Eco-Building

IntroductIon

LEAdErS
BARRY BEAGEN
MICHAEL JIANG
JONATHAN LEAPE
KAREN CHI-CHI LIN
DANIEL LU
JESSE MCELWAIN

SuBtEAM LEAdErS
JOE BEAUDETTE
CARLY DEAN
JULIETTE DUBROCA
STEPHANIE GLASS
ERIC RUTGERS
CARINA STEINHOFF
LEXI QUINT

tEAM MEMBErS
YEN CHIANG
JORGE CUERVO MANRIQUE
MERCEDES CUVI
WILL DIBERNARDO
ROBERT DICKER
JESSICA FRACASSINI
ANDREW FU
WENDY GU
LAURA HAMMERER
DONALD HICKS
YOONJEE KOH

JOCELYN KUO
TIFFANY KUO
JOHNNY LAU
JACQUELINE LIU
SHUPING LIU
ALEX SIMPSON
TITO SOTO
ELLIOT SPERLING
MARIA VILLARRAGA
SHU WANG

AdVISorS
JEREMY FOSTER
KIFLE GEBREMEDHIN

SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA iii

IntroductIon

This book was created by the Cornell
University Sustainable Design:
Schoolhouse South Africa design-
build team in the fall semester of
2010 at Cornell University under
the supervision of Jeremy Foster
and Kifle Gebremedhin, Professors
of Landscape Architecture and
Civil & Environmental Engineering,
respectively.

This book was finished on December
22, 2010. It was created in Adobe
InDesign CS4 and CS5. It utilizes the
Gotham and Router font family. The
official colors are orange and lime.
This book was created in an 11” x 17”
(tabloid) format. It is available as a
digital PDF.

The majority of students involved in
this book used InDesign for the first
time this semester.

This book is an incredible
accomplishment - the actual
production took less than a month!
Thank you to everyone for your
superb work and unrelenting
dedication.

Editor-in-chief: Karen Chi-Chi Lin
Copy editor: Jesse McElwain

iv SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA

IntroductIon

INTRODUCTION 3.11 Parks in Cosmo City 85
Fall 2010 Team iii 3.10 Commerce 87
Introductions vi 3.12 Topography, Flood Plain, and Desire Lines 89
Executive Summary vii 3.13 Roads and Property 91
How to Use This Book vii 3.14 Bibliography 93

CHAPTER 1: CASE STUDIES CHAPTER 4: BUILDING AND STRUCTURE
4.1 Lighting Strategies 94
1.1.1 Teton Community School 2
4.2 Orientation 97
1.1.2 Oleleshwa Primary School 4
4.3 Shading 98
1.1.3 Project Khayelitsha 6
4.4 Thermal Mass 99
1.1.4 School in Gando 8
4.5 ventilation 100
1.1.5 Druk White Lotus School 10
4.6 Foundation and Floor 101
1.1.6 Teksing Bamboowood School 12
4.7 Masonry 102
1.1.7 Nadukuppam Colony Women’s Center and Balwadi 14
4.8 EarthBag Construction 104
1.1.8 METI Handmade School 16
4.9 Rammed Earth 106
1.1.9 Dwabor Kindergarten 18
4.10 SIPS 108
1.1.10 The Yellow Submarine 20
4.11 Straw Bale 109
1.1.11 Ghana School Library Initiative 22
4.12 Windows and Openings 110
1.2.1 Teddy Bear Créche 24
4.13 Insulation 114
1.2.4 Emmanuel Day Care Center 28
4.14 Roof Cover 115
1.2.5 Tebogo Home for Handicapped 30
4.15 Roof Systems 118
4.16 Plumbing System Overview 121
CHAPTER 2: CITY AND REGION
4.17 Water Systems 122
2.1.1 At a Glance: South Africa 34
4.18 Waste and Venting Systems 128
2.1.2 At a Glance: Gauteng 36
4.19 Energy system: Solar Water Heater 128
2.1.3 At a Glance: Johannesburg Metropolitan Region 38
4.20 Energy system: Photovoltaic Cell 130
2.2 Nearby Cities: Accessibility Map 41
4.21 Recommended Services 132
2.3 Timeline of the Political History of South Africa 42
4.22 Alternative FixtureS: Playpump 134
2.4 Reconstruction and Development Programme 44
4.23 Alternative Fixtures: VIP Toilets 135
2.5 Early Childhood Development in South Africa 45
4.24 Alternative FixtureS: Digester 137
2.6 Informality in South africa 48
4.25 Alternative Fixtures: Piping Systems and Hydroponics 139
2.7 Zevenfontain and Riverbend 49
4.26 Alternative Fixtures: Solar Chimneys 141
2.9 Architecture as Transformation 50
4.27 Alternative Fixtures: Summary 143
2.10 South African Architectural History 53
4.28 Bibliography 144
2.11 South African Architectural Features 58
4.29 Material Catalog 147
2.12 South African Cultural Symbols 59
2.13 Infrastructure 60 CHAPTER 5: PRE-DESIGN BRIEF
5.1 Project Background 149
CHAPTER 3: SITE AND LOCALE 5.2 Clients and Stakeholders 150
3.1 Introduction: Cosmo City’s vision 66 5.3 Program Checklist 152
3.2 Immediate Neighborhoods 67 5.4 Introducing the Site and Site Recommendations 157
3.3 Cosmo City Income Map 68 5.5 Site Components and Cover Types 167
3.4 Project Management and Funding 69 5.6 Plant Schedule 175
3.5 Cosmo City Community 70 5.7 Design for Play 183
3.6 Green Initiatives 71 5.8 Design Paradigm 190
3.7 Housing 72 5.9 Summary of Requirements and Recommendations 196
3.8 Schools and Informal Créches in Cosmo City 75
3.9 Peri-Urban Agriculture and Gardens in Cosmo City 79 CHAPTER 6: APPENDIX
3.10 Peri-Urban Agriculture 81 6.1 Building and Construction Codes of South Africa 198

SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA v

IntroductIon

INTRODUCTIONS

CORNELL UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN (CUSD) MAKING IT HAPPEN WITH...

Formerly known as Cornell University Solar Decathlon, CUSD participated EDUCATION AFRICA
in three U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Competitions. In A non-profit organization that aims to reduce poverty
October of 2009, the organization rebranded itself to reflect a new focus on through a number of educational development programs.
a comprehensive understanding of social and environmental sustainability. Their Social Architecture Program works with international
Since restructuring, CUSD has partnered with two organizations, Education universities to design and build schools for underprivileged
Africa and the Institute for Computational Sustainability and is simultaneously children.
pursuing two distinct projects. CUSD is now recognized as one of Cornell’s
premier sustainable student groups, and is poised to become an active THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
component of the sustainable discourse at Cornell. Cosmo City, a public private partnership between Basil
Read and The City of Johannesburg, is a revolutionary
The team applies the knowledge and experience of several returning mixed- income, socially-integrated housing development
members and augments decisions with the fresh perspectives of newcomers. outside Johannesburg.
Our efforts are further enhanced by the sustained involvement of exceptional
faculty and professional mentors who work tirelessly to ensure our aspirations
become a reality. BASIL READ DEVELOPMENTS
Basil Read is a premier construction and development group
As the new CUSD, we currently manage two design-build projects. One in South Africa. They have initiated various community
project is our Sustainable Research Facility (SRF), which provides Cornell support activities in Cosmo City and the our crèche is one
students the opportunity to participate in the design and development of a of the projects they support.
“Living Laboratory” on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The project featured here is
the Schoolhouse South Africa project.
PLAY WITH A PURPOSE
In Cosmo City, Education Africa will implement the Play with
a Purpose curriculum to train teachers to apply innovative
educational programs in underprivileged pre-schools to
EDUCATION AFRICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM ensure children receive the best possible preparation for
grade school.
ESTABLISHED IN 1992, EDUCATION AFRICA STRIVES TO REACH AND UPLIFT THE
POOREST OF THE POOR. THEY AIM TO ASSIST DISADVANTAGED SOUTH AFRICANS IN
THEIR QUEST TO OBTAIN A QUALITY, RELEVANT EDUCATION IN ORDER TO ENSURE
THAT THEY ARE IN A POSITION TO BECOME GLOBAL CITIZENS AND A COMPETITIVE,
PRODUCTIVE ELEMENT IN THE LOCAL JOB MARKET. EDUCATION AFRICA AIMS FOR AN
EDUCATED NATION, WHICH IN TURN WILL LEAD TO A PROGRESSIVE NATION THAT IS IN
A POSITION TO SUSTAIN ECONOMIC GROWTH.

Education Africa (EA) is a philanthropic non-profit organization based in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Their Social Architecture Program partners with
universities worldwide, enabling architecture students to design and build
structures such as childhood development centers, skills-training centers
and primary schools. To date, the program has produced eleven buildings in
disadvantaged townships through successful collaboration with international
universities. Students work side-by-side with local residents throughout the
building process, encouraging the transfer of skills and knowledge.

vi SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA

IntroductIon

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

HTTP://CUSD.CORNELL.EDU/SSA
APPROACHES HOW WAS THIS BOOK CREATED?
We have partnered with several organizations to realize our project. CUSD is This book is the final product of a semester’s worth of research by students
ABOUT THE PROJECT the first American student-organization to partner with Education Africa. Since in engineering, architecture, design and environmental analysis, landscape
Schoolhouse South Africa is an interdisciplinary student-led design-build 2004, their Social Architecture Program has constructed over 10 educational architecture, city and regional planning, and hotel administration. Our team
project and research endeavor orchestrated by Cornell University Sustainable centers and schools that are now important neighborhood resources for is compromised of all 7 undergraduate colleges as well the graduate Johnson
Design (CUSD). The project succeeds Cornell’s 2009 entry in the U.S. their communities. After each crèche is constructed, Education Africa School of Management at Cornell University, each represented by the diverse
Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition, with the intention of ensures that the facility is well staffed and will operate smoothly for years to content within this book. Our multi-disciplinary team, enables us to present
promoting a greater sense of social responsibility. We have partnered with come. Education Africa implements the Play with a Purpose Early Childhood a wide variety of information specific to the context of our project. This
Education Africa, a non-profit organization that focuses on counter poverty Development lesson plan and teacher training program. In addition, they book was created under the advise of Jeremy Foster, Professor of Landscape
measures through education. provide each school with educational material based on comprehensive skill Architecture, and Kifle Gebremedhin, Professor of Civil and Environmental
development. The City of Johannesburg has allocated a site for us to build Engineering.
Within the 2010-11 academic year, Cornell students will catalogue existing and on in a low-income neighborhood within Cosmo City. Basil Read, the local
potential sustainable practices in South Africa and create a comprehensive developer, will provide professional assistance and guidance throughout the WHO WILL USE THIS BOOK?
atlas of their research. The atlas will inform the design of a 6,000 square design process, and will help secure support during construction. CUSD: SSA compiled this book primarily to help students designing the crèche
foot Early Childhood Development center (known as a crèche) which will be to better understand the context and depth of the project. The information
constructed by volunteer students during Summer 2011 in Cosmo City, South COSMO CITY and research gathered in this book is not limited to those students. It can act
Africa. Cosmo City is a pioneering public-private partnership between the City as a resource for (1) second year architecture students designing the crèche,
of Johannesburg and Basil Read to house previously informal inhabitants (2) future CUSD: SSA team members, (3) other design-build project teams,
PROJECT PHASES into a socio-economically integrated housing development along with (4) individuals interested in learning more about sustainable building systems
The built result will put into practice the theories developed in its production basic infrastructure and public amenities. Located 15 miles northwest of and solutions, (5) educators, and (6) CUSD sponsors and partners, just to
and integrate itself into the newborn city as a critical social amenity. Johannesburg, Cosmo City was first populated just 5 years ago and will name a few. This book will also assist to incorporate sustainable solutions in
Throughout the 2010-2011 academic year, CUSD will research, analyze, and accommodate approximately 70,000 people by the end of 2010. As part of projects in the departments of architecture, landscape architecture, planning,
map existing patterns in housing, employment and social structures. Students the South African government’s Reconstruction and Development Program and others.
will catalogue building systems and fabrication techniques, and investigate (RDP), Cosmo City has the potential to become an example for sustainable
design and programmatic potentials. Local material-use, construction and socially responsible urbanization, and help overcome inequalities that Educators, project sponsors and CUSD: SSA partners may also be interested
processes and waste-energy cycles will all be considered. persist in the post-apartheid period. in perusing this book as this book acts as an almanac, documenting the team’s
progress and comprehensive work.
All research will be compiled into a comprehensive design-brief that will COMMUNITY
inform the development and production of working drawings in Spring 2011, The community is our focus in all aspects of the project – from creating an open HOW SHOULD THIS BOOK BE USED?
and initiate the collaboration between CUSD and the comprehensive design data platform for research that is accessible to the public, to capacity-building Readers are encouraged to use this book as a resource to initiate discussion,
studio (sixty second-year architecture students). As the construction drawings and participatory design workshops for the future students and teachers. In inspire design, and promote sustainable building materials and systems. This
are completed, 35 Cornell students will travel to Cosmo City, South Africa, addition, the construction of the crèche will provide an unmatched platform document is not intended to be an all-encompassing, didactic set of rules.
to participate in the construction phase. Student-community interaction, for skills transfer between Cornell students and Cosmo City construction Rather, it presents a diverse field of research from which readers can elicit
participatory design workshops, and skills transfer in prototyping and workers. The cultural exchange between Cornell students and the Cosmo City both information and inspiration.
construction will empower both the Cornell and South African communities. community and the relationships formed will be invaluable to both.
GLOSSARY
This pre-school will accommodate up to 80 of the city’s neediest children A TRULY SUSTAINABLE PROJECT crèche A day-care center for young children
as part of a national initiative to improve Early Childhood Development. The This will be the first official crèche in the low-income neighborhood of CUSD Cornell University Sustainable Design
facility will include classrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, a health center, indoor Cosmo City. Currently, day care centers are found in small homes with up to EA Education Africa
and outdoor play areas, and an office. Interactive spaces will create a sanctuary 80 children in a 6m x 6m shelter. Our project will provide proper facilities for ECD Early Childhood Development
for group learning, creative play, and social development. The structure will children to learn and grow for generations. RDP Reconstruction Development Program
also house training seminars for teachers within Cosmo City to improve the spaza Informal convenience store
quality of education in crèches throughout the community. tuck shop Informal convenience store
SSA Schoolhouse South Africa
ZAR South African Rand (currency of South Africa)

SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA vii

cHAPtEr 1 cASE StudIES

1.1.1 TETON COMMUNITY SCHOOL
PROJECT NAME DESIGN ASSESSMENT
TETON VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL
DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION • Modular design allows for “pay-as-you-go” expansion plan. As the
Victor, Idaho, U.S.A. school gains funds, classrooms can be added easily.
• Bridge element (central room, hallway, locker space, etc.) is vital for
AUTHOR the connectivity of the students who might be separated by age or
[DC] WORKSHOP - DESIGN COLLABORATIVE class all day.
• Greenhouse functions as a threshold to the outdoor classroom.
LINKS / REFERENCES • Moveable walls allow for the students to design the space. Stu-
dents can form smaller spaces or remove walls to allow for a larger
HTTP://TETONVALLEYCOMMUNITYSCHOOL.COM/
HTTP://OPENARCHITECTURENETWORK.ORG/PROJECTS/4128
indoor/outdoor threshold.
• High windows reduce the amount of distractions in the classroom
and cork boards function both as pin-up space and acoustic tiles,
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS
minimizing noise scatter.
THE MODULAR BUILDING INSTITUTE • Play areas utilize natural site features (trees, rocks, beams, etc.) and
RUMI SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE drought resistant plants.
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY • TVCS’s mission is to provide individual attention, collaborative
learning, hands-on-experience, a strong connection to environ-
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION
ment, development of personal responsibility and sense of place
The planning for the Teton Valley Community school began in the early through real world learning, and active stewardship to community
1990s, with a strong mission to provide education to underprivledged
and the environment. The curriculum involves lessons enhancing
children. After denied charter school status by the state of Idaho, the TVCS
connections to earth and nature. In addition to state required sub-
established itself as a non-profit independent school with a strong financial
jects, the students learn by working with farm animals, gardening
aid program. Between 2002 and 2010, enrollment increased from 15 to 90.
for sustenance, and local field trips.
Previously a one-room classroom and part of a renovated garage, the school
• The school is heated and cooled geothermally, and the mechanical
faculty hired [DC] Workshop to realize a new space. The plans for the new
systems are labeled with large, colorful lettering and are on display
TVCS won the 2009 Open Architecture Network Challenge, and continues
to “nurture and inspire life long learners by providing a state of the art
behind glass panels so students can understand how the building
learning community.” functions and operates.

CONDITIONS OF SITE
Victor is a small, residential community surrounded by pastoral fields and TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
gardens. Previously a rural settlement of Native Americans and agricultural CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE
workers, the town has grown since the opening of Rand Targhee Ski Area in • Masonry walls (thermal mass) absorbs heat from the outside
1969. The school embodies its context by utilizing both indoor and outdoor • Southern prevailing windows flushes hot air out of the classrooms and
educational opportunities. The existing school has an organic garden, allows for natural ventilation
greenhouse, chicken coup, and goat barn. All students go through the “Farm • Roof is properly insulated to absorb radiant heat from the metal roof
and Garden” program, where they learn about planting soil, harvesting crops, • Rain water is collected from the metal roof and can be used to irrigate
composting waste, cooking fresh vegetables, preserving food, etc. Older the agricultural fields and organic garden.
children learn about economics while creating a business plan for an egg • Uses “clearstory lighting”, which responds to the directly overhead sun,
that Idaho experiences, and provides maximum lighting with minimal
selling business.
heat gain.

2 SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA


CHILDREN FROM THE TETON VALLEY SUMMER CAMP SHOW THEIR
APPRECIATION FOR NATURE.

USER RESPONSE

WHO ARE THE USERS? INTENDED AND UNINTENDED:
Up to 120 students and a dozen faculty. The school is in fact much more than
a school: the main library space is used as a community meeting space, the
greenhouse is open to public use, and many summer camps take advantage
of the nature gardens and recreational space.

MATERIALS IMPACT / RESPONSE
Bricks (made on-site), Concrete, Wood (harvested on site), Sheet metal, Teton Valley Community School strives to “educate the whole child by inte-
Slate panels for chalkboards, Re-bar, Hardware grating creative expression, social responsibility and academic excellence”,
and this is accomplished by a supportive community.
SERVICES
Greenhouse serves as a storage unit for irrigation water and provides Currently, the school is in the construction phase, in part funded by the
money from the Open Architecture Network ($50,000) . The school hopes
greywater for flushing toilets.
to become a prototype for other schools as well as a community hub for
Teton Valley.
CHILDREN WERE ASKED TO DESIGN A SCHOOL BASED ON WHAT THEY
WANTED TO SEE BUILT. THE YOUNGER CHILDREN WERE TAUGHT HOW TO DRAW FLOOR
PLANS AND THE OLDER CHILDREN BUILT 3-D MODERLS.

SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA 3


1.1.2 OLELESHWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
OLELESHWA PRIMARY SCHOOL DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION • “Why four doors?” Karl and Alec are often asked. The design idea
Ewaso N’giro, Rift Valley, Kenya behind having four doors is to open the interior to a large outdoor
learning area. The four doors create a very permeable facade and
invite the outdoors to become part of the classroom and vice
SIZE versa. When the classroom is used for community gatherings or
80 square meters celebrations, the openness is key and allows for free traffic flow.
• The windows were designed very specifically with slanted ledges
AUTHOR to allow for water run off away from the building. The windows are
ALEX RING three-part, with lower windows opening like shutters, and an upper
KARL SARKIS window to allow for air flow. The stone walls have ridges on them
GEOFFREY WASONGA that act as vertical shading devices.
PROGRAM
LINKS / REFERENCES • Community Center and Education Facility
HTTP://OPENARCHITECTURENETWORK.ORG/PROJECTS/
HARAMBEE4HUMANITY
HTTP://HARAMBEE4HUMANITYLINKINGHANDS.BLOGSPOT.COM/

SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
HARAMBEE 4 HUMANITY CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE
MAASAI COMMUNITY OF EWASO NGIRO, • Masonry wall (stone and earth bag construction) acts as a form of ther-
mal massing.
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION • Double roof system acts as cooling element which provides shade and
reduces the acoustic interference between the classrooms. In both
The Rift Valley is home to the Maasai, a nomadic ethnic group of Kenya and school and teachers’ houses the ventilation is achieved by spacious gaps
Northern Tanzania. The educational system of Kenya was enforced by the in the gable end walls.
English colonists, and has since been a source of tension. The Oleleshwa • Fabric used in the ceiling is lined with reflective material so the sunlight
School strives to establish an open, malleable space for a nomadic culture, is reflected inside of entering and heating the interior.
while also providing a permenant education system and community center. • A 10 000 L water tank collects rainwater from the roof of the classroom.

CONDITIONS OF SITE STRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Kenya is mostly dry and hot, with very flat land. However, Rift Valley • Double roof system with a steel corrugated deck, wood trusses and fabric
experiences a lot of humidity and wind since it is close to the coast. Drought ceiling.
season is often problematic and buildings must be resistant to animal • Four corner pillars made out of concrete
stampedes. • The walls are common clay bricks walls with exterior buttresses to resist
lateral loads.
• Beams over windows, to support roof’s substructure and porches were
made with concrete.
• Foundation consists of large stones.



ROOF SYSTEM COVERED WITH INSULATED SHUKA FABRIC MADE BY LOCALS

THE ROOF CONSISTS OF CORRUGATED METAL AND IS RAISED FROM THE
INTERIOR ROOF BY WOODEN TRUSSES CONSTRUCTED ON THE GROUND AND THEN
FASTENED IN PLACE. THE TRUSSES ARE LINED WITH TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
SHANGA FABRIC MADE BY LOCAL WOMEN.
• “We do not only want to give them a school, we want to give them one
that they have helped design, build, run and grow. This will hopefully
instill an ownership within the community allowing them to learn, move
forward, and grow in what is currently a difficult shift for the Maasai from
a nomadic society to permanent villages.”
• Local architect, contractor, and labors were a part of the team. Profes-
sional architect (Alec Ring) collaborated with the locals and mainly
designed the roofing system.
EARTH BAG WALL BEING COVERED BY CLAY COATING
• By having a co-operative for the women’s group, the school will be eco-
WINDOWS WITH VERTICAL SHADING DEVICES nomically productive as well as symbiotic. The women will produce cloth
(PROTRUDING STONE UNITS), SHUTTERS, AND AN UPPER bags (recycled materials as well as Kenyan prints) to reduce plastic in the
WINDOW FOR VENTILATION community and the sewing of washable sanitary pads. These women will
MATERIALS learn valuable business skills as well as give back to the school by making
• Ceiling: corrugated steel deck, cedar trusses, and Maasai Shukas (African uniforms for the children.
fabric, similar to tartan plaid • This school is symbolic in that it provides a stable and permanent struc-
• Windows: bi-fold, louvered windows with a glass pane at the top, which ture for an otherwise nomadic culture. Built for the children and women
can be opened to allow air flow of the community, it will emerge as a central, communal hub.
• Black oxide paint on a concrete wall (creates chalkboard surface)
• Walls: stone topped with “earth bags” (a form of both insulation and
thermal massing. Made with burlap bags and filled with a mixture of soil USER RESPONSE
and cement joined together with barbed wire. Coated with plaster create WHO ARE THE USERS? INTENDED AND UNINTENDED:
rounded edges and give the appearance of manyatta 150+ pupils, teachers, and up to 6 womens’ groups

ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT IMPACT / RESPONSE
• Eventually, Oleleshwa Primary hopes to expand to become a large
1 complete school building for around 200 pupils 15000 USD community center on the school property (30 acres). A Co-opera-
tive for various women’s groups will operate from it and eventually
create a gift-shop to draw tourists and other school groups.
• “We are not just here to build a school but to develop a relationship be-
tween two communities” says Alec Ring.



1.1.3 PROJECT KHAYELITSHA
EKHAYA EKASI COMMUNITY CENTER DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION The resulting design centers around a large, flexible community room that
can be opened to the busy cul-de-sac in front or, more privately, to the inner
Khayelitsa, Cape Town, South Africa
courtyard. Also on the ground floor are a boutique/salon and community
AUTHOR kitchen, with bedrooms for guests and the green roof above.
HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN STUDENTS: Shipping Containers:
*ASHLEY HEEREN MARCH I, *PATRICK JONES MARCH I, JESSICA LISAGOR • In Khayelitsha shipping containers are used for everything from offices
and shops to homes, this project recognizes their ubiquitous use and
MARCH I, DK OSSEO-ASSARE MARCH I, VANESSA PALMER MLA I, *LAURA
utilizes them in new ways. The shipping containers provide appropriate
SHIPMAN MAUDM *ANGIE THEBAUD MUP, *GENA WIRTH MLA I, ULISES
structural rigidity to most of the building as well as for the roof gardens.
DIAZ LOEB FELLOW ‘07, *STEVEN LEWIS LOEB FELLOW ‘07
The rest of the building is constructed using local materials and tech-
(*TRAVELED TO KHAYELITSHA DURING THE SUMMER OF 2007) niques.
LINKS / REFERENCES Vegetation:
HTTP://WWW.ARCHINECT.COM/FEATURES/ARTICLE. • Used as part of the passive cooling strategies, as insulation, for water
PHP?ID=65752_0_23_0_C retention, and for a vegetable garden that will supply the community
kitchen.
HTTP://WWW.LOWDO.NET/PROJECTS/PROJECT-KHAYELITSHA/
Water Retention:
HTTP://HARVARDPK.BLOGSPOT.COM/
• The project will apply water catchment and reuse strategies on site to
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS help mitigate the severe environmental conditions of Khayeltisha.

MONKEY BIZ (DIRECTOR: BARBARA JACKSON) PROGRAM
ARTS AID ART The students, in conversations with the community, wanted to create
entrepreneurial programs to attract people from outside the township
and better the quality of life of the community. The main program for the
ProjectKHAYELITSHA was an effort to design and assist in construction of a
building consists of:
new multipurpose community center in Khayelitsha, on the outskirts of Cape
• 1. gallery and store for Monkeybiz,
Town, South Africa. The site provided an opportunity to create a center that
• 2. hair styling salon,
would foster a sense of community ownership and a space serving an entire • 3. bed and breakfast,
neighborhood with education and development projects. This project was • 4. community kitchen/snack bar,
affiliated with Art Aids Art and MonkeyBiz, nonprofit organizations working • 5. space for education and community events.
with a South African collective of women artists to create employment and
empowerment for disadvantaged women through beadwork in the township.

Security was of primary importance, given the high crime rate in the
township. The team explored a variety of siting options until determining the
safest option while maintaining an open configuration.

Throughout the design process, the projectKHAYELITSHA team focused on
continuing research in several areas: alternative energy strategies including
solar panels and passive heating/cooling, and green roof construction, in an
on-site mockup (far right). The mock-up experimented with various soil/sod
bases, depths, and plantings in order to determine the most effective use of
the intended roof-garden.



COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The team led a participatory process involving the craftswomen and
community members to provide transparency and openness for the artistic
design process while maintaining security. The community was engaged
throughout the project and participated in charettes and exhibitions.

TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE
• The community center required natural ventilation and needed to be
predominantly self-sustaining (a small garden provides much of the food
cooked in the cafe for the artisans and visitors).
STRUCTURE SYSTEMS
• CMU columns
• Timber roof structure
• Maxibrick wall
• Polycarbonate roofing - allows light in
• Corrugated metal roofing
• Shipping Container
• Concrete and the upper part of big stones.
MATERIALS
Use of local/found objects to create a porous yet secures façade. The final
material palette:
• Brick,
• Timber,
• Polycarbonate,
• Glass block
• Metal container work together to bring light and warmth to each space.



