Reimagining Urban Knowledge through Participatory Design
A collaboration between the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the BA Graphic Design Honours programme at the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) at the University of Johannesburg is exploring how design can translate urban data into meaningful public interventions. The project titled 'Surviving Jozi' brings a student into direct collaboration with GCRO to develop a data-driven, citizen-focused design solution for Johannesburg. Launched in March 2026 as part of the Participation Design module of the programme, the initiative follows a structured co-creation process grounded in design thinking. Working closely with GCRO researchers, the student engages with real datasets and urban challenges to gain hands-on experience in translating research into practical design outcomes. This one-on-one collaboration enables a deeper level of engagement, allowing the student to take ownership of the project while benefiting from continuous expert input.
The project draws on GCRO’s Quality of Life (QoL) survey data, which captures residents' lived experiences of mobility, safety, affordability, and access to services, among other factors. The central challenge is to translate this complex dataset into an accessible, actionable design system that helps residents better navigate everyday urban conditions. A key milestone in the collaboration was the co-ideation workshop held on 23 March 2026 at the GCRO offices. During this session, the student worked directly with the GCRO team to unpack the realities of life in Johannesburg through guiding prompts to ensure that the emerging concept is grounded in both empirical data and the lived urban experience of the voices captured in the QoL. The project positions design as a form of urban survival infrastructure. Rather than focusing on awareness alone, the student's work aims to enable action through visual communication tools, systems, or platforms that support everyday decision-making. Emphasis is placed on inclusivity, accessibility, and local relevance. For the student, this collaboration offers valuable exposure to interdisciplinary, real-world design practice. For GCRO, it opens new possibilities for communicating urban insights beyond traditional formats.
As Johannesburg continues to face complex urban challenges, the project highlights the role of emerging designers in shaping more informed, inclusive, and resilient cities.