I.C.I. A Manifesto for [Urban] Justice
April 11, 2021Future Khayelitsha
Revitalizing Spine Road
This competition focused on re-imagining the urban landscape of Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, with an emphasis on its future development and community engagement along Spine Road.
The urban landscape of Khayelitsha features densely populated neighborhoods with inadequate infrastructure, leading to safety and accessibility issues. The area is marked by rapid urban densification and a mix of housing types.
This project was develop in collaboration with architect Kennedy Mackinnon.
Khayelitsha - Cape Town
Khayelitsha - Cape Town
"Intentional spaces for community creation"
Spinal Fusion's main intervention is the introduction of an ‘S’ shaped curve along Spine Road, which creates a subtle and a bold curve to a prominent section of the road. This design expands the sidewalk on one side to create a larger public space —one of our primary goals for the area, while the curve serves to slow and reduce vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the roadway narrows to a single lane in each direction and by using a rougher surface texture the intention is to further reduce vehicle speed.
The S-shaped road acts as a dividing line, separating a more vibrant, active zone to the south from a quieter, more passive area to the north.
On the South side the extended sidewalk, formed along the bold curve part of the S, creates a spacious square bustling with activity (7). This newly designed area serves multiple functions throughout the week and on weekends, catering to both daily commuters and weekend visitors.
During the week, the square will offer a safe and easily navigable space for commuters and residents alike, with a focus on community life where children from the nearby schools can enjoy the dedicated sports courts.
Over the weekend, when visitor numbers increase, the square will transform into a vibrant hub for community events, markets, and performances. Given the proximity to numerous businesses and restaurants that thrive on weekend foot traffic, the sports courts can serve as extensions of these venues, allowing tables and chairs to be set up for outdoor dining. This adaptable design ensures the space remains dynamic and responsive to the community's evolving needs.
Features of the square include:
- Two demarcated courts for basketball and netball, inviting spontaneous matches or regular fixtures (5, 7).
- Three structures with built-in counters and benches, usable as market stalls or rain shelters
- Large shady trees with multi-function seating surrounds, offering a place to rest and socialize.
- Carefully designed and spaced lighting for a well-lit and safe environment.
Spinal Fusion Proposal
On the north side of the road, the subtle curve slightly extends the sidewalk, creating a more intimate and quieter environment adjacent to community residences. This area is designed as a calm, resident-focused zone, with gathering spaces tailored for specific groups—particularly the elderly (2), teenage girls (4), and mothers with toddlers(1). To provide a buffer between these spaces and enhance the sense of place, urban farming allotments (3) are introduced throughout, enhancing greenery while subtly separating the different activity areas.
To enhance accessibility to the main public space, a small-scale taxi rank (8) accessible off Makabeni Road, has been strategically placed directly opposite the main public space, across the new S shaped Spine Road. This transit hub includes public restrooms (10), sheltered waiting areas and bicycle parking.
Three dedicated areas [Toodlers, elderly and teenager girls]
Both North and South areas are envisioned to facilitate social, economic, and cultural opportunities in the community, supporting existing local businesses and generating opportunities for new entrepreneurial ventures.
Three key elements have been integrated into the design, two of which aim to foster a sense of connection and ownership among residents.
The first is the Umbhaco, the traditional attire of the Xhosa people—who make up a significant portion of the local population. More than just clothing, Umbhaco represents cultural identity and pride. Its distinctive patterns have been reinterpreted and embedded into the design of the main pedestrian pathways, bringing cultural symbolism into everyday movement through the space.
The second element draws inspiration from the Isicholo, the traditional Zulu headdress. Its simplified shape is replicated on the design of four structures located to the right of the main public space. These structures serve as both landmarks and shaded seating areas.
The third intervention acknowledges the existing artisan-made braai structures, which are already valued by the community. Rather than removing or replacing them, the design respects their original placement—typically along the roadside—and integrates designated spaces for them, preserving their informal social function within the newly structured environment.
Design Inspiration
