ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ϮϬϯ dž ϮϬϯ dž ϴϲŵŵ ,ͲďĞĂŵ ƚŽ ƉƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŵĂĚĞ ^ƚĞĞů Ăƌ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐĂĚĚůĞ ĐůŝƉƐ ƚŽ ƐƉĂŶ ƚǁŽ ďĞĂƌŝŶŐ ďĂƌƐ ŐƌĂƚŝŶŐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ĨŝdžĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ DϭϮ ,Žƚ ŝƉƉĞĚ 'ĂůǀĂŶŝƐĞĚ ,ĞdžĂŐŽŶ ďŽůƚƐ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐŬ ŶƵƚƐ
ϮϬϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽĨ ĐƌƵƐŚĞĚ ƐƚŽŶĞ KŶĞ ůĂLJĞƌ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ ^Wϰ ǁĂƚĞƌƉƌŽŽĨŝŶŐ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ϱϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ĐĞŵĞŶƚ ƐĐƌĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĨĂůů ϭ͗ϱϬ ƚŽ ZtW ŽƵƚůĞƚƐ
ϭϯϬϬ
ϴϬϬ
ϭϯϱϱ
ϮϵϲϬ
^ DW> WZ W Z d/KEͬ d ^d/E' >
ϯϬϰ ϱ
W ^^ '
Z , />/d d/KE D/E/^dZ d/KE K&&/
EdZ E ϯϬϰϱ
ϳϮϱ
ϯϬϬŵ dŚŝĐŬ ZĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ďĞĂŵ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
^d && >hd/KE^
>ŽǁĞƌ ZŽŽĨ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϯ ϯϬϬ
ϳϱϬ
KŶĞ >ĂLJĞƌ Ζ ĞƌďŝŐƵŵ 'ϯΖ ǁĂƚĞƌƉƌŽŽĨŝŶŐ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďLJ ŵĞĂŶƐ ŽĨ ΖƚŽƌĐŚͲĨƵƐŝŽŶΖ ůĂŝĚ ŽǀĞƌ ƵƉͲƐƚĂŶĚ ďĞĂŵ
ϯϬϰϱ
hƉƉĞƌ ZŽŽĨ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϱ ϴϮϮ
WƵƌƉŽƐĞ ŵĂĚĞ ΖW >^hEΖ ƐŽůĂƌ ŐƌĂLJ ƉŽůLJĐĂƌďŽŶĂƚĞ ĚŽŵĞĚ ƐŚĞĞƚ ƐŬLJůŝŐŚƚ ĨŝdžĞĚ ƚŽ ĂůƵŵŝŶŝƵ ĨƌĂŵĞ ƉŽǁĚĞƌ ĐŽĂƚĞĚ ďůĂĐŬ
'ƌŽƵŶĚ >ĞǀĞů ϭϬϬ ϬϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
ϯϬϬ
ϵϬϬ
ϵϬϬŵŵ dž ϯϱϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
Section BB ^ĐĂůĞ ϭ͗ϭϬϬ
ϱϬϬ
ϰϱϬyϰϱϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĐŽůƵŵŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
&KhE d/KE EKd ͗ ϭϳϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŽƉ ŽĨ ϮϱϬ DŝĐƌŽŶ h^ 'Z E ĚĂŵƉ ƉƌŽŽĨ ŵĞŵďƌĂŶĞ ŽŶƚŽ Ϯϱŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ^ŽŝůĐƌĞƚĞ ƐĂŶĚͬĐĞŵĞŶƚ ďůŝŶĚŝŶŐ ůĂLJĞƌ ŽŶ ĐŽŵƉĂĐƚĞĚ ĞĂƌƚŚ ŝŶ ůĂLJĞƌƐ ŽĨ ϭϱϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ
ϭϭϬϬ
ϭϬϬϬ
ϵϬϬŵŵ dž ϯϱϬŵŵ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƐƚƌŝƉ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ
ϭϳϬŵŵ ƚŚŝĐŬ ƌĞŝŶĨŽƌĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ƚŚŝĐŬĞŶĞĚ ƐůĂď ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂƐ ƉĞƌ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ
ϮϬϯdžϮϬϯŵŵ ,Ͳ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ĐŽůŽŵŶ ǁĞůĚĞĚ ƚŽ ϮϴϬdžϯϬϬdžϭϮŵŵ DŝůĚ ^ƚĞĞů ďĂƐĞ ƉůĂƚĞ ďŽůƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĨŽŽƚŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶĐŚŽƌ ďŽůƚƐ
09 Conclusion
Figure 111: Gravel road by author
Conclusion / Final model and presentation / References
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9.0
Conclusion â&#x20AC;&#x153;At first encounter the Karoo may seem arid, desolate and unforgiving, but to those who know it, it is a land of secret beauty and infinite variety.â&#x20AC;? _Eve Palmer, Plains of Camdeboo: The Classic Book of the Karoo
Figure 112: Road leading into Prince Albert. by author,2018
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Figure 114: Final building perspective. by author,2018
9.1
RESTORING THE KAROO The aim of the dissertation was to design an ecological research and rehabilitation centre for the rich vegetation and land diversity found in the Greater Karoo area and South Africa. Possibly the most influential factor that needed to be considered is the rate of degradation of these fragile ecosystems and the expectation to adapt to external pressures and become more resilient. If theses depleting endangered indigenous ecosystems are not preserved and adequately documented, South Africa is at risk of long-term effects of losing parts of our unique landscape that could have significant effects on our identity as a country. The first design inception of the dissertation was to clearly understand the history of atrophy in the Karoo landscape and what effects it has gone through to evolve into what we know it as today. The aim was to interpret the information gained to inform the design process that
