Browsing by Author "Luckan, Yashaen."

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Adaptive reuse in context: towards sustainable mixed - use housing in Durban.
(2011) Dobrev, Dimitar Vladimirov.; Luckan, Yashaen.
In this dissertation the process of adaptive reuse – the recycling or rehabilitation of buildings – is analysed in terms of the tenets of sustainability and place theories as construed in the field of architecture, as well as within the context of architectural and urban theory and history. The dissertation demonstrates how different approaches to adaptive reuse result in a sustainable architecture that is responsive to its context. Adaptive reuse is the historically normal practice of recycling buildings. Initially, the research focused on the relationship between old and new buildings; how is the new synthesised with the old, and what are the values of this relationship? It soon became evident that by today’s definition of sustainability in architecture, the practice of recycling buildings, and indeed the partial modification of buildings, came very close to fulfilling the ‘ideologies’ of sustainability. This research paper reconciles the history and practice of adaptive reuse, with the currently popular theories of sustainability and Place Theory. The pursuit of sustainability (Chapter One), in terms of architecture and building, results in part from the forces of rapid urbanisation, impending and/or perceived food, water and resource shortages, and the linear metabolism of the modernist built environment. A detailed review of related concepts and theories in Chapter Two, aim at giving the reader a better understanding of the context of adaptive reuse in this paper. The author has used the concepts and theories as tools for research (in Part I - Dissertation) and analysis (in Part II - Design). Chapter Three looks at three approaches to adaptive reuse – conservation, preservation and demolition – and relates them to the tenets of sustainability, as well as the concepts and theories laid out in Chapter One and Two. Specifically, each approach to adaptive reuse is contextualised in terms of the economic, environmental and social agendas of sustainability, which include both quantitative and qualitative aspects such as eco-efficiency and Place theory respectively. Chapter Four is a case study of the Bartel Arts Trust (BAT) Centre, Durban, South Africa. The study provides the historic, cultural and climatic settings, or contexts, of the conservation project, and relates these contexts to the architect’s approach to adaptive reuse. A carefully designed questionnaire has been used to identify those qualitative aspects which are otherwise unattainable through interview, review or perceptual observation. The case study also integrates the concepts and theories which underpin the topic, thereby contextualising the study in terms of this paper.
A centre for Indian music in Durban : towards the appropriate expression of cultural identity in the built form.
(2008) Luckan, Yashaen.; Brewis, Deon.
The aim of the research is to develop a brief for the design of a proposed Centre for Indian Music in Durban. The relevance of such a centre would be established by analysing the history of music in India as compared to the Indian music evolution in South Africa. The effects of imperialism and colonisation had significant impact on the practice and learning of music in both countries. Such political institutions also had great influence on the spaces where music had been performed. Indian music is unique and differs quite significantlyly from Western muslc. A comparison of Indian music (movement through time) and the architecture of Indian music to Western music would provide valuable clues to the quality of space and movement through space In Indian architecture. The theory review analyses the integration of pragmatic functional requirements of the building program with the metaphysical and symbolic qualities of space that are characteristic of Indian traditional architecture. Such architecture would be analysed with reference to its relevance in the context of Durban. Any cultural place ought to transcend mere functional requirements and should be rich in symbolism and metaphor. Both natural and spatial archetypes add to the symbolic quality of space and place. Critical regionalism would hence be reviewed. Urban design theory would be essential as the Centre for Indian Music in Durban would be located adjacent to a rich cultural precinct on one end and totally vacant and abandoned sites on the other. The need for urban design and intervention would propose appropriate development of the vacant sites whilst Linkages to other cultural facilities would be established within the City's rich cultural landscape. Acoustic principles would be analysed in order to design effecient rooms and spaces to facilitate music performance and production. Precedent studies of similar buildings by renowned architects would be critically analysed against their symbolic and contextual relevance. Case studies of South African musIc facilities would provide useful design and technical data. The siting of the building would be borne out of a thorough analysis of various sites against a predetermined set of site selection criteria. The resultant formulation of a brief would be the outcome of the research undertaken.
Empowering the homeless in Durban, CBD: Towards a socio-economic transition house.
(2017) Govender, Leeshanthi.; Govender, Viloshin; Luckan, Yashaen.