1.1.4 SCHOOL IN GANDO


GANDO PRIMARY SCHOOL DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
• The school is part of a whole development project which also in-
LOCATION cludes the construction of a water collection unit, teachers’ hous-
Gando, Tenkodogo, Boulgou, Burkina Faso ing, and latrines.
• Rooms are on pedestals and covered with a projecting roof to pro-
AUTHOR tect the clay walls. The rooms were planned as simple rectangular
modules.
FRANCIS KÉRÉ ARCHITECT • Buttresses, which serve to brace the walls, stage a play of light and
SCHULBAUSTEINE FÜR GANDO E.V., A GERMAN ASSOCIATION shade which communicates plasticity as well as structure.
FOUNDED BY FRANCIS KÉRÉ • Teachers’ houses are arranged forming a yard that imitates a tradi-
LINKS / REFERENCES tional homestead and allow community living, but also provides a
HTTP://WWW.FUERGANDO.DE private yard to each family
HTTP://WWW.KERE-ARCHITECTURE.COM/BF/BF_001.HTML PROGRAM
HTTP://WWW.AKDN.ORG/AKAA_AWARD9_AWARDS_DETAIL2.ASP • Initially it was a School for 350 pupils built in 2001. Two years later
houses were constructed for teachers and their families. In 2008 a
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS second school building was finished with some improvements.
HEVERT-ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH & CO. KG • The project is still in course, with the aim of create a library, school
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF BERLIN kitchen, healthcare centre, energy-saving clay ovens, residential
houses, etc.
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
When Francis Kéré was studying abroad in Germany he realized the CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE:
link between education and development and decided to build a • Clay walls absorb heat, moderating room temperature.
school in his village. The aim was always helping people to help them- • Double roof system acts as cooling element which provides shade
selves, therefore the people was included in the process from the and reduces the acoustic interference between the classrooms.
beginning. In both school and teachers’ houses the ventilation is achieved by
spacious gaps in the gable end walls.
CONDITIONS OF SITE
Gando is a village of 2,500 people in whousually live together in multi- STRUCTURE SYSTEMS:
generation houses. The village is in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest • Double roof system. The lower roof was made with BTC-bricks
countries in West Africa. Climatically there are 2 seasons: a dry season (more compression strength by adding a small amount of cement).
from November until June and a short rainy season from July to Octo- Local citizens made bricks with a mechanical press and placed
ber. them over a steel mesh connected with concrete roof’s beams. In
the second School they improved upon this method with a para-
bolic roof that makes bricks work better under compression.
• The walls are made of common clay bricks with exterior buttresses
to resist lateral loads.
• Beams over windows, to support roof substructure
• Foundation consists of concrete and the upper part of big stones.



The roof consists of corrugated metal and is raised from the interior
roof by steel truss. This allows air circulation between roofs, protects
the clay building, and gives shade to the large exterior area.

• The first school serves children not only from Gando, but also
students from surrounding villages. Everything was made by local
Lightweight steel elements of the Local irrigation system.
people, who were trained to use handsaws and welding machines.
roof were assembled onsite, sav-
• Professional contribution was utilized only in the design; a local
ing on logistical costs.
architect took the initiative to assist in the design process.
MATERIALS • Community members were involved since the beginning of con-
Clay, Corrugated Metal Sheets, Concrete struction. It was a cooperative effort and served as an example for
two nearby villages which also built their schools through commu-
SERVICES: nity effort.
Instead of watering the plant two times a day, they devised an innova-
tive system which uses local clay pottery full of water, with a hole in the
bottom of the pot. That provides a continuous irrigation directly to the
USER RESPONSE
ground, in order to prevent evaporation. The clay pots need to be filled
just once a week. WHO ARE THE USERS?
500 pupils, and 6 teachers’ families.
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
IMPACT / RESPONSE
1 complete school building for 400 pupils 70,000 USD
Skills learned were applied to further initiatives in the village and else-
where. The local authorities recognized the project’s worth and con-
tinue to support it with teaching staff, as well as employ people trained
during the school’s construction for the town’s public projects.



1.1.5 DRUK WHITE LOTUS SCHOOL


DRUK WHITE LOTUS SCHOOL DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
• PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING. The tombe wall system is painted
LOCATION black and the south-facing facades are double glazed to gather the
La-Dakh, Northern India sun’s energy. Granite and mud walls have high thermal inertia to
store gained heat.
AUTHOR • SUPERINSULATION. The roofs are constructed of local poplar
rafters, willow sheathing topped with mud and rock wool and felt
OVE ARUP & PARTNERS insulation. The weather skin is sand and aluminum sheets.
LINKS / REFERENCES • AIR LOCKS. Entries to classroom buildings are all air locks to act as
HTTP://WWW.DWLS.ORG/ a buffer between winter cold and warm interiors.
HTTP://WWW.ARUP.COM/PROJECTS/DRUK_WHITE_LOTUS_SCHOOL.ASPX • DAYLIGHTING. The classrooms are designed for optimum daylight.
In the wider Nursery and Kindergarten Building, light from direct
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS solar-gain windows is balanced by toplighting from north- and
south-facing clerestories and a splayed ceiling. Typically, electric
HIS HOLINESS GYALWANG DRUKPA
lighting is not necessary in the classrooms.
DRUKPA TRUST, A UK-REGISTERED CHARITY
• NATURAL VENTILATION. All the rooms have well-shaded operable
DRUK PADMA KARPO EDUCATION SOCIETY
windows that allow natural cross-ventilation which provides a cool
and glare-free high-quality teaching environment.
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION • MIGRATION. Courtyards between classroom buildings are sub-
divided into smaller spaces appropriate for teaching during mild
The school was started at the request of the people of Ladakh who sunny days. Buildings and trees provide shade and wind protection
wanted a school that would help maintain their rich cultural traditions, to these spaces.
based on Tibetan Buddhism, while equipping their children for a life in
the 21st century. The masterplan and school buildings combine local
building techniques and materials with leading edge environmental TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
design to make them effective in the extreme climate.
CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE:
• The goal for the school was to import no energy, maximize solar
potential of the high desert, and supply and treat all water on site.
CONDITIONS OF SITE
The Leh Valley is in Northern India near Cashmere, between two of STRUCTURE SYSTEMS:
the tallest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas. High altitude • Trombe walls made of ventilated mud brick and granite cavity walls
dessert of about 3,500m with strong sun exposure despite biting cold with double glazing
temperatures. The area is remote: the main road linking Ladakh with • Timber portal frames to resist earthquake loads
the rest of India is cut off by snow for at least half of each year. • Timber roof structure with steel plate connections to provide large
clear spans



ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
Built Area: 1,240 sqm
Cost: USD 424,810
MATERIALS:
• Solid granite blocks (used for the outer wall) from stone found on
or adjacent to the site. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Inner walls are made of local mud brick, forming cavity walls for
• Local construction techniques were employed, maximizing the po-
significantly improved insulation and high durability.
tential of local community involvement.
• The roof is of a traditional Ladakhi mud construction, including
• Tourists worked along side local community in construction.
poplar and willow from local monastery plantations, and provides
good protection from the cold.
USER RESPONSE
SERVICES:
• SOLAR VIP TOILET. These waterless ventilated improved pit toilets WHO ARE THE USERS?
were designed to use solar-assisted stack ventilators to help create 750 pupils from nursery age to 18 years old
odorless compost which is an excellent fertilizer.
• SOLAR ENERGY. It uses an initial installation of 9 kWp of PV panels, IMPACT / RESPONSE
which also act as external shading devices for three of the school • The school is concieved as a model for appropriate and sustainable
buildings. The PV installation was 60% funded by Arup Associates, development in Ladak.
who used this project to offset their carbon footprint for 2007. • It won World Architecture Awards in 2002 as Best Education
Building of the Year, Best Green Building of the Year (joint winner),
and Regional Winner—Asia



1.1.6 TEKSING BAMBOOWOOD SCHOOL
PROJECT NAME TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
TEKSING BAMBOOWOOD SCHOOL
MATERIALS
LOCATION Because of the remoteness of site, the design tries to avoid using foreign
Teksing, Nepal construction materials. All materials are local and “vernacular” for practical
reasons and to raise appreciation for the traditional architecture.
AUTHOR Concrete: Typically used for foundation (poured over stones, forms
basment and floor of current school buildings. However, cement has to be
DESIGN TEAM: PETR KOSTNER, MARTINA SOBOTKOVÁ AND SOŇA
imported from the city so the builders avoided using it. Instead, hewn stone
HUBEROVÁ
flooring was laid into sand or clay bed. Concrete ring beams can be replaced
with linear members made of bamboo or wood.
LINKS / REFERENCES
Stone: Usually used for masonry walls. Stone was accessible locally from
HTTP://TECH.NEPALKO.INFO/2009/07/OPEN-ARCHITECTURE- nearby landslides.
CHALLENGE-FINALISTS-ANNOUNCED/ Rammed earth: Rammed earth, along with cob walling, is a traditional way
HTTP://OPENARCHITECTURENETWORK.ORG/PROJECTS/4064 of construction in Nepal. The result is very durable, has good load-bearing
capacity, and is a good alternative to stone masonry since dirt is more
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS readily available than stone. However, rammed earth is highly susceptible to
ORIENT GLOBAL corrosion when wet or untreated so the walls are only situated in areas that
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY are shielded from the rain.
Bamboo: Bamboo is an indigenous plant and is sustainable since it grows
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION quickly. Bamboo is very lightweight and flexible as well as strong in tension.
Wood: Not widespead, but some random patches of trees grow on the site
Teksing Primary School is an expansion of an existing building that needed
and were used in construction. Reed grass was also considered since it is
more space and more teachers. The school is large enough for 40-50
traditional in Nepal construction; however, it has a shorter lifespan than wood
students per class. By enlarging the classes and providing education up
and is highly flammable.
to Year 10, the school strives to help limit the rural-to-urban migration. By
Corrugated iron: In recent years, traditional grass roofing has been
inforcing education and pride in the local town, the school will become an
replaced by corrugated metal, even though it is an imported material. It is
example to other rural communities in Nepal.
quick to mount and can also be used as formwork for rammed walls. Gravel
and grass is still placed over metal roof to reduce the noise distraction when
CONDITIONS OF SITE
it rains. Steel was considered, but imported steel is highly dependent on
Teksing is in a remote location and has no access to a power grid or water political stability.
source. The topography is rough and the climate is subtropical; long, hot
summers and high humidity and mild rainy seasons. SERVICES
Without water, a power supply, or access to any efficient fuel resources, the
DESIGN ASSESSMENT school embraces a “zero technology” philosophy. The school only operates
DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES during the daytime so there is no need for artificial lighting.
• The vernacular architecture of Nepal, including material, construc-
tion, typology, etc. were studied in the initial design phases as a
starting point. The architects then tried to re-think certain ele-
ments of vernacular principles to increase the quality and comfort
of the school environment.
PROGRAM
• Education Facility - Secondary School



The village has no professional
craftsman since everyone must
know to repair one’s own home. This
project took advantage of enlisting
everyone’s help for maximum
local community participation,
sustainability, and affordability.

USER RESPONSE
WHO ARE THE USERS?
300 students (ages ~ 12-16) and
teachers

IMPACT / RESPONSE
Although not yet built, the Teksing
School has attracted a lot of atten-
tion due to its status as a finalist in
Open Architecture Competitions:
Classroom. The designers hope that
this school can be a prototype for
other schools in the area, and pre-
vent education from suffering in rural
regions of Nepal.



1.1.7 NADUKUPPAM COLONY WOMEN’S CENTER AND BALWADI
NADUKUPPAM COLONY WOMEN’S CENTER AND BALWADI (NCWCB) DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION The building is 40 square meters; enough for a small meeting place
but still adherent to the small budget. An older building existed ad-
Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India jacent to the new building, and it was included into the design as a
restoration project. To maximize sustainability and minimize costs,
AUTHOR the building uses passive technology and locally available materials.
ARCHITECT: PURNIMA MCCUTCHEON Specific features include:
PROJECT AND COMMUNITY COORDINATORS: PITCHANDIKULAM BIO
RESOURCE CENTER CSEB: The building is primarily constructed using CSEBs (Compressed
Stabilized Earth Bricks). Local workers use a manual press to compress raw
LINKS / REFERENCES soil with stabilizers to create the bricks, which have a curing time of 4 weeks.
CSEBs are biodegradable, nonpolluting, made from local material, and a
good source of thermal massing in cold weather.
HTTP://ARCHITECTUREFORHUMANITY.ORG/ NODE/838
NATURAL VENTILATION AND LIGHT: a lofted, mangalore terracotta tile
roof over the Balwadi is similar to a gable roof. It is multi-level and split at the
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS ridge with a protected opening to let in indirect light and air for ventilation.
ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY
FENESTRATIONS: the windows are secured with grills and have metal
screens for light and air can enter, while insects cannot.

HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION TOILETS: a toilet for the teachers and adults is provided and adjacent,
another toilet exists for the children. Shaded by bamboo and a low wall,
The aim of this project was to provide a place for: a local association, called
the toilet is a necessity and an opportunity for education about personal
the Women’s Self Help Group; a training center for women empowerment;
hygiene.
and a day-care center for children. The community realized that this
building could hold a significant amount of meaning, and they placed a lot
OUTDOOR MEETING SPACE: large stones were laid flat over compacted soil
of attention on developing other programs that the building could facilitate,
to create an outdoor shelter, shaded by a bamboo roof. The space is soothing
such as support groups, town meetings, literacy classes, etc.
and comforting and can be used except in very wet weather.

CONDITIONS OF SITE PROGRAM
The building is divided into 3 areas, based upon the programmed uses:
Auroville is located in the north-east region of India, in the state of Tamil 1. Southern Entry Area: includes the covered space and the
Nadu. It was founded in 1968 and has a population of around 2,000 people. renovated storage room.
The site is adjacent to a large banyan tree, perfect for shade in the hot 2. Central Multipurpose Hall: a space for creative play, focused
sun. The climate is tropical: hot with a monsoon season from October to in an interaction between learning and productivity.
December. 3. Northern playground, courts, and toilets.



• A labor team of 25 was hired. An additional labor team of 20 was hired to
produce the CSEBs (Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks). These ma-
sons not only gained valuable skills and received payment, but now earn
DETAILED IMAGE OF THE ROOF a consistent income with acquired skills and teach them to others as far
(SHOWS CORRUGATED DECKING, WOODEN away as Chennai city (160 kilometers away).
FRAME, AND CSEB WALL WITH • The balwadi strives to generate income through facilitating direct low
GAPS FOR AIR VENTILATION
interest loans from the State Bank, training in medicinal plant use and
AND LIGHT PENETRATION.
cultivation, organic farming principles, health and hygiene awareness,
and family planning. Several classes for adults are hosted at the NCWCB
including tailoring courses, nursery training, and local investment in
ecologically sustainable initiatives. Education combined with vocational
training generates income and enforces economic self-sufficiency.

STRUCTURE SYSTEMS USER RESPONSE
• The clay roof tiles are supported by a wood frame, corrugated decking, WHO ARE THE USERS? INTENDED AND UNINTENDED:
and masonry columns. Balwadi: 30 children, 11 boys and 19 girls, ages 3 to 5 years (daily)
• Masonry (CSEB) walls are self-supporting and allow for large windows WSHG members: 20 women, 24-40 years old (3 times a week)
spaces for natural lighting. 40 WSHG Federation members, married women, ages 25-50 (once a month)
25 Children’s Parliament members, children ages 11 to 14 (once or 2 times a
MATERIALS month)
Compressed mud bricks, tile flooring, clay roof tiles, timber framing, 50 Community members, male and female, all ages (once a month)
recycled glass mosaic, bamboo trills with coir connections, stone taken from 1 Literacy teacher, male, age 30
the site, and CSEBs (Compressed Stabilized Earth Bricks). 1 Balwadi teacher, female, age 30

IMPACT / RESPONSE
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT Overall, the aim of the project is women empowerment. Furthermore, the
1 complete school building for $ 5,436 community has been strengthened and many local workers have benefitted
from the training that the NCWCB now supplies.



1.1.8 METI - HANDMADE SCHOOL
METI – HANDMADE SCHOOL DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION • The school is two stories. The ground floor is dimly lit, with earthen
caves and tunnels that create intimate spaces for the children. The
Rudrapur, Dinajpur district, Bangladesh
second floor is open, airy, with bamboo shutters that let in plenty of
natural light. The second floor is malleable and is often divided into
AUTHOR two or three seperate classroom spaces.
DESIGN / CONCEPT: Anna Heringer • These “caves” become an interface between the inside and outside
TECHNICAL, DETAILED PLANNING: Anna Heringer and Eike Roswag and are crucial to the development of children’s sense of space
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Dr. Christof Ziegert, Uwe Seiler and exploration.
CONSULTING, BUILDING SUPERVISION AND TRAINING OF WORK- • Footprint: 275 m2
ERS IN BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION: Emmanuel Heringer (basket • Floor area: 325 m2
weaver and carpenter) and Stephanie Haider (blacksmith)
LINKS / REFERENCES PROGRAM
• Primary School / Business Cooperation
HTTP://WWW.ANNA-HERINGER.COM/
HTTP://WWW.METI-SCHOOL.DE/DATEN/ENTWICKLUNG_E.HTM
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS

Dipshikha/ METI (Modern Education and Training Institute)
Bangladesh in cooperation with Partnerschaft Shanti – Bangladesh and the
Kindermissionswerk Aachen

Rudrapur lies in the north of the most densely populated country on
PLAN AND SECTION SHOWING CAVE AND TUNNEL SPACES.
the earth. Poverty and lack of infrastructure drive many people from the
countryside into the cities. The local NGO Dipshikha attempts to follow
new paths with its development program: the intention is to give the rural
population perspectives and to help people learn about the value of the
village in all its complexity. Part of this is a special school concept that
instills in its students self-confidence and independence with the aim of
strengthening their sense of identity.

CONDITIONS OF SITE

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries on Earth. Each
year, large amounts of agricultural land is lost to development. This school IN MANY INSTANCES, BAMBOO IS MORE APPROPRIATE THAN WOOD OR
aims to preserve local building techniques (use of bamboo and loom) as well STEEL. IT IS EXTREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT AND HAS A HIGH ELASTICITY AND TENSILE
as preserve the strong ecological aspect of the vilage. RESISTANCE. ESPECIALLY IN TROPICAL CLIMATES, WHERE MOISTURE
IN BANGLADESH, A STRONG CONTRAST EXISTS BETWEEN URBAN AND PLAYS A BIG ROLE, BAMBOO’S BENDING AND SHEARING PROPERTIES
RURAL LIFE MAKE IT VERY USEFUL. (TOTAL OF 2300 BAMBOO STICKS USED!)



CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE
• Thick, flowing sharis fabric line the doors of the ground floor. They keep
out critters and heat but let in a nice breeze to allow for air circulation.
• The school is elevated off the ground to prevent any flooding during the
rain season, and rain water is collected from the roof.
• A vertical garden facade shades the openings in the walls and also pro-
tect the earthen walls from erosions. While being an interactive learning
surface for the children, it also helps reduce the indoor temperature
through evaporation and helps create cleaner air.

STRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Foundation and walls are made of Earth through a process called cobwalling
or “Wellerbau”. Wet earth is mixed with straw and applied to a wall in layers.
Each layer is dried and trimmed to create a regular, flat wall surface. The
Earth from this area is well suited for this process and can be made more
stable with the addition of more straw, rice, or jute.
The ceiling is comprised of three layers of bamboo poles arranged
perpendicularly to each other with bamboo boards and earth for the flooring. • Construction period: 6 months (September to December 2005, March to
The frame construction of the walls and roof are layers of bound together April 2006)
bamboo poles (acts as beams), vertical bamboo posts and diagonal bamboo • Construction team was roughly fifty percent professional (from Austria/
members. The joints are made with nylon lashing and steel pins. Germany) and fifty percent local.

MATERIALS
Strong emphasis on local materials to reinforce socio-cultural pride: Earth, USER RESPONSE
straw, bamboo sticks, nylon lashing, and sharis (fabric).
WHO ARE THE USERS? INTENDED AND UNINTENDED:
500 pupils, parents, faculty, and various business co-operations.

IMPACT / RESPONSE
“Architecture is a tool to improve lives.
ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT The vision behind, and motivation for my work is to explore and use archi-
tecture as a medium to strengthen cultural and individual confidence, to
Donations are asked for in the following ways: support local economies and to foster the ecological balance. Joyful living
10 Euros = 1 tree is a creative and active process and I am deeply interested in the sustainable
20 Euros / month = Scholarship for a student development of our society and our architecture. For me, sustainability is
70 Euros = Further education course for a teacher a synonym for beauty: a building that is harmonious in its design, structure,
150 Euros = training for an unemployed person to give them a perspective technique and use of materials, as well as with the location, the environment,
and skills needed for the future the user, the socio-cultural context. This, for me, is what defines its sustain-
able and aesthetic value.”
Total Cost = $22,835
Anna Heringer



1.1.9 DWABOR KINDERGARTEN
DWABOR KINDERGARTEN DESIGN CONCEPTS, STRATEGIES AND FEATURES
LOCATION • The Dwabor kindergarten is a modular, scalable design in hopes to be-
come a prototype design.
Ghana, Africa
• While located in a hot climate, the building is focused on maximizing
daylight and ventilation while minimizing heat and noise to allow for a
AUTHOR comfortable learning environment.
ARCHITECT: ARUP, DAVID LANGDON • Local and sustainable materials are implemented whenever possible.
A-KON CONSULTANTS (GHANA) • The metal roof collects rainwater for reuse. Coconut husks line the inside
ATELIER (GHANA) to reduce noise from rain.
• Colorful slatted bamboo windows pivot to let in light and air, without any
LINKS / REFERENCES glare.
• Soil-stabilized blocks were used for the walls: proven to be stronger than
HTTP://WWW.ARUP.COM/PROJECTS/DWABOR_KINDERGARTEN.ASPX concrete blocks. Pozzolana made from fired palm kernels replaced Port-
land cement, reducing cost and environmental impact.
• Outdoor classrooms transform the natural environment into a teaching
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS aid for children.

SABRE CHARITABLE TRUST (A SMALL CHARITY WORKING TO IMPROVE PROGRAM
EDUCATION PROVISION IN THE KEEA DISTRICT OF GHANA) IN • Kindergarten school: flexible inside space for activity-based learning and
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MUNICIPAL EDUCATION OFFICE learning through play as well as “outdoor classrooms”.

Designed for a remote region of Ghana, the structure is modular and
scalable to serve as a prototype for 30 or more schools in the district. Arup,
symbolically, hoped to establish a strong sense of community involvement
so that the school would be innovative, sustainable, but also site-specific and
contextually intimate.

A NORTH-SOUTH
ORIENTATION IS KEY TO
MINIMIZE THE INTENSITY
OF THE HOT GHANA SUN.



COMMUNITY MEMBERS HELPING NATURAL LIGHT AND AN OPEN, AIRY
WITH SITE EXCAVATION AND THE FORM SPACE IS IDEAL FOR THE
WORK FOR THE FOUNDATION. CLASSROOM SETTING.


Jo da Silva, Arup’s head of international development, comments:
“With the input of local people, we’ve created a model which
can be adapted throughout the region to vastly improve access to
education. The project demonstrates how global design expertise
and local knowledge can combine to change the lives of this and
future generations.”

ABOVE: IMAGES SHOWING THE TREES CUT DOWN DURING SITE
PIVOTING BAMBOO WINDOWS. PREPARATION WERE CUT IN TO SECTIONS
LEFT: HARVESTED BAMBOO, READY TO BE AND USED TO MAKE A PLAYFUL WALKWAY.
ASSEMBLED BY LOCAL LABORERS.



1.1.10 THE YELLOW SUBMARINE
THE YELLOW SUBMARINE
LOCATION
Tongo, Segou, Mali

AUTHOR
ARCHITECT: MARY ALTHOFF, AND ARCHITECT FOR PEACE CORPS
VOLUNTEERS.

LINKS / REFERENCES
HTTP://OPENARCHITECTURENETWORK.ORG/PROJECTS/
TONGOSCHOOL
HTTP://WWW.MARYALTHOFF.COM/TONGOSCHOOL.HTML
HTTP://MARY-IN-MALI.BLOGSPOT.COM/
HTTP://ARCHITECTAFRICA.COM/MALI-SCHOOL-IN-TONGO


This project emphasises the collaboration between Peace Corps volunteers
and the local community as they serve to construct a new 6-room
schoolhouse for the village of Tongo, Mali.

CONDITIONS OF SITE

Tongo is a small village located 50 kilometers southeast of Segou in Mali.
The population is less than a thousand inhabitants, made up primarily of the
Bambara ethnic group. There is no electricity or running water in the area
and most families survive on a small income from subsistence farming of
millet, corn, and peanuts. The West African climate has two seasons: a dry
season and a wet season. The wet season consists of an average of 500 mm
per year, but more importantly, monsoons affect the area. The Harmattan, or
the West African trade wind across the Sahara and in to the Gulf of Guinea,
is dangerous and comparible to a dense fog since it picks up and carries fine
dust and sand particles.

ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT
1,800 square feet complete school building = 35,000 USD



EARTH BRICK WALL IN ABOVE, MOVING CLOCKWISE:
CONSTRUCTION WITH GAPS. SLATTED WINDOWS THAT CAN BE CLOSED
OR PROPPED TO ALLOW FOR MORE
LIGHT AND AIR CIRCULATION. FRONT
TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT FACADE WITH EARTH BRICKS AND
CIRCULAR VOIDS FOR THE WINDOWS.
CLIMATIC PERFORMANCE SEMI ENCLOSED AREA WITH A BENCH FOR
• On top of each wall, a gap between the roof and the top block allows PLAY WHEN ITS TOO HOT IN THE SUN.
cross ventilation inside the space.
• The roof is sloped sufficiently enough to collect rainwater. BOTTOM: THE CISTERN, CONNECTED
TO THE SLOPED ROOF FOR STORING
• Circular windows can be propped open to increase air circulation.
RAINWATER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
• Walls are constructed of earth blocks, and some are constructed with
gaps to allow light penetration and interface with the outside.
SERVICES
• The harvest rainwater system allows for the storage of water in two yellow
cisterns (tanks), inspiring the name for this school. In the dry season, the
garden is irrigated with collected water.
MATERIALS
• Compressed earth bricks (for walls and foundation) were made by using a
manual press machine
• Corrugated metal sheets (used for roof)
• Steel truss (Used for roof)
• Reinforced concrete for the columns



1.1.11 CASE STUDY: GHANA SCHOOL LIBRARY INITIATIVE
PROJECT NAME Student from Engineers Without Bor-
GHANA SCHOOL LIBRARY INITIATIVE ders, Princeton Chapter Team, during a
visit to the site.
LOCATION
Accra, Ghana

AUTHOR
ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY CHAPTER

LINKS / REFERENCES
HTTP://WWW.DOSOMETHING.ORG/PROJECT/THE-GHANA-SCHOOL-
DESIGN ASSESSMENT
LIBRARY-INITIATIVE
HTTP://WWW.PRINCETON.EDU/~EWB/GHANA_FILES/GHANA%20 • The design of the structure is fairly simple. It is based on a simple
SCHOOL%20LIBRARY%20INITIATIVE%20-%20FULL%20PROPOSAL. column grid, and gabled roof and a series of trusses as structure.
PDF PROGRAM
SUPPORTING FOUNDATIONS • The school/library is intended to broaden students’ knowledge of
English language fluency and literacy. Also, it is meant to help stu-
Asheshi University College dents associate themselves with technology, computers, and the
Osu Children’s Library Fund internet. The library will have a collection of 1000 English books,
Volta Realty supplemented by 20-25 computers.
HISTORY / BRIEF DESCRIPTION • Why a library? The Engineers without Borders team believes it is a
cost-effective tool toward improving literacy and reducing poverty.
For the last 16 years, Ghana has “enjoyed a strong democratic government
• The design of the school emphasizes the use of computers. The
and a growing economy”. However, the Engineers Without Borders team
team believes that computers will reduce the number of books the
fears that this could be “dimmed” if its education system isn’t strengthened.
Only 72% of children attend primary school, 60% of school teachers
library holds by providing digitally accessible books. This provides
are trained, and there is a lack of access to computers and information the opportunity to reduce environmental expenses and space, thus
technology. In response, the team came up with a proposal for a School the building itself may be smaller and more simply supported.
Library Initiative that will focus on English language fluency and digital
literacy.

