Browsing by Author "Govender, Viloshin."

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An architectural response to Durban's existing car culture to promote social and economic development: towards the design of a multi-purpose motor sport facility.
(2018) Chetty, Priyen.; Govender, Viloshin.
Owing to the non-existence of a dedicated automotive facility in Durban, car enthusiasts have been forced to use spaces which are not designed for the purpose of facilitating related activities, such as drag racing, drifting and car shows. These uncontrolled, social, „third‟ spaces have become notorious for illegal racing activities and social issues which include violence, motor vehicle accidents and the consumption of alcohol in public spaces. Conversely, twenty four years into democracy, South Africa is still one of the most unequal societies in the world. It is argued that poverty and unemployment levels are in a state of crisis and could disrupt the socio-economic stability of the country. The lack of skilled personnel is one of the major contributors to social immobility and poverty in South Africa. Education and skills development have been identified as the key to alleviate poverty and create employment opportunities. Skilled entrepreneurs create job opportunities, which employ skilled employees, which in turn create sustainable livelihoods. Therefore, this study will explore Durban‟s car culture and identify the social and economic development opportunities in order to empower society through architectural spaces. The literature, precedent and case studies explored are underpinned by social and architectural theories. The research herein will inform the design of a multi-purpose motorsport facility in Durban.
Culture as a response to homelessness and how it informs architectural design : the design of a homeless shelter for Durban.
(2014) Govender, Viloshin.; Mthethwa, Majahamahle Nene.
Within the context of globalising urban cities, this dissertation will investigate how the Culture responds to Homelessness. This can be defined by the Homeless creating their own Culture defined by the lifestyles. Insurgent citizenship has become a real issue facing cities today; the homeless claim their right to the city by reclaiming lost spaces within the urban framework, this will eventually shape the urban landscape, redefining the images of cities that cannot be ignored. Issues of dealing with the Homeless and social policies that cater to them are not adequate enough to solve the problem. The solution that is prevalent in most cities is to hide the Homeless away from view in shelter that cater for day to day needs on the outskirts of the cities, so that societies are hidden from this issue. The Homeless do not fit in with society as they are excluded and looked down upon, this creates a conflict of identity and culture for them because they do not belong or fit in with societies that they once belonged to. They share their plight alone and create their own communities, culture and identity so that they can be seen as a group within the city. The literature, relevant precedent and case studies on the subject highlight the importance of architecture and how it responds to the needs of the Homeless. The discussion looks as insurgency in cities today and how it affects the urban framework as well as social well being of cities. Theories such as Genius Loci and Critical Regionalism highlight how the Homeless aim to recreate a sense of ownership and belonging in the lost spaces of the city. The theory of phenomenology deals with healing environments and the general well being a person within a building environment, with the principles and practices of phenomenological design, a building can produce healing environments that help rehabilitate the homeless. The outcome is the conceptualization of a Homeless shelter within Durban that aims to not only rehabilitate the Homeless, mentally and physically but also help rehabilitate them back into society acting as a platform for reintegration and social interaction.
Exploration of indian social influence on civic architecture in post-colonial Durban: towards the design of an exhibition centre in Phoenix.
(2020) Govender, Sivandran.; Singh, Naresh.; Govender, Viloshin.
This research process has explored the impact of colonialism and apartheid on Indian civic space from a global perspective and then from a local perspective within the City of Durban. The justification for exploring Indian social influence was that Durban contains the largest number of Indian people outside of India. This study has focussed on social influences of culture and identity and how it impacted civic spaces in the built form. The architectural theories of Phenomenology and Critical Regionalism has further helped the development of a brief for the design of an Exhibition Centre in Phoenix. This typology has sought to restore a sense of belonging, pride, recognition and celebration of the Indian people by creating meaningful architecture in the civic realm. Colonialism has impacted India and South Africa, resulting in the loss of culture and identity of Indian communities. Therefore, by analysing India and South Africa's historical context, it was possible to compare their social and physical landscapes. Traditional Indian cities were very organic and sporadic; however colonial British influences had a Eurocentric grid iron structure; therefore, a fusion of these developments has guided the proposed civic development. The proposed Exhibition Centre incorporates aspects of Indian culture and identity as well as modern-day contemporary design concepts. The outlined precedent and case studies has helped to demonstrate the relationship between culture, identity and architecture, and has strengthened the overall design development process.
Exploring adaptive reuse architecture as a catalyst for community empowerment: towards an African artisan trade center.
(2020) Harrington, Kirsten Leigh.; Govender, Viloshin.
