Abstract:
The design proposes a satellite event of the
2019 Presidential Inauguration conceived
as a public gathering that takes place in
Salvokop, Pretoria. A bilateral approach will
be adopted. Firstly, implementing event as
a temporary catalyst to activate the site on
an urban scale, introducing it as a signifi cant
space of belonging and representation.
Secondly, the event residue establishes a
more permanent infrastructure that becomes
a place of expression for the community. The
design is relevant to the interior discipline as
it deals with identity, human experience and
temporality.
This design approach is grounded in a
theoretical understanding of identity
construction, from the perspective of
narrative identity and how this becomes
spatially and architecturally relevant. The
notion of ‘narrative identity’ describes identity
as being formed at the intersection of factual
and perceived narratives. It is proposed
that space becomes a ‘factual’ narrative
with which the users can engage and attach
their own narratives, ultimately facilitating
the emergence of multiple, interconnected
identities.
The project aims to defi ne a series of moments
that create an experience that stretches
beyond Freedom Park into Salvokop,
establishing a reciprocal relationship between
them. These moments are informed by three
narratives that address identity at various
scales, namely ‘Express Yourself’ ‘Gather’ and
‘Celebrate’ (democracy). While a proposal
is made for the whole event, the design
interventions focus on these three moment specifically.
