natural ecosystems found within the uMgeni river.
This was achieved through the concept of viewing
architecture as similar to that of a mechanical
prosthetic device, so that the architecture (industrial
machine) could begin to act as a natural life support
system in the context in which it exists (ecology).
Attaching to an existing 440m long pedestrian
walkway bridge spanning the width of the river,
the facility hosts minimal ecological footprint - in
addition to providing direct access to the water body
to ecologically filter both surface (plastics, rubbers,
geo-polymers) and subsurface (human, industrial,
agricultural) water pollutants that are accumulated as
the watercourse passes through habited areas before
reaching Durban’s coastline.
As a result, both the technological and ecological
solutions used allowed the architecture to act
as a positive hybrid energy contributor, provide
space for rehabilitation processes and are able to
consistently produce and provide the public, tourists
and researchers with fresh fish, vegetables, plants,
seeds, flowers, biogas, fertilisers and clean water.
Student Awards
They then have the option to relax and enjoy an
organic meal while overlooking the river, or take part
in the various ecotourism and research programs
facilitated on site.
Supervisor and lecturer, Bridget Horner, said that
the highlight of the winning thesis was the location
of the site and its potential vista towards the sea and
into Durban.
“The project impressively straddles one of
Durban’s most beautiful rivers, the uMgeni River,
as well as the existing pedestrian bridge. The
architecture is a machine that filters dirt from the
river and draws water up into its water purification
plant - filtering water so that, in the process of moving
over the infrastructure, the purification of water as a
process is visible to the pedestrian,” she explained.
She noted that the project drew its architectural
language from the cranes and containers that occupied
the Durban harbour. This was in keeping with the
architecture’s role as a mechanised prosthetic device
supporting the river in flushing out its impurities
before they meet the sea.
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