This thesis proposes a possible solution to Durban’s underlying problem within the CBD region, The Point, The Esplanade, and South Beach. Since the ending of Apartheid Durban’s city saw an influx in marginalised non-whites as well as white fleet. With the lack of civic investment, building adaptation and poor urban maintenance this resulted in a slow decline in Durban’s building stock. Leaving the city in need of improved services and a need to adapt to existing community needs. The lack of community opportunities to participate in shaping the urban fabric expresses the current disconnect between authorities and community members increasing the socio-spatial disparities. Through the study research it was evident that area lacks opportunities for both commercial artisans and professional artisanal tradesmen as the industry expresses little to no opportunities for work integrated learning between the private sector and academia which puts a setback on development and skilled, employable artisans. The research explores adaptive reuse architecture as a catalyst for community empowerment through proposing an African Artisan Trade Centre that hopes to bridge the gap between the public and private sector while improving community infrastructure and services for the changing needs of the city's inhabitants. The institution will be located within an area of need utilising derelict buildings as future opportunities to explore and test ideas extending the idea of regeneration with its citizens in mind.
Exploring the integration of sustainable systems through Architecture: towards the design of a seafood market.
(2018) Pascoe, Jane Ann.; Govender, Viloshin.
This research explores sustainable systems through architecture to create a positive environmental response. Such a response was then incorporated into the design of a seafood market located in the Durban Harbour. This research explores the use of materials located in the immediate environment of Durban – the main food resource in Durban being seafood. If the sea and its ecosystems were utilised, by mimicking both systems and architecture that have evolved and developed within their natural environment, one could create a positive architectural response, through systems. This research explored how architecture can be utilised to improve the surrounding ecosystems and local businesses by creating a prototype that with time can clean the Durban Harbour as well as create job opportunities to the local fishing community. This was done through a case study methodology and researching local and global literature. The concepts of sustainability, socio-ecological systems and critical regionalism were explored throughout the study through a case study methodology. This involved case studies for background, interviews for specialists’ views, and site visits. The research resulted in a design of a seafood market in Durban that adopts sustainable and socio-ecological systems to create jobs and reintroduce a lost culture.
Exploring the role of healing spaces in the metaphysical and physical realm: towards a place for meditation in Durban.
(2017) Bansi, Virthi.; Govender, Viloshin.; Solis-Arias, Juan Ignacio.
Over the course of seventy years, the structure of global society has drastically changed following the trend of globalization. Factors such as stress and anxiety have becoming increasingly common, affecting nearly one in thirteen people on both a local and international scale (Psychological medicine, 2012:471). Financial responsibilities, family commitments and work obligations are but few attributing causes to the fluctuation of one’s stress and anxiety levels. Unfortunately, many of our living and working environments pay little to no regard to human comfort, sensual experience and wellbeing, thereby creating negative environments which aggravate stress and anxiety. Although studies have shown the importance of nature on the human mind and body, many of individuals still prefer to remain indoors based on social conventions. The aim of this project is to therefore help improve the quality of life for individuals seeking to find balance by using architecture as a healing agent across the metaphysical and physical realm. In doing so, people have the opportunity to unlock the inner depths of their consciousness whilst establishing links with nature and place which are vital towards achieving holistic wellbeing.
The influence of 21st century technology for the physically impaired in the built form: a proposed empowerment academy in Durban.
(2020) Singh, Krishen.; Govender, Viloshin.
South Africa is a developing country with a strong history of segregation and discrimination that is engraved in the lives and memories of its’ people. 2020 celebrates 26 years of democracy yet, the country still faces many obstacles. One of these obstacles being a lack of awareness and funding for individuals with disabilities. In the 21st century, disability isn’t something that should be hidden. Individuals with disability should be treated as equals and provided with equal opportunities as they are capable of being self-sufficient. Considering the rapid advancement in technology, this dissertation aims to develop an understanding of the needs of the physically impaired in their transition into adulthood and to assist them in developing skills to be independent in the 21st century. This study will explore how the needs of the physically impaired can be incorporated into the built environment in the context of 21st century technology. The research explores theories that are related to the built environment, 21st century technology and individuals with physical impairments. It determines how spaces should be designed to promote healing and comfort. The study investigates facilities that cater for the physically impaired around Durban as well as well-known facilities internationally. The research findings contribute to a design brief which is aimed at providing an empowerment academy in Durban that will help individuals with physical impairments to develop skills for jobs in the 21st century to be self-sufficient.
The Influence of social resilience on architecture : toward the design of a multi-purpose centre for the senior citizen population in Durban.
(2018) Budhal, Shivani Ashwin.; Govender, Viloshin.
The concept of resilience represents the social and spatial inequalities that exist among the senior citizen population and continues to grow everyday. The notion of resilience is as a result of the rapid global urbanisation process that shapes the urban fabric and thus, fails to connect senior citizens to the mainstream of society and the physical environment. The exclusion from planning and developmental programmes and processes has forced senior citizens to create their own culture and identity by either claiming their rights to the city and become active agents of the developing urban environment; or reside in aged-care facilities where their plight is hidden away and neglected. This dissertation draws upon relevant literature, theories, concepts, case studies and precedent studies that are pertinent to the fundamental social and physical challenges of senior citizens. The theory of Critical Regionalism and The Right to the City explores the needs of senior citizens in order to create a decent form of living in an inclusive environment. The various precedent studies address the importance of an inclusive architecture and the importance of economic activities for senior citizens to create independent and active members of society. Similarly, the case studies analysed identified the value of senior citizens through their unique culture and identity. Therefore, by understanding and identifying various strategies, design principles and guidelines for an inclusive architecture, this dissertation unpacks the socio-economic benefits of senior citizens. The objective is then to establish a Multi-Purpose Centre that aims to facilitate social interaction between senior citizens and the rest of society as well create a successful age-friendly built environment.
