Shisa Nyama as a Cultural Bridge: Repurposing 160 Jan Smuts Avenue for Socioeconomic Inclusivity and Urban Renewal
The project proposes a re-imagined living community space for social disparities and inclusions through cultural and architectural interventions. Drawing from the tradition of Shisa Nyama, a South African braai gathering, this space is transformed into a unifying environment-a celebration of food, heritage, and social interaction. This design enables socio-economic inclusivity and urban regeneration by reusing buildings and spaces, adding community participation.
The design focuses on two typical chimneys-one serving large gatherings that will situate a central braai as their focal point and another for side dish food with traditional preparations in three-legged pots. These chimneys work for smoke extractors while at the same time being symbolic markers, signaling mealtimes and making meals a communal affair. Along the corridor is a small indoor market where local businesses can grow and benefit the local economy.
A pavilion-style seating area would accommodate large groups, focusing on inclusivity and shared experiences. The chimneys were fabricated using steel sheeting, I-beams, and columns, which adds to the industrial aesthetic, quite befitting the adaptive reuse of the structure. This project uses culture as a bridge in diversifying and empowering communities with a sense of place while helping to mend the socioeconomic gap.
