Newsletter January 2009 Photo Special
photography by Rachel Stella Jenkins. Morocco Nov 2008.
In the Spotlight Call for reactions & debate on our Built Environment: Demolition of Old Buildings in Dar es Salaam’s city centre. At ArchiAfrika we recently came across an interesting article in the Tanzanian newspaper ‘Thisday’, dated Tue 23 December 2008, reporting on an ongoing demolition of historical buildings in the capital city Dar-es-Salaam to make space for ‘modern’ skyscrapers. After a revelation that many of the city’s historical and architecturally significant buildings, including those protected under national antiquities legislation, have been and are in line to be demolished, a group, wanting to remain anonymous for safety reasons, campaigning against this practice say they have written to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements. In their letter they petition the government to halt such actions as the plans are in direct breach of a legislation prohibiting approval of construction of buildings which cause disfigurement of the characters of an urban area or neighbourhood. Their letter adds further, “ We also strongly believe that instead of demolishing the existing buildings that are durable for another
30 to 60 years, it will be more cost effective to acquire land at presently moderate market value along both sides (one kilometer wide) of Mandela Expressway for new commercial developments, including high-rise buildings”. Nadir Tharani, a city-based architect, points out buildings are being preserved in Europe, the United states, Damascus and even China, “A city is not made up of apartments and offices only. There are other uses which are essential to vibrant city life”. Behind the ongoing bulldozing of the buildings is said to be a powerful syndicate of politicians, senior government officials and private businessmen. Officials have confirmed that in various parts of the country more than a hundred other such buildings, structures and sites are earmarked for demolition “in the name of development”. The full article can be found on our website. What do you think? We are curious about your stand-point on this matter. Please react by sending us your opinions and we will be taking this discussion further through a report in our next newsletter and on our website.
Reports
building the capacity to design and deliver houses attuned to the nuances of low income (rental) housing.
Shift: Activism through Architecture and Urban Design. By Diane Arvanitakis, Executive Manager of SHiFT
Creating awareness of (social) housing issues targets: student architects through the “Innovation in social housing” student competition held every two years (4 competitions completed); community associations through collaborations with SHiFT in developing spatial frameworks for their neighbourhoods; practitioners and the general pubic through the impending launch of an online discussion forum located on the SHiFT website (www.shift.org. za).
The contemporary context in which (social) housing is developed in South Africa is repetition of precedent, with mistakes from the past repeated inadvertently based on a lack of understanding of the impact of quality design in housing. In spite of progressive policies such as the contemporary Breaking New Ground Strategy (2004) only a handful of (social) housing projects have delivered projects that “contribute to the national priority of restructuring South African Society in order to address structural, economic, social and spatial dysfunctionalities” . The post-apartheid (social) housing sector has lacked significant participation from ‘activist’ architects, urban designers and planners who seek to invent a post-apartheid housing environment for a number of reasons. These reasons from SHiFT’s perspective include the focus on delivery of quantities rather than quality (in the RDP); the lack of specialized knowledge and experience in what is now a 10 year old social housing sector; and the general ignorance of the impact the built environment has on the quality of lives. SHiFT with its (voluntary) board of architects and other built environment professionals, engaged proactively with role players in the sector addressing this specific need at policy, practitioner and community levels. Formed by a group of architects and other built environment professionals in 2000 who, developed “Guidelines for Social Housing design” during a SHF workshop and thereafter established an organisation that would occupy itself with the long-term improvement in the quality of the built surroundings in South Africa.
Stretching across the (social) housing sector SHiFT has built alliances with role players in the sector. At government level with the National Department of Housing and the Social Housing Foundation (SHF), where we serve on the Capacity building, product delivery and technical support task teams respectively; with practitioners in the sector such as social housing institutions, architects, quantity surveyors, project managers and housing supervisors who have been in attendance at our workshops; with other non governmental organizations (NGO’s) in the sector such as NASHO (National Association of Housing Organisations), Planact; with other parastatal organisations South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) all form part of our affiliates and have supported our initiatives and; with community oriented organizations such as Kagiso Urban Management and more specifically resident’s associations. Recently the South African Institute of Architects is proposing a relationship with SHiFT heading up its Habitat and Heritage Programme thereby recognizing the value the organisation offers to the sector.
