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International Urban Design Workshop: urban design as crossover strategy between disciplines and practices 

Date. June 19 - 30, 2023

Location. Windhoek, Namibia

Programme. International Urban Design Workshop (more information here) facilitated by Dr Kathryn Ewing (more information about Dr Kathryn Ewing) and Office for Urban Resilience (O-RU) (more information about ORU)

organisation/institution. Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Institute for Land, Livelihoods and Housing (ILLH) - ILLH is a centre of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment | The workshop is an activity part of the NUST - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Grant Agreement on Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development. More information here.

position. participant

responsibilities. Collaborative Concept Design | Photography | Videography | Presentation Compilation 

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Description. 

The workshop aimed to propel the urban development discourse beyond merely supplying public services and housing, directing attention towards the fundamental question: what type of urban life are we cultivating?

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The primary focus was on reforming the approaches to urban development, spotlighting aspects that have been overshadowed by the pressing need for "delivery": Which socio-natural factors should be integrated into urban design? What psychological barriers hinder us from envisioning a significantly distinct urbanization? What historical influences contribute to negative perceptions of urban living? How are current forces shaping informal trade and settlements, and how can we harness them to shape a collective vision for urban development?

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The workshop concentrated on broader urban inquiries, centering on participatory enhancements to informal settlements, while integrating them into the wider urban systems, within the framework of the City of Windhoek.

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Divided into two consecutive one-week modules spanning from June 19 to June 30, 2023, the workshop transitioned from the expansive territorial scale to the neighbourhood level:

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MODULE 1: SHIFTING FROM TERRITORY TO NEIGHBOURHOOD, held from June 19 to June 23, led by O-RU (Victor Rico and Carolina Crespo): This module honed in on the micro level, moving from the territorial scope beyond regional and municipal boundaries, following natural, geological, infrastructural systems, and risk-related data.

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MODULE 2: ENGAGEMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, held from June 26 to June 30, guided by Kathryn Ewing (UCT): This phase involved engagement at the neighbourhood level, steering urban design transformations towards mutually agreed-upon goals and implementable actions by the participants. The key areas of focus included:

  • Community-driven land provision and housing construction

  • Conversion of informal settlements into functional urban neighbourhoods

  • Area-specific approaches with a dedicated emphasis on public spaces

  • Collaborative co-design practices

  • Urban livelihoods These goals were achieved through the formulation of strategic projects, encompassing public spaces, infrastructure, housing, and policy, all aimed at progressing a shared vision.

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