Within the growing urban context of Durban City, this dissertation investigates spaces which aid the socio-economic empowerment of homeless people. This research explores carefully designed spaces that Architects can implement in a Socio-Economic Transition House, which will aid the homeless in transitional process towards becoming socio-economically empowered. This research dissertation explores the various spaces which conceptualizes a Shelter to aid the transition process of the Homeless becoming socially and economically empowered within the city of Durban. The psychological and physical street culture experiences are considered and translated into carefully designed spaces that encourage transition towards becoming independent model in society. Relevant literature was reviewed in order to gain an understanding of the social and economic empowerment of the homeless and how architecture can provide empowering spatial conditions. The dissertation aims to conceptualize a building typology which is a symbol of social and economic growth and creates a new social culture among the homeless. The building typology should also represent the communities concern and sympathy towards the Homeless phenomenon within the city of Durban.
Exploring the potential of architecture for ecological regeneration through the design of an eco-awareness and air recycling facility within the South Durban Basin.
(2019) Brijnarain, Rishek.; Luckan, Yashaen.
Exploring the potential of architecture for ecological regeneration through the design of an eco-awareness and air recycling facility within the South Durban Basin. Durban South Basin is an environment in degradation. The land has both residential and industrial zoning. The shared zoning has created many problems within the community, primarily air pollution. This is due to the combined effects of the petrochemical industries, and the transport required for the produced goods. The problems exist due to past apartheid planning policies known as the group areas act. People of colour were placed in close proximity to industrialized areas, such that they could easily be used for labour. This dissertation enquires how man can live harmoniously alongside industrialized areas with the aid of regenerative architecture. The dissertation aims to find methods of regenerating community confidence and environmental opulence by an enquiry into architecture and its place/space making principles. The qualitative study aims to discover solutions through a theoretical framework, literature study, precedent study, and case study with conclusions and recommmendations. The research findings present key principles towards a regenerative architecture using a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework provides principles towards an architecture that encourages natural eco-system regeneration through awareness and air recycle facility. The principles are developed through the exploration of Regenerative Architecture, Ecological Urbanism Place Theory, Systems Theory, Learning & Empowernment in the built environment, and Symbioses where they will ultimately form a systematised method to architecture that will be applied to the design of a Regenerative architecture.
Exploring the relationship between the natural ecosystem and the built form: towards an ecological conservation centre in Saint Lucia.
(2019) Laljit, Raaziq.; Luckan, Yashaen.
Natural ecosystems are essential for all life processes that take place on earth. They comprise living and non-living things that function as a whole while continually undergoing intense systematic processes (Yeang, 2008). Human beings are dependent on these bio-diverse organisms and systems, which define human settlement and dwellings. Therefore, biodiversity is of fundamental importance to the functioning of all natural and human-engineered ecosystems, such as the built form. According to findings, the building and construction industry is responsible for the depletion of 50% of natural resources. Therefore, the focus of the study is primarily based on how natural ecosystems could encourage responsive and sustainable architecture. The research explores literature and theories that influence how architecture can symbiotically co-exist with the natural environment, particularly within a sensitive and biodiverse context such as the St Lucia wetland area. Similarly, the investigation focuses on how architecture can improve both individuals' experience and the existing natural ecosystem to create environments that are responsive, interactive, and conducive. The methodology includes analysis of literature review, interviews with relevant personnel, precedent studies, and a critical desktop study of the research area. As a point of departure, the literature analyses the complex relationship between nature, man, and architecture to understand essential turning points in ecological history. This information becomes vital to help recognize past mistakes and determine solutions for the future. The literature review examines the theoretical framework of phenomenology, place theory, and sustainability while also paying attention to ecological architecture, empathetic design, and critical regionalism. These key areas start to focus on mutually symbiotic spaces for man and nature, and how architecture and the built environment can begin to support this.
Healing and empowerment through architecture: towards an empowerment centre for abused women in Durban.
(2019) Boyles, Sherlaine Alison.; Luckan, Yashaen.
