'Betekenis' en die 'verhaal' van UV-kampus-argitektuur 1904-2004: 'n Krities-teoretiese oorsig

Abstract

With reference to the centenary celebrations of the University of the Free State in 2004/2005, the 'story' of UFS campus architecture seen over one hundred years, is briefly narrated. From a critical theoretical perspective and with reference to a few chosen buildings, this narrative focuses on the influence of the most important international and local contemporary architectural trends and characteristics of 'style on the architecture of the campus. Possible architectural, cultural and social meanings underlying these trends are revealed. In conclusion, the concepts 'text/context, textuality textualisation' are briefly discussed with reference to the relationship between 'wholeness' and 'fragmentation' in the campus and buildings concerned. Finally, the relationship between the concepts of (architecture as) 'place' and (architecture as) event' is briefly investigated. An attempt is therefore made to provide some answers to questions such as: What does architecture tell us about an institution and its community? To which degree can a building therefore reflect or even represent an institution, its community and even its history? And with specific reference to the UFS: what story is suggested by the architectural image of the UFS campus?
*Article written in Afrikaans.