SHiFT set its own mandate advocating the “creation of integrated and sustainable communities through the design of quality and humane living environments.” Its activism aims to demonstrate that design of mass housing starts within the context of the nation (through its policies), city ( its spatial development frameworks), the village (by urban design), the neighbourhood ( through community management), then the street and the home (through architecture). Advising not only on technical aspects but on delivery processes and energy efficient practices. Uniquely SHiFT’s activism and architecturally skilled staff have the capacity to engage in the sector holistically. Through research, SHiFT builds information regarding contemporary practices in the sector and architectural site visits. The information transcends into knowledge through its dissemination to practitioners and built environment professionals,
SHiFT registered as a Section 21 company (in South African legal terms a non profit organisation) in 2002 and has since then has generated income through its research via the SHF, some funding for its operational costs from Dutch grants, and projects (the competitions, design lectures and workshops) funded by a handful of South African supporters. Unfortunately the lack of understanding of quality urban environments by South African’s in general results in a lack of financial support for SHiFT where the organisation’s strength is also its weakest points. Firstly, its mandate tackles ‘soft’ issues defined in quality and “humaneness” which are difficult to quantify for funders; and secondly its relationship to the inhabitants of low cost (rental) housing is indirect through local government, built environment practitioners and
professionals are not deemed the most in need of financial support. SHiFT aims in the foreseeable future to reaffirm a position in the sector through a yet (undefined) relationship with SAIA; increasing general awareness of quality and humane housing environments and continue its research and knowledge building design focused workshops. Those interested in becoming ‘friends of SHiFT’ and contributing to our initiatives please do not hesitate to contact us.
NEW: Please look at our advert section for job opportunities on the last page! Agenda Topic Heritage Meeting Cape Town, Friday 6 March 2009 By Hanna Leijen
Full article can be found on the ArchiAfrika website
Projects African Architecture: ‘Traditional’, ‘Modern’ and ‘Popular’. By Dr. Paul Jenkins African architecture tends to be seen either as ‘traditional’ / ‘vernacular’ architecture, or ‘modern architecture’. In reality – mainly given rapid urbanisation and economic constraints - the majority of built form is somewhere between these two forms, based on an understanding of architecture in its wider sense. New building is increasingly located in urban areas (whether recognised formally as such or not) and is mostly residential. The vast majority is produced/designed by the owners and a range of semi-professionals such as draughtspersons and builders. This ‘popular architecture’ (as it is termed in Latin America) already constitutes the bulk of African cities and arguably will become even more important, and as such it cannot be ignored. Archi-Afrika is associating with ScotMARK, the architecture research centre at Edinburgh College of Art Architecture School, in developing a study to examine the nature of this phenomenon across Sub-Saharan Africa – including regional differences and modern/traditional architectural influences. The idea for this enquiry was launched by Paul Jenkins (Professor of Architecture & Human Settlements and Coordinator of ScotMARK in Edinburgh) at the Africa Architecture Today conference in June 2007 (see http://www.mudonline.org/aat/2007_documents/AAT_Jenkins_paper%20web-based%20publication_080506.pdf). A framework for the research is being developed by Paul, his Edinburgh colleague Ola Uduku and Antoni Folkers, to be presented at the forthcoming Africa Perspectives conference in Pretoria in September this year for discussion with interested parties.
In June 2008 CIE (Centre for International Heritage Activities) organized a Heritage Day South Africa because of the need of more coordination and coherence in mutual cultural heritage. The Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education, Culture and Science pointed out the urgent need to make use of international cultural funds in a more structural and strategic way. The Heritage Day South Africa in The Netherlands was an opportunity to bring together participants that work with Southern African heritage organisations and share knowledge and experience. One of the main objectives is to create more coherence between cultural heritage projects. Themes discussed on this day were museum cooperation, built heritage, archival projects, maritime archaeology and digitizing of collections. The outcomes of the day (lectures and workshops) are given to the relevant Dutch ministries to assist our policy makers to develop on knowledge exchange in the cultural heritage field, with results directly of the field itself. The Counterpart meeting in Cape Town is a followup of the meeting in The Netherlands. South African heritage organizations will have the opportunity to discuss experience and future heritage programmes. With a programme of lectures, workshops and project presentations insight will be provided into the current diversity, priorities, chances and difficulties in heritage cooperation between South African and Dutch heritage organisations. The meeting will be organized by the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) as co-organizer of this broad Heritage Meeting in cooperation with Iziko Museums of Cape Town and DAC (Department of Arts and Culture). More information will be available on the websites of SAHRA and CIE in the coming weeks, please contact the organisations if you are interested to participate. Contact details: South African Heritage Resoucre Agency www.sahra.org.za email: jsharfman@wc.sahra.org.za Centre for International Heritage Activities (CIE) www.heritage-activities.org email: h.leijen@heritage-activities.nl
