Engaging the Narrative: Facilitating Cross-Cultural Dialogue

engaging the narrative facilitating cross-cultural dialogue

Thomas J. Burghart Philadelphia University College of Architecture and the Built Environment Design 10 Thesis

ENGAGING THE NARRATIVE A study of post-Apartheid xenophobic tension in the transient city of Alexandra Township, South Africa

Thomas J. Burghart Bachelor of Architecture, 2014 Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Department of Architecture May 7, 2014 Philadelphia University College of Architecture and the Built Environment Design 10 Spring 2014 Studio Professor Christopher Harnish CABE AssociateProfessor Academic Advisor Carol Hermann CABE Assosciate Professor Special thanks to Danny Lurie Director of Hillside Digital Trust Susan Frosten PhilaU Vice Provost

p 215 . 353 . 0447 e burghart.tj@gmail.com w behance.net/burghart_tj

engaging the narrative

contents

01-02 abstract Reflection: Why Are You Here?

03-06 Position Paper Engaging the Narrative

Research 07-14 Arrival Cities and Immigration Apartheid and Oppression Xenophobia

Making Amends : TRC

15-16

Client

Hillside Digital Trust Context of Informality

17-18 Site London Road as a Bisector Transitory Network

19-40 Design Development Program for Convergence Morphology Analytiques Assembly Moments

41-44 Case Studies Places of Reflection

Places of Exchange

45-55

Process

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reflection

01

overcoming oppression

reflection why are you here?

photograph of systematic abuse during Apartheid

Engaging the Narrative / Abstract

Abstract 2007 marked a turning point when the city dwelling population outnumbered the rural population. Through the massive migration, the concept of an Arrival City or site that serves as a temporary home evolved. Arrival Cities, like Alexandra Township, South Africa are appealing because of their proximity to rising GDP centers. Bounded by industry and two economic centers, Alex Twp. is a central location for economic opportunity. Layered on its transitory culture and poor living conditions is the historical Apartheid oppression, where Alex was a stronghold for black South Africans. Today, many local residents resent migrants for reaping unworthy benefits of a struggle they were not involved in. Thus, xenophobic tension and violence emerges. To overcome past Apartheid violence, South Africans facilitated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which seeked to expose beyond a stereotype through an open dialogue.

Informal opportunities for cross-cultural education and dialogue can resolve the complexities of Alex, where historic oppression is juxtaposed against contemporary migrancy. A mobile educational facility performs cultural acupuncture at the Township’s moments of convergence to generate a new perspective. The trailer is run by Hillside Digital Trust; a Johannesburg based filming organization who aims to provide communities with a platform to share their own voice. As a transformable tool and recording device, Hillside Digital can film and share personal narratives in different settings within Alex, and increase the dialogue by overlapping its functions.

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03

Thesis Proposal

position paper

Informal opportunities for cross cultural

Cities are growing at unprecedented rates with many people

education and dialogue can resolve the

fleeing rural locations to move to recently flourishing cities.

complexities of Alexandra Township, where

2007 marked a turning point for the first time in history when

historic oppression is juxtaposed against

the urban and city dwelling population outnumbered the rural

contemporary migrancy.

population. Urbanization is happening faster than ever to the extent that between 2000 and 2030, the urban population

Problem Statement

of Asia and Africa will double. The massive, unprecedented migration will add as many city-dwellers in one generation as

Through this movement, tension grows

these continents have accumulated during their histories1.

from a lack of cross-cultural understanding

With such a vast and quick explosion of urban areas, how do

and limited engagement.

the newcomers fit into an environment which doesn’t have the capacity or infrastructure to keep up?

Design Intent

Through this massive migration to cities, the concept of an

A mobile educational facility performs

Arrival City has evolved. Typically, these are neighborhoods

cultural acupuncture at the Township’s

on the outskirts of cities that have historically been occupied

moments of convergence

the outcasts of society leading to heavy tension. Arrival cities serve as temporary homes to a growing migratory culture.

