There is particular interest in revitalizing the old Pietermartizburg railway station, which is currently home to a heritage 'gem' like the old train station building, by introducing a new train station building that represents a new period in rail transit architecture. Photo 11: Roland ZH, 2009, Original Stadelhofen Train Station Building (right) with New Station Glass Canopy (left).
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background Statement
This is evident in the architectural style of the old train station building and its spatial planning. This led to the major regeneration of the existing Kings Cross railway station in London (History of England, Jaycee, 2014). The approach with the Gautrain Parkstation in terms of the theory of Historicism is that of.
No attempt has been made in the new Gautrain Station building in terms of architectural style to copy the old train station building. This will be important to promote continued use of the new facilities at the old Pietermaritzburg station. The coexistence of the new train station building alongside the old building reinforces the theory of.
Restrictions should be limited to the point of movement within the departure areas of the station building only.
Motivation/Justification for the Study
Problem statement, Aims and Objectives
Definition of the Problem
Although the transport of goods by rail is still very widespread, it has failed to keep pace with the global economic demand for freight transport, especially in South Africa, resulting in a huge demand for alternative freight transport in the form of trucks. In particular, public transport, rail commuting in South Africa is seen today to be predominantly for the poor, as it is considered to be a more cost-effective form of transport both within and between cities.
Aims
Objectives
Scope of the Study
- Hypothesis
- Delimitation of Research Problem
- Definition of Key Terms
- Stating the Assumptions
- Key Questions
Depletion of Rail Commuting - Reducing the use of rail as a mode of travel. Can public rail transport in today's South African society be technologically improved to become a cost effective and safe mode of travel.
Theories and Concepts
- A Brief Introduction
- Theory of Historicism
- Concept of ‘Change’
- Theory of Phenomenology.…
- Concept of ‘Movement’
- Theory of Tectonic Expression
- Concept of ‘Visual Connection’
- Conclusion
The theory of phenomenology will strengthen this movement through an expression of the spatial qualities within the station area. These technological advances will be portrayed using the theory of Tectonic Expression, utilizing the details of the structure of the train station buildings.
Research Methods and Materials
Introduction.…
Research Materials
Data Collection Methods
This will be carried out in a sensitive manner personally on site or in the city. The questions will be structured to assess people's perceptions of public transport as a whole, with a specific focus on safety and security; as well as the public's perception of old colonial public buildings in their city, especially those of train stations.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
Historicism: From Colonial to Modernism.…
- Introduction
- The Colonized from the Colonizer
- The ‘Sleepy Hollow’
- British Colonial Architecture in Pietermaritzburg
- An Epitome of Colonial Conservation
- The Juxtaposition of Old and New Through Periodization.…
One of the buildings that has enjoyed the protection of nature conservation authorities over the years is Pietermaritzburg train station. These styles will be preserved in the old train station building as evidence of the period in which the train station was built, reinforcing Hegel's theory of 'trying to express the spirit of the age' or 'spirit of the age'.
A ‘New Era’ in Democratic South Africa
The old railway station building, which represents a rich historical past reflected in the British colonial architectural style, typical of that of urban Pietermaritzburg, and which was used as an instrument of the apartheid regime in carrying out their racial segregation policy, should be constructed in such a way that it endures as a memorial of the past. The introduction of the new station building typology will showcase a new era in South African architecture, that of a period that strives to be a united and equal society.
Phenomenology: Separated City Spatial Planning
Introduction
Most of the cultural practices were aligned with religion which gave rise to where religious institutions could be located in relation to the community they served. Photo 2, illustrates the Sri Siva Soobramoniar temple for the Indian community located in the 'downtown' residential area of the city occupied by mainly Colored and Indian races, demonstrating the cultural diversity within a community (Radford, 2002).
Spatial Segregation in Buildings
This relocation of the minibus taxi stand would be best suited within or around the boundaries of the old train station area which is located in the upper part of the city centre. Gandhi's statue reaffirms this concept of 'movement' by being depicted in motion, although ironically in this case he is walking away from the connotations of apartheid, being that of the old train station.
Public Transportation Exemplifying the Concept of Movement
Tectonic Expression: Its Beauty is in its Details
Introduction
The Early Approach
The Modern Tectonic
Public buildings of the modernist movement dealt with the issue of grandeur and scale in a more sensitive manner so as not to be seen as imposing the ideologies of the regime. Train station buildings should be centers of distinction, balancing the limitations of scale so as not to appear domineering and monstrous, but to be a representation of the grand scale associated with the public transport industry. Photo 5 is an illustration of the large-scale building by Thomas Herzog, at the Hanover Trade Fair, scaled down with the incorporation of simple 'box'.
Summation
This promotes a 'visual connection' between man and his surroundings and more importantly, with the building itself, developing a perception of the buildings spatial qualities. This results in a kind of recognition with certain elements of the building that remain in one's memory forever. There is a rich connotation between the colonial buildings of the apartheid regime and the cruel acts against humanity in pre-democratic South Africa.
CHAPTER THREE: PRECEDENT STUDIES
Introduction
Kings Cross Railway Station, London
- Conclusion
- Historicism: From England to Africa
- Phenomenology: Place Making in London
- Tectonic Expression: Expressive Architecture
Dramatic light penetration at the tree's 'trunk' promotes a concentrated focus towards the old building. The juxtaposition of old and new shops in the concourse (Photo 10) of Kings Cross station building promotes a spatial sense of unity between old and new. You experience the history of the old train station while traveling through the new track, which is almost 'like walking through a piece of history'.