arrives at an architectural form that is sensitive to the surrounding landscape as well as creating a learning environment. page
The significant challenges throughout the design were to understand the requirements of the specified site and surrounding town of Prince Albert, to not only focus on the degradation of the site and the community involvement but also on connecting the built form to the outer environment. The built form responses to the site through materiality usage that mimics the natural colours of the Karoo landscape and connects it to the site. The project also focuses on the rehabilitation and preservation of the vegetation and to expose the public to its importance. Ultimately the architectural response aims to inspire and educate the general public and research experts to grow and develop the understanding and appreciation of these Karoo ecosystems.
199
9.2
REFERENCES °
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ALEXANDER, C. et al. 1997. Connection to earth. In: A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. New York: Oxford University Press, p. 785.
°
ARCHDAILY. 2009. Circa Gallery / StudioMAS. [Online], Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/42288/circa-gallery-studiomas [Accessed: 04/07/2018].
°
ARCHDAILY. 2011. Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre / Architectural Ecology. [Online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/135934/orokonui-ecosanctuary-visitor -centre-a chitectural-ecology [Accessed: 25/04/2018].
°
ARCHDAILY. 2014. Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre / DIALOG. [Online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/508294/nk-mip-desert-cultural-centre-dialog [Accessed: 23/09/2018].
°
BABYLONSTOREN. 2017. Respect The Spekboom. [Online] Available at: https://www.babylonstoren.com/blog/post/respect-the-spekboom [Accessed: 20/04/2018].
°
BLOEMHOF KAROO. 2018. Land of Thirst. [Online] Available at: http://www.bloemhof-karoo.co.za/blog/?p=60 [Accessed: 20/09/2018].
°
CENTRE FOR LIVEABILITY REAL ESTATE. n.d. Benefits of Passive Building Design. [Online] Available at: https://liveability.com.au/renovation/the-benefits-of-passive-building-design-and-orientation/ [Accessed: 15/04/2018].
°
CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL. 2017. Conservation South Africa (CSA). [Online] Available at: https://www.conservation.org/global/ci_south_africa/Pages/conservation-south-africa.aspx [Accessed: 17/07/2018].
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CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL. 2017. Succulent Karoo. [Online] Available at: https://www.conservation.org/global/ci_south_africa/where-we-work/succulent-karoo/Pages/succulent-karoo.aspx [Accessed 02/02/2018].
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CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY. 2005. South Africa - Country Profile. [Online] Available at: https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/default.shtml?country=za [Accessed: 30/09/2018].
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CRITICAL ECOSYSTEM PARTNERSHIP FUND. 2003. The succulent karoo hotspot. [Online] Available at: https://www.sanbi.org/documents/ecosystem-profile-succulent-karoo-hotspot [Accessed:02/03/ 2018]
°
DAVOUDI, S. 2012. Resilience: A Bridging Concept or a Dead End? Planning Theory & Practice, Vol. 13(No. 2), p. 299–333.
