Merchant's House

2017

Our urban fabric is in a state of decay. Architecture has lost its sense of purpose. Area of concern: Quality urban public space is extremely scarce. This is due to the ongoing and elaborate use of the motorcar, which has shaped the fabric of the city for the worse. Furthermore, the seemingly endless development of the commercial high-rise building has ruined our sense of place. Our economy is unbalanced and our methods are unsustainable. Homelessness and unemployment are rapidly increasing, along with the ever-expanding population. Sustainability in the city needs to be reconciled. The lack of affordable housing in Cape Town’s CBD and surrounds has been an issue that has intensified over the years. House and flat prices in the CBD are some of the highest in the country, making it impossible for many low-income earners who work in the area to actually live in the area. STRATEGY: Let us envisage that our need for the motorcar is no more, due to ingenious submerged transit systems of the future. The streets are reconsidered spatially. A new low-tech "architecture for the poor" fabric is developed for the Bokaap/ De Waterkant precinct, one that contributes largely to a sense of place and sustainability in the city.