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Marabastad: From Arrival to Revival

Part 2 Project 2024
Taryn Glazebrook
University of Pretoria | South Africa
Marabastad, located in northwest inner-city Pretoria, South Africa, is a dynamic urban environment known for its bustling streets, rich diversity, and historical significance as an arrival point for migrants seeking a better life. Despite its vibrancy, the area faces challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and decay, impacting marginalized groups, particularly migrants.

This project harnesses Marabastad's unrealized potential by supporting existing networks like informal trade while aiding newcomers and fostering community integration.

Strategically located, it addresses newcomers' concerns upon arrival and emphasizes accessible pedestrian-oriented design, creating safe, welcoming spaces. The program includes trading facilities, skills centres, accommodation, and multi-functional community spaces. By leveraging the informal sector, it addresses globally relevant issues like migration and economic development, benefiting both newcomers and residents.

Technologically, the design combines locally prominent materials like brick with sustainable timber, balancing tradition with innovation to create adaptable, resilient solutions.

By underscoring the transformative potential of architecture, the design enhances culture, diversity, and vibrancy in a vulnerable context. It ensures dignified spaces for all users, especially those who often go overlooked. In lower-economic contexts like South Africa, architectural projects should extend beyond the built form, addressing complex issues in tune with broader networks.


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2024
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