Looking west

Abstract

My contribution is based on a reading of the research papers in this project from the viewpoint of architecture and urban history. From these studies, looking beyond the banal architectural forms and the planning, we enter the terrain of Body Corporate Johannesburg. I summarise not only alternative geographies, but also the strange evolution of building types that have entered the market economy. I reference the continental context of rapid, urbanisation on the West Rand.

Keywords:

• urban history
• Johannesburg
• the West Rand
• cities
• architecture

Notes

1. We read of the “urban ribbon” – a term derived, I presume, from the earlier ribbon development of which Louis Botha Avenue in its heyday was regarded as a classic example.