Documenting Movement in 44 Stanley - A photography exercise.

MOVEMENT

A photography exercise looking at capturing, creatively, things on site related to movement. In my documenting movement, I looked at not only moving things, but the things on site related to movement whether in causing movement, directing movement, defining movement etc. See some of the chosen images I presented below with their respective captions:

Trees defining the path, the repetition of which reflects the rhythm. 

Movement in most case is directed to a certain destination. 44, also a destination in itself,
promotes journey within through the various mini-destinations throughout the precinct.

Rhythm and Direction. Elements within the precinct which direct, and define the movement to and through the cluster of courtyards. *All thoughts welcome.... 

Modes. The various modes of movement within, around, and to 44...

 *****

A statement which I think really captures 44

In the last few decades, the proliferation of

fortified enclaves has created a new model of

spatial segregation and transformed the quality

of public life in many cities around the world…In

the 1990’s the physical distances separating rich

and poor have decreased at the same time that

the mechanisms to keep them apart have

become more obvious and more complex.”

Caldeira 1999

There She sits

There She Sits

Only noticed by the one who pays attention with a subtle eye

Slightly is she perceived by the hasty and unwitting passer by

She is arrayed with hinted displays, which mark her high walls

As her head piece she bears her 44 which disappears when the night falls

Distinctly though she is hidden and from her surround she stands apart.

 

Her gates, high and broad, mark the entrance to her enclave state

The guard at his post marks the threshold to her dissimilar place

Her brick fabric exterior veil the true condition of her core

Her structures tell of her industrial past life, the life she had before

A history depicted, rich layers uncovered bear a story to tell

 

Her growth is made up of a story of fortune, degeneration to being made anew

Revealed by the interplay of old and current that floods her visitors’ view

A collective mix of boutiques and other retail are found within her boarders

Her cluster of internal courtyards, whose pathways add a sense of order

Her perfume varies from scents of coffee, new clothes, hair spray and olive trees.

Her hard surfaces are softened by her very collection of trees and plants

Whose leaves filter the sunlight and whose rhythm define her paths

Opening up to her routes are alcoves of vast artefact and array

Passages characterised by anyone who, for the expensive, will more than willingly pay

Along with places of rest, comfort, seating and destination

In the air is heard the sound of coffee cups, fountains, plates, conversation and laughs

A more pleasant setting, tough her outside setting she contrasts

She offers a pleasant journey, with ever-changing sights to the art lover

A variety of things to find in boutiques and interesting foods to discover

Thus she is defined in the uses of her space.

Deeper within her gates are small and discoverable spaces

Hidden between buildings, along with both new and familiar faces

Glazed shop fronts offer views into her more intimate retreats

Offering something for the passing through and form those looking for a seat

A collage of culture awakes the senses and keeps her visitor’s attention busy

Both a destination and a journey is the blend of her nature

To a variety of appetites and interests does she to her consumers cater

Her frequent visitors being of a wealthier state, keeps her character distinct

Creativity is on the menu for those who pass into the gates of her precinct

Which gladdens the eye with the many, colourful and distinct shop sign

 

She still sits, standing apart from those most near

With no apparent relation, her lack of local familiarity is clear

A best kept secret she is to those who make it past her edge

Whose façade makes it appear as though wealth and a certain class are her entering wedge

One may inquire as to what her name may be: She is 44 Stanley

FIN

* * * * *

Site selection

en·clave  

/ˈenklāv/

Noun

A portion of territory within or surrounded by a larger territory whose inhabitants are culturally or ethnically distinct.

44 Stanley

Most expressing the notion of an urban enclave, 44 Stanley is the site selected for this project. Its detachment from its immediate physical and social-political context, among others, poses more opportunity for "restiching" as called for by the brief.

Gated Entrance into 44 Stanley's Shopping precinct. 

Previously industrial buildings, now revamped to serve the retail function which defines 44 give hint of a history which existed before. The shopping precinct, whose current function slightly contrasts its previous use, a sense of curiosity is created which draws one to inquiry of the progression in time that lead to the current condition. 

Interplay of industrial architecture and the current condition of the enclave

***

44 Stanley Site Visit

Having heard the buzz of 44, the first site visit(15/07/22) was the first entrance into what JHB Live calls " Joburg's best kept secret." Evidently detached, or closed off rather from its surround, the enclave gives the bold impression of exclusivity.

The entrance from the busy Milpark through the fortress like wall and gate past the evident security is met with a space offering a slight contrast to that of its surround/ immediate context.

First impression of 44 Stanley

One gets the impression of being in an entirely different world, kept secret from the everyday user of Milpark or the surrounding nodes. 

