imagine here a new city
the point of the urban dictionary is ultimately to connect us the city’s society through the usage and comprehension of architecture. our city, johannesburg, has a population of over 3 million inhabitants – a very mild estimate on my part – and we should be introduced to the many layered and complex key themes the city has to offer. the dictionary is a method of analysis of the urban processes and complex aspects, which have become critical today, namely the collaboration and interface between the city, architecture and society, the people: you, me, all of us. the role of city makers, their interaction with the urban fabric, the function and responsibility of architecture in the creation of democratic and a sustainable city, the politics of mediation and interpolation, and the actions of governing and developing.
recent events, especially in north africa, have demonstrated how important and fragile society’s critical mass is. people eventually revolt against social injustices and ills. so that being said, the question remains, what can we, as city makers, contribute in a normative and meaningful manner to the urban mass plight? it is clear that personality and freedom of expression should be encouraged in the city. our constitution fortifies that. we need to enhance such diversity, cater to it and to also keep asking, what are the possibilities for personality within the current and contemporary cityscape? what are the spaces which are reflective and recognised by the individual, their cultural background and social identity? how can such a multifaceted space be realised, giving the experience of cityness additional value and diversity? through harnessing personal history. it is a question of how the people can make their voices heard. not only with once-only actions when the critical limit is reached and people rush to the barricades, but through systematic everyday participation.
i believe that we have to start by looking and learning how to see and hear. then do and design. the dictionary is a way to begin the discourse and conduct a litmus test on our urban fabric.
francois, hiten + jessica . . . be prepared to talk.
