Bukisa Boniswa
Sihle Pasurayi
spaces in time: african space reimagined
An Intervention of Gandhi & Mary Fitzgerald Squares
Project Description
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UMBONO (VISION): Creating an environment where black people are able to fully express themselves, in spaces that are safe for them, as well as promote economic growth and liveability.
AIMS
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Create a space where black people feel comfortable and are welcomed
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Implement transport systems that are inclusive
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Create a vibrant and 24-hour site.
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Preserve the character of Newtown
OBJECTIVES
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Provide accommodation for homeless people, have affordable retail centres on the site
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Expand on existing bus routes, connect site to Bree station and make majority of the routes on site pedestrian.
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Have mixed uses on site that promote activity day and night
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Follow the land use pattern of Newtown and be having a people centred development.
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Main idea of concept: iUtopia Yabantu Abamunyama
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The chosen precinct is the most inactive part of Newtown, hence the intervention mainly being situated in that region. This has been done to increase the availability of housing in the area,
through the implementation of high rise residential units.
The precinct will also be an area that allows black people to own the land, meaning that black people will have tenure rights to the precinct. The availability of mixed use will enable 24 hour activity in and around the site, because of the different uses during the different times of the day.
The site will also serve as an environment where young, vibrant and talented black can showcase their skills, learn new skills, as well as be provided with spaces to create items such as art works, artifacts, shoes, fashionable brands that are black friendly and skateboards.
The spaces will be set up in such a manner that enables different activities to happen within the same working space, for example having a painter, a shoemaker, a fashion designer all working in the same space. The spaces should be versatile and easily adaptable