The design of an aquaculture plant for the lower Swartkops valley, Eastern Cape

This treatise originated as a response to the current environmental issue that is currently threatening the existence of biodiversities within the Swartkops Estuarine region. The increasing amount of illegal and negligent human-related activities within the Estuary has seen to an rise in degradation and destruction of our natural ecosystems with the issue of water pollution recently acquiring crisis stage. Being brought up in Uitenhage, the close proximity of the Swartkops River naturally served as an endless resource of outdoor activities over the years. Witnessing the current degraded state of my beloved river served as motivation for this treatise which is an attempt to address and reconcile our relationship with the natural environment. The issues facing the natural environment of Swartkops will be looked at in depth and sets of integrated interventions will be proposed in order to minimise further anthropocentric effects on nature. The project will attempt to develop a restorative design framework that will achieve ecological-, economical-, and social sustainability whilst voicing conservation awareness through the promotion of sustainable industry in the region. The project will address issues of natural degradation on various scales in order to develop an holistic approach that will restore and sustain the local- and national value of the Swartkops Estuary. The series of interventions will eventually lead to the design of a building located in Swartkops Village