The aim of this dissertation is to understand and recognize the conditions and criteria that would inform a socially responsive architecture, towards the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women in South Africa. The research draws from a theoretical framework, theories of environmental psychology, culture, social learning and feminism. The built environment is explored as an expression of culture. Relevant literature explores the socio-spatial challenges of domestically abused women, towards developing a set of design criteria for an environment that will facilitate the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women. Focusing on the design drivers identified through the theoretical framework and literature, the precedent, case studies and primary data is critically analysed. Three precedent studies were strategically selected, based on the identified impacts of domestic violence against women. Two women's facilities located within Durban were identified as case studies, in order to understand the needs of domestically abused women within the local context. Each geographical location bears its peculiar region-specific needs and challenges. Current socio spatial challenges faced within current restorative environments is explored through interviews and observation. Both precedent and case studies are critically analysed through the lens of the identified design drivers, to assess how these design drivers have been adequately implemented. Violence against women is a global challenge. South Africa, a country which was built on social systems of inequality, where women were alienated and marginalised, reports the highest statistics for violence against women in the world. The correlation is very apparent. Studies have been undertaken to highlight the various socio-spatial and cultural constraints within specific geographical locations. These are the contributing factors to this global and national phenomenon, and has led to stimulating violence against women and producing a culture of violence. This dissertation focuses on the design drivers as a toolkit to support the design of a responsive architecture that facilitates the healing and empowerment of domestically abused women in South Africa.
The impact of 21st-century pedagogic transformation on architecture: towards an interdisciplinary design school in Durban.
(2021) Naidoo, Wendle Dwaine.; Luckan, Yashaen.
The study identified the impact of 21st - century pedagogic transformation on architecture towards an interdisciplinary school of design in Durban. The study aimed to investigate the advances in learning space design and teaching approaches of the 21st-century to derive architectural principles for a proposed design school that will transform such spaces from confined disjointed physical space to collaborative learning environments. The study adopted a qualitative approach based on a phenomenological philosophy to underpin an inquiry into a "lived experience" of a phenomenon in which conventional pedagogical approaches such as teaching methods and learning space design are critically interrogated to define the complex interrelationship between the allied design disciplines in architecture. Preliminary evaluation of similar knowledge and theories was done through a critical literature review relevant to architecture pedagogy to understand the phenomenon in depth. This qualitative research comprises of interviews with students and lecturers explicitly drawn from within the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as the primary case study. The interviews were semi-structured, which allowed the participants to express their subjective experience of pedagogy and spatial design, the research adhered to ethical standards and most importantly, all the participants' confidentiality and anonymity were protected through pseudonyms.
The influence of crime prevention and policing on the built form: towards a community orientated policing station in Newlands.
(2020) Khan, Safeer.; Luckan, Yashaen.
Globally, societies are exposed to the scourge of crime and social deviance resulting in dysfunction with far reaching social consequences. History records that in order for society to function within a safe environment, law enforcement is essential through policing. This important societal function is performed from the built form of police stations which houses a diverse number of crime management occupational activities. The extent to which various crime management activities are pursued effectively, is contingent on the different occupational spaces available within the built form of police stations. In the South African context the built form of police stations was founded on racial divisions with historically disadvantaged Black communities being underserviced by adequate occupational spaces for effective policing. Rented residential buildings, modified containers and mobile police trucks were some of the built forms that served as police stations. Given the legacy of colonialism and later apartheid, police stations also represented the semiotic of political oppression. Upon democracy the South African Police Act was passed in 1995 to break away from the past political dispensation which proposes the participation of local communities in an effort to fight against unprecedented levels of crime in the form of Community Policing Forums (CPF). The aim of this approach is to allow the community to interface with the South African Police Service (SAPS) so that a holistic approach to crime management can be formulated and implemented. However, the reality is that the built form of police stations in its present structure does not provide adequately for effective community participation let alone a conducive environment for law enforcement officers to function effectively in terms of their policing mandate. This is especially so in historically disadvantaged communities were a well-defined space for various policing activities are lacking and even though they do exist are not conducive environments that meets all the organisational needs of the law enforcement officers and the community at large. It is against this context that this study focusses on a case study of the Newlands police station which is located in a low-middle income community west of Durban. The case study makes a situational analysis of the existing built form of the station through a variety of research approaches with key stakeholders and experts in the field of policing, design and crime management. Accounts of police officers serving in this police station as well as in other stations in the province gives light into the experience of police station environments, speaking of their own as well as the perception of the public. The value of this study opportunistically comes at a time where there is grumbling in the political corridors of government on the existing built form of the police station. It is anticipated that this study will serve as a model to meet the diversified occupational needs of its police officers and the local community and demystify the traditional notion of a built environment that has been notorious to be oppressive and functionally inefficient.
The influence of the community on the architecture of learning spaces: the rethink of a rural primary school.
(2021) Naicker, Neeshailin Sutheeva.; Luckan, Yashaen.