They are the first introduction to the city and are in a constant state of movement. Many ethnic groups, like people living in Nigeria, will part ways with their home country to move to neighboring South Africa for greater opportunity. These migratory citizens use cities like Johannesburg as Arrival Cities, or sites that serve as temporary homes. Migration occurs for many numbers of reasons, such as refuge from persecution, employment opportunities, and environmental

“Places that function to propel people into the core life of the city and to send support back to the next wave of arrivals.”

constraints. The three main functions of

- Doug Saunders, Arrival City

communities are transitional homes for

the arrival city are to create and maintain a network with the home village; serve as an entry mechanism thru the established network; and serve as an urban establishment platform to move into the city centers2. These outer edge the rapidly increasing urbanism.

Johannesburg and South Africa have the highest GDP in

Engaging the Narrative / Position Paper

southern Africa, meaning it has the most opportunity for employment in an industrializing and globally connected city. Johannesburg’s historical mining industry brought wealth to city centers as well as temporary migrant works from surrounding rural areas and neighboring countries. Historically, Alexandra Township has evolved from these industries as an entry point for migrant workers. Surrounded

tension between new arrivals like

“It’s very hard to find a job here, because the people from Zimbabwe, they come here to take our jobs.”

Nigerians and South Africans.

Mavis Makama, Alex resident

by industry and two economic capitals, Alex in a central location for economic opportunity3. The unique characteristic of Alexandra is that the process is a continuous transition of ethnic groups. Continuous change brings diversity with xenophobic

Tension exists over employment opportunities, housing, and space. The tension is exacerbated by the living conditions with tight quarters and handmade shelters. With the rising rate of urban migration, these living conditions will only decrease and allow tension to rise.

Alex is a black township designed for 70,000 residents, yet over 900,000 people currently live there. Even though the township is surrounded by industry, there are not enough formal opportunities for employment. Many immigrants from rural areas of South Africa do not have the education or skillset to work in the new industry, and many immigrants have higher education that the residents of Alex, allowing them to easily advance in society. A perception of stereotypical stealing and involvement in crime evolves from residents, who then divert their past Apartheid experiences of violence and discrimination towards these immigrants. During the Xenophobic attacks of 2008, the same year as the financial crisis, South Africans hunted and looted foreign owned

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shops4. The South Africans looting were those most affected by the unemployment, the poor and uneducated.

Layered on the transitory culture and living conditions is the historical oppression of Apartheid, where Alex was a stronghold for black residents. Alex was home to the historical

a

b

resistance and creation of contemporary free South Africa.

Many residents feel that migrants reap unworthy benefits of a struggle they were not a part of5. Since Alex is historically a black township, it has been neglected by the city and

immigrant

composed of the poor. Without any governmental support, Alex emerged as a self-reliant city that resisted outsiders,

tension divide

Thesis diagram : relationship to self and others

even though the township was designed as a migratory home3. Two decades later, the effects of Apartheid are still felt in limited education and opportunities.

How can architecture challenge a stereotype and pose a new perception? To overcome these historical struggles of violence, South Africans reached towards reconciliation through a dialogue. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a post-Apartheid reflection opportunity, seeked to expose beyond a stereotype through dialogue6. People could freely admit their wrongs to the person or family who was harmed. These were platforms to address larger issues such as racism and oppression. Many of these were not only opportunities to understand another perspective, but also allowed personal reflection on issues. The concept of Ubuntu, or the universal bond of sharing is perspective many cultures have adopted to bridge differences. During the 2008 Xenophobic Riots, many South Africans took in and protected their neighbors from this fighting. They understood the other’s perspective.

