Transforming African city-making through an ethics of co-production
Convenors: Chloé Buire (CNRS), Sylvia Croese (University of the Witwatersrand & UC Irvine)
Discussant: Paulo Moreira (University of the Witwatersrand)
Track: Transformative Practices
Keywords: Transformation, African Cities, Knowledge Co-production, Transdisciplinary Research Methods
Friday October 25, 9:00–10:30 & 10:45-12:15, A2, John Moffat Building
SESSION 9
TRANSFORMING AFRICAN CITY-MAKING THROUGH AN ETHICS OF CO-PRODUCTION
Many African regimes can be described as highly centralized or even autocratic but that says little about the internal workings of local urban authorities or the ways in which decisions regarding urban development are made or contested. Although the Arab Spring of 2011 boosted a literature on popular politics and bottom-up resistance, the link between associational movements, urban practitioners and local authorities is rarely explored, let alone the influence of a broader developmentalist ethos onto the political imagination coming from the street.
How are urban visions practiced and shaped in everyday life and how can critical interrogations of the imagination of urban futures in and for Africa inform more transformative ways of city-making?
This panel invites contributions that reflect on the (potential of) an alternative praxis of city-making in more collaborative and inclusive ways. Such transdisciplinary research may include a variety of experimental research tools, methods and partnerships such as: the use of audio-visual tools, research with or “embedded” in organizations such as local authorities, civic associations, development agencies or community-based organizations, or those that combine in otherwise unconventional ways the use of diverse urban research approaches and disciplines.
Presentations 9:00–10:30
Co-producing regenerative public space through transdiciplinary practices: four cases from the City of Tshwane
Regenerative sustainability is concerned with the co-evolution of humans and nature through regenerative development and design, which involves transformation through co-production. The discussion spotlights a trans-disciplinary approach to facilitate the co-production of regenerative public space and develop a digital platform to assist with its implementation in practice. Working with public space as part of the larger socio-ecological system in cities offers an opportunity to ignite broader and longitudinal transformation in Africa.
Power Dynamics in Transdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Urban Transitions
Transdisciplinary Research (TDR) fosters collaboration amongst stakeholders from different academic disciplines and sectors of society, to jointly search for solutions to complex challenges including rapid urbanization. In order to enhance collaboration and ensure reciprocity of expertise amongst stakeholders, flattening the hierarchy of power is critical for working together to develop research agendas and experiment solutions. However, context-dependent research on power dynamics in TDR is still limited and yet it is one of the conditions for understanding how to optimize the value and relevance of TDR in transitions to sustainable cities. This paper sheds light on power dynamics in TDR, using a qualitative analysis of case studies in the cities of Accra (Ghana), Durban (South Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya).
Urban research in housing struggles: reflections on participatory action research in collaborative design/planning at the Cissie Gool House occupation, Cape Town
This study looks at insurgent homemaking in post-Apartheid South Africa, at the Cissie Gool House occupation, in Cape Town. Through Participatory Action Research (PAR) I explore the 'CGH Co-Design' project's aim to collaboratively design inclusive housing solutions. I contend PAR helps to decolonize urban research and support housing struggles.
Reflecting on transformative city-making in the Cape Region through situated co-design practices
Through situated reflections, the paper argues that co-design lays the foundation for co-production which is imperative to transformative city-making. Drawing upon situated practice under the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading programme, this paper reflects on city-making in Manenberg, Monwabisi Park and Villersdorp.
Reparative Practices in Unjust Cities: Contextual Maintenance and Social Cohesion in Denver (Johannesburg)
In exploring the nuances of urban development in African contexts, this paper delves into the complexity of city-making processes that often contradict conventional 'northern' methodologies, specifically through the lens of Denver—a locality that defies clear categorization by embodying characteristics of an informal settlement, occupied building, and rural governance.
Presentations 10:45-12:15
Towards de-criminalizing the Angolan informal market
Luanda's informal economy has an extraordinary resilience capacity while providing Angolans with almost all of their basic needs. The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of most of the population has survived, despite the fact that these activities are carried out outside and often in opposition to the policies imposed by the Government.
Documentary Film: Living African Urbanisms in Freedom Charter Square, Kliptown (runtime 15 minutes)
On 29 January 2024 Kliptown experienced a catastrophic flood event. To the time of this writing (April 19), road destruction remains at a level that the chemical toilets in much of the community cannot be emptied. Using “20 Days in Mariupol” as a precedent, it is a collection of short video clips from Thabang’s iPhone capturing resident-led development efforts since that day.
Co-producing a shared public space in Johannesburg: the case of Gilifilan Park
This session explores Gilifilan Park developed through extensive community engagement. Used by various groups, its design accommodates diverse interests. Despite confronting complex obstacles, it symbolises hope, showcasing collaborative efforts between city practitioners and communities. Its inclusive design and activitation foster belonging, offering insights for global urban planners and policy makers.
Saving Our Resources Together: collaborative struggles and triumphs of the Alexandra Water Warriors
Alexandra Water Warriors is a community-based organisation dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges surrounding water resources in Alexandra. We recycle river garbage to help minimise waste and protect natural resources. We are willing to share the challenges faced by our organisation.
