Abstract:
The thesis explores the existing urban landscape of Jeppestown, specifically with
regard to the consequences of the hijacking of inner-city buildings for residential
purposes. The aim is to reclaim public space from the post-industrial landscape and
reconfigure the existing fabric, by means of a fragile intervention so as to connect the
social realm with the built fabric. The project accepts the hijacked typology of urban
living as part of the context. It is viewed as an existing and ongoing condition, which
far exceeds the current capacity of state-funded housing. From this stance, the project
aims to provide public services that celebrate the rituals of washing in a meaningful
and accessible way. The project endeavours to utilise theories related to African space
to address local contemporary urban issues contextually. It uses the rituals of the
everyday as a muse for creating eventful public space, an amenity which is becoming
increasingly important with the growing densities of South Africa’s cities.
