Architectural design as a process of physical making and engagement
BOARDWALK
the anamorphic meniscus
The proposed boardwalk is conceptualized on Casey’s notion of the in-between, referred to as a placial edge (2008:2) rather than a mere transitioning moment, adding spatial significance to this state of uncertain discovery. This aims to activate Batho Pele Parks water edge by addressing cultural and psychological boundaries (Casey, 2008:6) through place making scripted by ideas presented as a meniscus. A meniscus engages directly with tension, friction, and junction points by acting as a transitioning hinge that remedies friction in-the-between. This is applied throughout the design by articulating moments of surface tension as public engaging spaces on the water edge through anamorphic tectonics that play with ones perceptions of space based on direction of a approach and temporality.
LIMINAL INTERACTIONS
BOARDWALK SITE PLAN
ELEVATED VIEWING DECK
PRIMARY STRUCTURE
Draped polycabonate membrane over primary structure serving as a means to alter light quality and morph spatial experiences through light quality and temporality.
The pavilion ultimately becomes a mediating device between land and water, framing either water or land through its morphing tectonics and porous ground level.
PAVILION 1 EXPLODED AXO
SURFACE TENSION BRIDGE
SURFACE TENSION BRIDGE AXO
NYDA OFFICE BUILDING
nuclear youth pedagogy
In 2023, South Africa faces a youth unemployment rate of 61%, up from 45% in 2022, highlighting a critical lack of job opportunities. This crisis has driven many young people toward self-employment, with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) playing a pivotal role in fostering their potential.
Guided by the concept of Urban Acupuncture, South Africa’s youth are likened to vital nodes in the nation’s socio-economic “nervous system,” requiring reconnection to the economic “brain” through entrepreneurship and skill development.
The proposed facility aligns with the NYDA’s vision by prioritizing mentorship and collaboration. Through an unconventional architectural typology, it seeks to inspire and empower youth, serving as a transformative space for creativity and socio-economic growth.
LONG SECTION
The design proposes a layout that makes use of social spaces as “social hinges” that connect with work spaces. This begins to blur the threshold between the social realm and the work realm.
SASSA GRANT CENTRE
the urban elixir
Waaihoek is a historically significant site marked by urban trauma. Deliberate displacement of residents, caused by the placement of cooling towers, altered social interactions and personal experiences. To address this, an intervention is proposed, creating a contrast in scale with the imposing cooling towers, in the form of a Social Relief Centre, acting as an Urban Elixir. An Urban Elixir represents a city’s resilience and ability to heal both its environment and inhabitants. Mark Wigley’s theory of architecture as a prosthesis is invoked, where architecture extends human senses and experience. Similarly, Juhani Pallasmaa’s sensory approach emphasizes that architecture should engage all senses, and materials play a crucial role in spatial experience.
This theoretical framework links to the roles of SASSA and CCMA as societal “crutches” for those in need. The Social Relief Centre aims to support the metaphorically wounded members of society, offering a youthful means to recreate missed opportunities and experiences. It becomes a medium to relive and not lose these moments.
three gentrified and fragmented urban zones
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
STAFF LOUNGE/ KITCHEN
STAFF PARKING
STAFF COURTYARD
STAFF OFFICES
MARKET SPACE
WAITING COURTYRD
EAST ELEVATION
GRANT HALL SECTION
BEAM CONNECTION DETAIL
COLUMN FLOOR CONNECTION
The tectonic nature of the design is conceptualised on the foundation of the elemental tectonic joinery within prosthetics
