Marcie Mutinga

Architecture, urban design, and urban planning are open to interpretation, much like art. These professions, versatile in nature, influence trends by applying colour theory, materials, geometries, design principles, and structural techniques. Similarly, fashion design uses these same methods to express different visions, making it a parallel field. Though they may seem to move in different directions, the merging of architecture and fashion holds the potential for innovative outcomes. This thesis explores the dynamic connection between these two disciplines, focusing on their societal impact over time, shaped by factors such as technology, art, science, and culture. It proposes a blueprint for a fashion institute and museum that highlights the boldness of fashion trends and how they intersect with architectural aesthetics, function, and spatial design. The objective is to address the challenges of this relationship and suggest an urban and architectural approach that can be applied across Johannesburg and Africa.