Investigating holistic health and wellness and its relationship to architecture: a proposed integrated training facility for the SAPS in Durban, KwaZulu Natal.
(2019) Moodley, Alisha.; Govender, Viloshin.
Safety is a crucial aspect of any city’s perception. Peoples interaction with the city is directly dependant on their level of security within that environment. South Africa relies on the South African Police Service for safety. Prior to 1994 elections, the South African Police were answerable only to those in power, beginning the culture of police brutality as well as not holding the force accountable for their actions. The SAPS have since aimed to serve and protect the community. This transition saw increased numbers of police officers appointed with less regard for the standard. The resultant is older and newer members having completely different training, now expected to work in the line of duty seamlessly. Police service lifestyle is physically and emotionally challenging. The job often leads to exposure to many troubling and violent situations. Many Police officers experience stress, anxiety and depression which can result in them resorting to a plethora of unhealthy coping mechanisms which can result in violent outbursts or even suicide (Wassermann, 2016). The negative police image creates doubt on the Police Force’s ability to keep people safe. People then lose faith in their Police force which leads to public feeling unsafe as well as increasing criminal disregard for the law. The training facilities and the police stations are often simple face brick building with fortified characteristic relying on mechanical lighting and ventilation at the detriment of the officer’s wellbeing. They appear cold, clinical buildings that don’t facilitate a positive mental outlook. The facilities are symbolically representative of the old Police force. The mind body and spirit act as one. Keeping the physical body comfortable in its environment allows the mind and spirit to be comfortable too. For SAPS to function well as a cohesive unit, they need to live well individually and to fill the gaps in their training. It is necessary to rehabilitate officers who are already in the line of duty. The re-training facility should be aimed at holistically strengthening individual members to promote better work performance. Building a professional and capable SAPS is the basis of achieving goals set out for their improvement. The aim is to use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate holistic wellness and its relationship to architecture in order to create an integrated training facility for the South African Police Service. A literature review, case studies, precedents, interviews and questionnaires cover the bases of various aspect of the research by studying relevant people or spaces respectively, achieving a holistic consensus regarding the various approaches toward training, mental and physical wellness. Emphasis will be placed on creating a multisensory architectural approach to mental and physical wellbeing in order to combat the negative effects of their work environments such as phenomenologically inadequate police stations. The facility will combine a medical and non- medical approach to improve mental and physical wellness thus training and retraining police officers to strengthen the force.
Synthesizing architecture and informality : the influence of informality in creating a responsive architecture towards the design of a resilience hub for the community of the Quarry Road informal settlement.
(2018) Hoosen Shaikjee, Mohammed Ameen.; Govender, Viloshin.
The world is currently facing rapid urbanization with the largest number of people moving from rural areas and countrysides to urban cores. This holds especially true in South Africa. However, as a result of a history of injustices and segregation perpetuated by apartheid and colonialism, a large portion of the South African population remains marginalised even today and occupy the left over space on the frays of cities in informal settlements, enduring poverty and exceedingly hazardous environments. Durban, the location of this study, has nearly a quarter of its inhabitants living in informal settlements (Informalcity, 2012). In a context where these informal settlement communities have become insurgent and have begun to fight for their “right to the city” and a better quality of life, the authorities have been coerced to change their policies on informal settlements and to seek a route towards their normalization as part of South African cities. It is in this context that architecture ought to revaluate its role in responding to the plight of informal settlement communities and to respond to Holston’s (in Bremner, 2010) call for a reinvention of modernist architecture’s social imperatives in these insurgent spaces. The aim of this dissertation is to explore how informality and the culture of informal settlement communities can inform architecture as a means of creating better and more responsive architectural interventions to the issues faced by communities within informal settlements. It hypothesizes that a synthesis of the architecture and informality; through an understanding of the existing socio-spatial dynamics, culture, economic networks, insurgent practices and approach to the production of built form of informal settlement communities; can produce a more responsive architecture capable of increasing informal settlement communities’ resilience to site specific challenges, improve their quality of life and ultimately aid them towards their hopes and aspirations. The literature, precedents and case studies on the subject assist in developing an understanding of the context of urban informality, the lifestyle and daily plight of the informal settlement dweller, as well as approaches towards ameliorating the challenges these communities face through a synthesis of formal and informal processes. Theories such as Culture and Identity, Insurgency and Informality provide insight into the daily life of informal settlements. Critical Regionalism begins to look at a more responsive architectural approach towards the informal, characterised by informal influences. The outcome of the architectural approach developed in this dissertation will be the conceptualization of a Resilience Hub for the Quarry Road West informal settlement community with the aim of responding to and ameliorating site specific challenges the community faces on a daily basis and ultimately improving their quality of life.