Browsing by Author "Hlobo, Ramotlalehi"
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- Public transport interchanges: improving the quality of life through architectural design (South African context)Publication . Hlobo, Ramotlalehi; Oliveira, AvelinoPublic transport Interchanges play a key role in South African cities, they can be the root source of fear, illegal activities or opportunities, and a sense of security in the city. The quality of life in the interchange environment is considered poor which provokes unhealthy conditions. The study shows how architectural design could be used as a catalyst to create coherent and well-defined spaces, promoting the quality of life around the interchanges. The study analyses, contextualize and propose architectural design guidelines in the South African context, which could help to improve the performance of the interchanges to improve the quality of life in its surroundings. The existing studies lack design guidelines specifically outlining interchanges with an intention to address social challenges, this study aims to fill that gap. The study was based on action research, in which an Interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted. The study is rooted in an inductive approach which began with a set of research questions and the collection of empirical data through the qualitative method. The findings reveal that a successful interchange depends on an integration of three different scales the city, human, and the building. Key factors leading to an efficient interchange are addressed, as well as the significance and the impact of integrated planning on the quality of life in the interchange environment. The existing challenges caused by the fact that the existing infrastructures were designed under a matrix of spatial segregation of “apartheid” are addressed with the intention of seeking for better future ways to promote the quality of life in and around the interchanges, updating them to the modern times. The research concludes that architecture if approached holistically with the incorporation of other disciplines could be used as a means to improve the quality of life around the public transport interchanges in South Africa.