The upgrade of the public realm through architecture: Re-enforcing existing social practices and community connections in Wentworth, Durban

Stoffels, Mariannah

The upgrade of the public realm through architecture: Re-enforcing existing social practices and community connections in Wentworth, Durban

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Abstract

The topic of my research inquiry is related to my personal narrative of being raised within the Wentworth community. This research aims to highlight the social practices and community connections which have influenced the trajectory of my life leading to my current point of university studies in architecture. Historically, my family members experienced the marginalisation and oppression, of the apartheid era, on people of colour. Although defined as coloured, in accordance with South Africa’s racial groupings, my family culturally represents as people of colour due to our multi-cultural relations. Despite being a born-free, having been born in 1998, the lingering effects of the apartheid pass laws remain seared in my family tree. Remnants of apartheid resurface through the lifestyles of aunties and uncles (the elders) with their respective job titles, locations in previously racially segregated suburbs, multi-generational living in council houses/flats, and a debilitating reference to race in terms of the apartheid law. I represent a generation of people of colour with the privilege of access to spaces and places that previous generations were denied. The amalgamation of my work, As an architectural scholar, has been dedicated to exploring the topic of inclusion and decolonisation. I argued that apartheid is a by-product of colonisation in the global south and, therefore, the term decolonisation refers to the undoing of the ramifications of both colonial and apartheid rulings. I am living my Grandparents dreams. I acknowledge the privilege I now have as a university graduate; however, it must be noted that without being awarded governmental bursaries, this privilege would not be financially possible for my family. Therefore, the narratives of the previously marginalised will echo through my work and contribute to their emancipation.

Keywords

Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

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Masters

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