Abstract
M.Tech. (Interior Design)
Several related disciplines have found that communities with a strong psychological connection to their physical surroundings have a greater chance of being self-reliant. Consequently, these self-reliant communities are enabled to address their unstable socio-economic circumstances, which significantly contributes towards the alleviation of financial strain often associated with sub-Saharan African communities. This knowledge inspired the body of work for this dissertation by highlighting how specific preferences to place can improve human development within marginalised populations.
This study aims to understand the influence of interior spatial interventions on existing communities concerning the dimensions of place attachment theories. The research further examines the designer’s contribution to township communities through the implementation of interior spatial interventions and their related exterior spaces. Therefore, the investigation seeks to determine how the addition of these buildings have affected and contributed towards the creation of self-reliant communities that are socio-economically empowered.
This study follows a qualitative research design set within an interpretivist paradigm, to explore the effect of spatial interventions in the township, by investigating existing literature as well as a wide variety of collected data. To study the theory gathered from the literature review, a multiple case study was used. The case studies used for this design is that of the Red Location Museum and the Ubuntu Centre.
This case study revealed that there is a need for spatial interventions in township areas to introduce self-reliance, but these centres can become underutilised when proper planning and implementation strategies are not considered by the designer. Additionally, the study found that designers who familiarise themselves with the African ethos and worldview can introduce spaces in the township areas that have a greater chance of becoming successful interventions.