Agenda
Current AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES 2009: ‘The City Centre (Re)sourced’ As previously announced the preparations for African Perspectives 2009 (24 – 28 September) are well underway. The central theme; ‘The African City Centre (Re)sourced’ will no doubt bring many of you together. The event is being organised in conjunction with the annual Student Congress of South Africa, bringing around a thousand of students together from universities in Southern Africa. Again it will be a multidisciplinary event encouraging interaction between all participants. Undoubtedly an event not to be missed. Please find further details at: w w w . a f r i c a n p e r s p e c t i v e s . i n f o
6 March 2009 Heritage Meeting, South Africa 18 March 2009 Lecture: ‘Glocal Academy’ @Gerrit Rietveld Academy, The Netherlands 19 March - June 2009 In the Desert of Modernity Exhibiton, Visits, Art Installations, Morocco 4 - 5 June 2009 The Planned vs. the Unplanned City, The Netherlands 24 - 28 September 2009 African Perspectives, South Africa 12 - 14 October 2009 International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment Infrastructures in Developing Countries, Algeria
Acquisitions
COLOFON Text Rachel Jenkins Diane Arvanitakis Paul Jenkins Hanna Leijen Berend van der Lans Design Rachel Jenkins Editing Berend van der Lans Translation Anne-Marie van den Nieuwenhof-Damishimiro FONDATION SHIMIRO, Pointe-Noire, Congo
ArchiAfrika
P.O. box 14174 3508 SG Utrecht Netherlands tel +31 (0)30 223 23 20 fax +31 (0)30 251 82 78 www.archiafrika.org
Granted: Granted by Antoni Folkers; Pascal Maitre (2000) Mon Afrique. Aperture Foundation, Inc., New York. Granted by Prince Claus Fund; Farida de Bruin-Derkhshani, Barbara Murray (eds.) (2008) Culture and the Human Body. Prince Claus Fund, Amsterdam. (correction) Granted by Annemieke de Kler; Bureau Netherlands National Tourist Office (date unknown) Africana in Holland. ANVV, The Hague. Purchased: Francoise Chabbert (2001) Titouan Congo Kinshasa.
Supported by ArchiAfrika receives support from the following institutes and organisations: Stichting Doen Delft University of Technology De Twee Snoeken Automatisering FBW Architecten bkvdl Dioraphte Foundation
Lippsmeier + Partner (L+P) architects, Starnberg/Germany is short listed for the project “Primary Education in Poor Urban Areas - Kisumu + Mombasa/Kenya financed through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Germany. The project amount is 10 million Euros and the project duration 48 months. Deadline of the offer is the 20th of February 2009. The project begin is in the second quarter of this year. To complete the staff for the assignment L+P is looking for additional personnel as follows: Project leader (architect/engineer) with min. 5 years professional experience in similar position and preferably Africa or regional experience in school construction and perfect English knowledge. One or two Junior architects/engineers with university or similar schooling degree, 2 - 3 years professional experience in design, tender documents and site supervision, perfect computer knowledge and English speaking. Social expert as team leader of local experts (male or female) with experience in sensitisation programmes of teachers, parents, pupils and social training processes (rights of the child, child abuse, HIV/AIDS awareness, sanitation, hygiene) In case of interest please contact our Senior Architect, Mr. Hans Demeter, under Lippsmeier + Partner GbR Waldschmidtstr. 6 a D-82319 Starnberg / Germany phone: +49 8151 8095 fax: +49 8151 13687 email: starnberg@lippsmeier.de
Senior Lecturer/ Associate Professor: Urban Design School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment The School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics enjoys a strong reputation in terms of teaching and research. The undergraduate BAS (Bachelor of Architectural Studies) programme feeds post-graduate architecture programmes, as well as taught Master’s degrees in City and Regional Planning, City Planning and Urban Design, and the Landscape Architecture programme. The post-graduate programmes work closely together and many of the courses are shared. Applicants must hold a full architectural qualification as well as a Master’s degree in Urban Design. Preference will be given to applicants with a PhD in a related field. Teaching experience at a post-graduate level, in the field, is preferred, as is the demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and to initiate and conduct research. The successful applicant will be expected to lead the City Planning and Urban Design programme and to carry out the curriculum development and administrative duties associated with the post. The appointee will also be expected to teach courses in the Architecture programme and supervise postgraduate dissertations in the Urban Design field. In particular the applicant will need to explore ways in which Urban Design can be integrated more closely with architecture, landscape and planning as it is taught in the School. The position is offered as a permanent, full-time post, or if the candidate prefers, as a negotiated full-time, fixed-term contract appointment. The 2009 annual remuneration packages, including benefits, for permanent appointment at the following levels are: Associate Professor: Senior lecturer:
R460 148 R393 743
Please send a letter of application, your CV (no certificates), a one-page summary of your CV, the names, e-mail and telephone details of 3 contactable referees to: Mrs T Moore, Staff Recruitment and Selection (Ref: 1898), UCT, Rondebosch 7700, by 27 February 2009. Telephone: (021) 650 2192; E-mail tracy.moore@uct.ac.za; website: www.arp.uct.ac.za UCT is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at http://hr.uct.ac.za/policies/ee.php