Territory

Abstract

Marabastad has a history characterized by strife and turmoil on one end and jubilation and decadence on the other. To preserve sanity within these hardships, residents often turn towards music as a socioeconomic emollient to relieve the burdens of everyday life. As a result music (specifically jazz) has embedded itself into the historical narrative of Marabastad and its people. Today, the area is no longer comprised of a homogenous demographic; it is home to a diverse populace of a multi-national origin. What once was a precinct characterized by its strong association with the “timiti” and “Marabi” cultures, it is now composed of a plethora of varying cultures, and as a result - musical genres. This study seeks to identify the historical importance of music within Marabastad, through identifying varying “territories” of the environment which are utilized as a means of promoting music within the region. Once these have been identified, the application of these territories and their associated principles within a built form is intended to provide a social platform for music to be enjoyed, while allowing for the cross-pollination of the varying musical genres which exist within the precinct.