Product Proposal for Informal Trade Sector

GMS PROCESS BOOK // SINE // MAY 2014 LALA QUAIL

MIKHAIL WERTHEIM AYMES

MAPPING THE SQUARE

PROGRESS // process

CITY

STAND TYPOLOGIES merchandise (masks, curios, jewellery, clothes, paintings, bags, CDs, leather goods, books) cover (with/without) placement (environment/contextual influence - what the stand must connect with)

Already assembled/not already assembled (pop up/retractable frame vs. iron pole stall) Merchandise display/storage within stand Size of stand Number people involved

Simple vs Complex stands merchandise dependant? Newpaper wrapping - alternative for merchandise protection?

What are their needs? Warm in winter // cool summer Secure // seating, comfort

Plastic grids // metal mesh Iron bars - number differs within structure in accordance with MERCHANDISE. A way to make all merchandise accessible even when in crates? CANOPIES More than one? Weather dependant? Sun // Rain - white, important to let sun in. Velcro fastenings to irons. A way to secure stand to ground or other structures. Wind - big problem, destroys canopies YET more tourists on square in windy weather (Summer season).

STANDS AROUND THE CITY Stall on wheels. All merchandise packed within structure. Boxes/crates neatly/ cleverly used to display merchandise within space of stall.

TRADERS Pride: Don’t need help? Weather // Tentative of change Permanent structures - quick setup?

Telescoping stands // Umbrellas Overhang/Veranda - create more shade/protect from rain/hang merchandise/overtrading?

TRADERS suspicious, uncertain Why are we here? What are we doing?

(Economic development) Problems with overtrading // regulations Available budget?

Create something draws interest into the square - through stand or other? Stand secondary to merchandise - rather enhance merchandise? or accommodate easier storage and packing - Develop a stand that accomodates the mission of setting up so much merchandise?

Is it possible to introduce different types of trading to the square? - Stands that accommodate different merchandise? (food & beverage, flowers, consumables, electronics, convenience goods)

VALUE CHAINS businesses lunch city cleaners security tourist guide companies

What heritage? Tension - African heritage (trader’s view) vs Heritage (city’s view) West European focus Markets are heritage - history of square? STAND Weather // Wear & tear // display Positioning // Working space Assembly // Storage // rent Ergonomics // Merchandise // Anchorage The trader // Bargaining Components of exisitng stand - possibility for endo structure? Expression - affect on customer, what the stand communicates. Unified (whole market visible as entity) or varied style in market? Market/consumer - expectations appropriate. Direct role players - porter, assistant, owner/ trader.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS OR AREAS OF FOCUS Work with trader stands in current form (keep existing components). Single stand - how to improve it? Noise factors // ease of assembly time // space within stand Local storage

STABILIZATION Umbrella stands // bulldog clips pegs // rope // trees & other stands

HERITAGE

Provide unifying shell for whole market (endo structure & cover). Semi permanent // multi functional Night market // All traders trade during events? Unified style for market as whole

It’s working // existing investment Sustainable // Stylistic - shackish Know how to prepare - local knowledge Don’t destroy hidden value chains (porter, assembler, storer) Easily modified - use existing materials and skills. Lend themselves to diverse iterations.

Control overtrading Less maintenance on one cover Outside style suit heritage - Inside style suit ‘African’ market.

THOUGHTS

Weather [rain // wind // heat] Square becomes a corrider/shelter during rainy days?

Are the stalls’ positions non-negotiable? Can the format/plan of the square change at all?

Variability across square in terms of weather issues - wind/rain worse in certain spots create a modular system to suit/adjust to different requirements

Detachable telescoping cover

Develop (multipurpose) attachment - allow for endless permeations, stand assemblies.

Zip down sides

Modular linking systems for covers. Accommodate recycling of available materials - create ‘universal’ pattern for cover which can be made from any material.

CITY Results from meeting with Department of Economic Development. Their job: maintain status quo - keep things in inertia RADICAL solution? Should look at asset ownership (who is going to own the asset which includes budget, staff required etc.) - can be positive asset Be aware of public liability and lifecycle cost. There are various ways of managing the square - management component to any solution (private, city etc.)

Material reversible - one use one side/ another on other

Have to look at financial model

Gill-like openings - wind

INCREMENTAL - look at how this could be utilised elsewhere. Design primer for different areas/merchandise.

Cover designed wind and rain problems on mind Pattern/shape irregular (tensile cover?) - create visual interest and accommodate weather factors

Alternative material choices - solid cover material i.e. not fabric maybe polypropylene. Wood as a material choice. Work with crates (already have) - framework contains crates or stacking system? Peg boards for merchandise?

Suitable shapes for wind? Wind tunnels within the city? Who to ask?

Wire detachable frame - visually appealing with/without cover LOCAL SKILLS incorporate within manufacture/ maintenance

CONCERNS - operational (multiple users, time, look/feel) use of space (getting different uses of the square - how can it be turned into a more vibrant space?) Maintain African market but include new uses during day time. Morph not completely alter.

