Architecture, hybridities and post-apartheid design

Abstract

This chapter develops a methodological discussion on questions of hybridity in architectural theory and design, in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Reference is made to differing ideas of hybridity; from early postmodern interest in hybrid architecture (Jencks and Venturi), to postcolonial theory (Bhabha and Fanon), as well as Cultural Studies into syncretic traditions amongst marginalised groups (Gilroy, Shohat and McClintok). The chapter promotes a postcolonial perspective on hybridity, which differs from the usual postmodern architectural perspective, through its emphasis on relations of discursive power (Foucault) that animate specific cultural/political conditions. Analytical distinctions are made between conscious and unconscious, momentary and sublimated, as well as overt and hidden forms of hybridity—distinctions which are particularly useful for an understanding of architecture.

Ukudweba kwezakhiwo, nenhlanganisela yemcondo yokwakha ekupheleni kwembuso wabelungu. Kuze sikhanyelwe mayelana nomehluko emkhathini kwezinto esizenza ngenhloso, nalezo ezenzakala singakacondi, kulezo ezenzakala esithubeni, nalezo ezizehlekelayo nje, kanye nalezo ezisebaleni, nalezifihlekile ekudwebeni kwezakhiwo, kumele sibe nendlela yokukwenza loku. UJonathan Noble usikhomba indlela yokwenza loku ngokuthi acwaninge imicondo eminingi evela uma sikhuluma ngekudweba nekwakha kwezindlu kulesikhathi senkhululeko entja. Ubuka izindlela ezehlukene mayelana nenhlanganiso yemicondo evezwe ngabantu kusukela ku Jencks no Venturi, kuya kuBhabha no Fanon abakhuluma ngemicondo yokwakha evele emva kwekuthola inkhululelo, kuya kuGilroy, uShohat no McClintok abakhuluma ngenhanganiso yemicondo evela ezifundweni ezihambisana namasiko ehlukahlukene mayelana nokwakha. Kuleliphepha UJonathan uphakamisa umcondwo wenhlanganiso evela kubantu ekupheleni kwembuso wekucindezela kunaleyo evela kubantu abakhuluma ngenhlanganisela yemicondo ephakamiswa uFoucault ezedwadini zakhe.