This design seeks to generate an intercultural dialogue to expose beyond a stereotype through a mobile educational facility. In an informal culture, the tool performs cultural acupuncture at the Township’s moments of convergence while working with Hillside Digital Trust. The organization aims to create sustainable media “hubs” to give communities their own voice. As a mobile tool, Hillside Digital has a traveling

Engaging the Narrative / Position Paper

office to reach more distant communities and create more of an impact. By extending to more people, a rising issue can be lessened through the programming. The design works within the existing conditions by tying into the township’s moments of convergence where a variety of people already intersect, like an informal soccer field, markets, taxi ranks, and schools.

Each site and user can manipulate the tool and take part in a Hillside Digital dialogue.

bibliography

Doug Saunders, Arrival City: How the Largest Migration in History is Reshaping Our World (New York: Pantheon Books, 2001).

Jeffrey Hou, Insurgent Public Space: Guerilla Urbanism and the Remaking of Contemporary Cities (New York: Routledge 2010).

Jennifer Greenburg, The Spatial Politics of Xenophobia: Everyday Practices of Congolese Migrants in Johannesburg (Transformation, 2010).

Kebaabetswe Neo Dorah Khalo, Alexandra Residents’ Views on Xenophobic Attacks (Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg, 2012).

Kerstin Pinther, Larissa Forster, Christian Hanussek Afropolis: City/Media/Art (Jacana Media2012).

Lebbeus Woods, War and Architecture: Pamphlet Architecture 15 (Princeton: Princeton Architectural Press, 1993).

Marcelo M. Saurez-Orozco, Carola Suarez-Orozco, Desiree Baolian, Qin The New Immigration: An Interdisciplinary Reader (New York: Routledge 2005).

Philiipp Misselwitz, Tim Rieniets, City of Collision: Jerusalem and the Principles of Conflict Urbanism (Basel: Birkhauser, 2006).

Teresa Dirsuweit, Johannesburg: Fearful City? (EBSCO Publishing, 2002).

Toyin Falola, Aribides Usman Movements, Borders and Identities in Africa (Rochester: University of Rochester Press, 2009).

Long Night’s Journey Into Day. Directed by Deborah Hoffman, Francis Reid.

2000. California: Reid-Hoffmann Productions, DVD. Perspecta 34 (New Haven: The Yale Architectural Journal, Inc., 2003)

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contradiction of place

arrival city Alexandra Township, South Africa is characterized as an arrival city, or a place of mass movement and migration. Surrounded by rich economic resources and industry, Alex serves a destination for economic opportunity of people. Migration brings diverse groups of people into a high density areas, as moments of convergence. In Alex, migrants with low literacy arrive from rural counties and high education from neighboring countries. The discrepancy in education affects the opportunity both arrivals and locals.

Johannesburg ETHOPIA 3% refugees + asylum-seekers somalia 8% conflict

uganda

D.R.C. 7% refugees + asylum-seekers

kenya rwanda burundi

tanzania

ANGOLA 2% refugees

malawi

zambia

nambia

zimbabwe 13% asylum-seekers

botswana

swaziland

south africa 5% immigrants

mozambique 10% asylum-seekers

johannesburg 20% immigrants

lesotho

63% UNKNOWN LOCATIONS

OF IMMIGRANTS ARE FROM

immigration map of Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa receives the highest percentage of immigrants in Sub-Saharan Africa. Many flee their home countires or rural villages for the economic opportunity because South Africa and Johannesburg has the highest GDP. Many flee conflict, poverty, and unemployment to see the “City of Gold�, which was founded on a rich mining industry.

Engaging the Narrative / Research

08

RURAL COUNTIES *ILLITERACY

INDUSTRY

ALEX

culture

immigrant

culture

tension divide

immigrant

INDUSTRY

LOCAL

LOCAL

realizing culture FOREIGNERS *HIGHER EDUCATION

relationship of Alex as an Arrival City

relationship of immigrants and locals

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history of oppression

apartheid

photograph of systematic segregation during Apartheid

Engaging the Narrative / Research

perception

experience

locals

immigrants

employment housing manipulating benefits crimes diseases

discrimination hyperawareness movement desperation

The challenges of an Arrival City are exacerbated with the layered historical Apartheid oppression that created a self-reliant township.In this complex site, tension rises from a scarcity of resources where 1 in every 4 people are unemployed.

