BRIEF HISTORY OF DENVER

Denver is a light industrial zone located along the eastern edge of the broader industrial belt spanning the southern extent of Johannesburg's CBD it sits adjacent to the historic east/west gold mining axis (known as the ''main reef"').this industrial belt(buffer) is embedded into the surrounding fabric, simultaneously woven and disconnected by multiple forces: mine dumps, railways, arterials, freeways and storm water channels. over the past 15 years residual industrial lots and open spaces have become appropriated as living environments affording well located shelter within the inner city.

LOCALITY MAP OF DENVER (www.google.co.za/maps)



The area developed rapidly from 1920-1940 and much of the disuse is due to the fact that the buildings are now either unsuitable or less competitive for contemporary industries.

Denver has a growing demand for housing, the effects of this imbalance of people and housing provision/access can be seen in various conditions of the adaptation of spatial scenarios in the area;ever-growing informal settlements and appropriation/inhabitation (illegally)of nearby vacant shops and warehouses . further to these conditions, the proximity and relationship to the nearby hostel and surrounding housing developments suggests noteworthy, both historical and emergent, living conditions as informants to perceptions and aspirations towards the provision of services and housing.

SITE PLAN (DESIGN BRIEF IMAGE)