This dissertation is site driven, emerging from an interest in the controversy and resultant inspired community input surrounding the Princess Vlei wetland. It explores the approaches of designing for a natural open space that a community is strongly connected to by uncovering distinct meanings in the vast natural landscape of Princess Vlei and embodying them in an architectural and landscape intervention. This dissertation proposes enhancing site experience through the use of poetic landscape and built strategies, while simultaneously supporting and diversifying current activities by means of pragmatic considerations of program.

An exploration into the history, legend, memory and imaginings associated with Princess Vlei illustrate that landscape is not simply made up of physical attributes, but holds intangible values. The variety of human expression and activity that take place at the vlei define it as a cultural space whereby the practices and relationship of the community with the site are what form its unique character and provide a strong basis for it to be conserved and enhanced.
 

The increasing pressure of urbanisation and commercialism have led to contestation over the use of land on the eastern bank of the wetland. The proposal of the City to sell the land to private developers for the construction of a mall on the wetland's banks inspired counter-proposals by environmental organisations. These have in turn inspired this dissertation project which puts forward a more meaningful approach to green spaces in the city. The project is built upon community driven imaginings and embodying intangible qualities of landscape through an evocative intervention that captures memories that  run the risk of being lost through inappropriate development.

The core intention of the building and landscape strategies in the project was to embody the memory of the Khoisan. As the culture placed little importance on material culture, the focus was on creating enhanced landscape experiences and an awareness between the human body and surrounding natural elements.