”…they must gain improved
English-and computer lit-
eracy skills. By intervening
in the education of these chil-
dren early, EWB-Princeton
believes that we can make
definite improvements in their
livelihoods for the future.”



SERVICES
Buildings are usually constructed of concrete blocks and have 6” to 12”
thick walls. Natural light and ventilation reduced need for electricity. For
computers, energy usage would come from hydropower (95% of Ghana’s
electricity production)

MATERIALS
Louvered windows, ceramic floors, fiber cement roof. Block walls made of
laterite clay with 5% concrete mixed in.

POZZOGHANA
One of the most interesting features of this project is the innovative use of
material for its foundation. The Engineeers Without Borders Team decided
to use a different material to reduce cost: Pozzoghana. Pozzoghana was
engineered because of rising costs for importation of portland cement. It
was developed by architects Stephen Kanner and Joe Ado (from Ghana) and
tested in a twenty-year effort. It is a variation of pozzolana ash that stretches
the use of a portland cement bag up to 30%. It is comprised of clay soil from
the construction site, topsil (which does not require strip mining), palm tree
kernal caps (waste from palm oil production). The installation and pouring of
pozzoghana is very similar to pozzolana. However, its components make it a
very efficient alternative to aid in the building’s sustainability.



1.2.1 TEDDY BEAR CRÉCHE

AUTHOR University of Art, Linz

LOCATION Orange Farm, South Africa

YEAR 2006

USERS
• 3 teachers
• 1 gardener
• 1 cook
• 150 children

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Teddy Bear Creche was built in 2006 at a time when there was very little
growth on the land surrounding the area. The site is subject to harsh winds
and storms.

PROJECT COST
The project cost is unknown. Since the University of Art, Linz, was unable
to raise enough funds to construct the office and sickbay area, Thembi - the
headmaster of the creche - stepped in to raise funds to complete the rest of
the building on her own with the help of the community.

DONORS + SPONSORS
(Unknown)

COMMUNITY AND LABOR
During this project, there were about 20 unskilled laborers from the
community and an additional 20 students from the university. This generated
exchange and the community volunteer laborers obtained a certificate at the
end of the project.

TOP VIEW OF THE NORTH-FACING BOTTOM-LEFT VIEW OF THE TWO
BUILDING. THE PINK BUILDING IS THE STRUCTURES WITH OUTDOOR AREA
EXTENSION FOR WHICH BOTTOM-RIGHT NORTH ELEVATION
THEMBI RAISED FUNDS. DEFINING THE EXTENSION BUILDING ON
THE RIGHT.



MATERIALS NOTABLE MATERIALS

• Concrete Floor EARTH WALL COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
• Concrete bricks AVAILABILITY TRANSPORTATION WITH CHILDREN CULTURE
• Compacted Clay and Gravel
Soil and gravel is relatively Cost of transportation The wall is durable The wall is non-toxic. Locally found material. The reddish brown color
Wall cheap. Soil is obtained of gravel needs to be when it is not exposed However, children tend to Using soil from site of the clay with the gravel
• Corrugated Tin Sheets from site excavation covered. However, soil to water or suffer from pick the gravel out of the reduces energy mix can create warm
• Sealed Timber reducing logistical cost. mix can be obtained on water infiltration due walls. This can be easily for production and pleasant spaces. With an
• Plaster site from excavations. to leakages. The wall overcome if the clay part transportation. innovative gravel mix, the
• Steel Brace Cables is relatively easy to was out of reach. clay-gravel wall does not
• Fiber Glass Insulation maintain. look like a mud hut.
• Canvas
• Steel Security Doors with Bars
• Used Tires CONCRETE BRICKS COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
• Metal Window Grilles AVAILABILITY TRANSPORTATION WITH CHILDREN CULTURE
• Glass Window with Wood Frame
Easily available. Local Depending on the source, Highly durable if con- It is not usually compat- It is not a green product. They can be appealing
• PVC pipes for windows
laborers are familiar with cost may vary. Because of structed properly. It will ible because of the water Its low cost and efficient when employed appro-
• IBR sheets masonry construction. high availability, cost will require good mortar and soluble composition. It construction can allow for priately. Although it is
be low. It is easily trans- proper masonry skills. can be used for external more innovations. More associated with the RDP
portable because of its purposes. sustainable variations of or public structures, it is
size and modular forms. masonry can also be used. accepted as a permanent
and solid structure.

CANVAS ROOF COVER COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
AVAILABILITY TRANSPORTATION WITH CHILDREN CULTURE
Commonly found. It is easily transportable. Canvas is fairly durable. It It is non-toxic and gives Light-weight material and (none)
is also easily replaceable soft texture to spaces. can be used for venti-
when broken. lation purposes while
defininf space.

CANVAS ROOF COVER PIPE FOR WINDOW CONNECTION DETAILS



DESIGN ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM / CLASSROOMS KITCHEN ABLUTIONS OFFICE + PLAY SCAPE /
PERFORMANCE SICK BAY LANDSCAPE
DESIGN There is adequate space The kitchen was built after Toilet is spearated into boy Office space was built by The playscape is one of
/ AESTHETICS for classroom activities. the university. It is a cor- (blue), girl (red) and adult or the community and Thembi, the most engaging. The
/ CHILDREN Different colored doors rugated metal shack that staff (yellow). It is at the back the headmaster. An internal used tyres interact with the
/ MATERIAL USE denote classrooms. They are lacks proper ventilaiton and of the builiding facing East, window from the office to children very well. They also
conventional rectangular lighting. separated from other class- the classroom, allows her to use it to roll around and for
spaces. rooms for hygenic reasons. oversee ongoing activities. competitive races.
SUSTAINABILITY The classtooms on the The temperature inside the Toilet uses conventional (conventional) There is little vegetation
/ CLIMATIC northside can open to the kitchen gets really hot espe- Water Closet flush toilets. and shade in the play scape.
/ VENTILATION outdoors and receive a cially in hot and sunny days. Conventional toilets uses up The vegetable garden grows
/ ECOLOGICAL good amount of sunlight. lots of water and may not be spinach and olives but it
The southern classrooms sustainable. does not receive enough
get really cold in the winter sunlight being on the South
because it is shaded. side.
FUNCTIONALITY Classrooms lack storage There is not enough room There are 8 children toilets During hot sunny days,
/ STORAGE spaces in general. There is a for the large pots in the total, 7 sinks and 1 adult toi- children prefer to stand by
/ USER RESPONSE separate food and computer kitchen. Because it is lower let. It has adequate capacity. the shade or hide under the
storage area that required than the other buildins, water shaded parking area.
extra security. This resulted also comes in to the kitchen
in the loss of clasroom during rain.
space.



BUILDING SYSTEMS FEATURES

BUILDING DESCRIPTION
CONSTRUCTION + DESIGN
SYSTEM • Cross-bracing of timber frame keeps structure in place during storms
• Canvas covers double roof system to prevent birds
FOUNDATION Reinforced concrete, slab-on, grade foundation
The surrounding site is covered in gravel

WALL SYSTEMS / Mainly conventional concrete masonry bricks ISSUES
ENVELOPE Compacted clay-gravel wall system for aesthetics • The school enrolled more than 80 children due to high demand
FLOORS Sealed concrete floors and compromised the productivity of the classroom spaces.
• Children picked at the gravel of the wall, eroding materials and
ROOF SYSTEM Simple timber truss system with corrugated tin compromising integrity
Canvas material covers double-roof system • Not enough money was raised for the school - kitchen and office
CEILING Some ceiling is bare corrugated metal spaces were compromised first
In classrooms, ceiling is covered with plywood • Rainwater was not channeled to stormwater pipe and leaves sur-
rounding site wet during rain
INSULATION There are no envelope insulation • Parallel layout of buildings copromise solar access of southern
Fiber glass wool insulation on the roof building
WINDOWS Windows are on the N-S side for ventilation • Lack of shade in outdoor spaces
Little light comes into the office and classroom

DOORS Colored wooden doors
POTENTIAL STRATEGIES
Additional steel security doors are required for external doors • Canvas is a great material to prevent birds from nesting in the dou-
ble roof structure.It provides shade, ventilation, and is lightweight
PLUMBING Standard toilets and sinks with PVC pipe connected to and durable
main water line and sewage line
• Corrugated tin can be a wall system, creating more material palette
LIGHTING Standard fluorescent tubes or bulbs for wall design
Daylighting is low, especially on South classroom • Create spaces where children can hang their bags and put on their
shoes
FINISHING Paint over plastered concrete walls
• Generate outdoor spaces that are shaded - through vegetation or
Wood veneers on plywood ceiling
through large overhangs which blend indoor and outdoor spaces



1.2.4 EMMANUEL DAY CARE CENTER

AUTHOR Technical University of BUILDING SYSTEMS:
Vienna
YEAR 2006 BUILDING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
WEBSITE http://twoday.tuwien. FOUNDATION • Reinforced concrete, slab-on-grade foundation
ac.at/emmanueldaycare • The surrounding site is covered in gravel
LOCATION Orange Farm WALL SYSTEMS / • Corrugated metal cladding with plywood panels
STAFF AND STUDENTS ENVELOPE • Wood horizontal strip cladding that becomes brise
• 3 teachers soleil in some parts of the building
• 1 security FLOORS • Sealed concrete floors and floor carpets
• 1 gardener
• 1 cook ROOF SYSTEM • Timber frame system with corrugated metal
• 100 children sheeting
• Ventilation cut-outs on corrugated metal
PROJECT DESCRIPTION CEILING • Ceilings are covered with plywood panels
Emmanuel Day Care Center - an
entirely new facility replaced a pre- INSULATION • Vapor barrier
fabricated shack to accommodate
many more children, with adequate WINDOWS • There are a number of operable windows
play and sleep areas. • Large, inoperable corner windows allow for day-
lighting without the need for clerestories
PROJECT COST DOORS • Sliding patio doors open to the semi-outdoor
The project cost is unknown. After space and corridor
construction, the school was facing PLUMBING • Standard toilets and sinks with PVC pipe
financial difficulties. Fortunately in connected to main water line and sewage line
recent years, Hollard Insurance has LIGHTING • Daylighting performance is adequate
adopted the facility and finances the • Standard fluorescent tubes where/when needed
maintenance. FINISHING • Plywood finish for interiors
• Exterior paint is done annually by Hollard Insur-
DONORS AND SPONSORS ance as part of their CSR program
Hollard Insurance

COMMUNITY AND LABOR
(Unknown)

TOP
THE MAIN CLASSROOM
WITH A MEZZANINE

BOTTOM LEFT
VIEW OF THE CORRIDOR WITH
BUILT-IN SEATING BY THE WALL

BOTTOM RIGHT
EASTERN BUILDING WITH BRIE
SOLEIL INTO THE PLAY ROOM



NOTABLE MATERIALS
CORRUGATED METAL SHEETS
COST / AVAILABILITY COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY WITH SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
TRANSPORTATION CHILDREN CULTURAL SYMBOLISM
Corrugated metal is Transportation cost is low With proper detailing, Proper detailing should It is not ecologically sus- When used creatively
widely available. They are because of its high avail- corrugated metal sheets prevent sharp edges of the tainable per se. However, as roof or cladding, it
sometimes sold in the lo- ability can last a long time. It has metal sheets from endan- it is a material that can can produce impressive
cal market pre-fabricated to be painted and main- gering children. support small local busi- results. Be wary of its as-
and made ready for shacks tained. However, it is easily nesses. sociations with shacks and
or homemade extensions replaceable poverty.

CONCRETE BRICKS
Easily available. Local Depending on the source, Highly durable if con- It is not usually compat- It is not a green product. They can be appealing
laborers are familiar with cost may vary. Because of structed properly. It will ible because of the water Its low cost and efficient when employed appro-
masonry construction. high availability, cost will require good mortar and soluble composition. It construction can allow for priately. Although it is
be low. It is easily trans- proper masonry skills. can be used for external more innovations. More associated with the RDP
portable because of its purposes. sustainable variations of or public structures, it is
size and modular forms. masonry can also be used. accepted as a permanent
and solid structure.

CANVAS ROOF COVER
Commonly found. It is easily transportable. Canvas is fairly durable. It It is non-toxic and gives Light-weight material and (none)
is also easily replaceable soft texture to spaces. can be used for ventilation
when broken. purposes while defininf
space.

MATERIALS:
Concrete Floor
Plywood Panels
Corrugated Tin Sheets
Timber
LEFT
A BUILT-IN SLIDE TO FROM
Fiber Glass Insulation
A LITTLE NOOK. Transparent Corrugated Polyvinyl
Glazing
Metal Window Grilles



1.2.5 TEBOGO HOME FOR HANDICAPPED

AUTHOR University of Art, Linz
LOCATION Orange Farm Ext. 1, South Africa
YEAR 2004 - 2005
USERS
• 28 staff
• 35 students (as of 2010)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BASEhabitat and University of Art Linz were commissioned by the Tebogo
Home for Handicapped Children. The home for almost 50 children had
become too small. A group of 25 students planned and built a dining
building with a new kitchen, and a therapy building with sanitary facilities. A
TOP LEFT: View of the North-facing Building. TOP RIGHT: Images from
generously dimensioned pergola, a garden hall, connects the buildings with
construction of Tebogo Home BOTTOM LEFT: Surrounding site in Orange
each other.
Farm township BOTTOM RIGHT: Plan of the two building extension to the
Tebogo Home for Handicapped
PROJECT COST
(unknown)

DONORS + SPONSORS
SARCH Wien (Austrian NGO)

COMMUNITY AND LABOR
Local workers, particularly women, were integrated in the project. The
building materials were acquired directly from the township: concrete
blocks, earth, clay, straw, timber, grass mats.



MATERIALS NOTABLE MATERIALS
Concrete Floor STRAW BALE & EARTH COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
Concrete bricks AVAILABILITY TRANSPORTATION WITH CHILDREN CULTURE
Straw Bale and Earth Plaster
Straw Bale is relatively Cost of transportation is The strawbale and earth The wall is non-toxic. Locally found material. The wall system was
Corrugated Tin Sheets easy to find. Earth is relatively low as materials mix was not durable as because of naturally Using local soil from not well received by the
Timber (unsealed) locally dug from the can be found locally it was susceptible to found materials. However, site reduce embodied users despite winning
Wire Mesh ground. It is a free or even aruond the weathering and water earthen clay materials energy for production and an award for sustainable
Thatch Fabric product from excavation. environment. intrusion. Waterproof that cracks and break transportation. buildings. The community
Recycled Glass Bottle plaster needs to be apart into little pieces felt that the structure was
Corrugated PVC panels applied appropriately to may be potentially unfinished or temporary
prevent such issues. hazardous when as it reminded them of a
Plywood consumed. mudhut.
Glass Window with Wood Frame
PVC pipes for windows RECYCLED GLASS BOTTLE COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
Easily available. Cost of transportation can When installed appro- The colorful glass bottles Recycling of bottles can They can be appealing
be minimal. Bottles can priately - casted within can create playful lighting help reduce waste in the when employed appropri-
be collected around the concrete, the glass bottle on the wall. area. However, they are ately.
area in local shops that can last a long time. Its mostly aesthetic. They
sell drinks. shape also allows for great can provide light but not
strength. natural ventilation.

THATCH CEILING COST / COST OF DURABILITY COMPATIBILITY SUSTAINABILITY AESTHETICS /
Commonly found. It is easily transportable. Thatch is relatively dura- It is relatively fragile and It is light weight, made of Thatch fabrics and pat-
ble when kept dry. How- delicate. It should be local vegetative materi- terns are found in indig-
ever, it does not perform applied in areas where als and it also allows for enous cultures. It can
well under force. It easily children cannot come a breathable roof when be sued effectively to
breaks and punctures. into contact with it and used as a ceiling. reflect cultural relevance
potentially damaging it. while being a decorative
It can also fray to cause shading device or ceiling
injuries to the skin. material.

THATCH SHADES PLYWOOD EGG CRATE WINDOWS CONNECTION DETAILS



DESIGN ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM / CLASSROOMS KITCHEN ABLUTIONS OFFICE + PLAY SCAPE /
PERFORMANCE SICK BAY LANDSCAPE
DESIGN The classrooms were typical The kitchen is connected Standard toilet fixtures. They The office space is located The play area is donated post
/ AESTHETICS rectangular blocks adjacent to the living area defined by are required to be accessible in the older building prior to construction. It uses a tent
/ CHILDREN to one another. There is a a half-height partition and by the handicapped children. the extension structure for shade
/ MATERIAL USE lack of design in the spaces tiled walls.
with little finishing.
SUSTAINABILITY The classroom is lighted n/a n/a n/a n/a
/ CLIMATIC mostly by the large single-
/ VENTILATION pane window that creates
/ ECOLOGICAL both glare and loss of heat.

FUNCTIONALITY There is adequate daylght- Space is large enough to n/a n/a n/a
/ STORAGE ing. However, the drywall accommodate high quantity
/ USER RESPONSE ceiling does not correspond of foor preparation. There is
with the design language of ample storage space in the
the rest of the building kitchen area.



BUILDING SYSTEMS

BUILDING DESCRIPTION ISSUES
SYSTEM
• The roof structure was constructed with unsealed timber. The
FOUNDATION Reinforced concrete, slab-on, grade foundation wood deteriorated over time causing the roof to collapse.
The surrounding site covered in gravel • Large single-pane windows, which transmit adequate light, re-
WALL SYSTEMS / One building is made of straw bale and earth plaster tied sults in great loss of heat. Rooms are often too cold in the winter
ENVELOPE together and supported by wood frames. The other building and too hot in the summer.
is made of concrete blocks with plaster perforated by • Large windows are on the shorter edge of the rectangle resulting
recycled glasss bottles. in uncomfortable glare from the strong one-directional daylight
• Plywood finishes fray and warp considerably resulting in reducing
FLOORS Sealed concrete floors and tiles
structural integrity and cause hazardous
ROOF SYSTEM Prefabricated simple timber truss system with corrugated • Wire mesh is not resilient to weather, wind or bird intrusion. It is
tin. Semi outdoor spaces use corrugated PVC sheets for easily pliable.
lighting. Wire mesh used to prevent bird intrusion. • Strawbale and earth plaster is not resilient to weather conditions
such as storms and highly fluctuating temperatures. The dry
CEILING Drywall ceilings.
season cracks the earth plaster and water intrusion causes the
INSULATION Wall insulation is natural to the straw bale and earth wall timber ties to give way.
system. Fiber glass wool insulation on the roof • Community felt as if the building is unfinished because of its
aesthetics from the erathen wall as well as the structure’s lack of
WINDOWS Large windows are on the N-S orientation but on the short
edge of the rectangular building. Single-pane glass is used
integrity
throughout the building.

DOORS Standard wooden doors
POTENTIAL STRATEGIES
PLUMBING Standard toilets and sinks with PVC pipe connected to
• Use circulation spaces as effective semi-outdoor spaces
main water line and sewage line
• PVC panels can create a pleasant lighting condition for semi-
LIGHTING Standard fluorescent tubes or bulbs outdoor spaces
• Create connections to local culture by using local materials in
FINISHING Paint over plastered concrete walls
design components such as cladding


cHAPtEr 2 cIty And rEgIon

2.1.1 AT A GLANCE: SOUTH AFRICA

49.7 MILLION PEOPLE DEMOGRAPHICS ECONOMY

LIFE EXPECTANCY IN YEARS $1 U.S.D. 7 RAND
80
United States

=
South Africa

70

60

GDP PER CAPITA (PPP)
50
1992 1996 2000 2004 2008
50000

Two reasons for the decline in life expectancy in South Africa are the 40000

proliferation of AIDS and Tuberculosis over the past two decades.

30000

20000
AIDS TUBERCULOSIS

10000
UNITED STATES SOUTH AFRICA UNITED STATES SOUTH AFRICA

0.35% 28% 2 407
0
(PERCENT AFFLICTED) (RATE OF CASES PER U.S. SOUTH GHANA NIGERIA LESOTHO
AFRICA
100,000 OVER A THREE
YEAR AVERAGE) Although South Africa seems relatively poor compared
to the United States, it is the wealthiest nation in Africa
by GDP per capita Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).



DEMOGRAPHICS ECONOMY

LITERACY RATE BIG MAC INDEX
South Africa United States United States South Africa

99.0% $3.15 $2.29
Education attainment has been
86.4% increasing over the years. For
people aged 5-24 the percentage The Big Mac Index is a fairly accurate indicator of whether a currency is
of the people attending an under or over valued. Two goods from different countries according to the
educational institution increased purchasing power parity be exchanged at the same price. However, when it
from 71.5 percent in 2001 comes to the Big Mac it appears that South Africa undervalues its currency.
to 73.6 percent in 2007.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
30

South Africa
AGE DISTRIBUTION 25

Gauteng South Africa United States 20

65+
12
60 to 64

55 to 59
15
50 to 54
9
45 to 49

40 to 44

35 to 39
10 United States
6 30 to 34

25 to 29

20 to 24

15 to 19
3 5
10 to 14

5 to 9

0 to 4
0

0

The United States has a much larger aging population compared to South Nearly 1/4 of South Africans are unemployed compared to nearly
Africa and Gauteng. In Gauteng the largest percentage of the population is 1/10 in the United States. A disproportianate percentage of
25-29 years old with a much smaller percentage of aging adults and a slightly unemployed South Africans are racially non-white showing that
larger youth population, although not as large as the rest of South Africa. post apartheid there still remains unequal conditions racially.



2.1.2 AT A GLANCE: GAUTENG

10.5 MILLION PEOPLE DEMOGRAPHICS ECONOMY

LANGUAGE BREAKDOWN RACIAL BREAKDOWN MONTHLY INCOME DISTRIBUTION FOR SINGLE EARNER
50

WHItE
Others coLourEd 40
IndIAn or ASIAn

BLAcK AFrIcAnS
Sepedi

30
English

Sesotho
20
Afrikaans

IsiZulu
10

0
R0-R800 R801-R3200 R3201-R12800 R12801-R25600 R25601-

As denoted by the chart above Racially the population of Gauteng For residents of Gauteng Province a majority of single earners are
and the map below, Gauteng Province is predominantly making between 800 Rand to 12,800 Rand a month with most making
Province has a wide mix of Black African. Those who are closer to 800 Rand. Cosmo City is catering to those people who make
languages where no one language considered Coloured are between 0 Rand to 3,000 Rand a month for fully subsidized homes
dominates the provincial scene. those who are multi-racial. and up to 7500 Rand a month for partially subsidized housing.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN POPULATION DENSITY SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY

Agriculture

Mining

Manafacturing

Electricity

Construction

Trade

Transport

Financial

Private Households

Community/Social/Personal Service

The four largest sectors contributing to Gauteng’s economy are community,
social and personal services, financial services, manafracturing, and trade.



DEMOGRAPHICS ECONOMY

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3.3 PERSONS/HOUSEHOLD COMPARISON BY PROVINCE EXPORTS BY PROVINCE

Although average household size is comparably higher than the United Gauteng Province is significantly Gauteng’s large economy is
States (United States has an averge of 2.6 persons per household) it is lower smaller in land area compared partially centered around trade. As
then the South African average of 3.9 persons per household and comparably to the other provinces, however, a highly urbanized mass producer
lower then many nations surrounding South Africa with similar economies. its GDP is significantly bigger of many products as of 2006 it
than any other province. Its is has by far the largest share of
population size is also the largest. provincial exports in South Africa.

The Witwatersrand Basin is a geological formation known to be the
largest natural deposit of gold in the world. Over 1.5 billion ounces
of gold has been extracted from this basin. Mining makes up only
a small part of the economy in Gauteng (3.8%), however it has a
tremendous impact on the local economy of the area by contributing
CHILDREN STANDING OUTSIDE A SPAZA MAKESHIFT RESTAURANT to the local economies of such cites as Krugersdorp and Soweto.
WHERE STUDENTS GO TO EAT, SOCIALIZE, AND AVOID THE HOT SUN



2.1.3 AT A GLANCE: JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN REGION
3.8 MILLION PEOPLE
PEOPLE IN NUMBERS POVERTY ECONOMIC SECTORS
42% Younger than 24 18% Households Without Income
7% Foreign Born 24% Live Below Poverty Line
34% HIV Infected Ages 25-29 22% Live in Informal Dwellings
Wholesale and Retail Sectors
THE NUMBERS ON HOUSING
Finance, Real Estate, and Service
1,006,930 Households CRIME
600 Gated Communities 729 Murders a Year Community, Social, and Personal
DENSITY: 2364 PPL/KM2 1506 Rapes a Year
182 Informal Settlements
Manafacturing
AREA: 1645KM2
Mining
ELEVATION: 1753M
ECONOMICS FOR THE Other
METROPOLITIAN REGION
70% Of S.A. Banks Headquarter
16% Of National Economy
55% Of The Office Space in S.A.
1% Employment Growth
37% Unemployment Rate

MODES OF TRAVEL

Car

Minibustaxi

Foot

Other

Journeys to Work (%)



GLOBAL URBANIZATION TREND

gLoBAL urBAnIZAtIon trEnd

100 HIStorIcAL dAtA PrEdIctEd

u.S.

80
SoutH AFrIcA
IndonESIA
nIgErIA

60 cHInA

40

20

0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

BY 2030
82.3% 66.6% 44.9%



TRANSPORTATION PREFERENCE

The problem that exists today is the lack of transportation options to travel
to and from Cosmo City. Without the convenience of an automobile,
residents either rely on a taxi rank system, walking, or biking to travel from
of Cosmo City. There are evidential patterns of commuting especially
on foot from marginalized areas into economic centers. Having a more
integrated transportation system is necessary for the success of Cosmo
City. It is especially crucial that public transportation is provided for
TRAFFIC JAM ON THE N1 HIGHWAY those without a car, mostly those who rely on fully subsidized housing.
IN JOHANNESBURG, ONE OF THE BUSIEST Many of the school age children
HIGHWAYS IN GAUTENG PROVINCE will have parents who are reliant on
Cosmo City is surrounded by several economic centers that for many
public transportation. residents will be a place for jobs for many of the residents. Many
of these economic centers are within a thirty to forty-five minute
commuting distance by car and even longer by public transportation.

Because the transportation system is highly car dependent, quality jobs
The school that is to be constructed for lower income individuals in Cosmo City will be difficult to find since
is built to serve mostly populations many of the low-income individuals are unable to afford an automobile.
of the RDP housing. Many of these Many wealthier residents, on the other hand, especially in bonded housing,
families will be those who have a will be expected to locate and easily access jobs in many of these other
higher dependency on public trans- cities since cars are easily accessible for higher income groups.
portation, as many lack the funds to
own a car. It can be expected that
many of these parents will often-
times, if they are commuting, be rely-
TAXI RANK IN SANDTON ing on either Non Motorized Transit
ABOUT 25 MINUTES BY CAR (NMT) or the taxi rank system.
FROM COSMO CITY

Transportation access is a large concern for many of Cosmo City residents.
Many of the children going to the
Lower income groups rely heavily on public forms of transportation or
school will be coming from RDP
walking (Mokoynama, Venter). The high expense of car ownership keeps
housing. RDP housing is for income
many low-income households from owning a car. Generally, residents
groups of 0-3,000 Rand meaning
who occupy a fully subsidized house in Cosmo City (0 Rand to 3,000
many of those families have no ac-
Rand) will have low rates of car ownership (0 to 1 in 5) per household.
cess to a car.
In partially subsidized homes, car ownership escalates, but averages to
less than one car per household. Applying the model to Cosmo City,
it can be seen that those who live in a bonded (market rate) housing
APPROACHING COSMO CITY BY CAR will, generally, be able to afford one or more cars per household.
PRIOR TO A THUNDERSTORM. IT IS IN
CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A MAJOR HIGHWAY.



