Frontier02_One Step Beyond - Preparations

In preparation for this frontier, we were tasked as the final year students (M2's) to summarize the main thoughts behind our work in 2015, and demonstrate the points that resonated with the direction of Unit13 for 2016... Having considered the relationship between these two, we can begin preparing initial statements towards our Major Design Project/Thesis for the year.

The following slides were my initial attempt at a simple summary of these thoughts in the 5 minutes given, bridging the transition from Unit2 (2015) to Unit13...

1. Recognizing complexity in the Built Envitonment

2. Considering the Built Environment as a living system

3. Appreciating the value of people and society in architecture

4. Ambitions towards innovative design responses

I place myself as the bridge between the idea explored in Unit2 and the future pursuits of Unit13

Frontier01_Iconoclast - TRACES_Boksburg 2020

Project brief 

"This first project serves as a personal primer, the layer onto which the projects and processes to come will bind onto, or come unstuck from. The aim of this exercise is for you to locate yourself within your own personal development. 

You are tasked to answer one question – Where are you now? – by representing your personal progress in the field of Architecture, projected into the future, within clear physical constraints."

TRACES_Boksburg 2020

Mama's Journal

Boksburg, my home town since the earliest stages of childhood, reflects a spatial allegory of my current position related to architecture. 

Often misunderstood by outsiders (and some insiders), the historic town leaves its impression, traced through life and architecture. I explore five predominant spatial typologies and their hybrid relationships: mining heritage (comparable to traces & history), plantation (the soil), industry (process & production), suburbs and townships (expression & perceptions), and the CBD (complexity & ambition). 

This typological investigation of Boksburg embodies different, yet synchronized, aspects of my architectural progression. 

Simon Ngubeni

Snapshot of Boksburg 2020

Presenting Frontier 1 at MOAD

UNIT13: Introductory Task

The first introductory task is to interpret and translate our understanding of the Unit13 presentation given by Eric and Claudia on the opening day of Unit System Africa 2016 in any medium. 

I understood the idea of Frontiers as referring to uncharted territory, an undiscovered field of knowledge or anything inviting exploration.

In this discussion, the Frontiers we face relate to the current and rapidly transforming environment and society that we find ourselves operating in as (aspirant) architects. 

With this frontier, come the frontiers of what the actions and roles of the architect are, or are to be, in responding and adapting to this complex setting, considering the idea of a collective intelligence as an important part a progression in praxis to be explored.

This montage is an attempt to represent these frontiers.  

These thoughts call for a critical consideration of the various Frontiers of the self, others, the performance etc... which will be explored through the various projects of the year and eventually the Major Design Project. 

Unit System Africa 2016: Introduction Week1

This year begins with a whole new set of Units at the UJ Graduate school of architecture (GSA). Day 1 has included making the decision for which top 3 (of 5) units to join for the year, as well as interviews by the unit leaders.

The new set of units are below (the bold were my top 3).
11. Politics and Poetics
12. The Eclectic Atlasses
13. Frontiers 
14. Radical negotiations/ Emergent Spatialities Johannesburg
15. Regenerative Urban Landscapes 

My first selection was Unit13: Frontiers, led by Eric Wright and Claudia Margado, and this is the unit I will be a part of for the year 2016.

"Unit 13 is interested in identifying new spaces for the ‘Architect’ through an investigation into PRAXIS; in pursuit of plural modes of practice. PRAXIS, simply put, is how theory is

implemented, which in architecture means building buildings, or however you choose ‘to do’

This studio investigates the potential for meaningful practice within this shifting context (of cities), adopting an ideological shift from genius to scenius. "Scenius stands for the intelligence and the intuition of a whole cultural scene. It is the communal form of the concept of the genius." (B. Eno)." Extracts from Unit13 Course outline

Part of why I chose this unit was because of what I feel it will offer my for my exit year, before entering into practice  as an architect. "We are really looking for students who are interested in relevance, passionate about purpose and hungry to do great work..." Although a bit paraphrased, but this statement (said Eric during unit presentations) sealed my decision.

I really look forward to seeing what this new year and Unit has in store, and more importantly seeing what I could bring to the table in the Units journey of exploration into new Frontiers.

.