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DEAN, W. R. J. 2006. Karoo Veld Ecology and Management. First Edition ed. s.l.:briza publikasies
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DURRANT, A. 2014. Australian Plant Bank by BVN Donovan Hill dedicated to preserving native seeds. [Online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2014/06/12/australian-plant-bank-bvn-donovan-hill-seed-preservation/ [Accessed 25 05 2018].
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EASTON, D. 2007. Design and Materials. In: revised, ed. The Rammed Earth House. California: Chelsea Green Publishing, p. 54.
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ENVIROLITERACY. 2015. Hotspots of Biodiversity. [Online] Available at: https://enviroliteracy.org/ecosystems/hotspots-of-biodiversity/ [Accessed: 17/07/2018].
°
FAIA, R. M. 2015. Resilience to Adaptation -The crucible for an ethical practice in architecture. AIA FEATURE, 04 06/.
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HOSEY, L. 2012. The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design. In: Washington,USA: Island Press, p. 118.
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HUTCHINGS, P. 2002. Restoration of Degraded Landscapes. In: K. Charles Sturt University. Johnstone Centre.Kent, ed. Native Vegetation Guide for the Riverina. Wagga207 Wagga, NSW, Australia: Four W Press, pp. 50-58.
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KUNDIG, O. n.d. Partner Profile. [Online] Available at: https://www.olsonkundig.com/article/tom-kundig/ [Accessed 20 08 2018]. [Accessed 20/08/2018].
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KUZUKO. 2010. Investing In Sustainability. [Online] Available at: http://www.kuzuko.com/data/project brochure.pdf [Accessed:20/04/2018].
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LUTHAR, S. S., Cicchetti, D. & Becker, B. 2003. The Construct of Resilience: A Critical Evaluation and Guidelines for Future Work. Child Development, 71(3), pp. 543-546.
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MCEWEN, H. A. 2013. Deserting Transformation: Heritage, Tourism, and Hegemonic Spatiality in Prince Albert. Diversities, 15(2), p. 25.
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MILLS, D. A. 2010. Investing In Sustainability - Restoring degraded thicket, creating jobs, capturing carbon and earning green credit. [Online] Available at: http://www. kuzuko.com/about-us/conservation/ [Accessed: 24/ 04/ 2018].
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Milton-Dean, S. & Dean, R. J. 2015. Renu-karoo. [Online] Available at: http://renu-karoo.co.za/data/documents/Veld-seeding-guide.pdf [Accessed: 23/05/2018].
°
MILTON-DEAN, S., DEAN, R. 2010. Tierberg karoo research centre. [Online] Available at: www.azef.co.za/pdf/TKRCsite-2010.pdf [Accessed 16/ 02/ 2018].
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MITTERMEIER, R. A. et al. 2011. Global biodiversity conservation: The critical role of hotspots, Berlin: F.E. Zachos, J.C. Habel (Eds.), Biodiversity Hotspots, Springer.
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MYERS, N. et al. 2000. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature, International journal of science, Volume 403, p. 455.
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PALMER, E. 2012. Plains of Camdeboo. 1st ed. South Africa: Jonathan Ball Publishers.
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RELISH, A. 2015. Prince Albert. [Online] Available at: http://africanrelish.com/prince-albert/ [Accessed: 04/07/2018].
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RESALLIANCE. 2009. The Resilience Alliance. [Online] Available at: http://www.resalliance.org/576.php [Accessed: 25/04/2018].
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SAMARA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE. 2011. Spekboom: Truly a tree of life. [Online] Available at: https://www.samara.co.za/blog/spekboom-truly-a-tree-of-life/ [Accessed 05/ 05/ 2018].
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(SANBI), T. S. A. N. B. I. 2018. Succulent Karoo Programme (SKEP). [Online] Available at: https://www.sanbi.org/biodiversity/science-into-policy-action/mainstreaming-biodiversity/succulent-karoo-programme-skep/ [Accessed: 09/09/2018].
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SOUTHWICK, S. 2014. The evolving definitions of resilience. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, v5(25338).
째
WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT,PROVINCIAL TREASURY. 2017. Socio-economic Profile Prince Albert Municipality. [Online] Available at:https://www.westerncape. gov.za/assets/departments/treasury/Documents/Socio-economic-profiles/2017/wc052_prince_albert_2017_socio-economic_profile_sep-lg_-_10_january_2018.pdf [Accessed: 06/08/2018].
