Hey there…
We spent the passing long weekend in Cape Town, which is at the top of the list of my favorite South African cities. Whenever we are in Cape Town we debate whether we should get apartment here or not and this trip was no different as we fell in love again with this amazing metropolis.
There is an attractive cosmopolitan atmosphere in Cape Town which draws you in and captures you, willing you to fall in love with it. The one thing I have always loved about this place is how a simple trip to the coffee shop or market around the corner turns into a continental jump to Armstedam, the US or France, as you are surrounded by a chorus of foreign accents and languages from all over the world. This city has many faces, amongst them being the green, progressive design haven that is a must see for most designers/creatives (make sure to visit the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock), the tourist friendly metropolis with lots of sea and mountain activities (sightseeing bus trips, cable carts to the top of Table Mountain or take a visit to the V&A Watershed market area) or as a culturally and historically rich city ( visit multitude of museums/art galleries/monuments around the city).
During this visit however, I became aware of the other side of Cape Town; the seemingly increasing multitudes of shacks that line the highway from the airport, which made me think how design can be used to solve some of the social issues that these people who live on the outskirts of this city face such as housing. This problem is by no means unique to Cape Town but most big cities in South Africa like Joburg and Durbs as well as the world. We discussed how shipping containers can be used as residential dwellings retro fitted by companies owned by the residents, thus addressing the problem of housing and unemployment?? As we drive out of the city I am convinced that creative and boundary pushing ideas will generate solutions that will benefit both mankind and the earth we inhabit. Doing things differently results in amazing discoveries and in a place as progressive as Cape Town I am sure amazing things are underway.( yes…I live, breathe, eat design😊)
Ok enough with the heavy…All in all I had an amazing time in Cape Town, I met fantastically inspiring people, went to amazing places within the city and have made a decision that ultimately I would love to have my own piece of Cape Town to come back to over and over again. I leave feeling inspired and determined.
-M-
DesignPeo 