KATHERINE DEWAR
UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND
Hyper-embodiment, A jewellery creation hub + community for women
Katherine Dewar’s thesis is entitled Hyper-
embodiment and is an approach to discussing
the interface between spaces for women [in
Johannesburg’s inner-city] and jewellery as a
connector of the body to place.
She proposes the jewellery hub be situated
in New Doornfontein, a space that is male domi-
nated and where women are present but seem to
be largely excluded, unsafe and vulnerable, and
which is also full of vibrancy and activity. This area
has the potential for a positive and radical cultural
change, but currently remains disconnected and
uninclusive for all people.
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“By looking at spaces for women, as well as
jewellery being a “location” between the body and
architecture, I aim to take an architectural design
approach that solves issues of making space for
women, and for jewellery practices in Johannesburg,”
says Dewar.
Three multi-storey connected buildings on the main
pedestrian route on Albertina Sisulu road will be used
for the hub and community centre. The ground floor
to offer community spaces and jewellery galleries,
and floors above for classrooms and workshops, that
embrace, and introduce a space for women to learn,
create and engage with each other.
Student Awards