째
WWF SOUTH AFRICA, n.d. Land. [Online] Available at: http://www.wwf.org.za/our_work/land/ [Accessed: 15/09/2018].
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9.3
LIST OF FIGURES
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Figure 1: Old farm house, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 21: Prince Albert community, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 2: Euphorbia obesa ‘vetmensie’, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 22: Acacia tree leaves, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 3: Lithops Localis Karoo plant, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 23: Degree of privacy, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 4: Degraded Karoo landscape, 2018. Photo by author.
°
°
Figure 5: Karoo dying plant, 2018. Photo by author.
Figure 24: Circa Gallery permeability image 1[Online]. Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/42288/circa-gallery-studiomas/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
°
Figure 6: Meiringspoort pass, 2018. Photo by author.
°
°
Figure 7: outline brief, 2018. Illustration by author.
Figure 25: Circa Gallery permeability image 2 [Online]. Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/42288/circa-gallery-studiomas/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
°
Figure 8: Astroloba ‘Gintsuno’ Karoo plant, 2018. Photo by author.
°
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Figure 9: World biodiversity map, 2018. Diagram by author.
Figure 26: The School of Visual Arts of Oaxaca [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/154485/the-school-of-visual-arts-of-oaxaca-taller-de-arquitectura-mauricio-rocha/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
°
Figure 10: Dying Karoo plant, 2018. Photo by author.
°
Figure 27: Dried river bed, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 11: Karoo mud road, 2018. Photo by author.
°
Figure 28: Site contours development sketches, 2018. By author.
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Figure 12: Spike cactus, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 29: Dilapidated building, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 13: Pencil milk bush, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 30: Proposed facility main functions, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 14: Tortoise shell, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 31: Prince Albert rehabilitation site, 2018. Photo by author
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Figure15: Karoo farmland, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 32: Prince Albert rehabilitation testing sites, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 16: Gibbaeum pubescens succulent, 2018. Photo by author. °
Figure 33: Vegetation rehabilitation, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 17: Ecosystem resilience, 2018. Diagrams by author. °
Figure 34:Public integration development, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 18: Plant diversity, 2018. Illustration by author. °
Figure 35: Old dilapidated farmhouse, 2018. Photo by author.
°
Figure 19: Eberlanzia Schneideriana leaves, 2018. Photo by author. °
°
Figure 20: Man, nature, human, 2018. Illustration by author.
Figure 36: Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre [Online] Available from: https:// www.archdaily.com/508294/nk-mip-desert-cultural-centre-dialog/[accessed on 30-09-2018]
Figure 37: Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre / Architectural Ecology [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/135934/ orokonui-ecosanctuary-visitor-centre-architectural-ecology/[accessed on 30-09-2018]
° °
Figure 48: Rock perspective, 2018. Photo by author, 2018 Figure 49: Prince Albert town perspective, 2018. Photo by author.
°
Figure 50: Location map, 2018. Illustration by author.
Figure 38: Australian Plant Bank [Online] Available from: https://www. archdaily.com/520467/australian-plant-bank-bvn-donovan-hill/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
°
Figure 51: Vegetation biomes, 2018. Illustration by author.
°
Figure 52: Renu-Karoo veld restoration, 2018. Photo by author.
Figure 39: Entrance to Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/508294/nk-mip-desert-cultural-centre-dialog/[accessed on 30-09-2018]
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Figure 53: rehabilitation testing site, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 54: Wolwekraal Nature reserve, 2018. Photo by author.
Figure 40: Main view from Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/508294/nk-mip-desert-cultural-centre-dialog/[accessed on 30-09-2018]
°
Figure 55: Swartberg hotel sketch, 2018. By author.
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Figure 56: Price Albert land used map, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 41: Main floor plan Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/508294/nk-mip-desert-cultural-centre-dialog/[accessed on 30-09-2018]
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Figure 57: Price Albert places of interest map,2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 58: Site selection images, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 42: Orokonui Ecosanctuary Visitor Centre [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/135934/orokonui-ecosanctuary-visitor-centre-architectural-ecology/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
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Figure 59: Site locality, 2018. Edited by author.
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Figure 60: Site comparison, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 61: Selected site in Prince Albert,2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 62: Site context map,2018. Sketch by author.
