Human Settlements Review - Parliamentary Monitoring Group

Human Settlements Review, Volume 1, Number 1, 2010
perspective and needs in order to develop an
appropriate approach were held, as well as
in-depth studies of available materials and
appropriate technologies to the area (Cooke,
2009. p.22-26). Knowing that materials can
only be exploited when a society has the
technology to work it and that good builders
know their materials and make the best of their
properties (Oliver, 1987, p. 59), the architects
examined carefully the building technology
which was currently in use, finding a mixture
of traditional indigenous materials. With much
experience and traditional influence, the entire
workforce employed for the project were
local Xhosa people who, according to Oliver
(1987) had developed intuitive senses of
appropriateness for the materials.
The value of participatory and apprenticeship
approaches to the development also reflected
in the gardens, which were to be used to
produce food in the kitchen for the staff. This
process also created work, seeded small
businesses and transferred skills (Cooke,
2009, p. 23-24).
3.2. New Auditoria and Teaching
Complex at the Fort Hare
University:
The architects of the new Auditoria and
Teaching Complex for the University of Fort
Hare in East London - Ngonyama Okpanum
Associates in association with Native
Architecture - developed a ‘pattern language’
to regulate the design intent; this, inter alia,
included all floors to be accessible for services,
all buildings to be orientated with long facades
facing north, limited air conditioning for
apparatus only, naturally ventilated spaces,
natural day-lighting, locally sourced materials
and light-weight construction (Stratford, 2009,
p. 54-57), the importance to achieve a state of
pax deorum within the design seemed central
although on further study, it may seem as
though ira deorum is more prevalent.
The complex is bounded on the north and
south by wide streets; the primary response
was to place three wings running east west, in
downward cascade from the south towards the
north. Each wing is penetrated by a pedestrian
concourse that is vertically connected by a lift
in the south wing and a series of double-acting
staircases at the intersection of each wing.
This concourse starts on the street at parking
level on the south side and spills out onto the
street at second floor, which is at grade on
the northern street. In this way, the concourse
becomes a pedestrian arcade of the city
(Stratford. 2009. p. 54-57).
2.2.1. Sustainability:
The New Auditoria and Teaching Complex at
the Fort Hare University, has the entire building
oriented with long facades facing north, natural
ventilated spaces and natural day-lighting, and
a wind scoop system which aims at regulating
temperatures and internal conditions.
The sustainable principles delineated earlier
by Hatfield Dodds (2000) and Lawrence
(2006) have had modest regard within the
New Auditoria and Teaching Complex at
the Fort Hare University. The ecological
considerations have been accounted for
through the consented solar exposure given
to each wing of the building, reducing the
winter shadow. Unfortunately the value of
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