Many uneducated locals living in poverty perceive immigrants as threats to taking their jobs, and do not see the value their labor brings. As an effect, the experience of Apartehid discrimination has been diverted towards this new, transitory people.

During the 2008 economic crisis, tension peaked and erupted in xenophobic attacks on foreign owned businesses and owners.

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ubuntu and moving forward

xenophobia Ubuntu (human-ness) is the universal bond of sharing

political cartoons depicting the 2008 xenophobic tension

Engaging the Narrative / Research

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South Africans speak out against xenophobia

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truth and reconciliation commission TRC

amends

Open and honest dialogue that exposes beyond the stereotype Programmatically, South Africa recovered from tension through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which was a platform for an open and honest dialogue to understand a new perspective and self-reflect.

“... a commission is a necessary exercise to enable South Africans to come to terms with their past on a morally accepted basis�

Mr Dullah Omar, former Minister of Justice

embrace

reject

Engaging the Narrative / Research

14

Commonality enables differences So how have South Africans made amends in a highly diverse and resource limited context? They have gathered around informal, universal cultural experiences, like food, dance, music, and sports. These programs transcend borders and race.

sports

music & dance

food

15

dialogue facilitator hillside digital trust

partners

Local ownership and empowerment “aims to create sustainable media ‘hubs’ to give communities their own voice.”

hillside digital trust I researched an organization that promotes community empowerment by filming and disseminating local concerns.

Hillside Digital Trust goes into communities to research their biggest concerns and provide a platform for their voice to be heard. In addition, this is a skill training opportunity for the youth.

A mobile tool allows them to extend their work and generate a larger cultural dialogue.

Hillside Digital Trust film screening

Leopards at risk youth group Two different groups come together with two different taks simultaneously. The trailer is run by the leopards, or at risk youth from the Entokozweni community center which has partnered with Hillside Digital Trust. The mobile trailer enables melding of both groups.

community interviews

Engaging the Narrative / Client

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Informaility and temporary installations A transitory context

informal markets compile a majority of businesses within Alex

informal laundry mat as a shipping container

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intersection of culture places of convergence

site

As a transitory site, Alex allows access to two major economic capitals

ECONOMIC NODE

ARRIVAL CITY RURAL COUNTIES

ECONOMIC NODE FOREIGNERS *HIGHER EDUCATION

*ILLITERACY

INDUSTRY

ALEX. TWP.

SANDTON

AIRPORT INDUSTRY

to Johannesburg

London Road as a bisector and fulcrum between two economic nodes

Engaging the Narrative / Site

18

Alex Twp. Border 8TH AVE

JUKSKEI RIVER

2ND AVE 5TH AVE

3

1ST ST

SCHOOLS

WATT AVE

4 SCHOOLS

JOHN BRAND ST

1 TAXI

RANK

2

TO SAN

5 TAXI

BUTCHERY

RANK

DTO

N

ROOSEVELT ST

7 MALE

M11

1ST AVE

6TH AVE

T OR

RP

HOSTEL

TO

6 YOUTH PRECINCT

AI

LONDON RD

map of trailer network

19

places of convergence

Program

As a cultural exchange device, the program ties into existing site locations and community partners to create an opportunity for dialogue. It features a solemn reflection space where conversation can be recorded, community workshops and skill training classes, small performances, and film screenings produced by Hillside Digital Trust.

