African diaspora: a place of integration in Yeoville
Date
2010-08-16
Authors
Kimoto, Kalonda Marcel
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Abstract
This dissertation, is sited in suburb called
Yeoville, in South Africa where mostly lower
income immigrants live. It discusses issues
around the non integration of immigrants in
South Africa.
This lack of integration manifests itself
spatially by voluntary segregation and
place creation. Place creation can be the
physical and emotional relations with space
that occurs along with a person or a group
occupying and personalising it.
Integration at a certain level would alleviate
social problems (like the infamous
xenophobia attacks) and create a platform
where people can interact.
The proposed architectural project is a multi
cultural centre for immigrant communities.
The principal aim is to provide them with
spaces that support the integration of
immigrants and their cultures, make a place
of gathering and interaction, create a
platform for enlightenment campaigns
against xenophobia and create a space that
promote business opportunities.
The African civilisation is grounded in the
maxim” umuntu ngumuntu nga bantu”,
which may be construed to mean that “ to be
a human being is to affirm one’s humanity by
recognising the humanity of others and, on
that basis, establish humane relations with
them” (Ramose 2002:231)