2.2 NEARBY CITIES: ACCESSIBILITY MAP
PRETORIA
Administrative capital
of South Africa

PRETORIA
53KM (47 MIN) CENTURION
Center for Information
Technology and
technical service jobs

MIDRAND
CENTURION
39KM (39MIN) Highway links to
Johannesburg,
increasing proximity

SANDTON
Wealthy area of
“new money” Consists of
MIDRAND investment banks and
COSMO CITY 34KM (32MIN) financial consultants

RANDBURG
SANDTON Entertainment center with
20KM (32MIN) abundance in techical jobs
KRUGERSDORP RANDBURG
30KM (30MIN) 14KM (22MIN)

KRUGERSDORP
A mining city: gold,
ROODEPOORT manganese, and iron
20KM (32MIN)

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH JOHANNESBURG
Economic and financial
34.5KM (36MIN)
SOWETO hub of South Africa
42KM (45MIN)

SOWETO
Industrial City, where
most of the struggle of
the apartheid was fought

CITIES NEAR COSMO CITY



2.3 TIMELINE OF THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA
COLONIAL RULE FORMING THE UNION APARTHEID ESTABLISHED EVICTION & VIOLENCE MANDELA RELEASED RECONCILIATION

1652: cAPE coLony FoundEd By 1902: trEAty oF VErEEnIgIng 1948: nAtIonAL PArty 1964: Anc LEAdEr nELSon 1990: MAndELA rELEASEd 1996: trutH And rEconcILIAtIon
dutcH EASt IndIA coMPAny EndS tHE SEcond AdoPtS APArtHEId MAndELA SEntEncEd to AFtEr 27 yEArS In PrISon coMMISSIon cHAIrEd By
AngLo-BoEr WAr LIFE IMPrISonMEnt ArcHBISHoP dESMond
1805: BrItISH SEcurE coLony 1950: grouP ArEAS Act 1991: dE KLErK rEPEALS tutu BEgInS HEArIng
FroM tHE nEtHErLAndS 1910: ForMAtIon oF unIon SEgrEgAtES BLAcKS And WHItES. 1966: PrIME MInIStEr HEndrIK rEMAInIng APArtHEId LAWS,
oF SoutH AFrIcA coMMunISt PArty BAnnEd VErWoErd ASSASSInAtEd IntErnAtIonAL SAnctIonS LIFtEd 1996: ProgrESSIVE nEW
1835-1840: tHE ‘grEAt trEK’ conStItutIon, ‘SoutH AFrIcAn
BoErS LEAVE cAPE coLony 1912: nAtIVE nAtIonAL 1970S: MorE tHAn 3 MILLIon 1993: AgrEEMEnt on ScHooLS Act’ MAndAtES
congrESS FoundEd, LAtEr PEoPLE ForcIBLy rESEttLEd IntErIM conStItutIon ScHooLIng For 7-15 yEAr oLdS
1838: BoErS dEFEAt ZuLuS In rEnAMEd tHE AFrIcAn In BLAcK ‘HoMELAndS’
tHE BAttLE oF BLood rIVEr nAtIonAL congrESS (Anc)

BLOOD RIVER MEMORIAL AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS SEGREGATED PUBLIC FACILITIES BLACKS RESTRICTED TO RESERVES MANDELA FREED FROM PRISON ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU
1650 1800 1850 1900 1910 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 1995 1996 1998 2000
THE BOER WARS & RICHES RACIAL DIVISIONS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE APARTHEID CRUMBLES MANDELA TRIUMPHS THABO MBEKI ELECTED

TRANSVAAL GOLD RUSH BLACKS KEPT ON RESERVES GANDHI JOINS RESISTANCE H. PIETERSON KILLED IN SOWETO

1867: dIAMondS dIScoVErEd 1913: LAnd Act IntroducEd to 1950: Anc cIVIL dISoBEdIEncE 1976: MorE tHAn 600 KILLEd
PrEVEnt BLAcKS, EXcEPt tHoSE cAMPAIgn LEd By In SoWEto uPrISIng
1880-1881: tHE FIrSt LIVIng In cAPE ProVIncE, FroM nELSon MAndELA FW DE KLERK, NELSON MANDELA THABO MBEKI WINS FOR ANC
AngLo-BoEr WAr BuyIng LAnd outSIdE rESErVES 1983: ‘cHILd cArE Act’
1960: 70 BLAcK dEMonStrAtorS MAndAtES rEgIStrAtIon
MID 1880S: goLd ruSH 1914: nAtIonAL PArty FoundEd KILLEd At SHArPEVILLE, oF ALL ‘PLAcES oF cArE’ 1994: MAndELA And Anc WIn 1996: nAtIonAL PArty
In tHE trAnSVAAL Anc BAnnEd FIrSt non-rAcIAL ELEctIonS, WItHdrAWS FroM coALItIon
1918: SEcrEt BroEdErBond 1984-1989: toWnSHIP rEVoLt, SoutH AFrIcA rEJoInS unItEd For BEIng IgnorEd
1899: tHE SEcond (BrotHErHood) EStABLISHEd to 1960S: IntErnAtIonALSAnctIonS StAtE oF EMErgEncy nAtIonS, ‘rEconStructIon 1999: tHABo MBEKI And
AngLo-BoEr WAr AdVAncE tHE AFrIKAnEr cAuSE BEgIn, SoutH AFrIcA EXcLudEd And dEVELoPMEnt Anc WIn ELEctIonS
FroM oLyMPIc gAMES 1989-1990: FW dE KLErK MEEtS ProgrAMME’ InItIAtEd
MAndELA, PuBLIc FAcILItIES
1961: MAndELA HEAdS Anc’S nEW dESEgrEgAtEd, Anc unBAnnEd
MILItAry SABotAgE cAMPAIgn



PROGRESS WITH MBEKI ANC FLAILS ZUMA ELECTED
2001: HIgH court ruLES tHAt 2007: ‘cHILdrEn’S AMEndMEnt The greatest glory in living
PrEgnAnt WoMEn MuSt Act’ rEcognIZES tHE APR 2009: ZuMA’S corruPtIon
BE gIVEn AIdS drugS roLE oF Ecd cEntrES In cASE droPPEd, ZuMA And lies not in never falling, but
rEInForcIng HuMAn rIgHtS Anc WIn ELEctIon
in rising every time we fall.
2002: rIgHt-WIng DEC 2007: dESPItE nEW MAY 2009: EconoMy goES
tErrorISt AttAcKS In corruPtIon cHArgES, ZuMA IS Into rEcESSIon For - Nelson Mandela in “Long
SoWEto And PrEtorIA ELEctEd cHAIrMAn oF tHE Anc FIrSt tIME In 17 yEArS
Walk to Freedom (1995)
2004: MBEKI And Anc BEgIn MAY 2008: WAVE oF VIoLEncE
SEcond tErM WItH 70% oF VotES toWArdS AFrIcAn IMMIgrAntS

HIGH COURT DEMANDS CLINICS ECD GAINS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ZUMA EXCULPATED AND ELECTED
2002 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
CORRUPTION & DISSENT COMPETITION FOR ANC FOOTBALL AND FALLOUT

South Africa, so utterly im-
probably, is a beacon of hope
in a dark and troubled world.
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
CIVIL SERVANTS GO ON STRIKE THE ANC’S NEW THREAT

2004: SocIAL ASSIStAncE Act SEP 2008: PrESIdEnt MBEKI
crEAtES ‘cHILd SuPPort grAnt’, rESIgnS oVEr ALLEgAtIonS
‘FoStEr cArE grAnt’, And tHAt HE IntErFErEd In SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP 2010
‘cArE dEPEndEncy grAnt’ tHE corruPtIon cASE
AgAInSt Mr ZuMA JULY 2009: VIoLEnt ProtEStS
AgAInSt Poor LIVIng
JUN 2005: PrESIdEnt MBEKI condItIonS In toWnSHIPS
SAcKS HIS dEPuty, JAcoB ZuMA, DEC 2008: A nEW PoLItIcAL PArty
AFtEr corruPtIon cASE oF MoStLy Anc dEFEctorS, tHE JUN 2010: SoutH AFrIcA
congrESS oF tHE PEoPLE (coPE) HoStS tHE WorLd cuP
JUN 2007: LArgESt PuBLIc- IS tHE FIrSt rEAL cHALLEngE FootBALL tournAMEnt
SEctor StrIKE SIncE tHE End oF to tHE goVErnIng Anc
APArtHEId dISruPtS ScHooLS AUG 2010: cIVIL SErVAntS
And PuBLIc trAnSPort StAgE nAtIon-WIdE StrIKE



2.4 RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
WHAT IS THE RDP? WHAT HAS BEEN DONE? WHAT NEEDS WORK? NEW RDP STRATEGIES

The Reconstruction and 4. Promote unified nation-building While negligent policies and inherently unsustainable practice,
Development Programme (RDP) is 5. Spur redistributive development 1.1 MILLIon Poor QuALIty - onLy
SuBSIdIZEd HouSES 30% coMPLy WItH execution caused many of the but short-term funding may be
a socio-economic policy framework through infrastructure development BuILt By 2001 rEguLAtIonS shortcomings of the RDP, a shortage all that is necessary to kickstart
initiated by Nelson Mandela 6. Encourage those most of tax revenue is a limiting factor the private sector and build a tax
and negotiated by the African affected by policies to participate PROPER HOUSING to all RDP initiatives. Tax revenue base. However, as the wealthiest
National Congress (ANC), allied in decision-making depends on growth from the private province in South Africa, Gauteng is
parties and civic participants. The sector. Private sector growth, for seldom a recipient of such funds.
FrESH WAtEr Poor And IncoMPLEtE
RDP aims to provide the social The RDP would not be restricted ProVIdEd For 4.9 IMPLEMEntAtIon developing economies such as that
services that the former apartheid by political ideologies. Thus far, MILLIon By 2000
of Johannesburg at least, depends A promising new strategy is to
regime neglected and support the RDP has included neoliberal on government programs such as match private sector entities with
equitable economic growth. policies, such as aggressive trade CLEAN WATER Johannesburg’s Local Economic loan or grant programs, without
The RDP White Paper outlined six liberalization and limited taxes, Development (LED) program. funneling money through the
fundamental goals of the program: and socialist policies, such as government. LED initiatives are
cLInIcS HAVE not
ambitious infrastructure projects 500 nEW cLInIcS KEPt uP WItH AIdS, The Jo’burg Unicity manages this then aligned to sectors where
SErVIng 5 MILLIon
1. Integrate all branches of and social-service provisions. BuILt By 1998 LIFE EXPEctAncy FELL conundrum by taking loans, wasting significant funds exist. Education
11 yEArS By 1998
government and the private sector The approaches of the RDP are money on interest, and applying for Africa follows this efficient LED
2. Remain a grassroots movement in continuous reform to build on grants from other municipalities, model by using external funds from
3. Promote peace and security successes and overcome pitfalls. HEALTHCARE wasting money on bureaucracy. international universities to build
A common solution is to apply schools, which promote both short
1.75 MILLIon HoMES LIttLE ALtErnAtIVE
for international funding. It is an and long term economic growth.
PILLARS OF THE RDP connEctEd to EnErgy ProductIon,
grId By 2000 MAny rurAL HouSES
rEMAIn oFF grId

ELECTRICITY

39,000 FAMILIES onLy 1% oF ASPIrEd
IntEgrAtEd PoLIcIES

PEAcE And SEcurIty

SEttLEd on nEWLy rESEttLEMEntS
dEVELoPEd LAnd occurrEd, FArMIng
JoBS HALVEd AFtEr
nAtIon BuILdIng

SocIAL SErVIcES

AgrIcuLturAL
SuBSIdIES WErE cut
PArtIcIPAtIon

LAND REFORM
grASSrootS

ECONOMY IN HIGH GEAR BIBLIOGRAPHY

Within the first few years, the devolution of social services to local Joburg Unicity. LED Funding Database and Baseline LED Project
government struggled to implement governments, some privatization, and Funding Strategy. City of Johannesburg. Johannesburg, 2009.
social services reliably. The efforts to attract foreign investment
ANC soon adopted GEAR, a new and boost exports. NGOs and Lyons, Michael, Carin Smuts and Anthea Stephens. “The changing role of
policy that emphasized neoliberal architects conducting development the state in participatory development: from the reconstruction
macroeconomic policies, and no interventions in Johannesburg will and development programme to growth, employment and
longer explicitly encouraged civic thus have to be proactive about redistribution.” Community Development Journal (2001): 273-288.
participation. GEAR promoted the incorporating public participation.
http://www.metagora.org/training/encyclopedia/rdp.html



2.5 EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA
2.5 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES INVOLVED WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

NKANYISO Programs to promote HIV/AIDS
conStItutIonAL NUTRITION awareness, school enrollment,
court DEPARTMENT AND HIV/AIDS culture and nutrition
Fund ECD educator training
OF LABOR

EArLy cHILdHood
InStItutE

BRIGHT KID Creates preschools out of
cABInEt DEPARTMENT Fund and manage FOUNDATION discarded shipping containers
OF HEALTH nutrition programs

Established in 2010, the Early
Childhood Education Institute
is charged with coordinating
the various public and non-
DEPARTMENT OF governmental programs ACTIVE LEARNING
Monitor/register ECD centers, related to ECD. One of the
PArLIAMEnt SOCIAL DEVEL- LIBRARIES – Promotes toy libraries
OPMENT subsidize enrollment of needy first initiatives, led by the SOUTH AFRICA
Department of Education, is to
require the provision of Grade R,
the equivalent of Kindergarten.
Eventually, the institute
aims to integrate nutrition,
DEPARTMENT OF Manage education program HIV prevention, ecological
gAutEng
EDUCATION policy and practitioner training conservation, athletics and SUNSHINE Promotes intellectual development
ProVIncIAL
culture into all ECD programs. ASSOCIATION of children with learning disabilities
goVErnMEnt

DEPARTMENT OF
Offers reading, sports
SPORTS, RECREATION,
JoHAnnESBurg ARTS, AND CULTURE and cultural programs SOUTH AFRICAN
Offers social programs, such as
unIcIty CONGRESS
FOR ECD reading and HIV workshops
goVErnMEnt



ECD = SUCCESSFUL KIDS AND ADULTS ECD IS LACKING IN SOUTH AFRICA
• The last national audit published on ECD programs in South Africa was in
2001 (UNICEF, 2009)

• 84% of young children in SA do not have access to formal ECD provision
“Education is the great en-
and rely on their parents or primary caregivers for stimulation and
gine of personal development. development. (UNICEF, 2007)

It is through education that • In 2000, 50% of children enrolled in ECD programs were at the
age of 5 or 6 years, 33% were 3-4 year olds, the youngest ones (0-2
the daughter of a peasant years) represented 17% of all enrolled children. (UNICEF, 2009)
can become a doctor, that a
• In 2001, only 40% of ECD centers were registered - 8% with the
son of a mineworker can be- Department of Education and 32% with the Department of Social
Development. (GPG)
come the head of the mine,
In their first three years, children develop their abilities to think • The Department of Education promised to create universal enrollment
that a child of farm work- and speak, learn and reason, and lay the foundation for their in grade R by 2010 (similar to Kindergarten in the United States).
values and social behavior as adults. (UNICEF, 2001)
ers can become the presi- Currently only 70% of age ready children are enrolled in grade R.

dent of a great nation.” From the first cell division, brain development is a delicate dance
between genes and the environment. While genes pre-order the
-Nelson Mandela sequence of normal development, the quality of that development
is shaped by environmental factors such as adequate nutrition,
good health, clean water and a safe environment free from
violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination. (Sykes) EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATOR INDEX IN GAUTENG
DEVELOPMENTS SITES BY TYPE
BY TYPE OF SITE (2000)
By the age of five, 80 percent of the human brain is fully NATIONALLY (2000)
developed. Stress and deprivation during those essential early
“Early childhood develop- years severely hamper a child’s long-term development. (Lee) 80 %

ment is one of the best public 70

Studies have shown that those who receive a high quality preschool 60
investments for developing education earn significantly higher scores on intellectual and academic
50
measures as young adults, attain significantly more years of total
countries because it promotes education, and have higher earnings over their lifetime. (Schweinhart) 40

30
equality from birth” Those who participate in quality preschool programs are less 20

-Director of ALAS, likely to become pregnant as a teen, be dependent on welfare, or 10
engage in delinquency or criminality. (Barnett and Belfield)
ECD NGO 0
Below Aver age Aver a g e Above Aver age

Consistently available preschool education is associated with
greater maternal educational advancement and higher levels HOME BASED HOME BASED
COMMUNITY BASED COMMUNITY BASED
of employment particularly for teenage mothers. (Ramey) SCHOOL BASED SCHOOL BASED



SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDREN ARE PAYING THE PRICE ECD INITIATIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA
• South Africa is one of only 12 countries that has failed to reduce child National Integrated Plan for Early Childhood Development (NIPECD) “With education considered the highest priority of our govern-
mortality since 1990. (CI) This plan aims to enable a more integrated and comprehensive service
provision to improve ECD quality across the nation. It aims to provide ment, we have placed ECD as our apex priority that needs spe-
• One in every 17 children born in South Africa die before they reach their access to a range of services and programs to support the development
cial attention in many facets including resources and skills de-
fifth birthday. (UNICEF, 2007) of all young children, with extra support for vulnerable children.
velopment.”
• Children in the 0–4 age group are at the greatest risk of dying and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
comprise 10.4% of all deaths. (UNICEF, 2007) These goals agreed upon by United Nations member states -Councilman of Dept.. of Social Development
broadly aim to reduce poverty, hunger and disease by 2015 and to
• 68% of children belong to households living under the poverty line of ensure children’s rights to survival, health and development.
R1,200 or less a month. (UNICEF, 2009)
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• One in five children between the ages of one and six were stunted, South Africa is a signatory of the CRC which protects a child’s Barnett, W.S., Belfield, C.R. Early childhood development
or chronically malnourished, with younger children being the most rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. and social mobility. Future of Children. 2006.
affected. (UNICEF, 2007) SA must record their progress towards fulfilling these rights
and report to the UN committee every 5 years. Children’s Institute, CI. “South African Child Gauge.” 2010.
• One out of two children had an intake of less than half the
recommended level of Vitamin A (can lead to blindness Guateng Early Childhood Development Strategy Gauteng Provincial Government, GPG. Guateng Early
and weak immunity), Vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin This strategy aims to develop the ECD Institute to increase Childhood Development Strategy. 2005.
B6, folate, calcium, iron and zinc. (UNICEF, 2007) collaboration and create the following six strategic outcomes :
1. An environment for expanding access to Lee, Yanghee. Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
quality ECD services (Office of Premier)
2. A safe, secure and conducive physical environment Ramey, C., Campbell, F., Burchinal, M., Skinner, M., Gardner, D.,
for an expanding quality ECD service throughout the Ramey, S. Persistent Effects of Early Childhood Education
province (Department of Social Development) on High-Risk Children and Their Mothers. 2001.
3. Overall child health and well-being, with particular emphasis
on children at risk because of poverty (Department of Health) Schweinhart, L. The High/scope perry preschool study through age 40.
4. High quality ECD practice ensures that children are prepared Summary, conclusions, and frequently asked questions. Ypsilanti,
and ready to enter Grade R (Department of Education) MI: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation. 2004.
5. Quality information is available to ECD
stakeholders and role players (ECD Institute) Sykes, G., Schneider, B. L., Plank, D. N., & Ford, T. G. Handbook of
6. ECD services within the province are effectively planned, education policy research. New York: Routledge. 2009.
managed and coordinated (Office of Premier)
UNICEF. National Integrated Plan for Early Childhood
“My dear young people: I see the light in your eyes, the energy of South African Annual ECD Awards: These awards aim to raise awareness Development in South Africa. 2005.
of the ECD sector’s goal to break the cycle of inherited poverty while
your bodies and the hope that is in your spirit. I know it is you, promoting excellence in the ECD sector. The following awards are given: UNICEF. Situation Analysis of Children in South Africa. 2009.
ECD practitioner of the Year (Provincial and National)
not I, who will make the future. It is you, not I, who will fix our ECD Site of the Year (Provincial and National) UNICEF. The State of the World’s Children 2001. 2001.
Training and Support Organization of the Year (National)
wrongs and carry forward all that is right with the world.”
Innovative ECD Program of the year (National) UNICEF. Young Lives: Statistical Data on the Status of
-Nelson Mandela Publication of the Year (National) Children aged 0-4 in South Africa. 2007.



2.6 INFORMALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
For many residents, these new homes
To understand the project and the began to work towards creating an and will be primarily used by children
are their first experience with basic people of Cosmo City, it is important integrated housing environment, but from these squatter settlements. For
to understand what we mean by it is a slow process. According to a many residents, these new homes will
amenities and solid building structures. informality. In our context, informality UN report in 2008, Johannesburg is be their first experience with toilets
refers to informal communities one of the world’s most unequal cities and solid buildings. Most residents
and the informal economy. These in terms of wealth, and the poor are are happy to be living in safe housing,
terms themselves are hard to define. largely black South Africans. Twenty however it hasn’t been without
Informal communities usually refer three percent of people in South hardship. The authorities have a no
to people who are either homeless or Africa live in informal communities tolerance policy for informal trading,
are considered squatters; live on land (thesis). Johannesburg itself is host leaving many people without work.
illegally. According to some reports to more than 70,000 families living in Plans were made to create market
(Neuwirth), 1 billion people world 14 informal settlements in and around spaces for these traders (Joburg
wide live in squatter settlements. the city. Many of these people make a regional special development
Although not always the case, squatter living in the informal economy. framework), but have not yet been
settlements are usually characterized built. Residents have gained basic
KIBERA, SQUATER SETTLEMENT IN NAIROBI by high density, unsafe housing, and In the Gauteng province (includes amenities but have lost their source
scarce access to sanitation. Since Johannesburg) roughly 1.7 million of income. Informal markets do spring
these settlements are illegal, they people work in the informal economy up, but are quickly closed down.
usually do not receive help from local (Rogerson 171), more than the
governments. amount working in manufacturing. According to our own interviews
JOBURG INFORMAL TRADERS Although most informal work can be though, the lot across the street from
The informal economy, though tied to seen as traders, they can be further our site is designated to become a
squatter settlements, is a general way categorized as survival enterprises sanctioned market for informal trading.
SANCTIONED INFORMAL YEOVILLE MARKET to describe businesses that operate –run mainly by women with very low The presence of a market next to our
illegally, and therefore do not pay income gained – and small growth school will have a large impact on the
taxes. In South Africa, the informal enterprises – family owned and with a area. The area could become a central
economy is made up of smaller trading better possibility of growth (Rogerson node for Cosmo City. This could have
companies. Although the total revenue 171). An informal trader hierarchy was both positive and negative affects,
JOBURG SQUATTER SETTLEMENT, SOWETO is not much from such businesses, it established because of the difficulty in and our design must prepare for that.
sustains many of the poorest in South obtaining legal licenses. Though there Being in a central area it is likely that
Africa. are trade organizations, in reality the our site will become a landmark for the
system closely resembles a criminal area. However, we also don’t want the
Cosmo City itself is one of the organization. One becomes a head resulting increase in pedestrian traffic
government’s answers to address trader because of ones ability to buy to make the crèche unsafe for young
the large informal community within off the police and get ‘protection’ to children. In previous sanctioned
Johannesburg. Johannesburg was control of traders below them. (Thulare markets in Johannesburg, such as the
built in the time of apartheid, when 16). Yeoville market, there was also a sharp
the government viewed non-white rise in crime in the area. (Thulare 16).
residents as only temporary visitors, Cosmo city is a visionary project to This could, however, be addressed with
The presence of a large market next to our whose role was to work the mines address the issues of informal living and a greater police presence.
(Tomlinson 3) and so did not want to exclusion. Almost 3,000 housing units
school could on one hand designate our area create housing for them. At the end of were given to people who previously
apartheid, South Africa tried to address lived in squatter settlements,
as a central node for Cosmo city, but could these issues, and, in a progressive mainly the nearby Zevenfontain and
policy, declared housing a right for all Riverbend Settlement. Our crèche is
also increase crime and pedestrian traffic. citizens. Since then, Johannesburg also located in the area of these homes



2.7 ZEVENFONTAIN AND RIVERBEND

The vision for Cosmo city originally began in 1999. It was a project meant to
relocate residents from the Zevenfontain and River Bend squatter settlement
in accordance with South Africa’s goal of eradicating squatter settlements
by 2014 (Molor, 2007). Although it took much longer then expected, today
the majority of fully subsidized and partially subsidized housing units
belong to members of these two neighboring informal settlements. As it
is this community who will be using the crèche, it is therefore important
to understand their history and relationship with the Cosmo City project.

ABOVE: INSIDE OF CORRUGATED METAL SHACK

LEFT: ZEVENFONTAIN SHACK HOUSES.

ZEVENFONTAIN AND RIVER BEND: A HISTORY
Zevenfontain and River Bend are squatter settlements located in mode of transportation. There are few schools in the area and daycare
the suburb of Diepsloot, South Africa, about 40 km north of Johannesburg. centers are usually set up in someone’s home. After the Cosmo city plan
Diepsloot itself consists mainly of RDP housing and different squatter got underway in 1999, the government wouldn’t put any money to help
settlements, surrounded by wealthy suburbs, such as the bordering Duinfern with the squalid conditions in Zevenfontain, due to its temporary status.
suburb. North Johannesburg suburbs are mainly home to wealthy white
South Africans and tensions arise between them and the very poor mostly
black South Africans that live in Diepsloot. Zevenfontain is the larger and Members of Zevenfontain were very happy when Cosmo
more established of the two settlements, housing approximately 12,000
people (Moloi, 2007), whereas Riverbend has only around 2,000 residents. city was built and thankful to the housing opportunity,
Zevenfontain is one of the oldest squatter settlements
however their was some worry about the loss of business.
in Johannesburg, having been established in 1989 by around 50
families who rented the farmland (Muller 4). The population grew COMMUNITY MEETNG; DIEPSLOOT
tremendously, with most people not paying any rent. Before the ZEVENFONTAIN INVOLVEMENT IN COSMO CITY
historic 1994 election that marked the end of apartheid, the community
began to organize and rallied around the African National Congress In 1999, at the beginning of the Cosmo city process, residents of consulted and updated in the project, but were not given much, if any,
(ANC), eventually kicking out members of other parties. Zevenfontain, with the help of the community organizing NGO Planact, power and the larger community was not included except in regular CDF
The houses are mostly shacks and there is little access to basic developed a Community Development Forum (CDF). The goal of the CDF meetings. In the end, less than 3000 homes were given to members
amenities. Bathrooms are communal metal port-a-potties. Water is was to give the community a say in the Cosmo City process. As facilitators of Zevenfontain (a community of 12,000 people) and the CDF did not
retreived from communal pumps. These are only located near the RDP to this process, Planact trained members of the community to be able have a voice in the selection process. Overall, members of Zevenfontain
housing dispersed amongst the corrugated metal shacks. Shacks are to run something such as the CDF and how to engage political system. were very happy when Cosmo city was built and thankful for the housing
prone to being torn down. Streets are small and home to chickens and Although aware of Cosmo City project, the CDF was not engaged in opportunity. However, there was been some worry that the developers did
garbage (Remember; South Africa). Many residents set up shops out of the process. There were major delays, because the wealthy community not address social needs, and many people lost their informal businesses.
their homes and sell food or other needed goods. Walking is the primary around Cosmo City was against the project. Leaders of the CDF were



2.9 ARCHITECTURE AS TRANSFORMATION

Architecture is the combination of
form, the definition of space, and “Culture is the product of a
function. Its purpose is to fulfill both
people’s history. But it also
a physical and spiritual function.
Throughout the years, architects reflects that history, and
have been able to put their talent to
work and build all kinds of structures, embodies a whole set of
which not only posses excellent func-
tionality but have become pieces of
values by which a people
art. But as time passes by, global pres- view themselves and their
sures have grown and resources have
diminished, leading to the develop- place in time and space”
ment of several problems, one of
them being the development of infor- -Wa Thiong’o Ngugi
mal settlements. These settlements
are dense, poorly constructed, and
suffer from severe social problems.
As a result, architects realized design
can play a positive role in addressing
these issues. It could also serve as a
way to demonstrate environmental
responsibility and could transform
these poor isolated areas into inspir-
ing urban developments.