site

1 taxi rink

2 butchery market

3 alex high school

4 child development

5 taxi rink

6 youth precinct

7 male hostel

A b c

A b c

A b c

A b c

A b c

A b c

A b c

solemn workshops

program

small performances film screenings dining

goals a - Narratives b - education c - cross-cultural

site, program, and intent matrix

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

20

existing flatbed trailer

trailer and the box

trailer and the Hillside Digital Trust truck

community workshop : the Butchery Market

performance space : youth precinct

Hillside Digital Trust film screening: male hostel

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travel

community workshop

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

performance space

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film screening

25

Hillside Digital Trust film screening : male hostel

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

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solemn space and community workshop : the Butchery market

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Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

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Hillside Digital Trust film screening : male hostel

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resourceful culture opportunities in fabrication

assembly

Assembly of trailer encourages the exchange. Opportunities for informality and variety of experiences. Materials are based on the local surrounding manufacturing industry from Alex, a pragmatic use overplayed with the user experience and environmental response.

The context is rich in resourcefulness, so the trailer uses this way of thinking to create flexible functions in a small space. The resourcefullness provides an opportunity in fabrication to create a memorable experience through unique details

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

public space

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solemn space

detailed plan

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detailed cross section

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

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detailed longitudional section public space

solemn space

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view of public space entry and solemn space

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

final model construction allowed me to figure out framing details

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view of performance stage that rolls into space

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tectonic study relationships through details

moments

.45 m

2m

.3 m

.3 m

Details create a tactile experience where a thought provoking space to encourage exploration of self and others. Small moments and user driven components connect users to place and each other.

drawdel study of shared tactile experience 1m

1m

1m

ENGAGING THE NARRATIVE TJ BURGHART

Engaging the Narrative / Design Development

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How can users engage each other without knowing who’s behind the curtain?

Becomes an engaging shared artifact. Two sides touching the veil.

drawdel study of shared tactile experience

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typology study places of reflection

memorials

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C. Memorials are objects that brings both people of similar backgrounds and new visitors together for a shared experience. the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has the art of leaving a mark. Visitors and mourners grow an understanding of the past through the marks on the wall. We do not know who each person is, yet we feel a connection to them.

Reflection through the material allows the user to see themself in the position, bringing history to the present. It tells a clear narrative, but it might have too much focus on the grim past, especially for an area like Alexandra Township. The memorial is based on circulation, so how can this experience become a part of daily life circulation, and not just a destination for visitors.

Engaging the Narrative / Case Studies

typology study places of exchange

markets

Kreuzberg Turkish Market, Berlin, Germany The beauty of markets is the duality of exchange. People head to these hubs seeking goods, and in turn they are exposed to new cultures and perspectives. As a temporary market, it has a variety of spaces which accommodate different functions like pocket parks adjacent to the main circulation which become spaces to eat and listen to live music. It serves as both a destination as well as circulation from its’ linear form. As a destination, it has specialty goods like fabric and food that no other place sells. Thus bringing a new culture to a large city.

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typology study places of discovery

confessionals

HIDDENRELATIONSHIP

OPEN RELATIONSHIP

Confessionals, Pre-fabricated installation Many public installations, like confessionals, are temporary and transportable units, which speaks to the fluidity of Alexandra Township. Much like online dating, pen pals, or text message based relationships, one can be suprised of who or what that new friend looks like based on their shared interests or spark. This relationship is a diade model, but allows exterior viewers to be a part of the show. As a hidden discovery, these spaces allow people to not acknowledge or recognize stereotypes, and instead see someone for the unique individual they are.

Engaging the Narrative / Case Studies

veiled interaction experience creates an open, honest dialogue photo credit Google

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relationships OF CONVERGENCE

PROCESS Satellite Modules Mid Crit

Early investigations shifted from a building to modules to percolate into the township. These were fragments of the main building to collect stories and serve as homes for the informal culture: markets, workshops, and fabrication spaces. Satellite modules serve as spaces for arrivals and locals to interact in a common space - spaces where people are not labeled.

early collage for Taxi Rank module

Engaging the Narrative / Process

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early collage for market module

