Informal adaptations : reworking informal trades connection to city public spaces and building interfaces

Abstract

This project, titled "Informal Adaptations: Reworking informal trades connection to city public spaces and building interfaces," focuses on the design of a mixed-use development at 232 Boom St, Daspoort 319-Jr, Pretoria, 0001 (GPS coordinates: -25.738708, 28.189034), with the aim of integrating informal traders into the urban fabric. The project is situated within a context of urban neglect and underutilization of public spaces, specifically addressing the challenges faced by informal traders in accessing secure and serviced trading spaces. The Department of Architecture's research field on urban regeneration and social inclusion provides the theoretical framework for this project. While there is no specific client, the project serves the needs of the informal traders in Tshwane, aiming to improve their livelihoods and promote their integration into the city. The theoretical premise underpinning the project is the belief that informal trade plays a vital role in the urban economy and should be supported and integrated into the city's fabric rather than marginalized. The project aims to create a more inclusive and vibrant urban environment by providing informal traders with access to secure trading spaces, essential infrastructure, and opportunities for social interaction and economic growth.