SEMESTER 2 PROJECT 5.1 BRING OUT THE CLOSET

LEMUVA [Background]

In 2020 we explored the politics of public architecture by interrogating and reimagining various public building typologies such as police stations, memorials, and embassies to bring questions of identity in conversation with those of space. In 2021, we dared to be radical by turning the whole curriculum on its head through our queer clubhouse studio which aimed to introduce students to critical theories, and spatial design for people that are marginalised and pushed to the periphery of many disciplines including architecture. This year, 2022 we attempt to bring the lessons of the two previous studios together and deepen our engagement with the multifaced and socio-political morphology of Johannesburg. We continue to address queer issues, albeit from a politically conscious and intersectional lens. Meaning to consider queerness as connected to feminism, critical race theory, socialism and not as an exception.

“… the closet originally referred to a small private room, such as a study or prayer room. This idea of privacy led to the sense of hiding a fact or keeping something a secrete… it is a space of domestic concealment… it has less legitimacy than a room… it is decidedly a non-social space, it enforces isolation, it also protects its contents from exposure and harm.”

Hannah Kushnic, 2010

Parallels and differences can be drawn from the two framings of closet above. They raise issues around domesticity, publicity, cultural and individual expression and concealment. They intersect two seemingly opposing worldviews and expose potential connections. This is what we hope to achieve with the studio this year.

If we consider the closet or the Kist as a space, and as spatial practitioners who are interested in creating spaces, cities and worldviews that challenge convention, then what kinds of closets are we forming? Are these spaces of divisions, exclusion, concealment, protection, expression, exhibition, care, love or harm? How can we think beyond extremes? Beyond binaries?

UMSEBENTI [Task]:

Using the Kist/closet/room divider/display cabinet/ wardrobe (in your home/parents place/ grandparents place) as a metaphor, discuss/explore your position regarding the theme for this semester (Queer Politics).

Your discussion /exploration must include evidence of deep engagement with at least 2 journal articles from the prescribed reading list below and 2 other sources of your own choosing (these could be films, non-academic texts, documentaries, oral narratives, etc). The output can take the form of a visual essay (A1) or a short film (2min30sec). use parts of Johannesburg to contextualise your exploration/discussions.

IMIPHUMELA [Deliverables]:

1x A1 1000 word Visual Academic Essay Poster, referenced according to UJ Guidelines. OR An original 2min 30sec short film shot, written, directed, and edited by you (inclusive of a script)

IMIBANDZELWA [Assessment Criteria]:

• Academic rigor (depth of research)

• Clarity of argument/storyline and coherence of thought positionality

• Referencing (academic/inspiration)

• Quality of illustrations/filmmaking

• Presentation quality (layout, editing, treatment, composition

TEFUNDVO LETIBEKIWE [Prescribed Readings]:

1. Bell, D. and Binnie, J. (2004) ‘Authenticating Queer Space: Citizenship, Urbanism and Governance’, Urban Studies, 41(9), pp. 1807–1820.

2. Canham, H. (2017) ‘Mapping the black queer geography of Johannesburg’s lesbian women through narrative’, Psychology in Society, (55).

3. Reed, C. 1996. Immanent Domain: Queer Space in the Built Environment. Art Journal, Vol. 55, No. 4. Pp. 65-70.

4. Mitchell, D., Scott, D.T., n.d. Towards a Queer Urban Design Methodology 8.