Marabastad : foothold to the city for the urban poor

Abstract

Cities attract large numbers of people because of economic opportunity. Inner city housing demands increases and the lack of affordable housing leaves the urban poor to live in slums on the periphery of the city, contributing to urban sprawl. Settlement patterns often indicate that the poorest inhabitants have to travel the longest distances. According to the Tshwane Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework (2012), the aim is to achieve compaction through infill development that promotes high residential density and mixed land uses. Marabastad, situated to the North West of Pretoria, is a vibrant place with a diversity of people joining the daily commute to and from the city and surrounding areas. A once close-knit community was crushed due to forced removals in 1940-1970 and Marabastad lost its residential component. Despite this devastating past, the daily flux of feet in and out of Marabastad has resulted in a vibrant place that is dominated by retail and transport networks. However a number of damaged structures, vacant lots and abandoned areas throughout Marabastad threatens the safety of the precinct and has left the urban fabric of Marabastad in a state of decay. The project investigates the potential the strong heritage character of Marabastad holds for an architectural intervention that demonstrates a truly integrated and sensitive urban infill¬. This dissertation proposes a mixed-use residential development to increase density and re-establish a permanent community in Marabastad. The project will consist of a variety of housing models to accommodate the diversity of people identified in Marabastad. The existing activities on site are integrated in the design proposal to maintain the vibrancy and sense of place. The theory of Open Builidng is explored in search for an alternative approach to the current state provided housing model. The dissertation s aim is to revitalise the dilapidated area of Marabastad. The architectural language explores the expression of the new that exists harmoniously within the heritage context of Marabastad.