VERTICAL GYM METRO CABLE
URBAN THINK TANK / CARACAS, VENEZUELA URBAN THINK TANK / CARACAS, VENEZUELA

The vertical gym was built in the La Cruz Barrio in an existing soccer field. The project was developed after a U-TT meeting at Caracas’ Central
The training facility includes an open-air soccer field, a basketball court, a University. In the meeting the government’s plan to build a road through the
weight room, a running track, a dance studio, and a rock-climbing wall. Due San Agustin Barrio was opposed by planners, barrio leaders, architects and
to overpopulation in the area, the vertical gym had no room for expansion university architects. Thus, new alternatives were explored. The solution, to
and had to be built upwards. The gym is open during day and night, with build a cable car system, not only worked perfectly with the mountainous
about 15,000 visitors per month. The gym not only introduced a new terrain but would connect these kinds of Barrios to the existing public transit
program to this barrio but has also reduced the crime rate by more than 30%. system. The Cable system has gondolas that can hold eight passengers each
The idea and design concept of this project were developed for La and transport about 1,200 passengers every hour. There are five stations in
Cruz but can be implemented in many barrios like this one. total. Two are located in the valley and three are along the mountain ridge.
The metro cable system helped to connect the Barrios to
public transit and other civic services, something that the
people living in these Barrios did not have before.



REDLOCATION MUSEUM OF STRUGGLE LEON DE GRIEF LIBRARY PARK
NOERO WOLFF ARCHITECTS GIANCARLO MAZZANTI / MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA

Red Location, one of the oldest black townships in the city of Port, gets The aim of this project was to establish big urban connections
its name from corrugated iron barracks buildings which have rusted through the development of public spaces. The project consists
to a deep red hue. After the abolition of the Apartheid government of three squared modules that have been contained, rotated, and
in 1994, the city decided that they wanted to have a museum at Red adapted to the view and landscape, and one other module that
Location to commemorate the Apartheid Era. Noero Wolff Architects relates and connects the other modules. The program was divided
won the competition and subsequently developed the museum. The into four programs: library, community center, cultural center, and
purpose of the museum was to honor the history of the Apartheid Era, expository rooms. Many other library parks like Belen, España, Tomas
and create a new urban development rich in culture and infrastructure. Carrasquilla, and Sacerdote Jose Luis Arroyave have been developed
In developing the design and selecting the materials used, the and strategically located around the city to help these isolated and
architects took into account the citizens and the surroundings because disadvantaged sectors improve. These libraries have strengthened the
the citizens were skeptical about bringing something new into their implementation of education, cultural and sports program in favelas.
city. As a result, concrete and steel were the primary materials used,
which work perfectly with Red Location’s industrial surroundings.



CARIN SMUTS KALI CODE KAMPONG
ARCHITECT IN SOUTH AFRICA YOUSEF BILYARTA MANGUNWIJAYA
YOGYAKARTA, CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA

Carin Smuts is an architect working in South Africa. Many of her projects Kali Code is a river situated in the province of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta,
have been community projects in black townships. Taking into account in the heart of Yogyakarta. A village called Kali Code Kampong was built right
that Global warming has become an issue for everyone, Carin and her next to the river with about 51 households. In 1983 the government was going
team have focused on this issue and for that reason they realized that to demolish the settlement but architect and Catholic priest Yousef decided
investigating local architecture could be more useful and more complex. to transform this dump site into a settlement. Retaining walls were used to
They focused on rural vernacular architecture which was relevant to urban shore up the sloped narrow site. Bamboo was used for joists, walls, and floor
informal settlements. They created their own way of designing from their coverings and corrugated iron or tile for the roof. Art students decorated
investigations. They discovered that a traditional village is made up of the exteriors of the houses and transformed them into works of art.
several structures, where social interaction mostly occurs in spaces between
these structures. The way and order the structures are placed also tells a
lot about cultural and social interaction. As a result, this has become their
philosophy, and with it they have been able to utilize space effectively.



2.10 SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY “[Joburg is] an open-air vmuseum of the best and worst
the 20th century has had to offer.” –henning rasmuss

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE (1652 TO 1994)

YEAR 1882 YEAR 1905 YEAR 1920 YEAR 1933 YEAR 1939 YEAR 1953

TYPE BRITISH COLONIAL HOUSE TYPE HOMESTEAD TYPE ARTS AND CRAFTS HOUSE TYPE ART DECO THEATRE TYPE ART DECO BREWERY TYPE “LOOKING AROUND” BANK

SIGNIFICANCE THE TIDE GAUGE HOUSE IN CAPETOWN IS ARCHITECT JAMES ALFRED COPE-CHRISTIE ARCHITECT SOLOMON AND MARSHALL ARCHITECT PETER R COOKE ARCHITECT WILLIAM WEIGHTMAN ARCHITECT NORMAN EATON

AN ICON OF SOUTH AFRICA’S LONG HISTORY AS A SIGNIFICANCE THE CL ANDERSSON HOUSE IS A CLASSIC SIGNIFICANCE IN RESPONSE TO A THEME OF UNIFORMITY SIGNIFICANCE INSPIRED BY THE HEAVY ART DECO SIGNIFICANCE BUILT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN BREWERIES, SIGNIFICANCE EATON POSTHUMOUSLY WON THE GOLD

SOUTHERN HUB OF GLOBAL TRADE. THE RECENTLY EXAMPLE OF THE BRITISH HOMESTEAD. IT’S VARIOUS AT THE GREAT EXHIBITION IN 1851, WILLIAM MORRIS BUILDINGS OF GLOBAL CITIES, THE COLOSSEUM THEATRE CASTLE BEER HALL IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TENDENCY MEDAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF

RESTORED BUILDING FEATURES A ROOM WITH WALL-TO- ORNAMENTS, INCLUDING AN OCTAGONAL TOWER WITH GALVANIZED THE ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT, IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S HISTORIC FOR GLOBALLY FASHIONABLE ARCHITECTURE TO BE ARCHITECTS. HE TOOK GREAT PRIDE IN “AFRICAN

WALL MIRRORS BELOW WINDOWS, WHICH ALLOWS THE AN ONION DOME AND NON-FUNCTIONAL PARAPET, WHICH AIMED TO ADAPT CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE TENDENCY TO IMPORT FOREIGN ARCHITECTURE TO SUPERFICIALLY APPROPRIATED OUT OF CONTEXT. WHILE QUALITY” CONSTRUCTION AND THE SIMPLICITY OF

DOCK ENGINEER TO MONITOR WITH A 360-DEGREE VIEW. REFER TO A MEDIEVAL PERIOD SOUTHERN AFRICA TO LOCAL CONTEXT THROUGH THE USE OF LOCAL CREATE CONGRUENCY WITH THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. IT FEATURES ART DECO-STYLE GEOMETRY, THE CASTLE THE VERNACULAR BRICK. HIS FAMOUS NETHERLANDS

WITH LITTLE POLITICAL ANIMOSITY, THE TIDE GAUGE HOUSE NEVER EXPERIENCED. THE CLANDERSSON SET THE MATERIALS. THE BELL HOUSE HAS A CLEARLY THE THEATRE FEATURED AN EGYPTIAN THEME, WHICH BEER HALL IS NOT BUILT OF THE HEAVY MATERIALS OR TO BANK FEATURES CANTILEVERED PRECAST CONCRETE

SERVES AS A POSITIVE, PLAYFUL HISTORICAL REFERENCE STAGE FOR A DRAMATIC REACTION OF FUNCTIONALITY EUROPEAN STYLE, WITH ITS HIPPED ROOFS, ARCHWAYS REPRESENTED AFRICA’S ALLURE AS A TOURIST THE SCALE OF THE INTERNATIONAL STYLE IT REFERENCES. AND VERTICAL BRICK SUNSCREENS, WHICH SHADE THE

FOR CONTEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE. AND MINIMALISM WITH THE MODERN MOVEMENT. AND SYMMETRY. HOWEVER, ITS CLAY SHINGLES AND ATTRACTION, BUT THE ARCHITECTURE DOES LITTLE THE RESULT IS AN ARTIFICIAL, PERHAPS PLAYFUL, BUT NOT BUILDING AND CIRCULATION SPACES DURING THE DAY

SOURCE MERVYN HECTOR ON FLICKR SOURCE ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA STONE PATHWAYS ARE LOCAL ADAPTATIONS. MORE TO RESPOND TO SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT. UNIQUE OR FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURAL MESSAGE. AND ACT AS RADIATORS DURING THE COOL NIGHTS.

SOURCE ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA SOURCE S. A. R. AND H. ON FLICKR SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA

VERTICAL ILLUSTRATOR TIMELINE

DUTCH COLONIAL
PERIOD (1652-1920)

NEO-CLASSICAL ERA (1910-1930) “Architectures are being
MODERN MOVEMENT (1930-1945) lifted out of context to be
“LOOKING AROUND” (1945-1960) plonked down in unsuitable
MODERN VERNACULAR (1960-1980) circumstances; in condi-
TYRANNY AND UNCERTAINTY tions that are climatically,
(1980-2000)
economically, socially inap-
YEAR 1904 IT’S TIME FOR AFRICA (2000- ? ) YEAR 1936 YEAR 1973

TYPE COLONIAL PUBLIC FACILITY TYPE ART DECO MIXED-USE TYPE MODERN SKYSCRAPER propriate.” -Alan Lipman
ARCHITECT RENOVATED BY MICHAEL HART ARCHITECT EMLEY AND WILLIAMSON ARCHITECT SKIDMORE, OWINGS AND MERRILL

SIGNIFICANCE THE HISTORY OF JOHANNESBURG COULD BE TOLD IN THE SETTING OF THE DRILL HALL, WHICH IS SIGNIFICANCE KNOWN AS “JOHANNESBURG’S CHRYSLER SIGNIFICANCE AT 223 M, THE CARLTON CENTRE IS THE

LOCATED AT ONE OF THE CITY’S BUSIEST NODES. ORIGINALLY A MILITARY FACILITY, THE DRILL HALL ALSO BUILDING”, THE ANSTEY BUILDING IS THE MOST PROMINENT TALLEST SKYSCRAPER IN AFRICA, AND A SYMBOL OF

SERVED AS A PLACE OF ASSEMBLY FOR ANTI-APARTHEID ACTIVISTS, AND MOST RECENTLY HOUSED REFUGEES REMAINING EXAMPLE OF ART DECO INFLUENCE IN SOUTH SOUTH AFRICA’S AMBITIONS TO BECOME A GLOBAL

OF THE DRAMATIC URBAN DECAY RESULTING FROM THE POST-DEMOCRACY FLIGHT OF BUSINESSES FROM AFRICAN ARCHITECTURE. THE BUILDING WAS A PRAISED COUNTRY. IN 2007, TRANSNET ANNOUNCED IT WILL

THE CITY CENTRE. AFTER TWO DEADLY FIRES, THE CITY FUNDED ITS ADAPTIVE RE-USE TO CREATE A PUBLIC FOR ITS ELEGANT COMBINATION OF EMLEY’S CLASSICAL, BE SELLING THE BUILDING DUE TO HIGH CRIME RATES

CULTURAL SPACE THAT PRESERVES HISTORICAL MEMORY AND REVIVES THE URBAN CENTRE. COLONIAL STYLE AND WILLIAMSON’S MODERN AMBITIONS, IN THE CITY CENTRE. THE FLIGHT OF BUSINESSES TO

SOURCE (DECKLER, GRAUPNER AND RASMUSS) AND WAS DECLARED A NATIONAL MONUMENT IN 1994 THE SAFER EDGES OF THE CITY HAS BEEN A TROUBLING

DURING ITS REFURBISHMENT BY DENZIL HERSCH. TREND IN JOHANNESBURG OVER THE LAST DECADE.

SOURCE WWWJOBURG-ARCHIVE.CO.ZA SOURCEV WWW.ARTEFACT.CO.ZA



“what is the best we can hope for? an architecture that does not turn its back
on the world out there, that reflects our awareness of global architectural
provduction, but celebrates the local. an architecture that is optimistic, clear,
NEW ARCHITECTURE FOR A NEW ERA (1994 TO PRESENT
honest in its use of materials, and suited for its purpose.” – henning rasmuss

YEAR 1986 YEAR 1990 YEAR 1990

TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST SHOPPING MALL THE NEW COLONNADE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST MULTI-PURPOSE CRECHE KOMMAGAS CRECHE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST RESOURCE CENTRE DUDUZA RESOURCE CENTRE
ARCHITECT OSMAND LANGE ARCHITECTS ARCHITECT CARIN SMUTS STUDIOS ARCHITECT NOERO WOLFF ARCHITECTS

SIGNIFICANCE AWARDED BY THE BORDER INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS IN 1989 FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE STREET SIGNIFICANCE THE KOMMAGAS CRÈCHE WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT USING A PARTICIPATORY PROCESS, WHICH REVEALED SIGNIFICANCE THE DUDUZA RESOURCE CENTRE IS A CLEAN, SOPHISTICATED AND CONTEMPORARY FACILITY BUILT WITH

SCENE, ACCOMMODATION OF EXISTING TREES AND THOUGHTFUL DETAILING, THE NEW COLONNADE IS A A DESIRE TO REFERENCE THE ROUND HUT VERNACULAR, WHICH WAS EMULATED IN ONE DIRECTION. THE SOME OF THE MOST AFFORDABLE MATERIALS AVAILABLE: CORRUGATED METAL, COLORED CORRUGATED PLASTIC

RARE EXAMPLE OF CONTEXTUAL ARCHITECTURE DURING A PERIOD MARKED BY UNCERTAIN ARCHITECTURAL HIGH CEILING, LIGHT-STEEL-FRAME CONSTRUCTION WITH WIDE OPENINGS ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH AND STEEL FRAMING. SHARP GEOMETRIES AND MINIMAL FINISHING LOWER CONSTRUCTION COSTS WHILE

IDENTITY. THE EXTERIOR FEATURES A COLONNADE, WHICH CREATES A COOL, SHADED PEDESTRIAN SPACE, FACADES, AND WIDE RIDGE VENT ON THE ROOF FACILITATE VENTILATION. THE VERTICAL SKYLIGHT SHADES MAXIMIZING UTILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM. ELEGANT METAL-FRAME SUNSCREENS MANAGE SOLAR GAIN WITHOUT

COST-EFFECTIVE CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING, AND CLIMATE-MODERATING MASONRY BEARING WALLS. DURING THE INTENSE SUN, BUT IMPROVES SOLAR ACCESS AT COOLER HOURS. MASONRY WALLS AT THE REQUIRING EXPENSIVE LOW-EMISSIVITY GLASS. THE BUILDING RECEIVED A NATIONAL AWARD OF MERIT IN 1993.

SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA ENDS PROVIDE THERMAL MASS AND ACOUSTIC MUFFLING. FINALLY, ORNAMENTAL FEATURES, SUCH AS SOURCE WWW.NOEROWOLFF.COM

A MURAL OF DYED WOOL RUGS, WERE DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

SOURCE WWW.CSSTUDIO.CO.ZAW

YEAR 1990 SOWETO CAREERS CENTRE
TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST RESOURCE CENTRE

ARCHITECT NOERO WOLFF ARCHITECTS

SIGNIFICANCE GRANTED THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS,

THE SOWETO CAREERS CENTRE IS NOERO’S MOST PRAISED

WORK. THE CENTER FEATURES THE SHARP GEOMETRY AND

CORRUGATED METAL EXTERIOR OF THE DUDUZA RESOURCE

YEAR 1987 HOUSE COHEN YEAR 1990 HOUSE STAUDE CENTRE, WITH AN EXAGGERATED, HEROIC HIERARCHY YEAR 1990 KATLEHONG CRECHE YEAR 1995 BARTELS ARTS TRUST
TYPE HOMESTEAD HOUSE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST HOUSE OF SCALE THAT RENDERS IT A HOPEFUL PRESENCE IN TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST CRÈCHE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRE

ARCHITECT AMANCIO GUEDES ARCHITECT KATE OTTEN THE MIDST OF AN EXTREMELY DISADVANTAGED SLUM. ARCHITECT NOERO WOLFF ARCHITECTS ARCHITECT PAUL MIKULA AND DICK BREYTENBACH

SIGNIFICANCE AMANCIO GUEDES PRACTICED ALMOST SIGNIFICANCE IN HER HOUSE STAUDE, KATE OTTEN PERMEABLE BRICK SCREENS WALL ITS CIRCULATION SIGNIFICANCE THE KATLEHONG CRECHE FEATURES SIGNIFICANCE AN AUSTRIAN IMMIGRANT TO SOUTH

EXCLUSIVELY IN MOZAMBIQUE, AND ATTEMPTED TO MANAGES TO ARTFULLY INTEGRATE CORRUGATED SPACES, ALTHOUGH ENTRANCES ARE CLEARLY DEFINED, SUPERSTRUCTURE COMPOSED OF A SIMPLE STEEL AFRICA, HUGO BARTEL, APPOINTED MIKULA AND

BRING HIS STYLE, WHICH DRAWS MORE HEAVILY ON METAL, A CHEAPER, CULTURALLY INFERIOR MATERIAL, ITS PERMEABLE TRANSITION SPACES ALLOW PASSIVE FRAME WITH CORRUGATED METAL ROOF PANELS THAT BREYTENBACH TO BUILD A MULTI-PURPOSE ARTS

AFRICAN VERNACULAR, TO JOHANNESBURG WITH HIS TO CONVERT AN ELEGANT, AFFLUENT SUBURBAN VENTILATION AND FILTERED SOLAR ACCESS. SHADE THE CLASSROOMS AND IMMEDIATE OUTDOOR CENTRE, COMPLETE WITH GALLERIES, A RESTAURANT,

HOUSE COHEN. THE ARCHES, SPIRES AND PROPERTY HOUSE INTO A HOME AND OFFICE. IN THE PROCESS, SOURCE IMAGE: WWW.NOEROWOLFF.COM, INFO: A. SPACES. THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WAS CONSTRUCTED STUDIOS, AND SHOPS. A DYNAMIC MURAL WRAPS

WALLS ARE TYPICAL OF AFFLUENT SUBURBAN HOUSES, OTTEN EFFECTIVELY CHIPS AWAY AT THE STIGMA OF RHEEDER, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA, 2005 FIRST TO CREATE A FAVORABLE MICROCLIMATE FOR THE ENTIRE EXTERIOR AND BROKEN FACADES CREATE

BUT THE UNFINISHED BRICK, CONCRETE AND METAL CORRUGATED METAL AND THE DIVISIONS BETWEEN THE THE REMAINING CONSTRUCTION. THE FLEXIBILITY COMFORTABLY SHADED TRANSITION SPACES. THE

CONSTRUCTION IS DISTINCTLY SOUTHERN AFRICAN. ALAS, RICH AND POOR SOUTH AFRICANS. THE CORRUGATED OF THE MASONRY USED FOR THE WALLS PERMITTED A ECCENTRIC GEOMETRY AND MURAL REFER TO A

HOUSE COHEN NOW SITS VACANT AND VANDALIZED. METAL IS ORIENTED UPWARDS TO EXAGGERATE THE MORE FLEXIBLE GEOMETRY. WALLS WERE PAINTED WITH TRADITION OF ECCENTRIC, IRREGULAR VERNACULAR

SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA HEIGHT AND GRANT PROMINENCE. ON-SITE STONES VIBRANT COLORS BUT WITH CONSISTENCY, AND SOME ARCHITECTURE THAT HAS HISTORICALLY BEEN TYPICAL

ARE USED FOR ALL PATHWAYS AND LANDSCAPING STRUCTURES INCLUDED PLAYFUL ELEMENTS SUCH AS OF COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS.

FEATURES. SOURCE KATEOTTENARCHITECTS.COM SECRET PASSAGES AND INFORMAL OUTDOOR THEATERS. SOURCE WWW.BATCENTRE.CO.ZA

SOURCE WWW.NOEROWOLFF.COMV



YEAR 1996 YEAR 1997 YEAR 2000

TYPE PARTICIPATORY STUDIO HOUSE BESTER TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST CLINIC MOKHELE ART THERAPY CENTRE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST SHOPPING MALL PARKHURST SHOPPING MALL
ARCHITECT CARIN SMUTS ARCHITECT KATE OTTEN ARCHITECT KATE OTTEN

SIGNIFICANCE WILLIE BESTER IS WELL-KNOWN FOR HIS INNOVATIVE ARTWORK. BESTER SALVAGES OBJECTS FROM SIGNIFICANCE ART THERAPY USES MATERIALS, IMAGES AND ARTWORK TO TREAT POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND SIGNIFICANCE OTTEN ELEGANTLY CONVERTS TWO SUBURBAN HOUSES INTO A SMALL SHOPPING MALL IN PARKHURST,

SCRAPYARDS, POLICE STATIONS, ARMOURIES, HARDWARE STORES AND HOSPITALS, AND ASSEMBLES THEM INTO SIMILAR PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES, AS WELL AS BUILD SELF-ESTEEM IN PEOPLE WITH NO HISTORY OF ONE OF MANY GENTRIFYING SUBURBS IN JOHANNESBURG. THE PERIMETER WALLS WERE ELIMINATED TO IMPROVE

EXPRESSIVE SCULPTURES WITH POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE. CARIN SMUTS WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE ARTIST, AS MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. IN HER MOKHELE ART THERAPY AND EDUCATION PROJECT (MATEP) CENTRE ACCESS, AND SETBACKS WERE PAVED TO CREATE A WELCOMING STREETFRONT. AN ARTISTICALLY FOLDED, CANTILEVERED

SHE HAS WITH ALL OF HER CLIENTS, TO CREATE A STUDIO/HOUSE ORNAMENTED COMPLETELY WITH SCRAPPED IN SOWETO, OTTEN MANAGES TO CREATE A THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE INNOVATIVE USE ROOF MADE OF A STEEL FRAME, WOOD RAFTERS AND A MIX OF TRANSLUCENT CORRUGATED PLASTIC AND REFLECTIVE

OBJECTS THAT ARE PAINTED WITH BRIGHT COLORS AND TRANSFORMED INTO FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE. USING OF LOCAL MATERIALS. ALL OUTDOOR CIRCULATION SPACE IS SHADED, WINDOWS ARE KEPT HIGH FOR CORRUGATED STEEL SHADE THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY. THE CONTEMPORARY GEOMETRY AND LOCAL MATERIALS

SALVAGED OBJECTS TO CREATE EXPLORATORY SPACES IN A PRE-SCHOOL IS COST-EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE, PRIVACY, ANGLED GUMPOLES AND ORGANIC MATERIALS BLUR THE BUILT AND NATURAL ELEMENTS. DIFFERENTIATE THE VERANDA FROM NEGATIVELY SYMBOLIC COLONIAL VERANDAS. THE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS

AND CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY, WHICH CAN AID IN THE SALVAGING EFFORT. SOURCE WWW.KATEOTTENARCHITECTS.COM AND LACK OF FINISHING PRESERVE A RESIDENTIAL FEEL WHILE ADDRESSING THE SITES NEW FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS.

SOURCE WWW.CSSTUDIO.CO.ZA SOURCE WWW.KATEOTTENARCHITECTS.COM

YEAR 1995 WORKER’S LIBRARY YEAR 1996 DE BEERS BUILDING YEAR 2000 SINGITA LODGES YEAR 1990S RDP HOUSING UNAPPROVED EXPANSION
TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST LIBRARY TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST OFFICE BUILDING TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST ECOLODGE TYPE AFFORDABLE RDP HOUSING

ARCHITECT ALAN ROBERT LIPMAN ARCHITECT HELMUT JAHN ARCHITECT ANDREW MAKIN AND JANINA MASOJADA ARCHITECT UNKNOWN

SIGNIFICANCE LIPMAN’S WORKER’S LIBRARY & MUSEUM SIGNIFICANCE DE BEERS IS THE LARGEST DIAMOND SIGNIFICANCE WINNER OF THREE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE THE RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED HOUSING FOR THOUSANDS OF

WON THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS PRODUCER IN THE WORLD AND AS WEALTHY AS ONE HOTEL AWARDS AND THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE POOR SOUTH AFRICANS. THE HOUSE ON THE LEFT IS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF THE MONOTONOUS, INFLEXIBLE

AWARD OF MERIT FOR CONSERVATION IN 1995, CITED AS WOULD EXPECT. NONETHELESS, ITS TWO MOST RECENT OF ARCHITECTS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, THE SINGITA STRUCTURES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT. RECIPIENTS OF RDP HOUSING INEVITABLY EXPAND AND IMPROVE

“A ROLE MODEL FOR ALL ARCHITECTS FACED WITH THE BUILDINGS ARE LEADING THE DEFINITION OF A UNIFIED LODGES ARE BEACONS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THEIR HOUSES WHILE ENJOYING UPWARD MOBILITY, AS SHOWN IN THE HOUSE ON THE RIGHT. HOWEVER, MOST

CHALLENGE OF MAKING OUR BUILT HISTORY RELEVANT ARCHITECTURAL STYLE THAT CROSSES RACIAL AND FOR THE ENTIRE CONTINENT OF AFRICA. LOCATED IN RECIPIENTS COME FROM INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS AND HAVE LITTLE EXPERIENCE NAVIGATING GOVERNMENT

TO OUR CHANGING SOCIETY”. THE BUILDING WAS ECONOMIC BOUNDARIES. THE EXPOSED STRUCTURE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, THE SINGITA LODGES FEATURE BUREAUCRACY. AS A RESULT, MOST EXPANSIONS ARE UNAPPROVED AND MANY ARE UNSAFE. THE PROBLEM CREATES

FORMERLY ONE OF THE NOTORIOUSLY OPPRESSIVE BRICK AND STEEL MATERIALS AND UBIQUITOUS NATURAL MATERIALS TO BLEND THE LODGE SEAMLESSLY AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ARCHITECTS TO REDESIGN MORE ADAPTABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

WORKER HOSTELS, AND ONE WING OF THE HOSTEL WAS SUNSCREENS RESPOND TO LOCAL CONDITIONS. INTO ITS ENVIRONMENT. UNFINISHED STICKS FORM AN SOURCE WWW.FLICKR.COM

PRESERVED AS A MUSEUM. GENERIC FEATURES WERE WATER PONDS, REPRESENTING THE RESERVOIRS IN THE ADJUSTABLE SUNSCREEN THAT DRAPES OVER THE VERANDA

PRESERVED WHILE A MEZZANINE, RESTORED COURTYARD MINES AND GRANITE FLOOR TILES, REPRESENTING THE ON THE NORTH SIDE. UNFINISHED HEAVY CONCRETE

AND FLOATING DETAILS MODERNIZE THE BUILDING. DIAMOND-BEARING KIMBERLITE STONE, ARE ELEGANT COLUMNS CREATE A RADIATING THERMAL MASS.

SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZA AND WWW.SAIA.ORG.ZA REFERENCES TO THE BUILDING’S FUNCTION. SOURCE WWW.JUSTTHEPLANET.COM

SOURCE (DECKLER, GRAUPNER AND RASMUSS)



YEAR 1999 YEAR 2002

TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST CULTURAL CENTRE GUGA S’THEBE CULTURAL CENTRE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST LIVING MUSEUM WOMEN’S JAIL PRECINCT
ARCHITECT CARIN SMUTS ARCHITECT KATE OTTEN ARCHITECTS

SIGNIFICANCE DURING AN 18-MONTH DESIGN PROCESS, SMUTS ATTEMPTED TO SERVE BOTH THE OLDER CONSTITUENTS, WHO HOPED FOR A TRADITIONAL RURAL DESIGN, AND YOUNGER CONSTITUENTS, WHO FAVORED A CONTEMPORARY DESIGN. SIGNIFICANCE OTTEN TRANSFORMED A PRISON WHERE ANTI-APARTHEID ACTIVISTS WERE UNJUSTLY DETAINED AND

BOTH GENERATIONS SOUGHT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE MONOTONOUS ARCHITECTURE OF APARTHEID TOWNSHIPS. INSTEAD OF ONE LARGE CONTIGUOUS BUILDING, SMUTS CHOSE TO CREATE A VILLAGE OF SMALLER TORTURED INTO NEW OFFICE BUILDINGS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. RECENT ADDITIONS

COURTYARD BUILDINGS. THIS STYLE CREATED MORE USEFUL OUTDOOR AND TRANSITION SPACE. DESIRE LINES IDENTIFIED FROM AERIAL PHOTOS DEFINED THE BOUNDARIES OF THE BUILDINGS IN ORDER TO WELCOME WERE DEMOLISHED TO REVEAL THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS, AND OTTEN TOOK CARE TO DIFFERENTIATE

PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. THE GOLD, TRUNCATED-CONE EXHIBITION SPACE REFERS TO THE TRADITIONAL ‘RONDAWEL’ VERNACULAR. THE ENTRANCE AND INTERIORS ARE BLANKETED WITH COLORFUL TILE AND PAINTED NEW ADDITIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURES. ONE NEW ADDITION STRADDLES THE PERIMETER WALL AS AN

WITH MURALS BY LOCAL CRAFTSMEN. THE CENTRE WON THE GLOBAL AWARD IN 2008 AND DESIGN AND HEALTH INTERNATIONAL AWARD IN 2010, AND HAS BECOME A POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION. EXPRESSION OF FREEDOM, AND A PERFORATED-METAL SUNSCREEN MIMICS THE SKY THAT GAVE PRISONERS HOPE.

SOURCE WWW.CSSTUDIO.CO.ZA SOURCE (DECKLER, GRAUPNER AND RASMUSS)

YEAR 2000 JOUBERT HOUSE YEAR 2002 HOUSE TOUSSAINT YEAR 2002 ZOLANI CENTRE YEAR 2003 BARAGWANATH STATION YEAR 2005 DAWID KLAASTE CENTRE YEAR 2008 TRANSNET STORE
TYPE CONTEMPORARY STUDIO/HOUSE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST HOUSE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST TRANSPORT HUB AND MARKET TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRE TYPE COMMERCIAL RETROFIT

ARCHITECT ORA JOUBERT ARCHITECT NOERO WOLFF ARCHITECTS ARCHITECT CARIN SMUTS ARCHITECT URBAN SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT CARIN SMUTS ARCHITECT STREY ARCHITECTS (STARCH)

SIGNIFICANCE AS A PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE AT THE SIGNIFICANCE IN GLOBAL CITIES WITH SEVERE SIGNIFICANCE IN THE 1950S, THE ZOLANI CENTRE WAS ARCHITECTS AND URBAN DESIGNERS SIGNIFICANCE AS ALWAYS, CARIN SMUTS ENRICHED HER SIGNIFICANCE STARCH WORKED WITH THE COUNCIL FOR

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA, ORA JOUBERT ENJOYED INEQUALITY, CRIME AND TRAFFIC, THE WEALTHY OFTEN BUILT BY LOCAL BLACK AUTHORITIES IN NYANGA, ONE SIGNIFICANCE THE BARAGWANATH TRANSPORT ARRAY OF DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS WITH A PARTICIPATORY SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR) TO

BEING HER OWN CLIENT, FREE OF CONSTRAINTS TO USE HELICOPTERS AS A FAST AND RELATIVELY SAFE OF THE MOST VIOLENT AND IMPOVERISHED SLUMS IN INTERCHANGE AND TRADERS MARKET IS A SYMBOLIC PROCESS FOR HER DAWID KLAASTE MULTI-PURPOSE SUSTAINABLY RETROFIT THE TRANSNET PATTERN

HER ARTISTIC EXPRESSION. JOUBERT USED MATERIALS, MEANS OF TRANSPORT. DESPITE HIS MEMBERSHIP TO SOUTH AFRICA. SMUTS USED A PARTICIPATORY PROCESS BUILDING, CONNECTING THE HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED CENTRE. HER CHARRETTES REVEALED DESIRES FOR STORE FROM AN ENGINEERING DRAFTING OFFICE AND

INCLUDING THE CORRUGATED STEEL MOTIF, SALVAGED THIS ELITE CLASS, TIM TOUSSAINT REQUESTED THAT HIS TO UPDATE THE BUILDING, AND BUILT AN ADDITION SOWETO TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN DOWNTOWN A WINDMILL IN RESPONSE TO THE WINDINESS OF THE LOCOMOTIVE DEPOT INTO AN OPEN PLAN OFFICE.

FROM A NEARBY STABLE, AND CREATED A WHIMSICALLY HOUSE AND HANGER USE LOCAL MATERIALS ASSOCIATED THAT BROKE THE STRICT GRID PATTERN REMINISCENT JOHANNESBURG. BUILT-IN CONCRETE ALCOVES PROVIDE REGION, THE HISTORICAL RISK OF FLOODS, AND THE NINETY PERCENT OF THE DEMOLISHED MATERIALS

WINGED GEOMETRY. ALTHOUGH HER USE OF RECYCLED WITH LOWER INCOME HOUSING: NAMELY BRICKS AND OF APARTHEID OPPRESSION AND CREATED THE TYPE OF STALLS FOR INFORMAL BUSINESSES AND SEATING AREAS LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY OF A GIANT WATER WERE SALVAGED; BRICKS WERE REUSED STRUCTURALLY,

MATERIALS AND INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL DETAILS CORRUGATED METAL. THE HOUSE FEATURES ROOF ASYMMETRIC TYPOLOGY THEY WOULD HAVE BUILT HAD FOR COMMUTERS. THE FACADES ARE DOTTED WITH SCORPION FOSSIL. SMUTS REUSED ROOFING MATERIAL MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WAS TRANSFORMED INTO

EARNED HER A MERIT AWARD IN 1995 FROM THE SOUTH PERFORATIONS THAT PERMIT SOLAR ACCESS WITH WINTER THEY THE FREEDOM TO DO SO. LOW CONCRETE THRESHOLD LOCAL ARTWORK, ALTHOUGH THEIR HIGH ELEVATION AS CLADDING, AND PARTNERED THE FAMOUS ARTIST LANDSCAPE FEATURES, ROOF SHEETING WAS DONATED

AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE STUDIO IS SOLAR ANGLES AND BLOCK THE SUN IN THE SUMMER. WALLS CREATE “IN BETWEEN” SPACES FOR SOCIAL MAKES THEM DIFFICULT TO APPRECIATE. THE LOW- WILLIE BESTER WITH LOCAL METALWORKERS TO PRODUCE TO LOCAL SCHOOLS. A SAW-TOOTH ROOF GEOMETRY

CRITICIZED FOR FAILING TO RESPOND TO THE CLIMATE. SOURCE WWW.NOEROWOLFF.COM INTERACTION AND GUIDE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION. SLOPE CONCRETE ROOF HAS MADE WATERPROOFING HANDRAILS FROM FARMYARD SCRAPS. THE PLAYFUL AND GLASS PARTITIONS IMPROVED SOLAR ACCESS.

SOURCE WWW.ARTEFACTS.CO.ZAZ SOURCE WWW.CSSTUDIO.CO.ZA DIFFICULT, BUT THE CONCRETE ARCADE EFFECTIVELY LOCALS EVEN REQUESTED THAT THE HEAD OF THE SOURCE WWW.CSIR.CO.ZAZ

SHADES THE COLONNADE IN THE SUMMER ONLY. WINDMILL BE SCULPTED LIKE A ROCKET, AND SO IT WAS.

SOURCE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA SOURCE WWW.CSSTUDIO.CO.ZA



YEAR 2004 YEAR 2003

TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST COURT HOUSE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST RESOURCE CENTRE ALEXANDRA INTERPRETATION CENTRE
ARCHITECT URBAN SOLUTIONS AND OMM DESIGN WORKSHOP ARCHITECT PETER RICH

SIGNIFICANCE BUILT ON THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW DEMOCRACY, THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT SYMBOLIZES THE CORE VALUES OF TRANSPARENCY, RECONCILIATION, ACCESSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY THAT FORM THE PILLARS OF THE SIGNIFICANCE THE ALEXANDRA INTERPRETATION CENTRE OFFERS TRAINING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND TOUR GUIDES,

NEW SOCIETY. THE BUILDING AIMS TO OVERCOME THE HISTORY OF ITS SITE, ON WHICH THE WORLD’S ONLY PRISON THAT INCARCERATED BOTH MANDELA AND GANDHI IS PRESERVED. RUBBLE FROM THE DEMOLISHED SHOWCASES LOCAL ARTWORK AND JAZZ ARCHIVES, AND PROVIDES PLAZAS, AN INTERNET CAFÉ, A FOOD COURT,

BUILDINGS ON THE SITE PROVIDES THERMAL MASS IN GIGANTIC GABION WALLS IN THE COURT CHAMBER. BRICKS FROM THE INFAMOUS AWAITING TRIAL BLOCK WERE REUSED IN THE “GREAT AFRICAN STAIRS”, WHICH AND A YOUTH CENTRE. THE BUILDING SPANS A BUSY PEDESTRIAN WAY, GRANTING IT PRESENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY.

FORM THE ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING. A BARE CONCRETE FRAME CREATES A THERMALLY RADIATING ARRAY THAT, WHEN COMBINED WITH STRATEGIC ORIENTATION AND SHADING STRUCTURES, ENABLES MOSTLY THE STEEL FRAME IS EXPOSED AND PAINTED RED, WHICH BECOMES AN AESTHETIC THEME THROUGHOUT THE

PASSIVE CLIMATE CONTROL. ANGLED SLOTS WERE CAST INTO THE ROOF PLANKS AND FILLED WITH SKYLIGHTS THAT DECORATIVELY PROTRUDE ON THE EXTERIOR. ON THE EAST AND SOUTH FACADES, MOSAIC CLADDING BUILDING. HEAVY-BRICK MASONRY WAS CHOSEN FOR INTERIOR WALLS FOR ITS THERMAL MASS, ACOUSTIC

ATTRACTS THE ATTENTION OF PEDESTRIANS. ON THE NORTH AND WEST FACADES, SUNSCREENS, INDIGENOUS TREES AND PASSIVELY ROTATING PERFORATED PANELS CALLED SUN BAFFLES, MODERATE SOLAR GAIN. THE REX MUFFLING AND AFFORDABILITY. UBIQUITOUS STAINED GLASS WINDOWS AND OTHER ORNAMENTAL FEATURES

WELSH LIBRARY TOWER CURTAINED WITH FROST GLASS EMULATES THE RISING PRISMS OF THE HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL AND APARTHEID MUSEUM, WHICH SYMBOLIZE A HOPEFUL, PRINCIPLED REBIRTH. WERE DESIGNED BY LOCALS, WHO ALSO INFLUENCED THE DESIGN THROUGH PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS.

SOURCE WWW.ARUP.COM SOURCE WWW.PETERRICHARCHITECTS.CO.ZA

In a landscape defined by the absence of buildings
and by cities growing in an anti-urban manner, rel-
evant architecture is thinly spread South Africa still
bears the scars of a recent past of separation, dis-
crimination and isolation. Yet ... the rifts of social
and political complexity do not tear them apart.
YEAR 2008 ENERGY WORKS YEAR 2007 MAPUNGUBWE CENTRE YEAR 2008 HOUSE STEENKAMP YEAR 2005 HOUSE VAN DYK
TYPE SUSTAINABLE OFFICE BUILDING TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST INTERPRETATION CENTRE - sharpCITY TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST HOUSE TYPE CRITICAL REGIONALIST RESIDENTIAL

ARCHITECT ENRICO DAFFONCHIO ARCHITECT PETER RICH ARCHITECT ELMO SWART ARCHITECT ELMO SWART

SIGNIFICANCE THE ITALIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN STARCHITECT SIGNFICANCE RICH WON THE WAF WORLD BUILDING OF SIGNIFICANCE HOUSE STEENKAMP IS A NOVEL APPROACH SIGNFICANCE THE GUIDING DESIGN PARADIGM IN SWART’S

ENRICO DAFFONCHIO HAS TAKEN ON PARTICULARLY THE YEAR AWARD IN 2009 FOR HIS MAPUNGUBWE TO ADAPTABLE ARCHITECTURE. STARTING WITH A UNIQUE HOUSE VAN DYK IS THE AIM TO MAKE ITS FEATURES

SENSITIVE PROJECTS, SUCH AS HIS CRADLE OF MANKIND INTERPRETATION CENTRE. TWO GIANT STONE-CLAD CLERESTORY DOME, ADDITIONS ARE BUILT IN A FRACTAL DUALLY FUNCTIONAL. THE WING-SHAPED ROOF CREATES

RESTAURANT AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK OUTPOST. VAULTS ARE COVERED IN LOCALLY GATHERED STONES PATTERN, CURVING AWAY FROM THE CENTRE IN BOTH SUCTION FROM PREVAILING WINDS TO DRIVE PASSIVE

HIS MOST RECENT ENERGY WORKS BUILDING WON TO EMULATE CAIRNS, PILES OF ROCK USED AS ROUTE DIRECTIONS TO CREATE CONTIGUOUS BUT OPEN- VENTILATION AND LARGE DOORS OPEN THE LIVING

THE GAUTENG INSTITUTE FOR ARCHITECTURE PRIZE IN MARKERS BY NATIVE TRIBES. THE BOTTOM EDGES OF THE ENDED SPACES. STRAIGHT LINES, WHICH REPRESENT ROOM INTO THE GARAGE, BLOCKING THE WORKBENCH

2009. DAFFONCHIO ALLOWED THE STEEL FRAME TO VAULT ARCH UP TO REVEAL THE INTERIOR, RECREATING THE RIGIDITY OF COLONIAL AND APARTHEID RULE, ARE IN ORDER TO RENDER IT A LIVING SPACE AS WELL. RAW

PROTRUDE OUTSIDE THE GLAZED CURTAIN, WHERE IT THE JOY OF THE SEVERAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES ALL BUT ABSENT IN THE STRUCTURE. MASONRY WALLS MATERIALS ARE CHOSEN TO PRODUCE AESTHETIC

SUPPORTS SOLAR SHELVES WHICH SIMULTANEOUSLY OF THE SITE. THE BUILDINGS FORM AN EQUILATERAL ARE PAINTED A LIGHT BROWN TO RISE PROMINENTLY CONTRAST AND ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR FINISHING. A

EXTEND SOLAR ACCESS FURTHER INTO THE BUILDING AND TRIANGLE, EMULATING THE COMPOUNDS OF LOCAL TRIBES. BUT NATURALLY FROM THE VEGETATED LANDSCAPE. STRUCTURAL ELEMENT OF THE CURTAIN WALL SEAMLESSLY

SHADE DURING THE MIDDAY. FINISHING IS MINIMAL, AND UNEMPLOYED LOCALS WERE TRAINED TO PRODUCED SOURCE (DECKLER, GRAUPNER AND RASMUSS) PERFORATES THE GLAZING TO BECOME A HANDRAIL.

GREEN TECHNOLOGIES ARE SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATED. STABILIZED EARTH TILES AND CONSTRUCT THE VAULTS. NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM, PORT ELIZABETH SOURCE (DECKLER, GRAUPNER AND RASMUSS)

SOURCE WWW.AZA2010.ORG SOURCE WWW.PETERRICHARCHITECTS.CO.ZA



2.11 SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
VERANDAS AND SUNSCREENS CORRUGATED SHEETING CLERESTORY ROOFS AND SKYLIGHTS

ANDREW MAKIN’S VERANDA, ABOVE, PETER RICH USES CHEAP AND JO NOERO INSERTS A CLERESTORY
AND DRAPING SUNSCREEN, RIGHT, DECORATIVE TRANSLUCENT SKYLIGHT TO GRAB LOW-LEVEL
FILTER THE INTENSE SUNLIGHT TO CORRUGATED POLYCARBONATE SHEETS SUNLIGHT, ABOVE.
CREATE A COOL MICROCLIMATE ON THE TO FILTER SUNLIGHT ON THE NORTH
PATIO. FACADE, ABOVE. ROELOF UYTENBOGAARDT CREATES A
CLERESTORY CORRUGATED METAL
ELMO SWART’S ADJUSTABLE KATE OTTEN USES DURABLE, ROOF, TOP RIGHT.
SUNSCREENS, TOP RIGHT, ALLOW USERS CONSTRUCTIBLE, AND AFFORDABLE
TO MANAGE SOLAR GAIN. CORRUGATED STEEL CLADDING, RIGHT.. URBAN SOLUTIONS DESIGN
TRANSLUCENT LIBRARY TOWER AND
SLANTED SKYLIGHTS, RIGHT.

PATTERNED BRICK THERMAL MASS COLOR

NORMAN EATON LAYS DECORATIVE URBAN SOLUTIONS AND ARUP PETER RICH HAS LOCALS CREATE
AFRICAN BRICK PATTERN, TOP LEFT, AND DESIGNED AN INNOVATIVE GABION STAINED GLASS WINDOWS, TOP LEFT.
SHADES HIS NETHERLANDS BANK WITH WALL THAT USES VALVES TO CONTROL
A BRICK SCREEN, LEFT. PASSIVE VENTILATION THROUGH IT, THE NDEBELE TRIBE HAVE PAINT THEIR
LEFT. HOUSES WITH A RICH LANGUAGE OF
BOB VAN BEBBER WRAPS SOCCER CITY SYMBOLISM THAT EXPRESSES ALMOST
STADIUM IN LIGHT-FILTERING AND HEAT- STUDIOMAS SANDWICHES A LIVING ANY EMOTION APART FROM RELIGIOUS
TRAPPING BRICK SCREEN, ABOVE. ROOM BETWEEN TWO TEMPERATURE- DEVOTION, ABOVE.
MODERATING GABION WALLS, ABOVE.
THE MURALS ON THE ORLANDO
POWERSTATION COOLING TOWERS IN
SOWETO SERVE AS NAVIGATIONAL
MONUMENTS FOR THE CITY AND
EXHIBIT CULTURAL REFERENCES, LEFT.



2.12 SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURAL SYMBOLS
PILLARS OF PROGRESS MONUMENTS SPORTS

TOP LEFT: APARTHEID MUSEUM TOP LEFT: FREEDOM PARK
DEMOCRACY, RECONCILIATION, MEMORIAL IN PRETORIA, EACH BRICK
DIVERSITY AND RESPONSIBILITY NAMES A VICTIM OF RACIAL VIOLENCE

ABOVE: H. PIETERSON MEMORIAL ABOVE: VOORTREKKER MONUMENT
COMMEMORATES THE DEATH OF A COMMEMORATES THE GREAT TREK
YOUNG BLACK PROTESTER
LEFT: FREEDOM CHARTER NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM
LEFT: FREEDOM TOWERS MONUMENT AT WALTER SISULU SQUARE TYPICALLY FOOTBALL IS PLAYED BY TYPICALLY RUGBY IS PLAYED BY WHITE
WALTER SISULU SQUARE BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS SOUTH AFRICANS

PILLARS OF THE AFRIKAANS INFORMALITY BUFFER ZONES

TOP LEFT: KAFFI HUTS
TRADITIONAL HOUSE OF
NOMADIC TRIBES

ABOVE: RONDAVEL HUTS
TRADITIONAL HOUSING
OF SOME TRIBES

LEFT: ‘SPAZAS’, SMALL INFORMAL
CONVENIENT STORES ARE UBIQUITOUS
IN BLACK SETTLEMENTS
WINBURG VOORTREKKER TAAL MONUMENT
MONUMENT COMMEMORATING THE COMMEMORATING THE DEVELOPMENT “if we mean to civilize the natives we must enforce
GREAT TREK OF THE AFRIKAAN LANGUAGE order and regularity, and naturally the round kafir 500 METER BUFFER ZONES OF UNDEVELOPED LAND WERE REQUIRED BETWEEN
hut cannot find place alongside of the square or oblong BLACK AND WHITE SETTLEMENTS. GREEN BELTS MEANT FOR RECREATION COULD
white man’s house. there should be an interdict against EASILY INSINUATE THE FORMER MECHANISM OF APARTHEID.
the round hut. it certainly breeds vermin.” (hahn)



2.13 INFRASTRUCTURE

N1

N1

M2
LEGEND
Highways

Gautrain Metro Railway

# Numbered Image Indicator

Johannesburg

M1

M1
MAP INDICATING HIGHWAYS
AND HOW THEY CONNECT THE
OUTSKIRTS OF JOHANNESBURG
TO ITS CENTER.



Transportation to and from Johannesburg is almost entirely through the
highway system. Johannesburg is surrounded by three major freeways
that allow for the transportation of people and goods. The N3 Eastern
Bypass, which extends to Durban; the N1 Western Bypass, which extends
to Pretoria and Cape Town and the N12 Southern Bypass, which extends
to Witbank and Kimberley. Running through the city are the M1 and M2
freeways, which allow for people to quickly enter and exit the city. Some
people commute daily from the neighboring suburbs and towns, spending
an average of 3-5 hours a day getting to and from work. This makes the 1 2 3 4
highway an important part of a person’s life and a cities identity.

While 37% of households in Johannesburg own cars, the remaining
63% is dependent on public transportation. For the people living in the
peripheries of the city, transportation is a major issue. Since the large
majorities cannot afford cars, they rely on public transport for any activity
that requires commuting. Unfortunately, in many instances the density of
the neighborhood is not large enough to support public transportation,
leaving people with no other option but to walk to the nearest place offering 5 6 7 8
it. This too is a problem since the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles
or while riding a public vehicle is not insignificant, around 1,100 in 2003. In
addition, fare prices, crimes and accidents are issues of concern to those
riding public transportation. Unfortunately these issues are far from solved,
though some improvements occurred for the FIFA Football World Cup 2010.

The highway, however, is an excellent way to get a glimpse of the city
in an honest light. It allows you to quickly see the different conditions
and amenities offered (as shown on the images on the following 9 10 11 12
page). On the map to the left, the highways have been highlighted
and to the right, images that correspond to what you would see
while on the N1 (from Cosmo City) on the way to Johannesburg.

13 14 15 16

1.LAnSErIA AIrPort 2.LIon PArK 3.coSMo cIty 4.goLdEn HArVESt PArK 5.cocA doME 6.EAgLE cAnyon goLF
EStAtE cLuB HouSE 7.cLEArWAtEr HArLEy dAVISon 8.14 AVE. PEdEStrIAn BrIdgE 9.SPArroW rAInBoW VILLAgE AIdS
HoSPIcE 10.MInES 11.SoccEr cIty (SoccEr StAdIuM) 12.goLd rEEF cIty 13.HIgHWAy (undErnEAtH tHE BrIdgE)
14.tHE PLAnEtArIuM 15.cEdAr SQ. SHoPPIng cEntEr 16.tEcHnoLogy PArK



Modes of transportation
used by Joburg residents
to travel to work
trAIn 8.2%
BuS 4.4%
MInIBuS tAXI
34.6%
WALK 8.7%
BIcycLE 0.2%
PErSonAL cAr 42.2%

PEoPLE uSIng HAnd
SIgnALS to IndIcAtE to
MInIBuS tAXI drIVErS,
tHEIr dESIrEd dEStInA-
tIonS



TRANSPORTATION

Of all the public transport trips, 72% (372,000) are in taxis, 15% (72,000)
are in trains and 9% (44,000) are in buses. There are two types of taxis,
the minibus taxi, which is a small-scale bus service that operates without
any timetables or formal stops, and the metered taxi which is summoned
by telephone. For those on foot, the minibus taxi is the cheapest and most
convenient way to get around, operating 1259 routes from 444 starting
points. On average, taxis arrive in under 10 minutes, and, if no connection
is needed, the travel time on a taxi is about 50min. A connection trip from
taxi to taxi can take up to 80 minutes or more. In general riding the taxi
requires some knowledge of the hand signal system (charts to the left).
To stop a minibus taxi a hand signal indicating the desired destination is
necessary. The metro railway system connects Central Johannesburg to
Soweto, Pretoria and some other towns near Witwatersrand. Unfortunately,
it does not extend to northern Johannesburg. Plans are underway to
organize the transportation system; analytic assessments of traffic, possible
routes and its possible future financial implications are in the works. Bus routes MiniBus routes Metro railway routes

ROADSIDE WATER TREATMENT SAND/MINES BRIDGES ANIMALS
HOUSING
SHACKS
DEVELOPMENT

CITY PLAYGROUND/PARKS ELECTRICITY CA- TOLLS/ BUS STA- TRAFFIC VEgEtAtIon
BLES TIONS


cHAPtEr 3 SItE And LocALE

dIEPSLoot

ZEVEnFontEIn SURROUNDING COSMO CITY
Lion Park AREA

rIVErBEnd HIgH-dEnSIty ArEAS

ile radius

le radius
SEcondAry roAd

radius
COSMO
CITY MAJor HIgHWAy

m

ile
i
15-m
10-

20-m
rAndBurg
Region’s SAndton
economic There are several economic centers, including
central Johannesburg, within 20 miles of
centres Cosmo City. Unfortunately, poor public
transportation to and from Cosmo City
makes commuting, and consequently
maintaining a job, a difficult task. Commuters
must rely on private transportation or
roodEPoort taxis, both of which are not affordable
options for RDP-housing members.
Mainly residential
(Many high-end
homes)

cEntrAL
JoHAnnESBurg

SoWEto



3.1 INTRODUCTION: COSMO CITY’S VISION

Since the end of Apartheid, the South African government has pursued manages the neighborhood environment, acting as a liaison between
the goal of providing housing to all. In its landmark 1996 Constitution, residents and the GDACE, and educates residents on civil and environmental
South Africa declared that every citizen has a right to housing (Lebeta). responsibilities before they move into their home. Cosmo City also piloted
Efforts to provide viable low-income housing solutions, however, have a Climate Proofing Program, focused on bringing green technologies
been slow. Tired of waiting, poor residents build informal settlements to its homes and encouraging sustainable behavior among its residents
on open land. The resulting slums are substandard and lack access to (Naidoo). Under this program, solar water heaters were installed in many
basic amenities (Onatu). Cosmo City is a development initially created of Cosmo City’s low income homes to limit electrical expense. In its
to provide formal housing for people who had previously settled illegally attempt to be one of the first housing developments that complies with
in two such settlements, Zevenfontein and Riverbend. With little or no South Africa’s sustainable housing policies, Cosmo City educates and
income, many settlers will relocate to fully subsidized Reconstruction empowers its community to act responsibly towards the environment.
and Development Program (abbreviated to "RDP") houses (Cowden).
This is the first time such a population will be exposed to the civil rights The overall sustainability of Cosmo City is still questionable, since the
and responsibilities associated with living in a permanent and legally development is located on Johannesburg’s periphery. This characteristic
constituted community. These homeowners will have access to amenities may also be responsible for the presence of informal shops, known locally
such as hot water, paved roads, water sanitation and refuse removal. as spazas or shebeens. Living in a neighborhood far from the city, RDP
housing residents cannot afford to travel far to work elsewhere. Instead
During the apartheid era, Johannesburg was strictly segregated, with they set up shops within Cosmo City to earn a living, as many did when
whites living in the City’s northern suburban edges and blacks zoned to they lived in informal settlements (Lebeta). Although their housing is
the south of the city in townships. Previous RDP housing developments now formalized, homeowners from Zevenfontein and Riverbend are still
have been exclusively for blacks to live in homogeneous residential units relying on informal sources of income. Cosmo City by-laws stipulate
2004 2007 (Onatu). In contrast, Cosmo City developers in partnership with the City that all shop owners must submit requests of approval and set up only
Cosmo City Land
of Johannesburg strive for a diverse and integrated neighborhood that in specified market areas. Despite these regulations, many shops have
Cosmo City is built on previously confronts South Africa’s apartheid legacy. Developers incorporated sprouted outside such spaces, without any approval (Lebeta). Even with
undeveloped land. Construction four different housing types in the neighborhood plan: fully subsidized, regulatory personnel like the OECO, residents may still be reluctant
Began in 2004. The first residents
credit linked, social housing rental units, and bonded free market houses to follow the bylaws because of economic needs. Developers may
moved in 2005. (Google)
(Cowden). With each housing type intended for a specific income not have fully accounted for residents’ survival strategies. Though
group, Cosmo City attempts to set a precedent as an economically formal trading centers are scheduled to be built, it is uncertain
varied neighborhood. The mixed use development is comprised of whether such measures will completely alleviate the community’s
environments conducive to interaction between social classes. Parks are economic and social needs or leave much to be desired (Lebeta).
placed within 10 minutes walking distance from every home (Cowden).
Schools are easily accessible. As an example, students from all different
housing types attend the S’godiphola Secondary School (Kgowedi).

