Path place pause: re-establishing vibrancy and cultural identity in Pniël by redefining the square

Buildings provide a source of culture and cultural identity, forming part of the cultural fabric of an area with traces of the past assisting in the development of a place (Fransen, 2006). Cultural identity appears to be threatened in many mission towns in South Africa as issues of gentrification, urbanization and a loss of cultural values become apparent. As such, an architectural intervention is needed to provide a connection between people and place, in order to retain the cultural identity of a place. This dissertation explores how a spatial framework can re-establish lost space, specifically around the connection between path and place within a specific environment, namely Pniël. The investigation stems from the disconnection between people passing through Pniël and their interaction with the space. People travelling through this space never truly experience the spirit of the place while the path obstructs the people living within the place. Furthermore, the investigation aims to celebrate tradition, heritage and cultural richness within this area while understanding what is involved in generating a sustainable social and economic environment. Creating a cultural landscape supports the making of a vibrant space; where the landscape speaks of the areas typography and the people within the landscape create the social vibrancy that defines the cultural landscape (Vosloo, 2010: 41). Specific materials can be used to make people re-engage with the space. Architecture can reconcile the landscape and the place through the use of natural materials. Using clay provides a dialogue between the past and the present and can be used as a means to re-imagine space, assisting in the re-establishment of cultural vibrancy and economic development.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Mouton, Hayley

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fellingham, Kevin

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/18174

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/18174