Totalitarian heritage: Contemporary reconstruction of the Haus der Kunst and the Space Pavilion at the V.D.N.H.

“Difficult heritage” often becomes a crucial point of current political and public debate in countries with totalitarian past (Vyazemtseva, 2020). This term refers mainly to architectural and sculptural monuments that were erected during the rule of totalitarian regimes, and it was first used relatively recently, in 2008 (Macdonald, 2008). At...

Through, Above and Under: Art Hub on the path of Surrealism

In the architectural profession we often encounter the notions of the unjustified distinction between research and design, putting them in the antipodal categories of science and art. During a lecture in 2017 on Methodologies of Architectural Reuse, Martin de Jong brought up the highly discussed issue of the relationship between the two aspects...

Building new roads in tendering: Towards selection based on values and competencies

Umhlanga Rocks coastal defense

The eThekwini coastline is a vulnerable coastline subject to chronic erosion and damage due to sea level rise. In 2007 a severe storm caused major physical and economic damage along the coastline, proving the need for action. Umhlanga Rocks is a densely populated premium holiday destination on the eThekwini coastline suffering from similar...