Stadelhofen Railway Station, Zurich
Historicism: Integrating the New into the Old
Through 'Periodization', which acts as a supporting term for the theory of historicism, both the new and old train station buildings at Stadelhofen (Photo 13) are representative of the architecture of the period, with the new representing Calatrava's modernist approach to a building that reflects the 21st century. Martin Heidegger's definition of 'the expression of the zeitgeist' or 'the spirit of the age', which is consistent with the theory of historicism, is evident in the style of the old building that is a historical age, while the new buildings represent the current modern style of our modern era. The theory of historicism also promotes a stylistic replication of the building's elements, which in Calatrava's case is never an option as his design style is unique to his own modern interpretation.
Phenomenology: Place Making in Zurich
Staying true to a phenomenological approach, the primary and secondary clusters of the new Pietermaritzburg station should enjoy the infusion of retail and food outlets to provide continuous activity and vibrancy to the space. The new train station building in the old Pietermaritzburg railway station area should not depend only on an expression of its overall structure to evoke emotional experiences, as proposed by Pallasmaa, but should display a variety of aesthetic treatment of the elements and various features within smaller spaces also en route to the station platforms. Natural lighting will be abundant at Pietermaritzburg station as it ties in closely with the design of the upper level of the track and promenade at Stadelhofen, where the existing station currently remains at ground level.
Tectonic Expression: An Elementary Expression of Architecture
In terms of commuting access points, and in the case of the old Pietermaritzburg railway station, design constraints may force the introduction of limited access points. In summary, the Stadelhofen train station in Zurich is in many ways a meaningful and contributing precedent in support of this thesis, as it addresses all theoretical issues of historicism, phenomenology and tectonics, both at the spatial and physical levels, involving a new dimension arises. urban intervention in a historic old part of the city, in the same way as with the station area of Pietermaritzburg in relation to the city. Due consideration is given to the concept of movement and visual connection in the sculptural spaces and intricate details of the building's structure, while the building as a whole basks in the concept of change, as would be associated with preserving the old building and welcoming the new.
CHAPTER FOUR: CASE STUDIES
Introduction
As you move around the airport, there are many signs directing you to the Gautrain station, which is located within the airport boundaries and serves as a high-speed rail system for passengers traveling to limited destinations in the Gauteng region and Pretoria (Figure 11). After a trial trip to Constitution Hill in the CBD, the writer returned to the Gautrain Park station to board an express train to the Gautrain Pretoria Central Station with various short stops along the way. The Gautrain Pretoria station is located on the outskirts of the Pretoria CBD, adjacent to the old Pretoria Central Railway Station and has a similar public bus transport system for travel in and around the city as in the case of Johannesburg.
Gautrain Parkstation, Johannesburg
- Conclusion
- Historicism: Paying Homage to the Past
- Phenomenology: To Roam Freely in the City of Gold
- Tectonic Expression: The ‘Branches’ of a Community
The generous width of the corridor allows freedom of movement for commuters through the various rooms of the train station. Another complimentary attribute to the warm presence of the Gautrain station building is the new modern entrance facade, clipped onto the old Park station building, which houses the Metro Rail trains and private buses. This approach reflects the designer's sensitivity and 'concern with the traditions of the past' and historicism.
Gautrain Pretoria Station, Pretoria
- Conclusion
- Historicism: Welcoming Change
- Phenomenology: The Freedom to Dwell
- Tectonic Expression: A Unique Identity
In the case of the Gautrain Pretoria Station, its shape is a simple linear arrangement along most of the length of the old train station platform building. Detail elements both inside and outside the new Gautrain Station building are simple but effective in relation to the architectural statement of being a new modern train station building. The simplicity of detailing (as shown in photo 43 and photo 44) used in the Gautrain Pretoria Station building is not only evident in the structural area of the building, but also within the spatial arrangement that encourages efficient commuter use.
CHAPTER FIVE: ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Introduction
Response to the Questionnaire
What improvements can be made (if any) to ensure you continue to use your preferred type of public transport. If the public transport infrastructure, facilities and safety were improved to meet European standards, you would be happy to pay more than the norm. What do you think should be done with old railway station buildings in South Africa?
Analysis of the Responses
The mini-bus taxi is the most used mode of public transport (on a daily basis), followed by that of the train. After evaluating the answers provided in Parts D and E, one can conclude that most people, whether a regular user of public transport or not, expressed concern about the poor roadworthiness of minibus taxis and buses and the drivers' non- compliance with the rules. of the road. Most people suggested that the cost of public transport across all spheres of the industry was too expensive and sometimes unreliable.
Findings
The phenomenology is expressed in the desire for people to want to 'inhabit' or visit the new train station building, where there is an expectation of seeing something new and invigorating that will ensure they continue to use the space. This tectonic approach will not only be expressed in the new building but also in the old building, with the restoration of the old architecture. The design of newer train station buildings should promote equality and avoid any form of segregation.
CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Conclusions
The precedent and case studies presented reinforce this theory of historicism, with one in particular that of the Pretoria Central railway station in Pretoria. In order to 'inhabit' the confines of the train station area, one must feel safe within that environment which warrants the need for adequate and effective policing. This way of relating requires a stimulus in the form of an expressive approach to detail that is used by most modern proponents of the Tectonic Expression theory.
Recommendations
KINGS CROSS available at http://www.kingscross.co.uk/the-history-of-the-kings-cross-area>. NOMADTRAVELLERS available at http://www.nomadtravellers.com/travel-photography/travel-photo- of-the-day/141-view-of-calatrava-stadelhofen-railway-station-in-zurich/>[Access 5 .April 2014]. RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY available at http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/london-kings-cross/> [Accessed 4 April 2014].
