Amogelang
Masilela

Navigating the Fluid Frontiers of Luanda, Chicala

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. Characterized by continuous shifts and adaptations caused by ongoing reclamation efforts, the community of Chicala has been compelled to navigate a dynamic landscape, requiring its inhabitants to continuously adjust.

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, adaptation, 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 shapes 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 communities’ relationship with the sea, and the layers of history that contributes to understanding areas that are in constant flux.