South Africa’s national housing policy not only stipulated the necessity
of integration, but also specified that housing developments should
be environmentally conscious (Cowden). The Gauteng Department
of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) approved the
neighborhood’s construction with the expectation that Cosmo City
would be developed and managed with the environment in mind (City of
Johannesburg). Cosmo City was built on previously undeveloped wetlands,
prompting the enclosure of 200 hectares of land for conservation. The
2009
community’s Operational Environmental Control Officer (OECO) further



3.2 IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORHOODS

During South Africa’s apartheid regime, Johannesburg’s northern
suburbs were exclusively “white.” Cosmo City was developped within
the urbansism scope of the 1994 Reconstruction Development Program,
and is located North of Johannesburg in a semi-rural area historically
occupied by smallholdings and estates of wealthy white suburbanites.
Cosmo City Several established and luxurious gated communities built around golf
courses border Cosmo City. Some gated-community members opposed
the construction of Cosmo City, claiming that their property would
consequently depreciate in value (Cowden). Cosmo City’s construction
sparked racial and economic tensions with the surrounding population,
indicating that the "Not-in-my-Backyard" issues still prevail in the area.

Industrial complex

Affluent neighborhood

NOTE
Cosmo City’s residential
area is in great contrast to its
immediate surrounding area.



3.3 COSMO CITY INCOME MAP

Cosmo City was planned with the understanding that mixing social classes
EXT 0 was a necessary strategy to overcome the characteristic segregation
$$$ of the apartheid regime. Cosmo City developers have created zones of
EXT 2 different income, known as Extensions, which allow various income levels
$$ to exist within close vicinity while maintaining contextual typographies.
There are four kinds of housing types, undermined by four distinct
financial plans. The lowest income level house “Give away house” is
fully subsidized by the government, as part of the Reconstruction and
Development Program (RDP). The second least expensive house is the
“credit linked house” which is partly subsidized. There are also “free
market houses,” which are the most luxurious units within Cosmo City.

EXT 4 Developers may have attempted to ease tensions with the more
$ $$$$ affluent neighborhood to Cosmo City’s south, by constructing
higher income housing bordering the gated community.
EXT 6

$$

$$

EXT 8

$$$

EXT 9

$$$$ EXT 7 $ Give away house (36m2)
$$$$
$$ Rental

$$$$ $$$ Credit linked house (45m2 - 70m2)

EXT 3
$$$$ Free market house (40m2 - 120m2)



3.4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING

The City of Johannesburg and Gauteng Provincial Government (1)CODEVCO (PTY) LTD
GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
has partnered with Codevco in the development of Cosmo
Shareholders
CIty. Codevco is a “joint venture between Basil Read, one of BASIL READ 50%
South Africa’s oldest construction companies, and the Kopano
KOPANO 50%
ke Matla trust, of which the Congress of Southern African Trade PROJECT MANAGER
Unions (Cosatu) is the sole beneficiary” (South Africa). Land Availability Agreement Directors
Subsidy Agreement Services Agreement Marius Heyns
While the City and the Provincial Government provide land and Link Services Agreement Des Hughes – General Manager
subsidies, Codevco manages the overall project. The developers Collin Matjila
viewed the public private partnership (PPP) as a good “balance Ivor Isaacs
between social responsibility and financial sustainability” (Cowden). Development Agreements CODEVCO (1)
Manco
Des Hughes – General Manager
The project overall costs R3.8 billion based on rates applicable to 2008 Brian Mulherron – General Manager
(Cosmo City, a place under the sun for anyone). The breakdown of costs Give Aways Subcontractor Building Construction Ivor Isaacs – Marketing Manager
Bulk & Link Engineering Services Township Establishment R. Zama – Comm. & Liaison Manager
shown was presented in 2005. Beyond total costs, the proportions taken by Credit Linked Subcontractor Design & Construct
Design & Construct Appointment Land Survey Brent Parrott – Financial Manager
Bonded Contractor Appointment
government and private groups have remained largely the same. Codevco,
Phuma Developments, and other private sector groups bore most of the (2) PHUMA responsible for:
costs. Phuma Developments was in charge of construction for the more
• Top structures
expensive bonded houses, as well as the housing top structures (Cowden). PHUMA (2) BASIL READ BASIL READ URBAN DYNAMICS • Give away social facilitation
Such major participation of the private sector was made possible through
government support, which provided land and subsidies for the houses. • Credit linked & bonded market

COSMO CONSULT Engineer: Cosmo Consult
The Gauteng Department of Education will fund the construction of 12 Internal Services
Contractor: Basil Read
schools (Cosmo City, a place under the sun for anyone). Additionally,
according to 2005 estimates, the Gauteng Provincial Government plans
to spend R 700,000 on building formal crèches (Cowden). No formal From Cowden (2006)

crèches have been built. More broadly, a lack of funding and budget
costs may be responsible for the slow development (Cowden). 5%
2%
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 108 MZAR
DEPARTMENT OF MINERALS 40 MZAR
15% 22%
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING 335 MZAR
PHUMA 578 MZAR
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 15 MZAR
16%
26% PRIVATE 321 MZAR
CODEVCO 363 MZAR
14%
Top: Organization Structure of Cosmo City’s Management CITY OF JOHANNESBURG/GPG 504.2 MZAR
Codevco is the main manager of the project
Bottom: Cosmo City Project Funding
1%
A 2005 report presentation estimated the amount funded
by the partners to the project, with a majority
coming from the private sector From Cowden (2006)



3.5 COSMO CITY COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT THE BROCHURE

During Cosmo City’s development, Codevco, the developer, attempted The City of Johannesburg also informs residents through an informational
to incorporate the opinions and views of its future community members. brochure, which the developer requires residents to read before moving
Through workshops, a select number of informal settlers and other into their home. The brochure introduces the Operational Environmental
future residents voiced their concerns and needs to both the developer Control officer (OECO), a liaison between the City of Johannesburg,
A
and the City of Johannesburg (Cowden). An interview study conducted Gauteng Department of Agriculture, and utilities (City of Johannesburg).
in 2008 found that most future beneficiaries, however, were informed As a liaison, the OECO instructs residents on social and environmental
only of the project’s phases and not consulted for opinion (Lebeta). responsibilities (City of Johannesburg). The OECO also assists residents
on techniques they can use to save energy and improve their environment,
With Cosmo City now occupied, Codevco and the City of Johannesburg such as choosing the appropriate light bulbs and garden plants (City of
continue to communicate with the community through residents Johannesburg). Many aspects of the brochure indicate what Cosmo City
associations formed by each extension’s homeowners (Kgowedi). anticipated about the neighborhood’s residents-to-be. The brochure advises
Through meeting with the associations, the City informs residents residents who cannot afford much electricity to use Imbhawulas, braziers
about town by-laws. Residents, in return, can voice their concerns and that can used for heat and cooking (City of Johannesburg). Each page
recommend possible improvements to Cosmo City’s management. features comic illustrations, indicating that Cosmo City expected some C
These associations also maintain a cohesive and responsive community, of its residents to have limited literacy. Because many residents are from
holding regular meetings to deal with issues such as crime and repairs. informal settlements, the brochure also covers rules regarding building
extensions and shops. Though homeowners have the opportunity to renovate
Codevco distributes a monthly newsletter to keep residents informed and improve their homes, most of these actions are heavily regulated.
(Kgowedi). The developer has also initiated a few websites for the newsletter,
where homeowners can post crime reports and housing sales notices. This Generally, the brochure emphasizes that residents must be socially
has shown to be an efficient policy: residents in Extension 5 reported that 24 responsible by reporting leaks, damages, or policy violation. Both text and
hour security patrols were effective measures towards a safe neighborhood. illustration take on opposite tones when stipulating these regulations. The
D
One post urges other Extensions to implement similar measures to brochure’s front cover provides a good sample of these two tones. The
achieve a safe community (Lehlohonolo). These last posts, however, date subtitles start positive with “Let’s walk together… Let’s be proud of Cosmo B
to 2008 (Cosmo City News). No updates have been posted since then. City.” The last line of the cover, however, declares “Ignorance of the law is no
excuse!” in all capital letters (City of Johannesburg). The comic illustrations
The developer is clearly trying to collaborate with the residents and empower take on a similar pairing of tones. Bright green and yellow are usually used
them with a voice they may not have had previously. The effectiveness in the illustrations labeled with check marks. Images that illustrate illegal
of Codevco’s communicative efforts, however, remains debatable. The activities are labeled with bright red X’s that contrast with darker colors.
website was once a medium that attempted to connect residents across
extensions. Its current inactivity may indicate that the community and As a result, the text and comics that delineate the same policies seem to
developer are focusing on other more effective mediums of communication. take on opposite tones. In one instance the brochure states that use of fire E
In particular, attempts of workshops and notifications during Cosmo City’s hydrants for water can lead to prosecution. The comic strip that illustrates this
planning may not have been enough to fully anticipate residents’ needs. restriction depicts a man using the hose pipe to wash his car. He then receives
Figure A:
Though the first residents moved in during 2005, no formal trade centers a bucket of water and cloth from a faceless character (City of Johannesburg). Imbhawulas or braziers are suggested as means of cooking
were constructed in Cosmo City’s vicinity (Cosmo City, a place under the sun The strip ends with the car washer smiling, glad that he is saving resources. for those who cannot afford electricity
for anyone). Residents had to either travel far for shopping and work or find The comic downplays the severity of using the fire hydrants, emphasizing Figure B:
Cover of the brochure; note the text
ways of growing food and earning money within Cosmo City. Coupled with instead the benefit of environmental awareness. Through opposite tones
Figures C and D:
its peripheral location, Cosmo City’s lack of formal facilities led interviewed the neighborhood brochure heavily discourages illegal activity while Small Comic illustrations; note the contrast colors
RDP residents to feel that their needs were not fully considered (Lebeta). exposing residents to the positive side of obeying. Cosmo City attempts to Figure E:
educate and ensure a civically and environmentally responsible population. A Comic strip on illegal fire hydrant with an environmental spin



3.6 GREEN INITIATIVES

South Africa’s past housing policies called for more sustainable housing
developments. Cosmo City attempts to be one of the first to comply
with these stipulations. Ironically, the neighborhood is located far
from Johannesburg’s center, which poses huge transportation and
environmental costs. However, Cosmo City has initiated many programs
that promote environmental awareness and protection in other areas.

The community’s Climate Proofing Program intends to educate
residents on green technologies and practices. Under this program,
many RDP and credit-linked houses in Extension 2 and 6 have been
upgraded with fluorescent light bulbs and ceiling insulation including
solar water heaters shown at right (Naidoo). These mounted evacuated
tubes expose water to the sun, harnessing the sun’s heat for hot water.
Because they run without electricity, homeowners garner savings.
Installing such upgrades in RDP housing educates and enables low
income residents to conserve the environment’s resources. Moreover,
many residents were trained by industry professionals to install these
heaters (Mungoshi). A recent article elaborates that the installation
training will equip RDP residents with sustainable skills that could
become valuable in a “growing sector of the economy” (Mungoshi).

Cosmo City also utilizes social events to invoke residential activism and
responsibility. Residential leaders worked with Pikitup, the City’s refuse
removal agency, to organize a week in which neighborhood children
picked up trash around each extension (City of Johannesburg). Cosmo
City also holds a garden contest every year where each housing class
(subsidized, credit-linked, and bonded) has a division (Visser). Through
this initiative, Cosmo City hopes to inspire homeowners to improve their
own environment. Basil Read, Cosmo City’s developer, has established a
pilot nursery in the neighborhood, which offers free training to residents
on how to maintain their vegetable gardens (Basil Read Developments).

Formalized tree planting further spreads environmental awareness Top: Solar Water Heaeters
and participation among residents. Hundreds of trees have been Cosmo City’s Climate Proofing
donated from both the City and charitable organizations (Kgowedi). Programs focuses on
A reported 300 trees have been planted by Food and Trees for Africa bringing green technologies
to low-income homes
(FTFA) outside homes in Extension 4, an RDP housing extension Bottom: Basil Read Green Nursery
(Madumo). These tree planting events are publicized as steps Basil Read, one of the co-
towards improving Cosmo City’s environmental awareness and well- developers of Cosmo City, runs a
nursery that educates community
being. FTFA’s initiative particularly targets low income residents.
residents about garderning and
Cosmo City hopes to demonstrate the benefits of environmentally peri-urban agricultural practices
conscious behavior to residents of all economic backgrounds.



3.7 HOUSING

CITY RESIDENTIAL MAP

7
EXT 9

EXT 10
6
EXT 7

EXT 4

EXT 8 dr.
ica
s. a
fr
EXT 2
1 3
2

9
EXT 3

EXT 6
8

SITE

NOTE
5 All houses in Extension 4, in the vicinity of
10 our site, are RDP type houses, given away
by the government to disadvantaged
EXT 5 South Africans. The residents of those
houses are among the lowest income
bracket of Cosmo City. Residents of
Extension 2 are also fairly poor.
4



Lowest income bracket
“Give Away” house
= the house is provided for
free by the government,
on the condition that the
1
resident lives there for 5yrs.

Square mt: 36m2 on 11m x 20m plot
One story
Minimum amenities typical plan
2
Three rooms

3

Medium income bracket

= The government provides
4
subsidies for residents
to have access to a mortgage

Square mt: 45m2 to 70m2
5 on 200m x 280m plot
One story
Good level of amenities
6
Three rooms typical plan

7

Highest income bracket

= Free market
8
Housing is neither subsidized
nor given for free

Square mt: 40m2 to 120 m2
on 250m2 to 600m2 plot
9 One to two story
Amenities: garage, two
house entrances,
large windows, tiled roofs typical plan
10
Avg six rooms



HOUSING PLUG-IN: SELF BUILT DWELLINGS

TYPES

house + house house + garage house + car shed house + shop house + house

TYPICAL PLAN

MATERIAL PALETTE

concrete concrete concrete brick
metal framings aluminium corrugated metal corrugated metal
brick corrugated metal wood wood

Self-build processes are integral they are perceived as necessary housing stock, produced produce a one room extension NOTE
Self-build processes are more often
to the life span of most individually and directly implicate the by the developper. They or shop, though greatly
found in lower income
owned buildings in this community. economical development of contribute heavily to social increase the overall square neighborhoods (particularly
These self-build processes are individuals. They also contribute community activities, particularly footage of the dwelling. in extensions 2 and 6). Most
more often found in lower income to a rich diversity within the because of their relationship houses near our site feature
such transformations.
neighborhoods. Although illegal, preliminary homogenous to the road. They usually


cHAPtEr 3
CHAPTER 1 SItEosRC E_ T 2
6C oAndHsyC
6 H lC E LocALE
s
. &

3.8 SCHOOLS AND INFORMAL CRECHES IN COSMO CITY
6.6 schools & informal crÈches in cosmo city

Cosmo City is dotted with informal day care centers, known locally
informal crÈches (see locations on opposite page) as crèches. Around three people—one owner and two assistants—
operate each crèche. Many crèche owners previously lived in informal
settlements and started their child care businesses before moving to
Cosmo City. They continue operating their crèches in their new Cosmo
City homes. Correspondingly, the majority of crèches are located in
lower-income (RDP and subsidized) extensions. Each crèche cares for
approximately 80 children from the immediate neighborhood. As a
01 02 03 result, the crèche’s two 1.8 x 2.1m rooms are each filled with around 40
children. Houses originally intended for residential use are now serving
as day care centers, indicating that there are not enough formal facilities
to accommodate the community’s needs. The Gauteng Provincial
Government initially planned to fund construction of formal crèches in
2005. There have been no further updates or development since that time.

04 05 06

10 11 12

schools (see locations on opposite page)
01 cosmo city secondary school 02 cosmo city Primary no. 1 school & cosmo city Junior 03 cosmo city Primary no. 1 school &
Primary school cosmo city Junior Primary school

04 cosmo city West Primary school & tirisano-mmogo Junior
secondary school (no photos available)

SCHOOLHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA

cHAPtEr 3
CHAPTER 1 SItE 6C o lC E HsyC
And sRC E_ T 2
6 H o&
s. LocALE

LOCATION OF SCHOOLS AND INFORMAL CRECHES IN COSMO CITY
location of schools & informal crÈches in cosmo city

n

9
$$$$

10
$$ 4
$
7
$$$$

crÈche
site
04

08
2

so
th $$

u
8 af 01
ri 04 10
$$$ ca
dr.
3 09
$$$$
6 07 06
12 $$
01
11
02
03 03 Conservation
02
Area

PWV

informal crÈches schools
informal crÈche hosted in 0
Primary school 5
cosmo city home. $$$
$$$$
(Exact locations numbered; Primary school (planned)
corresponding photos 05
secondary school
on opposite page)
secondary school (planned)

eXtensions

ExTEnSIOn #
HOUSIng InCOmE LEVEL ($–$$$$)


cHAPtEr 3
CHAPTER 1 SItE And E_ T 2
6C o lC E HLocALE
6 H osRC syC
s
. &

schools in cosmo city

schools n
Primary school

Primary school (planned)
cosmo city Primary
secondary school
no. 1 school &
Parking cosmo city Junior
cosmo city Primary school
entrance
secondary school

All government primary and
secondary schools in Cosmo City
are “no-fee”—schools cannot
charge mandatory school fees. desire
lines

There are currently 4 primary
and 2 secondary schools, each
having 832–1056 students. Primary
schools are generally grades 1–6
(children aged 7–12) and secondary maclaren college
Private school
schools are grades 7–10 (children
aged 13–16). Under the South The “hotel school,” with
African Schools Act (1996), school well-equipped kitchens
is compulsory From Grades 1 to and computer facilities.
In Grade 10, students
9 (ages 7–15). Six more primary
specialize in hospitality or
and 3 more secondary schools crÈche IT for the year. students
are being built in Cosmo City. site from all socioeconomic
statuses attend sgodiphola.
desire
There are private schools in Cosmo sgodiPhola lines
City, such as the MacLaren Private secondary school
College. Wealthier homes may send Desire lines are man-made paths
their children to private schools across spaces where there are
no designated walkways. In
within Cosmo City or in surrounding cosmo city West
these two examples, people
cities such as Randburg and Sandton. Primary school &
are cutting acrosas fields/
tirisano-mmogo Junior
protected conservation areas to
secondary school
diminish the walking distance
Our crèche will the first official
between home and school.
crèche in Cosmo City. Children
who graduate from the crèche
will move on to Cosmo CIty West
Primary School down the street.


cHAPtEr 3
CHAPTER 1 SItEosRC E_ T 2
6C o And LocALE
6 H lC E HsyC
s
. &

crÈche and school site structures

security desire lines laundry
Wherever schools and homes are separated by conservation areas or (From observations, creche only. Possible that laundry is also a feature of
crÈches
fields, users will cross the fields instead of using roads. Fences protecting primary schools.)
conversation areas are breached.

In crèches, fencing provides a strong demarcation of territory, but
current designs do not necessarily prohibit trespassing. Spacing of
elements provide foot and handholds. In comparison to brick walls, Laundry is hung outdoors, covered by makeshift canopies or directly under
fencing allows for greater visibility of the surrounding area. the sun.

Brick walls around crèches are not
as high as fences. While they create
a sense of enclosure, they may also coloring
‘box in’ a site. Compared to fences,
they are more difficult to scale. Schools are characterized by their bright blue roofs.

schools

entrance
Crèches take advantage of wall and building surfaces to present colorful
There is only one entrance to the school(s). Given the large plots of land,
murals and signage. Principal colors are bright green, blue, red, and yellow.
buildings are set back from the perimeters. Perimeters are fenced off,
except for borders with conservation areas.
Schools’ fencing systems are better-designed than those of ‘informal’
home crèches. Schools are secured with brick walls and tall fencing.
Parking
Fences are constructed of rectangular posts thick enough to prevent
handholds and spaced close enough to prevent footholds. All schools have nearby parking. Most children walk to school, however,
school teachers and staff may drive.



3.9 PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE & GARDENS IN COSMO CITY

PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE (see locations on opposite page) GARDENS (see locations on opposite page)
RDP HOUSING RDP HOUSING

01 02 03 04 a b

05 06 07 08 c d

CREDIT-LINKED & FREE-MARKET HOUSING

09 10 11 12

e f

g h



(A SAMPLE OF) LOCATIONS OF PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE + GARDENS IN COSMO CITY

N

9
$$$$

10
$$ 4
$
7
$$$$

crÈche site

04
08 03
02
3 d

So
h 07

ut
$$$$ Af 12
8 ric
aD
$$$ r. 11 05
2
06
$$ 09
6
A
01 $$
10
b
Conservation
Area

PWV f
c H
g
0
PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE e $$$

GARDEN 5
$$$$

EXTENSIONS

EXTENSION #
HOUSING INCOME LEVEL ($–$$$$)



3.10 PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE

Peri-urban (places near cities) or urban (within cities) agriculture (UPA) is
the practice of growing and distributing food within cities. In post-apartheid
South Africa, it is advocated as a method for relieving poverty as UPA
gives households food security and can provide a small source of income
(Thornton, 2008). It is unclear what percentage of households, in particular
RDP households, within Cosmo City practice UPA, but the strong presence
of agriculture plots around RDP homes, vegetable and fruit spazas, and
roadside markets all suggest that UPA is a popular and perhaps essential
activity in the community.

According to Egal, Valstar, and Meershoek (2001), “the urban poor spend
60–80% of their income on food” (p.4). UPA can provide families with
enough food so that money saved and/or income earned from selling crops
can be diverted to other basic necessities, such as clothing, transportation,
and health care. One common practice is to grow staple crops such as maize,
beans, cassava, potatoes, beans and some fruits for household consumption,
and to sell fruit and more ‘valuable’ crops to higher-income households.

UPA can further add value to households by eliminating the need for some
family members (usually females) to commute to work. They can instead
spend more time at home with their children, while still taking care of the
crops and the home.

Though UPA is generally advantageous for households and their community,
there can be drawbacks:
• Plots may not be large enough to grow food for all members in a
household;
• Relying solely on home-grown food can negatively impact nutrition;
• High water costs can constrain the amount of food grown;
• Runoff can pollute drinking water supplies and damage surrounding
natural resources; and
• Food theft is common.



SITE STRUCTURE OF PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE & HOME GARDENS

PERI-URBAN AGRICULTURE GARDENS

RDP HOUSING
COMMON ADDITION TO RDP HOUSING. OCCASSIONALLY SEEN IN RDP HOUSING (could be spurred by garden contests)
(EXT. 2, 4, 6)
• Crops are planted between, behind, in front of houses. • Mixed with crops. • Small plots of lawn. • "Informal" arrangements

side back front

• Often, though not always, protected by fencing.
DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC OF CREDIT-LINKED AND especially FREE-MARKET HOMES.

• Formalized, rectilinear arrangements.
• Lawns, shrubs, small trees are planted.
• Small plot of lawn with shrubs lining property exterior to wall.
heavily secured (brick wall) wire fencing no fence; one will likely be built
in the future

• Creates barrier between street and home.

• Decorative security walls
• "Outside" (exterior to wall) vs. "Inside" (interior to wall)

marks boundary between road and home while maintaining
openness (using elevated beds, short fencing/posts)

“designed” walls outside—lawn & plantings strong inside vs. outside
CREDIT-LINKED & FREE MAR- NONE IN CREDIT-LINKED & FREE MARKET HOUSING.
inside—lawn & fountain outside presents a ‘face’
KET HOUSING with landscaping
(EXT. 0, 5)

• Driveways become
design considerations.



