The Eventuality of Space : Adaptability and Incrementality in the Suburban Hinterland of Mamelodi

Abstract

The appropriation of open space is a common and organic process that is constantly taking place in the contemporary South African city. The tabula rasa approach of Apartheid and modernist planning had little consideration for these natural spatial patterns. This dissertation argues for a democratic approach to architecture and space-making in the contemporary South African city, one that embraces diversity, multifunctionality, and the eventuality of incremental development. Drawing from theories such as Control of Complexity (Habraken 1987), Space as Ritual (van Rensburg & da Costa 2008), and Safe-to-Fail (Ahern 2011), the research explores the possibilities of designing for emergent and adaptable space as a tool for enablement in the context of Mamelodi. The inherited Apartheid spatial legacy of Mamelodi has led to the prevalence of monofunctional, medium density development that has limited economic opportunity and encouraged pendulum migration in search of employment. This presents the opportunity to introduce new scales of urbanity to the context, whilst still being sensitive and encouraging existing spatial functions and patterns.