The Wits Institute of religion & art: a centre of dialogue

• Main Author: Shapiro, Joshua
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10539/24895

This document is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree: Master of Architecture (Profesional) at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2018 === Th e geographical change of the city of Johannesburg over the years has developed various spatial problems to the urban landscape. A set of conditions have characterised spaces in-between, left over, and peripheral spaces. Th e impact of these fragments continues to plague the city’s urban fl ow and the cityscape. In contrast, current development spatial patterns continue to widen the territory of urban edges. Th ere is a need to integrate city fragments to the urban fabric by dissolving its impacts. It requires an approach of redefi ning the private and public realm. An intervention to urban edges presents the opportunity to defi ne spaces of encounter. It requires an approach that will place the importance of connectivity, porosity, and transparency at the centre. Th is approach is vital in redefi ning private-public spaces. In recent years, major cities have used sport as a tool in regenerating urban areas. Existing literature confi rms that many cities have used sports as a tool in forging a new identity for areas and advancing the quality of life (Rosentraub, 2009:10). While these fi ndings are important, understanding the role of sport and its potential needs to be investigated. Architecture continues to possess the ability to perform a transformative role in communities. Th e opportunity to explore this ability exists in space for sports. Th e use of sport as a tool in education, health, research and social inclusion is explored in appropriating urban edges. Th e intervention is an approach on how to stitch together urban edges with the goal of seamlessly integrating these spaces to the urban fabric as vital spaces of connectivity and spaces of intensity. It is a social tool fostering development and education for young people. Th e use of a sports facility as a catalyst is aimed at linking and inspiring integration to the surrounding neighbourhoods. === XL2018