Mining The Poetic Depths of an Industrial Landscape: Automating a Fish Market Narrating Trawling along the Lagoon Promenade of Walvis Bay

Abstract

Walvis Bay, a town deeply intertwined with Namibia’s fishing and industrial heritage, is a pivotal economic hub along the Namibian coast. Despite its historical significance and bustling fishing sector, the town lacks a dedicated fish market, creating a notable gap in its cultural and economic landscape. This thesis addresses this shortfall by proposing the design of a fish market that bridges this void while resonating with the town’s unique industrial heritage and cultural identity. The chosen site for the fish market, located on the southern edge of the new container terminal within the lagoon promenade of Walvis Bay, offers a strategic and historically rich location. This site is adjacent to the cruise ship terminal and the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a prominent ecological and tourist attraction known for its diverse avian population. The lagoon’s serene environment contrasts with the surrounding industrial activities, providing a backdrop for a meaningful architectural intervention. Based on the principles of poetic post-phenomenology, the thesis explores how architectural design can evoke sensory and emotional connections between users and their environment. The market is conceived not merely as a functional space but as an evocative architectural experience that reflects Walvis Bay’s industrial character. By incorporating the town’s industrial rhythm, order, and materiality, the design aims to enhance the connection between the space and its users, thus enriching the town’s identity. The industrial heritage of Walvis Bay, characterised by robust structures and repetitive forms, serves as a critical reference point. This thesis abstracts these elements and recontextualises them within the fish market’s design to create a practical and resonant space with the town’s maritime and industrial ethos. The project also considers the broader implications for the town’s urban fabric, aiming to revitalise the promenade and provide a dynamic public space that integrates seamlessly with the existing “poetic journey.” Addressing the town’s infrastructure gap and enhancing the promenade’s appeal, the fish market is envisioned as a cultural and architectural intervention that reconnects Walvis Bay’s past with its present. This design offers a profound and immersive experience for locals and tourists, fostering a deeper appreciation of the town’s heritage and creating a vibrant destination within the lagoon promenade.