Embracing in[formal]ity: an exploration of grounded architectural practice in Cape Town

Abstract

In this chapter we present an exploration of architectural practice that supports resident-driven informal settlement upgrading in Cape Town. We introduce two ideas: the notion of ‘in[formal]ity’ as a dialectic whole – replacing the dichotomy of formal vs. informal – and the phenomenon of grounded architectural practice (GAP), which is understood as a material manifestation of the notion of ‘in[formal]ity’. These two ideas require architects to appreciate informal spatial practice as a legitimate and constructive form of urbanism. We employ socio-technical transition theory as a framework for our exploration of GAP. This theory explicates the interdependencies between complex and multi-layered interactions in socio-technical transitions, and maps these onto a single hierarchical framework, referred to as the multi-level perspective. We then employ activity theory to allow for the mapping of the actions of local government as well as informal settlement residents on an equal footing, which in itself is a step towards spatial justice. Engaging in GAP enables architects to consider their own practice from within the context of intervention and develop an understanding of both the socio-technical regime of local government and the informal spatial practice of residents. This understanding provides architects with the opportunity to promote spatial justice by advocating on behalf of the residents in support of informal settlement upgrading, according to residents’ priorities. In doing so, architects’ involvement with residents and their informal spatial practice is extended even further, fostering an ongoing process of expansive learning with the potential to direct architectural practice towards spatial justice.