Architecture in Southern African informal settlements : a contextually appropriate intervention
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Urbanistični inštitut RS
Abstract
Architectural professionals can contribute to efforts at achieving sustainable urbanism. However, the realm of professional discourse is extremely limited. Grounded architectural practice (GAP) is developed as a conceptual framework to explore an emergent form of contextually appropriate architectural practice in the context of a resident-driven in situ informal settlement upgrading project. The exploration takes the form of a descriptive narrative. Each challenge that arose during the descriptive narrative was mapped according to Engeström’s activity system model, an analytical tool emanating from cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). By participating in live projects in informal settlements and analysing these projects by means of CHAT, the authors explored the highly improvising and generative everyday practices of the urban majority. Architectural practice in such a context requires a multi-disciplinary approach which extends beyond conventional professional boundaries, and attention must be paid to building the capacity of all participants to function in such uncharted territory.
Description
CITATION: Perold, R., Donaldson, R. & Devisch, O. 2019. Architecture in Southern African informal settlements : a contextually appropriate intervention. Urbani izziv, 30:96-111, doi:10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2019-30-supplement-007.
The original publication is available at https://urbaniizziv.uirs.si/
The original publication is available at https://urbaniizziv.uirs.si/
Keywords
Informal settlements -- South Africa, Squatter settlements -- South Africa, Sustainable urban development -- South Africa, Urbanization -- South Africa, Architecture -- Urban development -- South Africa, Architecture -- Informal settlements -- South Africa, Architecture -- Low-income housing -- South Africa, Squatter settlements -- Urban development -- South Africa, Urban policy -- South Africa
Citation
Perold, R., Donaldson, R. & Devisch, O. 2019. Architecture in Southern African informal settlements : a contextually appropriate intervention. Urbani izziv, 30:96-111, doi:10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2019-30-supplement-007