Page 42 - Art Attack Gr 9 LB SKU1007

Create in 3D: Produce a model of a South African public space

For this task, you are required to develop an idea for a public space that celebrates the youth of this
country. This space will commemorate 2014 as the year that our country celebrated twenty years of
freedom from apartheid’s oppression and discrimination. The generations of youth that lived during
apartheid fought for justice and inequality. The youth of today hold the future of our country, our hope
and our democracy in their hands. The youth represents a new chapter in our history, the beginning of
new things, a group of people with dreams, energy and a new set of ideas.

A public space is a three dimensional design that is created in a context that the general public have
access to. People can find shelter from the weather as well as interact with the space. The space may
also provide another function- like in the case of a library, a court or a park. It becomes part of their
environment. There are a lot of public spaces that do not connect with the people- they go through their
day walking pass, through or spending time within them and don’t even notice them. Some are even
vandalised or slowly dissembled to be sold for scrap. Other public spaces impact their community
negatively- they become a waste of valuable resources, create dangerous, unsafe spaces or cause a
divide in the community rather than bringing people together.

Public spaces should fulfil the following criteria: (fill in your own answers to explain why and how)

x Relevant........................................................................................................................................
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x Didactic ........................................................................................................................................
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x Safe ..............................................................................................................................................
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x Durable.........................................................................................................................................
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x Aesthetically pleasing ..................................................................................................................
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x Innovative and exciting ................................................................................................................
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x Context specific ............................................................................................................................
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You have four lessons to complete your model of your public space. A scale model is a small version of
a large-scale environmental design created in the same proportions. A designer will use a model to
visualise how the final design will look as well as identify flaws and refine the design. Any problems in
stability, weight or aesthetics will be sorted out before the final design is created. A model is also shown
to the client to get their approval as well as the manufacturer/construction company. Your model must
be three dimensional so it can be seen from all sides. You may do an architectural model or an interior
design.

Your public space must be context specific so you must find an actual site for it- you might decide to
place your design within an existing building or design a new building, or place it in a park etc. For this
task, your model must be made out of recyclable materials so start looking around for things that you
can repurpose. Complete the brainstorming and planning phase of your project on the next page.
Remember to think creatively, innovatively remembering to meet the “public sculpture criteria.”

Artifact Publications and Training 2015 36