South Africa continues to face a skills paradox whereby there are extreme shortages of skills and high unemployment rates. It is argued that, in addition to weak government policies, poor finance, segregation, corruption and rapid population growth, the design of schools has actually inhibited the potentiality of education, especially in rural contexts. This study focuses on the influence of community in the learning space design of rural primary schools. This includes an inquiry into the role of architecture in alternative pedagogies and education for sustainability. The literature review, in the form of educational, social, and architectural theories, interrogate the possibilities of enhancing the teaching and learning environment through experience of place. Existing primary schools in Rural KZN do not take advantage of the power of the collective and place-based knowledge systems. The research defines the principles for a spatial rethink of a rural primary school in rural KZN that aims to extend the conventional learning experience beyond the confines of constructed classroom spaces to the broader context of learning in place. The research problem and questions required a mixed approach a qualitative study critically reviewed theoretical and conceptual positions in the context of this socially related research, while quantitative research included interview schedules and questionnaires. This study is focused on what architectural contribution can be made to existing learning environments by integrating community influence within primary schools. In pursuit of quality education in rural communities, alternative methods of teaching and learning that use the community influence is explored.
The role of architecture in providing physical & social wellbeing for the youth: a proposed youth centre in Wentworth Durban.
(2018) Sutherland, Ryan Patrick.; Luckan, Yashaen.; Ntuli, Bonga.
Youth Centres have been proven to promote physical and social wellbeing amongst modern youth. Previous research has proven the importance of architecture in community empowerment as mediator between user and surrounding environment. Offering great potential in economic, cognitive, physical and social development for disadvantaged youth. This research will explore the potential of a youth centre in the Wentworth Township. Situated in the industrious back of port South Durban Basin. The lush natural environment, thriving petro-chemical industry, lack of basic health amenities and excessive crime rates present interesting and challenging discussions for research. The overburdened low-income youth are challenged with great social deterrents however offer unwavering potential in their local interests. Limited government aided skills development and youth facilities have resulted in current negative socio-economic activities amongst Wentworth youth. The research to follow will engage scarce youth spaces and related popular peripheries. Exploring existing local and international literature for proposing the design of a youth centre that pro-actively participates in the lives of the youth. Stimulating local youth culture, economic empowerment and holistic development through architectural design. Limited local research carried out in South African youth centre typologies present potential for development of a local framework for inspired and appropriate youth spaces. Dealing with the specifics of the township and greater South African context. Engaging unemployment, hopelessness, scarce basic amenities, skills development, substance abuse and other related social dilemmas that exist because of poverty. The research to follow will analyse the social and built environment within a context specific theoretical and conceptual framework. Determining the role of architecture in youth wellbeing by establishing specific architectural design principles, for designing youth spaces in Wentworth. Place, culture and empowerment theories form a framework for analysing the local urban and social fabric. Concepts of youth culture, proactive design strategy and dreamscaping will orientate methods of response to potentials, and challenges established based on relevant case studies. Incorporating qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data for the support of outcomes.
Spiritual practice and its influence in architecture : the design of a meditation centre for Chatsworth.
(2011) Luckoo, Vineet Sharveen Kumar.; Luckan, Yashaen.; Zami, Mohammed S.
The purpose of this dissertation is twofold. Firstly, it investigated the issues inferred by the topic, as how spirituality influences architecture, and secondly, through a critical analysis of a literature review with suitable precedents and case studies, it has set guidelines for the design a meditation centre for spiritual practices in Durban. The importance of such a centre was established by analyzing the architectural qualities that contribute in making a spiritual environment as stated in the hypothesis. Problems regarding the topic were identified as being the lack of architectural character and identity of spirituality. A sense of segregation was felt at various levels in socio-cultural groups through religion and race. Architecture is seen to be a medium to establish a dialogue among these groups by adhering to the need of self-education in terms of spiritual knowledge and practice. The key questions posed were the key elements to the secondary research that included an in-depth literature review based on appropriate architectural theories and concepts leading to a list of architectural design considerations. The theory of phenomenology was addressed by concentrating on the qualities that would evoke and invoke the essence of spirituality in an environment. The study attempts to understand the functional, physical and experiential qualities that contribute in making the spirit of a place. The connection between social and cultural groups was analysed under the theory of critical regionalism that also discussed the presence of nature, apart from culture, in creating an identity. The holistic nature of place and sacred architecture has been an essential area of research in an aim to discovering the metaphysical, symbolic and tactile qualities that enforce the pragmatic functional requirements of the centre. The need for an understanding of the science of meditation and self-education was beneficial in identifying the spatial, functional and spiritual requirements of the place. Symbolism, geometry, form and order informed the desired qualities that are driven by the cosmological science of Vastu Shastra in fuelling the space with positive energy. The relationship between man and his environment was further studied in terms of natural and sensory experiential qualities that would form a serene atmosphere. Precedent studies were carried out in different continents to extract similar aspects among various spiritual institutions. Primary research consisted of case studies where buildings were analyzed on specific criteria. Interviews were carried out with experienced members of the institutions for a better understanding of the spiritual practices conducted and the environment. The outcomes of these interviews were critically and theoretically analyzed. The data collected through interviews and empirical studies revealed some pragmatic requirements of a spiritual environment. The study concludes that man cannot be separated from his environment - he is part and parcel of it. The study concluded that architecture is instrumental in binding man with nature whilst the understanding of the inner self and his senses enables him to become aware of his surroundings. The spirit within connects him with the spirit of the place established when suitable architectural design principles are applied. A holistic environment is then created and is suitable for spiritual practice. Such a place evokes a sense of spirituality.