CONCERNS NE E DS R E QUI R E M E NT S

TRADERS suspicious, uncertain Why are we here? What are we doing? What are their needs? Warm in winter // cool summer Secure // seating, comfort Pride: Don’t need help? Weather // Tentative of change Permanent structures - quick setup? Direct role players - porter, assistant, owner/trader. Storage- receive no help from city. More locals on the square? Keep the ‘African’ feel of the market.

CITY Various departmental regulations; Heritage, Economic Development, Advertising. Problems with overtrading // Available budget? Heritage: restrictions on space, height, look/feel of anything on the square, permanent structures Department Economic Development: RADICAL solution? Should look at asset ownership (who is going to own the asset which includes budget, staff required etc.) - can be positive asset Be aware of public liability and lifecycle cost. There are various ways of managing the square - management component to any solution (private, city etc.) Have to look at financial model INCREMENTAL - look at how this could be utilised elsewhere. Design primer for different areas/merchandise. CONCERNS - operational (multiple users, time, look/feel) use of space (getting different uses of the square - how can it be turned into a more vibrant space?) Morph not completely alter.

SOCIAL DESIGN Assistant professor of sociology at the Nanyang Technological University Sulifikar Amir writes that the failure of third world governments to recognise social design is why many third world societies remain utopian, as they still face basic problems, such as poverty, shelter, poor health etc (Amir, 2004: 68). Sulfikar Amir explains that the reason behind the slow development of social design can be attributed to the lack of a political dimension(Amir, 2004: 69). Design must be thought of in the broader context, which includes culture, economics and the political systems (Amir, 2004: 69). In order to better design for the third world, an understanding of the interrelationship between design and social, cultural and political factors is required (Amir, 2004: 69). Amir encourages political knowledge as it would be advantageous to get to grips with political

ergonomics, which can offer ways to facilitate industrial orientated design policy to outcomes of human-centred design (Amir, 2004: 68). Human-centred design is advantageous as it focuses on people’s social needs, wellbeing and environment (Amir, 2004: 68). Amir describes the best way to go about Human-centred design is for persons to participate in the design process; this framework allows the designer to understand the design from a broader perspective and to actively cope with the problems in third world countries (Amir, 2004: 70). With our project our research has guided us through a human-centred design approach. While our design is not directly involved in the trader’s stand, the concept for the design has been developed to this stage due to extensive knowledge gained of the traders needs and problems, wind being one such problem which is a great challenge on the square.

Further emphasising the importance of social design Margolin & Margolin also propose a social model for socially responsible design, in which existing methods and process’s can be adapted to the design process (Margolin & Margolin, 2002: 24). Margolin and Margolin suggest that the community can be involved in certain aspects of the process, and that designers must participate for a broader understanding of the need (Margolin & Margolin, 2002: 24). Participatory design should be fundamental in socially responsible design as it displaces the expertise and authority of the designer (Melles et al, 2011: 148). Within our project the traders were the people with the expertise, our job was to learn as much from them as we could in the hope to design something for the ultimate betterment of the square.

“The intention of socially responsible projects is to empower its user; the result seen in use within the intended system must satisfy the objective of helping the user and therefore providing the community with economic gain with minimal harm to the environment“ - (Melles et al, 2011: 152).

CONCEPT OF SPACE What else can happen on the square? How can design draw more interest into the area? If the traders are tentative of change to their stands, why not look at transforming something else within the square? Could we attempt to solve one of their problems through an external/separate structure which could house... Night markets // concerts // events // lighting displays // informal trade // first thursdays // jazz fest // learning // infecting the city As the concept for the project evolved to exploring possibilities for something removed from the stall and rather a structure based somewhere on the square the concept of space within public realm became a factor to explore. The topic explored in the following articles connected to our process not only through methodologies used, mainly ethnography, but also in providing interesting basis for further idea generation. In Urban design and dilemmas of space, the author discusses space on a conceptual basis and its various manifestations and representation across different disciplines. Of relevance to our process was the author’s thoughts on how to better develop and design within urban spaces; a unified approach needs to take place in which a concentration on processes of daily life create the groundwork of understanding. The way in which societies interact with a space both physically and psychologically need to be addressed in order to generate an integrated

concept for the potential for more relevant change through design (Madanipour, 1996:351). Focussing more specifically on designing products for the public the author of, Pleasurable Products: public space furniture with userfitness, focusses on the need for an in-depth understanding about the people or society that will be interacting with the space or forms. Ethnographic research formed the basis of his paper in which he highlights the importance of understanding cultural traditions and the way a society ‘lives’ in order to better design for them and the space (Siu, 2005). This evermore cementing the reason for our initial research. Further elaborating upon the concept of space in Supporting affective

experiences of place through interaction design the author provides an alternative vantage point by focussing on the emotional and affective qualities of a public space (Ciolfi, 2007:183). When relating this idea to Green Market Square the complex history has to be considered from all aspects. Heritage, the Old Town House and the art deco apartment blocks and hotel as well as the square as a market place and the way in which it has evolved over many years. For us we therefore need to be sensitive to both the traders and to the surroundings not to interfere too much with the setting but rather enhance the space. One aspect of our design which addresses this factor is the use of clear polycarbonate which allows the buildings and market to be visible through the structure from all angles.

