Abstract:
Marabastad has a history characterized by strife and turmoil on one end and jubilation and decadence
on the other. To preserve sanity within these hardships, residents often turn towards music as a socioeconomic
emollient to relieve the burdens of everyday life. As a result music (specifically jazz) has embedded
itself into the historical narrative of Marabastad and its people.
Today, the area is no longer comprised of a homogenous demographic; it is home to a diverse populace of
a multi-national origin. What once was a precinct characterized by its strong association with the “timiti”
and “Marabi” cultures, it is now composed of a plethora of varying cultures, and as a result - musical
genres.
This study seeks to identify the historical importance of music within Marabastad, through identifying
varying “territories” of the environment which are utilized as a means of promoting music within the
region.
Once these have been identified, the application of these territories and their associated principles
within a built form is intended to provide a social platform for music to be enjoyed, while allowing for the
cross-pollination of the varying musical genres which exist within the precinct.