Milpark Gallery, Mall Just across the road from 44

Hard Edges cutting surroundings off

Back of 44 Stanley, giving no evidence of the activity behind.

First site visit: Juta Street

Arrived in Braamfontein around knock off time (15/07/13), right when the Braamfontein traffic is at its highest. As unpleasant as that was, it showed how much of an integral part of the city Braamfontein is. With a daily influx of commuters, students and others, Braam is one place where many Johannesburg users go, (if not pass through).

Having stayed in Braamfontein, in a student housing block on  Juta street, one may be viewing from the mind-set of the preconceived notions developed during the time spent there , but this offered an opportunity to take a more objective look. One easily notes the speedy developments taking place in the Braamfontein “regeneration”, with the refurbishment of ground level coffee shops, café’s art galleries among others. As interesting as these developments and refurbishments, some seem to be slightly detached from the immediate users of Braamfontein users/ dwellers or the everyday commuter. I question whether this is really a good or a bad thing. On the one hand, there is little active benefit to, e.g. The students living in Braamfontein, (with exception to perhaps the interesting views into the shop front windows), but on the other hand the developments are bringing in a certain culture into the [part of the] city which possibly would not be there were it not for the developments. Where in other parts of the city (most notably the CBD), the up market, wealthy, suburban, user only experiences the city from the inside of his private car, the developments in Braamfontein create a certain collective community which is quite attractive.

Interesting finds along Juta

First site visit: Maboneng

The three sites, Maboneng Precinct, Juta Str. and 44 Stanley are all places I had been to before, but never really for "site analysis", but rather as a passer-by. This project was an opportunity to get a more investigated look into these locations.
For this post, I'm really just going to go through my own personal experiences and understanding of the 3 places, then, providence permitting, I'll post on some of the research I've gone through and the thoughts that has sparked

Maboneng Precinct:

First site visited for the "rapid mapping" exercise. What fist stands out is the development happening within the precinct. Some very interesting upgrades are taking shape in the neighborhood on the previously industrial type buildings. The shift is from the industrial to the more contemporary urban, artistic and social environment (almost relaying the shift in what is tending to drive the economy). In contrast to the regeneration taking place along Fox street, just around the corner, along Main Street, one feels like they're in a different town altogether. The difference between what happens on Main Street and Fox Street is quite striking. The development, art, activity and life on Fox street is quite rich and attractive, while along Main, one gets the impression that the buildings sort of have their back turned against the street, facing into Fox (creating an implied boundary between the precinct and its immediate context). This is seen mainly by the high walls that inhibit the outside of the precinct from getting too good a glimpse into it.
*IMAGE 1

As eye-catching as the sight of the precinct is, internally, one can't help but notice the sense of exclusivity of the site from its context. The Arts on Main building, though giving the impression of catering to the general public, the fortress like gate and wall, and the gate security guard give evidence that the "public" it catered to is perhaps not as general, more especially the immediate public. (I didn't even think I was allowed in)
*IMAGE 2



Even the slight things like the pavement along the precinct, with its planting, street furniture and landscaping tells of the contrast and "exclusivity" of the precinct.
* IMAGE 3

Very interesting street art, I think this part of the precinct is one of the (number of) things that evidence that the precinct is not entirely exclusive, but rather that certain parts of the precinct cater to certain people groups and individuals
* IMAGE 4

By Way of Introduction: Design Project 4

HISTORY | MEANING

That is the theme for the latest design (ATD3) project. A look at a series of "urban enclaves" with the intent to generate an understanding and [ultimately] an expression of a particular history [& meaning] 

The content of the blog will mainly be me documenting my thoughts and reflections throughout the design process. Some of the interesting finds, ideas, thoughts and  feelings encountered throughout the project and my design process as the project continues. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

From what I've gathered through my going over the brief (must admit, I went to site before doing a thorough reading of the brief), I understand the brief to be calling us to uncover investigate, critically analyse and look into the given sites (namely the Maboneng Precinct, Juta Street in Braamfontein and 44 Stanley in Auckland park), in order to "uncover and restitch" these enclaves in the city their surrounding fabric, from which they have become, as the brief says, "exclusive". (See image below of my unpacking of the brief.)

SITE SELECTION

Upon receiving the brief, was initially tending towards choosing Juta street in Braamfontein. (Having stayed there before for about 2 years). My tendency towards it changed as I visited the sites. (site visit reflections to follow with images.)

The way in which I think I may approach the first task of the brief (Identifying site, mapping and site analysis) is hinted to in the page I've scanned below. Will share my findings soon.

How I go through briefs (It makes sense in my mind)