NAJEEBA HASSIM
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
Defining an architectural typology: Inner City Green Centres within South Africa
Najeeba Hassim proposes an environmental
research facility in KwaZulu-Natal to address
threatened natural resources. She says this does not
seem to be high in priority in most city projects within
South Africa. “As such, a refreshed mind-set towards
the built form to restore, preserve and promote key
green assets is necessary,” says Hassim.
The centre is located within a dynamic context
of light industrial, commercial and environmental
nodes, sits along the edge of the Umgeni River,
in Briardene. The design promotes ‘Green as an
experience’, i.e. experiencing a journey that aims to
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educate and expose new attitudes towards key green
assets such as the Umgeni River. Design principles
were inspired by the ecological theory and the cradle
to cradle approach. This allows the Green Centre
to enhance local surroundings whilst promoting
sustainable awareness. The environmental research
facility aims to search for solutions to improve the
river water quality, protect and enhance eco-systems
and harness untapped potential for river currents.
This proposal acts as a catalyst by positively influencing the river eco-systems and water quality, future
developments along the river and the general public.
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