Ounongo Repository

Ounongo means “knowledge” in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages.

The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology.

The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DTBS, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students.

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Communities in Ounongo

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 10

Recent Submissions

COMMUNITY INFORMED INCREMENTAL HOUSING IN KABILA C: LEARNING FROM MATERIALITY AND TEMPORALITY OF INFORMAL HOUSING IN HAVANA, WINDHOEK
(NUST, 2023-10-10) IYAMBO, MARIA
Informal settlements are characterised by their multi-functional nature and a strong sense of community, which has the potential to foster housing incrementally. The purpose of this study is to design incremental housing informed by the community in Kabila C, assessing the materiality and temporality that affect informal housing in Havana, Windhoek. Materials are not only connected to people physically, but also through their minds, experiences, and cultures. Temporality plays a crucial role in people’s way of living and the structure they occupy, which impacts the sense of place. Materiality affects the sense of place, but temporality determines the type of experience people associate with that place. The housing could represent the user’s individuality and identity, which is an essential part of representation in space. The research applies various methods, including mapping, precedent studies, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, community workshops, photographic surveys, and observation to achieve this goal. The study assesses intangible aspects such as informality, temporality, and culture that influence informal housing. It also highlights the importance of the housing process in informal settlement upgrading, which is often neglected by municipalities, local authorities, and NGOs during the upgrading process.
LIVING AND WORKING AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC PRECINCT: SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES FOR DESIGNING A PRECINCT EXPANSION
(NUST, 2024-04-10) DU PLESSIS, LOURENS
This study delves into the realm of sustainable design strategies for the expansion of the Roman Catholic Precinct in Windhoek, Namibia, specifically focusing on creating living and working spaces that adhere to sustainable principles. The objective is to propose design solutions that not only accommodate the spatial requirements but also prioritise sustainable practices throughout the precinct. The research critically examines the existing spatial and sustainable shortcomings of the Roman Catholic Precinct, identifying areas where improvements are needed. By analysing the current state of the precinct, the study seeks to uncover opportunities for enhancing its livability, functionality, and environmental performance. Furthermore, the study explores how an expansion within the precinct can positively impact its overall conditions. It investigates various approaches and strategies that can be employed to optimise the use of space, improve connectivity, and create a harmonious blend of living and working environments. A significant aspect of this research is the exploration of passive design strategies beyond the building site. By harnessing the natural elements and climate of the region, the study aims to extend passive design principles to the entire precinct. It investigates how passive design can be integrated into the planning, architecture, and infrastructure of the ABSTRACT expansion, with a focus on maximising energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and promoting occupant comfort and well-being. To ensure the suitability of the proposed design solutions, the study identifies and evaluates passive design measures that are appropriate for the Namibian context. It considers factors such as climate, cultural considerations, and local resources, aiming to develop a design approach that is sensitive to the specific needs and conditions of the Roman Catholic Precinct. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable design strategies for precinct expansions, offering insights and recommendations that can guide future developments. By embracing sustainability and integrating passive design principles, the aim is to create a precinct that not only meets the functional requirements of its inhabitants but also minimises its environmental footprint and contributes positively to the overall well-being of the community.
KA-BA-THI LEARNING CENTRE-Creating a sense of place in Kavango East, Namibia
(NUST, 2022-11-10) Schultz,Wilhem
According to Pendleton, Crush and Nickanor (2014), Namibia’s problematic, increasing rate of rural- urban migration is caused by tangible aspects in the form of employment, housing conditions, food security, education and healthcare. This explains why researchers primarily focus on resolving the tangible aspects linked to the exodus. I would argue that intangible aspects (sense of place) also form an equally important connection to the exodus and need to be incorporated into buildings when exploring ways to reduce the rapid rate of rural-urban migration through architectural design. The dissertation represents the journey of designing the Ka-Ba-Thi Learning Centre by understanding and using four core aspects that create a sense of place and combining them with the tangible needs of the local, rural Kavango East community to inform future rural development schemes, aiming to reduce the rate of rural-urban migration and its associated problems.
Juxtaposing Knowledge + Making: decolonising stagnant museum typologies into dynamic cultural representation along the swakopmund promenade, namibia
(2024-10-10) Rensburg, Jacques
The town of Swakopmund is a key tourist destination in Namibia, well-known for its colonial German architecture and cultural heritage. However, its history is filled with juxtaposition of colonial and precolonial influences. Before the Germans arrived, the Nama and Herero tribes would use the Swakop River to demarcate their territories. The river also functioned as a colonial boundary between the German port of Swakopmund and the English harbour of Walvisbay, with the establishment of the town in 1892 by Captain Curt von Francois to assist with trade in Southwest Africa. Colonial structures, such as the Mole (pier wall) and Zollhaus (customs shed), predominantly represent a static colonial perspective of the area’s history (making of knowledge), overshadowing dynamic indigenous knowledge systems (knowledge of making). Indigenous practices, such as the Herero’s harvesting of mussels before the 1750s at the Swakop river mouth, also known as Otjizondji (place of mussels), and the making of Onyoka necklaces (fig. 01) by the Oshiwambo people, reflect a vibrant precolonial knowledge of trade and making. These activities, rich in cultural significance, are often marginalised in favour of colonial narratives. In recent decades, Swakopmund has attempted to recreate a “little Germany”, often at the expense of dynamic indigenous identities and practices. The ongoing traditional Onyoka manufacturing contrasts sharply with the museum’s static representation of knowledge. Thus, how can a proposed museum typology be designed that juxtaposes dynamic Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly that of Onyoka-making, with the stagnant colonial representation of knowledge to foster inclusive, dynamic cultural representation along the Swakopmund Promenade, Namibia?
Empowering African women: An analysis of selected black female authored biographical texts in post-apartheid South Africa
(Namibia University of Science & Technology, 2022-04-22) Hamann, Catherine
This study examined the empowering of African women in selected black female authored biographical texts written in post-apartheid South Africa. Women in South Africa have been disadvantaged largely because of the criminal behaviour of the patriarchal male dominated society. The two texts studied were Khwezi – The Remarkable Story of Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo (Tlhabi, 2017) and No Longer Whispering to Power: The Story of Thuli Madonsela (Gqubule, 2017). The texts were selected because both were written by African female authors and they address contemporary themes that affect the daily livelihoods of women. The texts also represent a true reflection of the difficult challenges encountered by most women in Africa and other parts of the world. The theories of radical feminism as well as trauma and resilience were used in the analysis of the two texts. The study concluded that it is not a waste of resources to educate the girl-child because education is the best method of empowering women. This study has also revealed that a male dominated society can go to any length to disempower women as long as they have the means. Furthermore, the study concluded that the most dehumanising manner of disempowering a woman through rape. Lastly, the study revealed that biographical writing plays a great role to empower women. The impact of literary texts written by women to represent other women serves as an inspiration because it presents real- life stories. Many women are ashamed to speak out, as a result, they suffer in silence. The stories of both Kuzwayo and Madonsela inspired many women to rise above their circumstances. Hence, women should be encouraged to speak out and report cases of rape or any case of injustices committed against them, despite criticism by society. The study recommends that the patriarchal male society should be educated on the rights of women. In addition, the girl child must be accorded the resources and given the necessary support to acquire an education. It is only when a woman is educated that a society can thrive. It is also imperative to encourage more women to write autobiographies even if someone write it on their behalf. This recommendation is an awareness strategy that can help women to share their various experiences.