Building a beacon: a radio broadcasting station aimed at creating public safety for women at Pieter Roos Park

Abstract

This research proposal attempts to explore, analyze and implement possible solutions that relate to gender sensitivity in public spaces. Particularly, people who display feminine dominant natures, find it difficult to claim their space in the public realm, such as a public park, without obtaining a sense of vulnerability. This research project aims to identify the masculine and feminine realms that people and spaces emanate, and how these notions can affect the use of these spaces. South Africa is a country that experiences gender based violence frequently with a stereotypical and societal understanding of the feminine nature.The research proposal focuses on four key design categories that are often brought up by various theories such as the Panopticon and its security values, the theory of inclusion and contested space as well as the purpose of mass communication. The design categories of Awareness, Security, Inclusion and Support; act as a driving force throughout this entire research proposal. Through these categories, the design’s outcome aims to provide better and safer spaces for women who use public parks, as well as an integrated spatial mix of the gendered spheres