Community discussions in 2008 had revealed the importance of the arts in Diepsloot, when over 200 people declared they were artists. Global Studio asked if they had considered forming a not for profit network, which would make them eligible for Department of Arts, Culture and Heritage funds. Global Studio assisted with the first ‘Diepsloot Arts in Action’ festival, and over the next year the DACN (Diepsloot Arts and Culture Network) gained NFP status. With these and other community development projects underway, and with community support, Global Studio began work on some design projects: a building to house the DACN (photo 3), proposals for open space development including play spaces for children, urban agriculture and recreational areas for adults; and a low –tech bridge that spanned the floodplain (photo 4).

Upcoming event: Global Studio South Asia 201

The next Global Studio will be in Bhopal, India, in January 2012. As India prepares to launch its Slum Free Cities policy (RAY), inclusive urbanisation is very much on the agenda and therefore the theme of the Global Studio. How to work effectively with the urban poor using participatory processes is a challenge for India. Building on lessons learned by Global Studio since 2005, this project will bring national and international students, academics, professionals and communities together to focus on reimagining inclusive urbanisation.

Global Studio South Asia will aim to demonstrate a people-centred approach to policy and practices by delivering:

a) knowledge about, and innovative approaches to, inclusive urbanisation;

b) skills in participatory planning, design and research in professionals and communities and

c) an edited book from the conference to inform policies and practices that helps the urban poor.

Together, they will add policy and practice value to Bhopal and wider communities.

Global Studio will seek to interact with urban professionals interested in and responsible for

inclusive policies and practices in India such as RAY, the Slum Free City policy, and the question of how best to engage people in the design and implementation of these policies. Partnering with MANIT University, and working with the City of Bhopal and NGOs, Global Studio Bhopal will involve Indian and international students, academics, professionals and local communities.

Global Studio South Asia consists of
1) an international conference,
2) a design and planning studio, and
3) a research project.

Through the conference, Global Studio will promote a critical engagement with key issues such as participatory urban practices and climate change, as well as international development, and lessons- past and present- that we can take from India for inclusive urbanisation around the world. Currently, 300 million people live in Indian cities. By mid-century, these numbers are estimated to rise to 800 million; rural to urban as well as environmental migration will play an increasingly important role in future urban narratives and the creative life of cities. Through a two-week intensive consisting of a ‘ hands-on’ design and planning studio, and the parallel research projects, these issues will be pursued at the local level in Bhopal. National and international student and professional participants will work with communities, local government and peak bodies to understand and address the needs and aspirations of communities experiencing poverty and environmental challenges in Bhopal.

Interested individuals are encouraged to check the project website www.theglobalstudio.com, or contact the authors