In another reading, Dislocating modernity: Identity, space and representations of street trade in Durban, South Africa, E. Jeffrey Popke and Richard Ballard examine the changes that have happened within urban spaces in the first decade of South Africa’s democracy and the hostile response from suburban residents. Of particular interest to our project was one of their concluding opinions; urban areas are of great importance as they become a place for mediation and negotiation in which societal differences can be bridged as these public spaces are transformed to suit the needs of the citizens (Ballard & Popke, 2004:107). The author’s opinion therefore highlights the need for more participation within civic spaces in order for a more united South African public. With this in mind, active participation of this shaping has to happen across the public. As with our concept one aim is to create more interest within the square, specifically from locals in the city, in order to generate more income for the traders as well as possibilities for other events or markets for the cities benefit.

USER INTERACTION As our concept began to involve the idea of having an interactive digital display certain readings highlighted some problems that need to be addressed as well as ways in which to overcome them. In an article addressing interactive digital displays, Enticing People to Interact with Large Public Displays in Public Spaces, the authors highlight one main problem they have come across through their field research, that being one’s fear of embarrassment. What this means for a design is that something needs to be easily understood by a wide range of people or quickly understood upon looking at the way someone else is using or interacting with it (Brignull & Roger, 2003:24).

In terms of our design, what the future of OLED screens affords means there could be a totally interactive touch-screen display. In order for this to actually be utilised the technology should probably be introduced and advanced incrementally. Therefore for this proposal a digital screen would be incorporated at eye level to broadcast news, advertising and other relevant information in order for people to become accustom to the technology. As the technology advances touchscreen and interactive displays could be introduced baring in mind the interfaces would have to be carefully designed to allow for ease of usability and understanding by a broad public.

Margolin describes that Product designers have a social responsibility to become more informed about the environment and the impact of their practice, they must be more responsible, and critical of the practice, it is up to the designer to recognise that whatever they design, must carry on designing, but at the same time know when to stop the designing (Margolin, 1999: 349). Relating to our project, had we not done such in depth research the resulting designs may have been irrelevant or obtrusive in the environment. Due to the fact that we observed, interviewed and had meetings with people involved in the square we knew exactly what was needed by the market traders but so too what parameters are in place from the city departments and their vision for the square.

WIND DIFFUSER // INTERACTIVE INFORMATION DISPLAY Working with the elements for betterment of the square. Polycarbonate (UV filter additive) screens which diffuse wind blowing onto the square. High carbon steel frame which is rigid but has the flexibility of taking high gusts of wind. OLED transparent display & LED lighting system. EWICON bladeless wind turbine incorporated between the screens in order to generate energy to operate the OLED display and LED lights. Interactive information display opens the square to many possibilities Events Information centre (weather, transit, tourism - heritage links, city announcements - events/emergencies) Point of interest specific to trading Digital ads City surveillance Night light Wifi hot spot Future technology can include transparent solar panels within the glass/ polycarbonate. Entire OLED screen for wider information and advertising space. In addition to this the EWICON system is something that is being developed further by Delft Technical University researchers. Haven’t consulted engineers and wind experts, this is something that would have be to be addressed and resolved if the project were taken further in addition to the specific electrical requirements needed for the OLED screen and LED lights.

REFERENCE LIST Amir, S. 2004. Rethinking Design Policy in the Third World. Design Issues. Vol. 20, No. 4, 68-75. Ballard, R. & Popke, E.J. 2004. Dislocating modernity: Identity, space and representations of street trade in Durban, South Africa. Geoforum. 35:99-110. Brignull, H. & Rogers, Y. 2003. Enticing People to Interact with Large Public Displays in Public Spaces. 17-24. In: Human-Computer Interaction Interact ’03, Edited by: Rauterberg M., Menozzi, M., Wesson, J. 17-24. Ciolfo, L. 2007. Supporting affective experiences of place through interaction design. CoDesign. 3(1): 183-198. Madanipour, A. 1996. Urban design and dilemmas of space. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space. 14: 331-355. Margolin, V.1995. Politics of the Artificial. Leonardo. Vol. 28, NO. 5, 349-356. Margolin, V, Margolin, S. 2002. A “Social Model” of Design: Issues of Practice and Research. Design Issues. Vol.18, No. 4, 24-30. Melles, G. de Vere, I. Misic, V. 2011. Socially Responsible Design: Thinking beyond the triple bottom line to socially responsive and sustainable design. CoDesign. Vol. 7, No. 3-4, 143-154. Siu, K. 2005. Pleasurable Products: public space furniture with userfitness. Journal of Engineering Design. 16(6): 545-555, December.