People, Systems and Infrastructure: Part 1

An Understanding

For our next assignment we were given the task of designing a conceptual form of infrastructure that is to be used in a Johannesburg neighbourhood which challenges the traditional perception of different forms of infrastructure. Through our research we have to address highly relevant and pressing concerns of how urban “hardware” influences urban “software” between the chosen type of infrastructure in relation to its users.

Fear Through Many Eyes

In response to my findings from last week's immersion into Jeppestown, my urban "hardware" and "software" will respond to the aspect of fear in a neighbourhood in further detail. The images below are representations of different people's responses and understandings of fear:

Representation of perceptions of fear.

Mind map of my suggestions on fear and its results.

Affective, Cognitive & Behavioral Aspects

the-devil-beside-you, (2014) Insaniam [Online] Available from: http://the-devil-beside-you.tumblr.com/post/84399543372.
[Accessed: 18th February 2015].

As noted in my previous blog entry, I found that people were fearful of walking the streets in Jeppestown due to their safety being in jeopardy. This is due to the fact that individuals were walking in dark, quiet areas where there was no public activity present and thus acts of crime and violence were easier to take place.

Whilst visiting the neighbourhood I also noticed an apparent disassociation between each sector within the area; in terms of formal or informal trade groups and recreational spaces. Because of this, there are many unused spaces that become quiet and eventually develop into dumping grounds for various refuse or waste materials. These areas also become "hotspots" for potential crime syndicates.

Mapping of different trading types on Jeppestown.
Orange: Retail Trade
Purple: Catering Trade
Blue: Industrial Trade

QUESTION:

How can these spaces be linked in order to create a fluid public space for the community and its stakeholders as well as to create a safer environment for its users?

Sketch illustrating connecting each nodes of trade as well as the park within Jeppestown.

The challenge is to connect these nodes for the prevention of quiet unsocial zones to exist; to clean up areas of evident refuse dumping and to create a more welcoming environment to the zones. This will aid in promoting public spaces where individuals who are part of the Jeppestown community, or its visitors, will feel safe and secure as more people will flow into these areas and will prevent future acts of crime. The aim of this concept is for it to not only be implemented within the Jeppestown district but in any other vicinity around the globe where ever necessary.