Infrastructures of Freedom: Public Light and Everynight Life on a Southern City's Margins

Infrastructures of Freedom explores the impact of inadequate public lighting in self-built communities in Cape Town, highlighting fears, feelings of being forgotten, and living in undignified conditions. The book suggests how the co-production of a solar public lighting project can improve nighttime life and articulate citizenship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2023
Publisher: JOVIS Verlag

Infrastructures of Freedom delves into the profound consequences of inadequate public lighting in self-built communities in Cape Town, a city in democratic South Africa where infrastructure provision still reflects deeply entrenched notions of citizenship. In these informal neighborhoods with limited infrastructure, residents face a multitude of challenges that extend beyond mere access to basic services and opportunities. Among these challenges is the pervasive fear that permeates their daily lives, as they navigate through darkness, feeling forgotten and living in undignified conditions. The book not only sheds light on these harrowing experiences of nighttime life but also takes a crucial step forward by exploring how the co-production of a solar public lighting project within a community can enhance nighttime experiences and propose strategies for infrastructure to more effectively articulate citizenship.

Foreword by Christian Schmid and Sophie Oldfield

Inadequate public lighting in self-built communities in Cape Town, South Africa, has far-reaching implications for the residents' quality of life. This issue is not just about access to basic services but also about the sense of belonging and dignity that comes with having well-lit public spaces. Infrastructures of Freedom, a book by Dr. Sarah Baird, sheds light on the experiences of these communities and explores how the co-production of a solar public lighting project can improve nighttime life and promote greater citizenship.

The book begins by highlighting the challenges faced by residents in these communities, who often live in informal settlements with limited access to electricity and basic infrastructure. Nighttime is particularly difficult for them, as they navigate through dark streets, fear for their safety, and feel isolated from the rest of society. The lack of public lighting not only creates a physical barrier but also perpetuates a sense of marginalization and disempowerment.

However, the book also showcases the positive impact that a solar public lighting project can have on these communities. By engaging residents in the co-production process, the project not only provides them with access to reliable and affordable lighting but also empowers them to take control of their own infrastructure development. The project not only improves nighttime safety but also creates a sense of community and pride, as residents work together to improve their living conditions.

One of the key findings of the book is that infrastructure can play a crucial role in articulating citizenship. By providing access to basic services and opportunities, infrastructure can help to promote social inclusion and equality. However, it is important to ensure that infrastructure is designed and implemented in a way that is inclusive and equitable, taking into account the diverse needs and experiences of different communities.

The book provides several recommendations for policymakers and infrastructure developers to promote greater citizenship through infrastructure. These include the need to prioritize the co-production of infrastructure projects, involve residents in the design and implementation process, and ensure that infrastructure is designed to be accessible and inclusive to all members of society.

In conclusion, Infrastructures of Freedom is a valuable contribution to the literature on infrastructure and citizenship. By shedding light on the experiences of residents in self-built communities and exploring how the co-production of a solar public lighting project can improve nighttime life and promote greater citizenship, the book provides valuable insights for policymakers and infrastructure developers. It is a reminder that infrastructure is not just about providing physical infrastructure but also about promoting social inclusion and equality and creating a sense of community and pride.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 170 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783868597769