Masters in Architecture Dissertation by Andreas Mavrakis, 2016.
His research topic looked into regenerative water practice as an approach to making urban river space. The exploration of a regenerative architectural intervention which promotes Pretoria’s hydrological heritage and future potential of the Apies River, formed the basis of his study.
His other interests include the Apies River system, eco-systemic, functional, hydrotherapy center, Pretoria, regenerative, urban, and water infrastructure.
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Abstract The dissertation focuses on regenerating and adapting a part of the Prinshof Medical District. The site is identified as an abandoned, left-over space which is located adjacent to the Apies River in Pretoria's urban context. The site's forgotten natural and historical layers, formerly part of the historical Hove's Drift, and the chronological narrative of the Apies River, are investigated in this study. A regenerative water design method is used to catalyse these lost layers in the aim of cultivating a functional and poetic water-conscious design intervention. The programme proposes the creation of a hydrotherapy centre for use by the surrounding institutions in the Prinshof Medical District as part of the continuing narrative for the site and that of the Apies River respectively. Regenerative Biohistoric Waterscapes is able to synthesise the river's natural, historical, and Modern infrastructure narratives and contribute an alternative meaning towards the eco-systemic understanding of the river's potential for Pretoria's future generations.