Parallel projects showcase local and international talent at
world architecture congress in Durban in August.
Arrangements for the 25th World Congress of Architecture,
UIA2014 Durban are powering ahead at a rapid pace and Durban will soon have the
eyes of the world firmly fixed on her as she plays host to one of the biggest
gatherings of architects ever held in South Africa. The Congress will be held
at the International Convention Centre Durban (ICC) from August 3 to 7, 2014.
Besides the exciting Scientific Programme, a dynamic and
diverse Parallel Project Programme is being run to expand the scope of the
Congress and further conversations around the themes and pertinent built
environment issues. Showcasing local, national and international talent, as
well as a range of ‘Otherwhere’ and City venues, such as the Durban Exhibition
Centre (DEC), beachfront, galleries, CBD and city centre, these projects will
be open to both delegates and the general public
Nearly 100 projects were received for consideration from
around the world including Costa Rica, Germany, France, Taiwan, USA and Rwanda;
these included book launches, exhibitions live activations, art and culture
projects. As well as the projects that will take place in the DEC, activations
will take place within the city centre and outlying areas; some have multiple
projects attached; for example five murals, or a tour linked with an
exhibition.
The range of projects is diverse and exciting and includes
local and international contributions.
The public art intervention involves the painting of 100
circular concrete, pavement storm-water drain covers in the city centre. The
content of the hand painted covers are graphic images of the
indigenous/traditional dwellings of a selection of South Africa’s national
peoples. Residents of Durban have been exposed to the making of these
‘artworks’ as a kind of performance art, watching the artists at work and
encouraging dialogue and debate between the artists and the curious public. The
‘big reveal’ of the 100 artworks, depicting traditional dwellings, has formed a
‘retroactive’ marking of indigenous history, heritage and cultural identity.
This has also resulted in a beautification of public spaces and the
transformation of the previously rather bleak pedestrian pavements. Delegates
will be able to visit these paintings in the city centre, and will also be able
to see an exhibition of these works at the KZNSA Gallery, during the Congress.
Five student and five professional photographers from the
Durban Centre for Photography (DCP) have undertaken a five-month project to
create a ‘visual audit’ of the city of Durban. This entails the photographic
documentation of various aspects of the city and its peripheries, to better
understand the dynamics of contemporary urbanization patterns and emerging
urban cultures.
The project will describe the physical route from peri-urban
Cato Manor to Warwick Avenue, Grey Street, Central Durban, Point Road and the
beachfront promenade and photographically document new urban patterns, emerging
cultures, new spatial forms, to explore the notion of ‘people in space make
place’. The outcomes of the project will be presented in an exhibition, a cine-concert
in collaboration with IFAS at the KZNSA Gallery and through the publication of
a book.
The Candy Chang Initiative is inspired by the works of
Taiwanese American Artist, Candy Chang. Chang is interested in the relationship
between public space and personal wellbeing. Combining urban planning, street
art, and design, she has sought more contemplative and inclusive ways to
reflect and share with the people around her. Students from UKZN and DUT have
proposed to install a number of Candy Chang initiatives around the city and on
the campuses of UKZN and DUT, including; "Before I die.....", "Career Path", "I love Durban
because....." and "It's
good to be here".
'ih-murj': 'ih-murj' is a photographic
body of work that investigates plant life in urban areas. Based in the city of
Durban, this project documents the emerging plant life in an urban environment
and how these natural structures interact with urban structures. The project aims
to reach into the consciousness of urban dwellers and increase an awareness of
the rich natural biospheres that exist in an urban jungle. This exhibition will
be placed in a public space within the Durban city centre, allowing Durban
residents and visitors, as well as delegates to view the exhibition.
The Congress will bring together architects, design and
built environment professionals, pioneers in urban planning and thinking,
activists, city makers, academics and researchers, students, Government
officials, decision makers and thought leaders, citizens and communities, to
debate and discuss alternative strategies for the design and delivery of more
habitable, functional and beautiful human settlements.
For more information or to register for the Congress visit http://www.uia2014durban.org/
Posts
