The Story of Water and Windhoek: A Journey of Identity

Abstract

Water in Windhoek is scarce and without managing consumption, life will not be feasible for future generations. This thesis will attempt to provide a precedent in water sustainability through the implementation of an architectural intervention into Windhoek’s water system. With the aid of the motion picture “Rango”, the city’s challenges regarding water will be investigated through both a narrative approach as well as a case-study of Windhoek’s existing water infrastructure. This could lead to a more sustainable infrastructure design in Windhoek, where the city’s inhabitants are aware of their impact on the water system. This research aims to improve awareness of sustainable water use as well as providing a precedent of the integration of a structure with the Pahl fault-line. The building will facilitate water testing and collection as well as archiving important information pertaining to water in Windhoek. The building will provide spaces for experiencing and discussing the above mentioned elements in order to promote learning and awareness. Water shortages in arid cities south of the Sahara are exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and the impact of global climate change. Sustainable, water-focused architecture, will become a future lifeline.