PROJECT
Navigating the Fluid Frontiers of Luanda, Chicala
PROJECT SUMMARY
The project situates itself in the neighbourhood of Chicala, which is located on an inlet along Luanda’s coastline, with a history defined by land reclamation. Over time, this area has undergone a profound transformation, gradually extending its reach into the sea. The research project takes a closer look at the edges of Chicala, which exhibit a certain fluidity characterized by the relationship between the static-built fabric and the presence of water bodies. It seeks to understand the relationship between displacement, adaptability, and urban evolution in Chicala, the impact of marginalized communities, and the reshaping of urban landscapes in Luanda. By specifically targeting neighbourhoods like Chicala, the research aims to provide a significant understanding of how displacement shape urban landscapes, particularly in peripheral or edge spaces rather than focusing on central urban areas commonly seen in existing literature. The intervention looks at the potential of small yet meaningful spatial and architectural changes in marginal areas like Chicala. It considers the importance of “layering” building upon traditions, the community’s relationship with the sea, and the layers of history that contributes to understanding areas that are in constant flux.
VIEW PROJECT
Amogelang Masilela
representing
University of Johannesburg
why did you choose to study architecture?
I chose to study architecture because I wanted to understand how spaces work and its influence to human interaction. We interact with “space” every single moment of our lives, be is physically, spiritually or visually. I wanted to be in an environment where I could be creative and express my ideas not through words but with diagrams, pictures, models, material, etc….. From a young age, my best way of communicating ideas was through images, basically thing that are visual. I became fascinated with “design”, and architecture offered a creative space for me to explore tangible and abstract ideas. Just like music, architecture for me became a tool which I use to express emotion, by creating moments of comfort, belonging and still give the user a sense of excitement when experiencing these functional spaces.