Cape Town CBD Design Intervention
This project challenged my team and me to become active innovators in the urban environment, a core objective of the VCD Advanced Diploma. My task was to execute a deep observation of the Cape Town CBD, a literal walk-through to diagnose a single, critical urban flaw, be it issues with Accessibility, overlooked Public Space, distracting Visual Pollution, fractured Wayfinding, or a deficit in Community Engagement. From this analysis, we developed a focused design solution that had to be rigorously Feasible for real-world application, fundamentally Innovative in its approach, Aesthetically compelling to enhance the city's character, and purely User-centered to meet the community's needs. The process was structured around two key presentations: Phase 1 involved presenting my initial research, raw photographs, and rapid, low-fidelity sketches to establish the core concept. Phase 2 culminated in a comprehensive visual package, a presentation and poster, that clearly articulated our design rationale, supported by mood boards and detailed low-fidelity mockups (collage and hand-sketches), effectively proving the value and impact of our proposed urban intervention.
Problem Solution
For our group project, Qaasim Taliep, Rozanne Thomas, and I (Milisa Chiliza) decided to reimagine the Station Market in Cape Town’s CBD. We noticed that the area is overcrowded, poorly organized, unhygienic, and has high theft rates, which makes it feel unsafe and chaotic for both vendors and customers. On top of that, the low visibility of the train station adds to the confusion. After speaking to some vendors and observing the space, we identified a few key needs: proper shade, better waste disposal, stronger security, and small but efficient stalls. Our design solution includes clearly marked vendor zones with decorative dividers, increased security enforcement, space-saving stall designs made from sustainable materials, and a more effective waste management system. The goal is to create a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing market space that supports the vendors while making the station area more welcoming and easier to navigate.
Cape Town Station Market Intervention: From Chaos to Community Hub
Our presentation details the rigorous process behind the reimagining of the Cape Town Station Market. Led by observations and vendor feedback, we identified critical needs: proper shade, improved hygiene, enhanced security, and efficient stall design. This presentation walks through our solution, which includes the implementation of sustainable, space-saving stalls, a clearer aesthetic through decorative zoning, and a strategic focus on waste management and security enforcement. We demonstrate how this multi-faceted design intervention directly addresses overcrowding, high theft rates, and poor visibility, ultimately creating a cleaner, safer, and more navigable commerce space that improves both vendor success and the overall experience for CBD commuters and customers.
Reimagining the Station Market: Clean, Safe, and Organized
This poster visually communicates our strategic design intervention to transform the chaotic Cape Town Station Market into a safe, hygienic, and highly functional community asset. Focusing on the market's core issues ; overcrowding, poor organization, and hygiene, our solution introduces clearly demarcated vendor zones with decorative dividers, innovative space-saving stall designs made from sustainable materials, and a robust, efficient waste management system. The design also integrates enhanced security measures to mitigate theft. The final visual outcome is a market that not only supports vendor efficiency and profitability but also enhances Wayfinding and safety, making the Station Market a more visually appealing and welcoming gateway to the CBD.