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Figure 63: Site characteristics map, 2018. Sketch by author.
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Figure 64: Site characteristics images, 2018. Photo by author.
Figure 46: Australian Plant Bank exposure of public to research. [Online] Available from: https://www.archdaily.com/520467/australian-plantbank-bvn-donovan-hill/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
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Figure 65: Site typology mapping, 2018.Diagram by author.
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Figure 66: Climatic condition on site, 2018. Diagram by author.
Figure 47: Spekboom leaves, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 67: Views from site, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 43: Australian Plant Bank [Online] Available from: https://www. archdaily.com/520467/australian-plant-bank-bvn-donovan-hill/ [accessed on 30-09-2018]
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Figure 44: Space exploration diagram, 2018. By author.
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Figure 45: Australian Plant Bank main axis movement route, 2018. By author
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Figure 68: Level of degradation mapping, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 69: Level of degradation images, 2018. Photos by author.
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Figure 70: main road of Prince Albert, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 71: Broken farm windmill, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 72: Ebracteola Wilmaniae succulent, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 73: Aloe claviflora, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 74: Karoo locust, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 75: Design focus breakdown, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 76: Building perspective, 2018. Illustration by author
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Figure 77: Three primary entities of proposed building, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 88: Bee hive colony (Matus, 2013) Available from: https://inhabitat.com/study-finds-honey-bee-food-may-contribute-to-colony-collapse/ [accessed on 30-06-2018]
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Figure 89: Kelp and Sea Grass (Liu, 2003) Available from: https://www. flickr.com/photos/peterliuphoto/2312977484 [accessed on 30-06-2018]
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Figure 90: Corals outcrop on Flynn Reef (Hudson, 2011) Available from: http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/10/beyond-gorgeous-great-barrierreef-46-pics/ [accessed on 30-06-2018]
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Figure 91: Lichens photosynthetic alga [Online] Available from: http:// lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/lichens.html [accessed on 30-062018]
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Figure 92: Costa Rica’s ecosystem: Rain forest [Online] Available from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/yjv/15909757516/ [accessed on 30-062018]
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Figure 93: Schools of fish swim over corals (Logan, 2017) Available from: https://loganmb.photoshelter.com/image/I0000ili70B4Z75I
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Figure 94: Succulent Karoo aloe (Williams, 2017) Available from: http:// www.capetownetc.com/news/western-cape-new-nature-
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Figure 95: Yucca leaf fibers [Online] Available from: https://www.alamy. com/stock-photo/yucca-fibers.html [accessed on 30-06-2018]
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Figure 96: Spekboom leaves (Bonello, 2011) Available from: http:// justinbonello.com/notes/spek-boom/ [accessed on 20-05-2018]
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Figure 78: Public vs. private parti diagram, 2018. By author.
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Figure 79: Public interactive spaces, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 80: Education spaces, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 81: The research Laboratory spaces, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 82: The administrative facility spaces, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 83: Succulent Karoo plant. 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 97: Spekboom resilient elements illustration, 2018. By author.
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Figure 84: Thorn tree, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 98: Spekboom leaves, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 85: Accommodation breakdown, 2018. Illustration by author.
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Figure 99: Spekboom hedge, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 86: Building perspective diagram, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 100: Building special development illustrations, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 87: Spekboom leaves, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 101: Green space intergeneration development sketches, 2018. Diagram by author.
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Figure 102: Design development diagram exploration, 2018. By author.
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Figure 103: Linear Design development, 2018. Sketches by author.
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Figure 104: Long stem succulent, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 105: Camdeboo mountain sunset, 2018. Photo by author
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Figure 106: Initial Design plan, 2018. Sketch by author.
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Figure 107: Rock outcrop, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 108: Final Building overview sketch, 2018. Sketch by author.
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Figure 109: Stones, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 110: Stone wall, 2018. Photo by author
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Figure 111: Rammed earth construction exploration, 2018. Sketch by author
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Figure 112: Dirt road, 2018. Photo by author
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Figure 113: Road leading into Prince Albert, 2018. Photo by author.
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Figure 114: Final building perspective, 2018. Rendering by author.
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Figure 115: Mooifontien farm house, 2018. Photo by author.
Figure 115: Mooifontien farm house by author,2018
I dedicate this thesis to my Pappa , the person that taught me how to love the karoo and all its beauty