VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

The urban morphology of most South African cities is characterised by spatial fragmentation and the urban divisions of societies into racial enclaves. This was done by dislocating marginal communities to locations far from the city centre and places of employment with inadequate services where land is cheap. To this day the urban morphology of South African cities is divided and has an increasing spatial and socio economic inequality. According to the world bank report, 2022 ‘‘South Africa is ranked the most unequal country in the world, with race playing determining factor in a society where 10 percent of the population owns more than 80 percent of the wealth”. South Africa, specifically looking at Johannesburg has an increasing inequality spatially and economically. The majority of public amenities especially those considered basic human rights are still exclusive, such as the right to housing, transport mobility and public space. The issue either being the lack of inclusivity or displacement through racial segregation, gentrification and or gated communities. The project aims to highlight the intersecting nodes of inequality and forced displacement. Rights to access affordable safe public transport, adequate dignified housing, occupy land, and public space remain an issue. Using a phenomenal approach, the project maps and collects data on lived experiences between unequal societies. It highlights the challenges posed by public spaces and national monuments. The limitations to transform and include citizens and communities alike. It targets the public spaces that are in conflict with the narrative of a free democratic South Africa. The project employs art and architecture as a tool to address displacement and lack of inclusivity in public space. The project aims to bring awareness to the lack of public space and identity. Through an emotive, interactive performance, we reveal the schizophrenic battle to escape traditions of exclusivity, displacement in cities.