A Small Scale Enterprise - A temporal and spatial stopgap for development in Marabastad

Abstract

In the context of development in marginalised communities in South Africa (and other Third World countries), the thesis project suggests an interim phase of development – between the immediate needs of the marginalised community and the implementation of urban development frameworks. The interim phase has both spatial and temporal implications – it is development at a smaller scale (i.e. site specific) and due to its small scale and subsequent smaller impact on its surroundings, it can be implemented in a shorter period of time. The phase thus fills the spatial and temporal gap for development in Marabastad. The design is one such attempt at starting to fill the gap. It entails the design of a space that functions mainly as a market, which many commuters in Marabastad use as a thoroughfare and as a place to eat and rest. Basic market infrastructure is provided in the form of improved floor surfaces, trees, water and electricity, ablution facilities, storage, shelter and structure. Apart from serving the physical needs of the users of the site, the space should elicit a sense of ownership with its own implied advantages. The market and the accompanying facilities provided in the design are a direct response to the current activities and problems on the site. The implementation of similar projects across Marabastad, each addressing site specific issues, could ultimately lead to the whole of Marabastad being rejuvenated.