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typology study places of discovery

exchange COM SPA MO CE N

edu cat ion

ART S

overlapping spaces and functions create opportunities for spontaneity

Engaging the Narrative / Process

48

A

A

D

D

com spa mon ce

com spa mon ce

A

D

C

C

B

A

B

D

B C

B C

common spce of exchange

Democratic Republic of Congo

Somalia

Culture exchange Dance and Music Break Barriers Migrant and Local Woman gather for conversation and dance.

dan mu ce sic

- Break down the barriers that limit connections - Neutral locations allow open minds - Art leaves marks for others to see

Nigeria Ethiopia

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to youth center

non-profit offices

apartehid museum

performance space

reflection wall permanent market

internet cafe reflection wall

dining space permanent market temporary market

contextual response How does it respond to context?

Is this this obeject, or is it something that’s in the object?

This question, defined by the context, drives the design intent.

temporary market

Engaging the Narrative / Process

50

using material joints creates informal program spaces.

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PHASE 1 - Satellite Pods

PHASE 2 - eNtokozweni Hub

Urban Market Street Edge 27 sm Temporary Market

Bar

3 sm Eating / Seating Space 18 sm Performance Space

9 sm

3m x 3m

Market Permanent Market Dining Spaces 400 sm Cooking Spaces Storage 200 sm

3m x 3m

Non-profit Offices Forum for Discussion Skill / Job Training

3m x 9m

Performance Space

3m x 9m 3m x 3m 3m x 6m

Employment Space Taxi Rank 9 sm 3m x 3m Internet Cafe

Book Share

9 sm Eating/ Seating Space 18 sm 3m x 6m Temporary Market

27 sm

Dance / Music Space Schools Pods Schools Outdoor Classroom Performance Space Skill / Job Training

Spaces 36 sm

36 sm

36 sm

150 sm

400 sm

400 sm

400 sm

15m x 10m 400 sm

40m x 20m

6m x 6m 6m x 6m

storage

TEMPORARY MARKET PERM. MARKET

SKILL TRAINING

COOKING SPACE

NONPROFIT OFFICES

DANCE / MUSIC PERFORMANCE SPACE

immediate

DINING SPACE

close and convenient

20m x 20m

20m x 10m

6m x 6m

FORUM

20m x 20m

20m x 20m

convenient

20m x 20m

Engaging the Narrative / Process

52

13TH AVE. SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

GARDEN

forum

skill training

offices

temp. market

perm. market spill out

art workshops

dance/music eat/spill out

spill out

LONDON RD.

TEXI RINK

program proposal of intersecting spaces

section

.3 m

.3 m

2m

2m

.23 m

.23 m

.2 m

.2 m

53

section

storage

1.5 m

1.5 m

workshop space

plan

1.8 m

1.8 m

storage

plan 1.2 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

1.2 m

54

.3 m

.3 m

2m

2m

.23 m

.23 m

.2 m

.2 m

Engaging the Narrative / Process

section

section

performance space

meeting space

1.8 m

meeting space

1.8 m

workshop space

plan

plan 1.1 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

1.2 m

1.1 m

1.5 m

1.5 m

1.2 m

schematic trailer program and function

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detail intrigue Place of Refuge How can material moment inspire a dialogue or foster comfort? Sketch studies search for these small moments to create spaces that brought out qualities of place and people.

Engaging the Narrative / Reflection

reflection A Line A line is the most powerful tool an architect has. I learned this ideal freshman year, and now have studied the effects of lines.

Borders, or lines, are creations of man to divide and separate.

Similar to Apartheid. This topic could not be more relevant than today. As city populations expand, we will be faced with this same issue. How can cultures continue to be proud of their heritage while dissolving the lines?

I found this to be a wonderful process of exploration with no set goal. Research unfolded and new routes were taken. My initial thoughts could not have led me to where I came to without the process of investigation.

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engaging the narrative facilitating cross-cultural dialogue Thomas J. Burghart Bachelor of Architecture 2014 Philadelphia University, CABE