A study of the decentralised business nodes of the post-apartheid city of Durban : toward a new business district as part of the greater Durban business system.
(2011) Timm, Jeffrey.; Luckan, Yashaen.; Zami, Mohammed S.; Yavo, Phillippe.
This dissertation revolves around the topic of office decentralisation. The literature review chapter first discusses a systems approach to planning, and how it is the relationships between the objects within a system that makes the system as a whole useful. This chapter also discusses theories relating to city planning with reference to Kevin Lynch in terms of city elements as well as city planning typologies. Edmund Bacon’s theory of how movement systems of cities become powerful forces in terms of how the city is used and viewed is also discussed. Ebenezer Howard’s Garden City concept is discussed due to its intentional decentralisation but also for the manner in which nodes are linked. New Urbanism is touched on because many sprawling cities are turning this type of development in attempt to reduce the outward push of low density developments. Seeing that Apartheid city planning was informed by Modernist city planning, both of these concepts are looked at critically in relation to one another. This is to form the background on what impact office decentralisation has had on South African cities, and whether the locations of such decentralised office nodes have been in the correct locations in order to provide access to jobs to those who were marginalised during the years of Apartheid. With this background, office decentralisation is discussed in general, touching on office building typologies, the effect transportation technologies had on city planning, what causes office decentralisation, and the issue of office decentralisation in South African cities. Examples of how office decentralisation has been used as urban renewal projects have been discussed because it is of the opinion of the author that this needs to occur more often, especially in South Africa. Precedent studies of three cities which have undergone office decentralisation have been discussed in the next chapter. One is a South African city; one is another African city; and one an international city. This chapter discusses briefly their past, and the issues decentralisation is causing for the cities, as well as their solutions to the issues. Durban is used as a case study in the next chapter where decentralised office nodes have been identified and analysed. The challenges this decentralisation brings to the city are then discussed and possible solutions drawn from the abovementioned precedent studies have been suggested. These solutions were tested in a questionnaire which was sent to a selected group of working people. The results of which are discussed and analysed in chapters 5.
The transformation of architectural pedagogy towards a new model for architectural education at universities of technology in South Africa.
(2016) Luckan, Yashaen.; Lokko, Lesley.
Architectural education and practice in democratic South Africa have been challenged to respond to broad national imperatives which have completely transformed the educational and professional legislative frameworks that govern the architectural profession. Two key objectives emerged out of the transformation agenda: Spatial transformation and socioeconomic redress. This posed challenges to architectural education, while at the same time presented many new opportunities for universities of technology to develop their unique and distinctive identities. However, the main criticism of architectural education at universities of technology is that its historic strengths of technology transfer and widened access, have been surrendered in favour of adopting curricula and pedagogic approaches of the traditional universities. Industry and the traditional universities are of the opinion that universities of technology should continue with a technology focused curriculum. The universities of technology have generally reacted to this criticism by spending time and energy on conceptualising curricula with a science and technology focus. The main argument of the thesis, however, is that architectural education at universities of technology has to build on its historic strengths while enhancing knowledge transfer to the benefit of society; this cannot be confined in any narrow definition of a science and technology curriculum. The definition of technology is asserted as a cultural construct and therefore cannot exist as distinctly separate to the artistic creativity required of architecture. Artistic creation, however, cannot be isolated in the ‘silo’ of studio production, but must emanate from socially engaged processes. The thesis explores the historic influences on architectural education to understand the reasons for the current state of architectural education at universities of technology in South Africa. Various theoretical positions and ideologies on education, architectural pedagogy and learning space development are critically analysed in the form of an extensive literature review. This is supported by empirical research and case studies in order to determine the unique and distinctive characteristics of architectural education at universities of technology, and their value to context and society. The synthesis of the critical research culminates in a new conceptual model for architectural education in South Africa, which is based on the principles of neo-humanism, defined by contextual responsiveness through the constant engagement of unit-subjective realities with the collective- society realities in a transformative, participatory pedagogic paradigm.
