The Bo-Kaap: how is the soul retained in a constant society, for an ever-changing typology?

Abstract

Ever since the early 1900’s, the Bo-Kaap has suffered numerous cruel prejudices. Two of the most notable of these have been the pre-apartheid ‘Slums Areas Act’ (1938) and apartheid ‘Group Areas Act (1950) (Collier, pg.11, 2017). Both of these resulted in people being forcibly removed from the area. In more recent times, the Bo-Kaap has come under severe development pressures due to its unique inviting character, charm and situational value adjacent to the city. This has amongst other things attracted the interest of property developers who have begun to swoop in on procuring land on the periphery and within the limits of the area. “The continuing gentrification of the Bo-Kaap has since led to rapidly increasing rates and property value, putting significant pressure on the majority of the working class families that have lived there for generations” (Collier, pg.11, 2017). The result of this has seen numerous families begin to sell their properties as the homes they reside in have simply become unaffordable. The impact of these people leaving the area cannot be understated, and has reached the point where community leaders and residents alike have begun to fear the loss of culture, social history and tradition; all of which are vital components to the community of the Bo-Kaap. In looking at the development pressures that go along with gentrification, my research report aims to investigate the ideal typology which goes beyond its primary goal of protecting the tangible and intangible heritage associated with the Bo-Kaap. What is this new typology and how do we develop it in a way that is both sensitive to its local context, as well as seeks to move forward from a built form perspective? These are some of the key questions that will be critically analysed throughout the course of my research. How do we retain the soul of a constant society, for an ever-changing typology?