ULRICH PIETERSE
TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The design of an institute for the documentation of fossil heritage in Nieu Bethesda, Karoo
This dissertation deals with the making of a
palaeontological research and display centre to
document fossils from the Nieu Bethesda area and
the Karoo at large. The project acts as catalyst for the
creation of a satellite campus for the use by South
African universities and scientists. The purpose of
the facility is to study prehistoric biodiversity and
geology and to understand how and why mass
extinctions occur. The envisaged facility addresses
Student Awards
the current need for an educational institute and
tourism destination for palaeontology in the Karoo.
The designed product is a contemporary interpretation
of past events that formed the Karoo with the building
celebrating the geological and palaeontological
importance of the region. This centre aims to become
a place of celebration, education, and research, which
is open to the public and which could be used as a
hub for the palaeontological community.
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