Urbanity and architecture : towards a sustainable concept for urban dwelling in the Umngeni Road precinct, Durban.
(2018) Naidoo, Pashini.; Luckan, Yashaen.
The purpose of the dissertation is to determine the significance of an appropriate architectural typology, within an industrial area of the city, to ease the problems associated with workers commuting long distances to work and back; as well as its influence on the city fabric and contribution to revitalising areas within the city that are not currently suitable for human comfort. The primary research question is how can the Architecture of a mixed use architectural typology address the needs of the working commuters, and influence urban regeneration, within a semi-industrial area in the Umgeni Road precinct of Durban? The research will analyse a mixed use architectural typology and its effect on the urban environment and thereafter investigate the main causes of people having to travel long distances for work and to amenities, and the lack of suitable accommodation within the industrial portions of the city to cater for the working commuters. The research necessitates a mixed methodology of primary and secondary sources. The research further explores how intervention can be used as a step towards simultaneously regenerating an old industrial area in a sustainable way and bringing life to the area, especially after working hours. The dissertation focuses on areas which are seen as misused or used only during the day, abandoned or derelict. In a sense, the spaces which are wasted yet have the potential to be transformed into important architectural structures and quality urban spaces. The design of the proposed architectural and urban catalyst will be assisted through the analysis of literature, theories, case studies, precedents as well as interviews with working commuters and surveys distributed to professionals in the architectural and related fields. The research will provide the reasons as to why a mixed use architectural typology will be beneficial within the context of study and the way in which the architectural intervention will be developed to produce a more sustainable architecture that meets the needs of the users. The research will discuss theories and concepts through three main components. Firstly accommodating the needs of the people via the theory of place making. Secondly the regeneration of an old industrial area in the city through the principles of New Urbanism and finally, sustaining the proposed intervention through the concept of flexibility where the needs of the workers will be explored in a mixed use setting.
Urbanity and architecture: towards a sustainable concept for urban dwelling in the Umgeni Road precinct, Durban.
(2018) Naidoo, Pashini.; Luckan, Yashaen.
The purpose of the dissertation is to determine the significance of an appropriate architectural typology, within an industrial area of the city, to ease the problems associated with workers commuting long distances to work and back; as well as its influence on the city fabric and contribution to revitalising areas within the city that are not currently suitable for human comfort. The primary research question is how can the Architecture of a mixed use architectural typology address the needs of the working commuters, and influence urban regeneration, within a semi-industrial area in the Umgeni Road precinct of Durban? The research will analyse a mixed use architectural typology and its effect on the urban environment and thereafter investigate the main causes of people having to travel long distances for work and to amenities, and the lack of suitable accommodation within the industrial portions of the city to cater for the working commuters. The research necessitates a mixed methodology of primary and secondary sources. The research further explores how intervention can be used as a step towards simultaneously regenerating an old industrial area in a sustainable way and bringing life to the area, especially after working hours. The dissertation focuses on areas which are seen as misused or used only during the day, abandoned or derelict. In a sense, the spaces which are wasted yet have the potential to be transformed into important architectural structures and quality urban spaces. The design of the proposed architectural and urban catalyst will be assisted through the analysis of literature, theories, case studies, precedents as well as interviews with working commuters and surveys distributed to professionals in the architectural and related fields. The research will provide the reasons as to why a mixed use architectural typology will be beneficial within the context of study and the way in which the architectural intervention will be developed to produce a more sustainable architecture that meets the needs of the users. The research will discuss theories and concepts through three main components. Firstly accommodating the needs of the people via the theory of place making. Secondly the regeneration of an old industrial area in the city through the principles of New Urbanism and finally, sustaining the proposed intervention through the concept of flexibility where the needs of the workers will be explored in a mixed use setting.