COMMERCIAL + INSTITUTIONAL SITES IN COSMO CITY

N

9
$$$$

10
$$ 4
$
7
$$$$

crÈche site

3

So
h

ut
$$$$ Af
8 ric
aD
$$$ r.
2
$$
6
$$

Conservation
Area

PWV

BUILT AND PLANNED SITES
0
COMMERCIAL $$$

INSTITUTIONAL 5
$$$$

EXTENSIONS

EXTENSION #
HOUSING INCOME LEVEL ($–$$$$)



3.11 PARKS IN COSMO CITY

OFFICIAL PARKS (see locations on opposite page) INFORMAL AREAS (see locations on opposite page)
LANDSCAPING, PLAY STRUCTURES, PLAY SPACES, SEATING, SCULPTURE SHADE, SEATING

cosmo ext. park
informal play structure informal seating

COMMON ELEMENTS

FENCES SURFACE SEATING
cosmo ext. 5 park
The parks are usually separated into
two sections: a play area for children,
and a grassy, open area with benches
and gazebos. The gazebo/sitting and
play areas are similar in size. Grassy
All parks have a blacktop for play. The areas bound the park. Except for the
parks 1, 2 (no name) tennessee park ground under play structures are laid gazebos, there are few shaded areas.
with blacktop, gravel, or both. Paths Informal areas, by contrast, are always
are cobblestone. situated near or under trees. Seats
are make-shift, composed of rocks
and other natural materials.
PLAY STRUCTURE

Parks have colorful play structures
cosmos city park
with a variety of swings, slides, and
climbing equipment.
Parks are enclosed by green metal
fencing. They act more as boundary
markers than security measures, as
the fences are not tall nor difficult to
climb.
cosmo ext. 0 park



LOCATION OF PARKS IN COSMO CITY

N

9
$$$$

10
$$ 4
$
7
$$$$

crÈche
site
cosmo ext. 0 park

3

So
h

ut
$$$$ Af informal seating
8 ric
aD
$$$ r.
2 cosmo ext. park
cosmo city park park 1 (no name)
$$ informal play structure
6
$$

park 2 (no name)
Conservation
Area

informal seating
PWV

0 tennessee park
$$$
5
$$$$
cosmo ext. 5 park
PARKS EXTENSIONS
cosmo city parks (built)
EXTENSION #
cosmo city parks (planned) HOUSING INCOME LEVEL ($–$$$$)

conservation area

informal areas



3.10 COMMERCE

Many people in the Cosmo City RDP rely on the revenue from their spaza
shops to sustain themselves. FREQUENCY
COMMERCE
The most common shop is a general store which sells a variety of items Many people in the Cosmo City
including food and supplies. Construction varies depending on the type of spaza shops to sustain themselv
commerce. For instance, a car wash would not require a permanent structure, GENERAL STORE
The most common shop is a gen
but rather an open space and a large sign. More often, extra rooms are added
items, including food and suppl
onto the RDP housing, sometimes with a long overhang, that becomes the on the type of commerce, for in
new shop. In the case of hair salons, entire new structures are usually built, permanent structure, just space
independent of the house. Cell phone kiosks usually have a prefabricated stall FOOD rooms are added onto the RDP h
or storage unit, perhaps for security reasons, or to give re-assurance of the overhang, that becomes the new
entire new structures are usually
legitimacy of the store.
Cell phone kiosks, it seems, usua
storage unit, perhaps for securit
Even though spazas are considered illegal to the City, they are strategically CELLPHONE of the legitimately of the store.
located around major streets, busy corners, and schools. Different types of
shops, open in these areas because of constant activity throughout the day. Even though these shops are co
In the morning before school and in the afternoon after school, additional strategically located around ma
schools. Because of the activity
temporary stands are installed to anticipate increased crowds. Some view the di erent types of shops nd the
informal trading as beneficial to the neighborhoods because they provide TAILOR
schools. In the morning before
security to the area into the night, while others associate the spazas with illegal school, temporary stands are pu
activity. Regardless, these types of shops will inevitably dot our neighborhood.
Some view the informal trading
HAIR SALON hoods because it provides secur
Will the benecial aspects of these spazas be considered for the design of
others associate illegal activities
our school? The developer has told us that a dual-functioning program area Regardless, there will inevitably
cannot be integrated into our property (that is, a school that is also used as a our area. Can the bene cial asp
spaza), so how can the design reach out beyond its boundaries and influence the design of our school? The d
the property around it? functioning program area canno
CONSTRUCTION so how can the design reach ou
erty around it?
Note: A spaza shop is an informal convenience shop business in South Africa,
usually run from home by a single family or small group of friends. Note: A spaza shop is an informa
South Africa, usually run from h
CARWASH

TAXI STAND

PARKING



N

extension 4

extension 2



3.12 TOPOGRAPHY, FLOOD PLAIN, DESIRE LINES

Our site is adjacent to a designated depth of the lake to the north of our because of the small number of desire
“Conservation Area,” which features site fluctuates depending on annual lines (shown on the aerial map). It is
a river and wetland. This exists rainfall amounts. safe, however, to assume that most
naturally in the valley formed by the people will navigate around private
two surrounding hills. The potential Desire lines show the pedestrian property to find the shortest route
views and wind-tunnel effect may and links that exist between properties. possible.
should influence the orientation of Because the conservation area
our crèche. is enclosed and trespassing is
discouraged, we can expect most
The flood plain is designated in blue people visiting our site will walk
and shows a hundred year flood. This along Australia Avenue from that side
coincides with the topography and of the river. It is difficult to predict
the allocated conservation area. The travel paths from the other direction



DESIRE LINES
10 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAIN
min

WALKING TIME

5
min

1
min

SOUTH AFRICA DRIVE

N



3.13 ROADS AND PROPERTY

Our site is located at the intersection of three roads: Brazil Avenue, Australia
RO
Avenue, and Grenada Street. Grenada is the smallest of the three and has the Our si
least amount of traffic. Those arriving by car would most likely travel on Aven
South Africa Drive and turn on Liberia Street or Brazil Avenue. We can Grena
expect significant vehicular traffic along Australia Avenue in the future least
because of the planned business and community areas across the river. would
some
Aside from several notable exceptions, most lots in Extension 4 are Aven
similar in size. The strip of land along the southern portion marked in traffic
orange and red are much longer and larger. Land ownership is a status beca
symbol in South Africa, and this creates a hierarchy of ownership in a cial a
city that is promoting equality. Will this disparity affect who attends
our school and how the neighborhood is viewed by others? The d
the sa
Two strategies are employed to optimize the use of pavement (as with a
little pavement is used as possible). The first is a "branch layout" which land a
affords car access to five houses. The second is a "cluster layout" orang
SOUTH ELEVATION
which creates a “courtyard" scheme around which eight houses Land
are grouped. This creates public no-build space to avoid density. South
Maintaining the image of the city as a departure from cramped owne
townships is essential to keep the project attractive to new residents. Will th
and h
When a plan layout bends and strays from a grid, distorted properties
are larger than standard properties. These triangular lots create unique Layou
conditions where a particular family can have more land than the as pa
adjacent family. Several of these properties exist near our site, so how gies a
can we anticipate these circumstances and still unify the community? which
secon
“cour
group
space
of the
essen

When
ties a
ties. T
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3.14 WORKS CITED

Basil Read Developments. Basil Read - Divisions. 2010. 8 December solar-heaters-for-cosmo-city-in-joburg/>.
2010 <http://www.basilread.co.za/developments_division.php>. Naidoo, Romaana. city of johannesburg. 23 March 2010 . 8 December
2010 <http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4922/266/>.
city of johannesburg. 26 September 2007. 8 December 2010
<http://www.joburg.org.za/index.php?option=com_conte Onatu, Geoge Okechukwu. “Mixed-income housing development strategy,
nt&view=article&id=1663&catid=120&Itemid=201>. Perspective on Cosmo City, Johannesburg, South Africa.” International
Journal of Housing and Markets and Analysis (2010): 203-215.
City of Johannesburg. “Information Brochure for the Resident of
Cosmo City.” Johannesburg: City of Johannesburg, n.d. South Africa. 1 July 2005. 28 November 2010 <http://www.southafrica.
info/what_happening/news/features/cosmo-130505.htm>.
Cosmo City News. 11 June 2008. 8 December 2010
<http://www.cosmocitynews.co.za/>. South Africa Department of Education. 11 Dec 2009. Gauteng No Fee Schools
2010 <http://www.education.gov.za/Schoolinfo/Info/noschoolfees.asp>.
“Cosmo City, a place under the sun for anyone.”
Johannesburg: Basil Read Developments, 2008. Thornton, A. (2008). Beyond the metropolis: Small town
case studies of urban and peri-urban agriculture in
Cowden, Belinda. Cosmo City Review. Robindale: South Africa. Urban Forum, 19, 243–262.
Social Housing Focus Trust, 2006. Visser, Emily. city of johannesburg. 6 February 2009. October 9
2010 <http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/3452/204>.
Egal, F., Valstar, A., and Meershoek, S. (2001). Urban agriculture, household
food security and nutrition in South Africa. Proceedings from
Sub-Regional Expert Consultation on the Low Cost and Simple
Technologies for Crop Diversification by Small-Scale Farmers in Urban
and Peri-Urban Areas of South Africa. Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Google. (2010). GoogleEarth Version 5.2.1.1588 [Software].
Available from http://earth.google.com

Kgowedi, Millicent. city of johannesburg. 21 January 2008. 8 October
2010 <http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/2089/198/>.

Lebeta, Relebohile Genevieve. “Housing policy and project implementation:
the case of Cosmo City integrated housing project.” (2008).

Lehlohonolo. Cosmo City New. 23 January 2008. December 3
2010 <http://www.cosmocitynews.co.za/News/main1.htm>.

Madumo, Lesego. city of johannesburg. 28 October 2010. 8 December
2010 <http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/5841/266>.

Mungoshi, Rudo. Solar Science. 11 June 2010. 8 December
2010 <http://www.solarscience.co.za/2010/06/13/


cHAPtEr 4 BuILdIng And StructurE

4.1 LIGHTING STRATEGIES

DAYLIGHTING

Daylighting is the practice of illumi- DIRECT VS. DIFFUSE LIGHT
nating building space with natural
light. Daylighting brings direct and Direct Sunlight
indirect natural light into a space, Bright light coming directly from the sun. Intensity and direction vary depending on season, weather, and position of
minimizing the need for electrical the sun during the day. It is a major component of lighting and thermal comfort and a large contributor to glare.
lighting and connecting occupants
to the outdoors. It is essential to pro-
vide adequate lighting for students
through careful consideration of win-
dow placement, color choices, and
shading.

TOPICS TO CONSIDER IN DAY-
LIGHTING DESIGN
Light Penetration
Light Balance
Surface Colors
Shading
Glare
Thermal Comfort Diffuse Light
Light reflected by nearby surfaces and light from the surrounding sky. Do not underestimate the potential of diffused
RECOMMENDATIONS light to contribute to a room’s light levels.
• Include high, operable clerestory
windows on the north wall with
light shelves to reflect light
deeper into the space.
• Place smaller windows on the
south façade to balance light
levels in the room
• Place light tubes in bathrooms
and closets
• Use light-reflective colors on the
ceiling with slightly darker walls
and floors that are darker still
• Avoid glare on walls and floors



LIGHT PENETRATION
It is important to light all space within the crèche. The amount of light that penetrates the building’s interior is a
function of window height (the level of the top of the window) and light reflection.

Window Height Skylights Light Shelves
Windows placed higher on a wall result in greater daylight penetration. Skylights effectively introduce daylight into spaces far away from fenestrated Horizontal "shelves" can be used to reflect daylight onto the ceiling and
walls, but can bring in excessive heat if sized too large. Application and sizing deeper into a space. Light shelves should be built above eye level on the
in design of skylights must be carefully considered. north side of the building. They double as shading devices and should be
placed accordingly.

Light Tubes
Reflective tubing can be used to bring light to interior spaces during the day.
The tubes transport light from the roof to the desired spaces. Light tubes can
serve as an effective strategy for lighting in bathrooms, closets, and other
typically dark spaces.
Clerestory
High windows above eye level. They allow light to penetrate deep into a
space while providing privacy.



LIGHT BALANCE SURFACE COLORS THERMAL COMFORT
.
e of a room
an one sid sity to
om more
th lute neces Daylighting plays a vital role in the
alanced fr is an abso er. Light colors reflect more light than
must be b o balance and the oth
• Light d to be large, s side o f the room with dark colors. The ceiling has the thermal comfort of the school.
rooms ten tween one and view)
• Class rge co ntrasts be inter solar gain greatest impact on light reflection, The effects of solar radiation are
prevent la (used for w discussed in more detail in the
ce larg e windows e. room.
followed by walls and then floors.
• Balan pposite sid eep class section on thermal comfort.
indow s on the o side of a d in the Colors should be chosen carefully
smaller w one erywhere
io n on only een 2 and 3% ev to maximize light reflection. Lighter
fenestrat factor betw
• Avoid a daylight wall colors should be utilized around
achieve
• Aim to the windows. Conservative reflection SHADING
room. values for interior surfaces are
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE
POSSIBLE POSITION OF A BLACKBOARD HERE WILL
indicated in the table below. Summer sun in Cosmo City can be
BLACKBOARD TO AVOID GLARE RESULT IN CONTRAST GLARE harsh, thus shading in the summer
months becomes a crucial strategy.
CEILINGS 70-80% Shading helps to control levels of
light and thermal energy permitted
WALLS 50-60%
into the building’s interior space.
FLOORS 20-30%
Shading strategies are discussed in
• Vary colors between rooms, or more depth in the thermal comfort
at least from one age group to section.
another
• Choose colors from warm side of Notes to consider:
the palette • Shading blocks not only the sun,
• Use soft, cuddly colors for infants but also diffuse light and view
• Rich, stimulating hues are of the sky. Daylight levels are
appropriate for toddlers reduced by extensive shading.
• Bright, energetic hues are • Too little shading can result in
suitable for preschoolers overheating while too much
shading may result in poor natural
lighting.
GLARE
Too much light entering the crèche
can result in glare. Glare is associated
with both natural and synthetic light.
Avoid glare from smooth concrete
finishes and other reflective
surfaces, such as chalkboards, etc. A
PLAN VIEW OF SIMULATION GRID (MSBG) blackboard placed on a wall adjacent
Daylight factor simulation of a room with fenestration on the north side using dif- to a fenestrated wall may result in
fuse light only. Shaded boxes indicate variation in daylight factor across the room.
Almost 50% of the proposed room receives a daylight factor of less than 2% so contrast glare. Thus, a blackboard
additional lighting is required. This additional light requirement can be met with should be placed opposite the main
the addition of another natural light source on the south wall or electrical lighting. windows.



4.2 ORIENTATION
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Orientation of the crèche and BUILDING ORIENTATION WINDOW ORIENTATION SITE ORIENTATION INTERIOR SPACES
elements within the building play
crucial roles in the passive design Orient the building facing north to Place the largest windows on the Shield windows and ventilation Frequently used rooms such as
of the crèche. Orientation helps to capitalize on solar gains for passive northern façade. openings from harsh winter winds classrooms and play spaces should
maximize passive solar heating in heating. to prevent unwanted draughts and be situated on the northern side of
cool temperatures, avoid solar gain Include windows on south side for excess heat loss in the winter. the crèche, where they are heated
during hotter months, provide natural Orient about 15° east of due north to light balance most effectively.
ventilation, and supply year-round capture morning sun. Locate exterior obstructions such
daylighting. Minimize east-west windows as landscaping and fencing such Less frequently used rooms such
Orient the longer side of the crèche that full sun is available on northern as closets should be located in the
In the southern hemisphere the sun along an east-west axis to provide windows between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. southern reaches of the building.
travels across the northern sky. The maximum daylight by exposing the for maximum winter solar gain.
sun rises in the East and sets in the broader side of the building to the Kitchens tend to produce excess
West. During the summer in South northern sun. Deciduous trees and other low heat and thus should be placed on
Africa, the sun will pass almost directly vegetation can be implemented for the south side of the building.
overhead at noon. In the winter, its Long facades should be turned north facing shading as they will lose
path will lie farther north in the sky. towards the direction of prevailing their leaves in the winter. The bathrooms and kitchen should
These simple facts must serve as the breezes to enhance building cooling be located in close proximity,
basis for solar-passive design. in warmer months. Pedestrian paths and parking lots separated by a single wall.
should be located on the less sunny
east and south sides of the building. People tend to prefer colder
temperatures for sleeping, so locate
Our most exciting view is on the napping areas on the southern side
WEST of the conservation area. How of the building.
do we compromise? .



4.3 SHADING

Shading is essential in regulating both light levels and solar gain that JOHANNESBURG TEMPERATURES
penetrate into the building’s interior. There are many different strategies for
shading; some of the main concepts are covered here. Jan
Feb

NOTE: Mar

The position of the sun in the sky varies depending on the time of year and Apr
May
the time of day. The sun’s position over the period of a year for Johannesburg
Jun

MONTH
is represented in a sunpath diagram, as seen in Figure 1. The sun hits its Jul
highest point during December and its lowest point during June. It is Aug
important that the crèche receive sufficient sunlight during the winter Sep
months to maintain an appropriate temperature, and minimal solar gain Oct
during the summer months to prevent overheating. Nov
Dec

NOTE: Year

Average temperatures for the city of Johannesburg can be seen in Figure 2. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
From about April to August, shading should allow sunlight into the space to TEMPERATURE (°C)
heat the crèche. In the other months, shading should aim to minimize solar
gain. The angles required to shade openings can be calculated using the
sunpath diagrams provided, which are accurate to our site location.

DESIGN STRATEGIES:

1) Overhangs are most likely the cheapest alternative and are highly
effective They can serve as sun protection and rain protection.
2) Overhangs must be sized using the shadow angles for the area to allow
sun between 9am and 3pm. 23°
3) Vertical shading elements need to be used east and west openings and
must be designed appropriately
4) Vegetation can be used as an effective shading strategy.
5) Provide either colored Venetian shades or light-colored translucent
shades on all windows in occupied areas, even those with exterior
shading. march 16, 100% shading
6) Adjustable shades help with glare and daylight control.
7) Internal shades do not reduce cooling loads since solar gain has already
50°
been admitted into space.
8) Insulating drapes or shutters should be included to prevent heat loss
through fenestration during the winter.

june 7, 0% shading



4.4 THERMAL MASS

Thermal mass describes how the MATERIALS RECOMMENDATIONS
mass of a building provides a sort
of inertia against temperature • Adobe brick • Earth-bag wall system,
fluctuations. This is commonly • Earth, mud, and sod brick, or concrete masonry
referred to as the thermal flywheel • Rammed earth units for thermal mass wall
effect. High mass materials can • Natural rocks and stones • Build north and east exterior
absorb the sun’s heat throughout the • Insulating concrete forms walls with thermal mass material
day and re-radiate this heat at night. • Earth-bag wall systems • Insulated concrete slab
In the summer, the thermal mass can • Concrete foundation with exposed
give off it’s built up heat at night and concrete floor
serve to cool a room during the day.
This serves to flatten out the diurnal
heat fluctuations. The radiative
heating or cooling associated with
thermal mass has a large impactIMPLEMENTATION
on
the thermal comfort of occupants.
Thermal mass can include a concrete floor or masonry floor tiles, walls, or
other elements incorpo-rated into the room

During winter, thermal mass should receive direct sunlight, especially in the
morning, so it can absorb radiation.

In summer, the thermal mass should be shaded or insulated so it draws warmth
from the surrounding room and cools the air in the interior space.

Exterior walls should be protected from the weather.

Thermal mass should be exposed on the interior face to allow heat exchange
with the room air and interaction with building occupants.

Place mass effectively in the room. Ensure that mass is either directly heated
by the sun or that it is present in thin layers in areas that receive a large amount
of solar collection.

Thermal mass is best applied over large areas rather than in large volumes.

General rules of thumb say that the area of thermal mass should be about six
times the area of accompanying glazing.



4.5 VENTILATION
There is a direct correlation between WIND DRIVEN VENTILATION: STACK EFFECT: RECOMMENDATIONS:
ventilation and solar comfort in a Wind driven ventilation should be If air in a space remains still, a
building. It is essential to supply the first strategy considered since temperature gradient develops 1. Locate ventilation openings on the north and south walls of the crèche. Air will enter from the south wall and
sufficient indoor air quality to promote only mild breezes are required. Wind in the height of the space. A large exhaust through the north wall.
comfort, health, and concentration. causes positive pressure on the enough temperature gradient 2. Provide high ceilings with controllable windows near the ceiling for stack ventilation.
Fresh air eliminates odors and windward side of the building and results in a driving force. The stack 3. Provide ridge vents (openings at the highest point in the roof). These vents enable both stack and wind driven
provides oxygen for students and negative pressure on the leeward effect is completely dependent on ventilation to exhaust effectively.
teachers. The high occupation density side. To maximize wind induced temperature and humidity. Warm 4. Provide at least two inlets and exhaust openings per room. Locate exhaust openings higher than inlets to maximize
of a crèche (upwards of eighty people) ventilation in the crèches, ventilation air is less dense than cool air at the stack effect.
means high fresh air requirements to openings should be located to take same humidity while humid air is 5. Avoid placing inlet and outlet windows directly across from each other. This offset encourages more air mixing and
achieve these comfort levels. advantage of summer breezes. less dense than dry air at the same improves effectiveness. One should not be able to see through the building.
temperature. 6. All windows and other ventilation openings must be fully operable
7. Allow adequate internal ventilation. Open doorways and louver walls allow airflow through the building interior.
In the crèche, stale, humid air should High louvers can be used if privacy is needed.
Design ventilation systems to avoid rise and escape through openings 8. Limit building depth to a maximum of 15 meters. Naturally ventilated buildings should be relatively narrow to
unwanted heat gain in the summer in the ceiling. This air is replaced by encourage cross ventilation. Deeper rooms (relative to ceiling height) provide less effective ventilation.
and excessive heat losses in the cooler air from a lower location. 9. Minimize exterior wind obstructions in the summer.
winter. During periods of weather
extremes, occupants tend to close The stack effect is most effective
windows, leading to stuffy rooms. We in the winter when the indoor and
want to minimize the duration with outdoor temperature is greatest.
which this might occur.
During the hot summers in Cosmo NOTE:
City, it will be difficult to achieve the Prevailing winds tend to blow north
required flow with the stack effect to northwest, with some easterly
since the temperature differences winds during the winter. This is
will be much lower. compatible with a north oriented
building since the broad side will be
exposed for ventilation openings.

AIR REQUIREMENTS (SANS 0040)

OCCUPANCY MINIMUM AIR REQUIREMENT, REMARKS
L/S

cLASSrooMS 7.5 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr PErSon
LIBrArIES 6.5 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr PErSon

cAFEtErIAS And dInIng rooMS 5 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr PErSon
KItcHEnS 17.5 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr PErSon

PLAyIng ArEA (gyMnASIuMS, Etc) 10 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr PErSon

rooMS contAInIng BAtHS, SHoWErS, Wc 25 AIr SuPPLy rEQuIrEd PEr BAtH, SHoWEr,
PAnS or urInALS Wc PAn, urInAL StALL or 600 MM oF urI-
nAL SPAcE



4.6 FOUNDATION AND FLOOR

FOUNDATION SHALLOW FOOTING FOUNDATION AND SUBFLOOR FLOOR COVERING
The foundation is a structure that transfers the load from the building to the The load is distributed over many footers anchored into the soil. Beams A surface material can be laid on top of the foundation or subfloor.
ground. When designing the foundation, the mechanical properties of the are secured above the footers and the subfloor system (strengthens floor) Sealed concrete floors do not need additional floor covering. Some
soil must be taken into account, including the effect of the underlying earth is constructed upon the beams. Additional floor joists run between these crèches use carpet mats to soften the noise impact of falling toys and
freezing and thawing and other climactic factors. Our site in Cosmo is a beams to distribute load on the subfloor. The subfloor underneath interior provide thermal insulation in the winter. For foundations that require a
flat plot of compacted soil stays above freezing temperature, allowing for a space should be well insulated to prevent heat loss. subfloor, a floor covering should be installed. Wood was commonly used
simple shallow foundation design. in previous Education Africa projects, but is prone to warping. A variety of
By adjusting the height of footers, the floor can be built at different heights. flooring materials are available at nearby hardware stores, which enables
The subfloor system also allows for a crawl space under the floor which differentiation between materials. The flooring in the bathroom must be
SLAB-ON-GRADE FOUNDATION makes maintenance and servicing the plumbing and electrical system easier. watertight (in accordance with building codes) and all flooring must be easy
to clean and maintain.
Past universities working with Education Africa chose to use slab-on-grade Materials: concrete , steel rebar, steel or concrete beams
foundations because of their low cost and simplicity. In most cases, ready Materials: sealed natural and engineered wood, carpet, linoleum, cork, vinyl,
-mix concrete was donated by a local company and poured over rebar. ceramic tiles,
Particles such as metal oxides can be mixed into the concrete to add color.
Polishing the surface eliminates the need for additional floor support and
covering.

Slab-on-grade has several structural and functional disadvantages due to
the large surface area and relatively thin thickness. Over time, the ground
will settle leading to uneven loading and cracking in the concrete. However,
proper soil compaction will largely reduce this effect. The large surface
area also allows for significant heat loss during the winter if insulation is not
installed under the concrete. The concrete slab can challenge servicing the
underlying utilities such as plumbing. These problems can be mitigated with
proper planning and good construction practices.

Materials: ready-mix concrete, rebar,

UPPER LEFT:
WOODEN FLOOR AND SUBFLOOR FAR LEFT:
SUPPORTED BY CONCRETE SLAB ON GRADE FOUNDATION
FOOTER FOUNDATION USED BY EMANUEL CRECHE.
SURROUNDED BY GRAVEL IN
OLIFANTSVELEI CRECHE. NEAR LEFT:
REBAR AND SHUTTERING IN
ABOVE: PLACE BEFORE POURING
PLYWOOD FLOORING OVER WOOD CONCRETE FOR SLAB-ON-
SUBFLOOR AND FOOTERS IN GRADE FOUNDATION USED IN
CRECHE AT WEILER’S FARM. THE JOUBERTON CRECHE.



4.7 MASONRY
Dimensions: 225-235mm usually in length, machine dictates width.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES TYPES Two Typical dimensions:
CONCRETE AND CLAY MASONRY CONCRETE: H F 220 Conduit H F 150
• Masonry can be used to form cladding structures with wooden framing. Materials needed: supplied by manufacturer Use External Walls / Boundary wall Interior/ Partition Walls
After wooden framing is placed, brick-ties anchor brick walls to the Affordability: Concrete blocks are readily available by manufacturer. They Width 220mm (9 inc) 150mm (6/4.5 ins)
framing. Masonry units will be stacked and mortared. Roof overhang can are cheaper than clay bricks. Height 115 mm 115 mm
prevent water from penetrating the brick, thus increasing its durability. Advantages: Concrete blocks have high thermal and acoustic insulation, and Length 100- 240 mm 100- 240 mm
• Bricks can be stacked, mortared, and bound with concrete to produce are durable. Concrete is compatible with concrete. (The foundation, lintels Weight 9-11kg approx. 4.5 -6 Kg approx
a load bearing structure. An overhanging roof is usually attached to etc. which will also most likely be concrete). Does not crack as easily as clay Sustainability: Minimization of transportation costs because materials used
provide shade and maintain a cool temperature. bricks. Additive mixtures can be used for waterproofing. Different colors can are excavated on site (no firing involved). Made of natural materials - carbon
be used. footprint is very minimal.
DRYSTACKING/INTERLOCKING MASONRY: Limitations: Overall energy of the production of cement in concrete is high.
• Obtain machine, test soil water The carbon and environmental footprint of this process is fairly large. Skilled DESIGN IDEAS
• Mix soil and cement in desired ratio by hand or with mixer labor needed. Pillars can support a shaded roof to lighten load on the brick walls. Hydra
• Load the soil-cement mix into Hydraform block making machine Sustainability: Energy efficient since thermal mass slows passage of heat form interlocking bricks can be used and eliminate the need for mortar.
• Cure blocks by covering them with plastic immediately and absorbs it. Heat is absorbed during the day, keeping the building cool Different shaped bricks can be compressed and molded using hydra form
• Blocks are watered for a week during the summer. Heat is released during nightfall or winter to sustain a machine.
• Plaster or cement can be coated over interlocking blocks for protective warm building. Less energy needed to cool/heat the building. Concrete
or decorative purposes bricks are reusable and recyclable. Rammed earth and masonry can are compatible.
Dimensions: Length Width Height nominal dimensions of typical concrete
DESCRIPTION OF USE masonry units (mm) Decorative concrete blocks can be used.
Masonry can be used for loadbearing or cladding purposes. Bricks can be 1 90 x90 x 90
laid in interesting patterns for decorative ventilation, and sunlight purposes. 2 90 x90 x 90 Different sizes and shapes of interlocking bricks create a variety of patterns.
Bricks can be used as cladding with other wall materials such as earth bag or 3 90 x 90 x 90
rammed earth. 3 90 x1 90 x1 90

HYDROFORM:
Materials needed: hydraform block making machines, soil to be compressed
Composition: sand, soil , silt clay content should be 10-45%; Water content
should be 8-12%; 1:20 cement to soil ratio is preferred to strengthen the
blocks
Affordability: Transportation costs are reduced because soil is found on site.
Advantages: Process of construction is very simple, quick, and can be easily
to unskilled laborers. Building this wall can be a community unifying event.
Building requires little mortar. Water absorption is at an acceptable level.
Hydraform bricks have good thermal capacity. Transportation costs are
reduced because soil is found on site.
Limitations: If left natural, interlocking masonry can soften from contact
with a large amount of moisture. Plastering provides good protection.



METAL FRAMED ROOF WITH
LOADBEARING BRICK WALL SYSTEM. BRICK
PILLARS HELP CARRY THE
LOAD OF THE ROOF.



4.8 EARTHBAG CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES DESIGN IDEAS
•
To use earth bags, a rubble trench is dug and filled with gravel and Two types of earth bag walls are usually used: dome and vertical.
concrete. DOME WALLS
• Enough room should be left so that the first and second rows of earth • Dome walls should be circular instead of elliptical to ensure stability.
bags are below grade. Large bags of compacted granular material placed Another alternative is to make wood frame arches resulting in an arch
horizontally. shaped building.
• The earth-bag should be filled as they are placed on the wall to minimize • Dome roofs need more protection than a hangover, roof lime plaster is
required effort. Barbed wire is placed between each row or course of used (stronger than earth plaster)
the earth bags for added strength and to prevent sliding between bags. • horizontal stacking of earth bags required
Four point is recommended and two strands are used for dome shaped VERTICAL WALLS
buildings and one strand for vertical buildings. • For vertical (rectangular structures) wood framing can be used and earth
• Earth bag construction is primarily loadbearing. For vertical walls, add bags can be used as infill.
bond beam to increase strength. Doorways should be arched for earth- • Plaster should be applied to the earth bag wall’s interior and exterior. The
bag construction. plaster strengthens the wall system, prevents degradation of earth bags,
• Roof structures can be framed with wood and attached before and provides aesthetic opportunities. Earth plaster is recommended.
completed. Wooden braces can be used for the interior structure to Plaster can be painted. Different types of plaster produce different
support shape textures. Brick cladding can be used on the outside.
• Wooden structures sometimes fortify openings within a building. Lintels OTHER DESIGNS
is used above openings (i.e. windows etc.) • Earthbags can be combined with strawbales for mega insulation
• Other wooden walls can be adjoined to existing earth bag constructed
walls

DESCRIPTION
Composition: Usually composition of clay in the earth bag mixture should be
around 5-25% because too much or too little clay causes stability problems.
The mixture should not be too watery
Affordability: Good material choice because of its low cost and readability
on the excavated site.
Materials: Requires a polyethylene bag (recommended) or burlap, four point
barbed wire, soil clay mixture, concrete and earth, lime, or cement-based
plaster.
Dimensions: Each bag is 457 mm wide and 762 mm long or 18”X30”. This size
of bag is referred to as the “50 Pound Bag” and is most commonly used.
Advantages: construction does not require skilled labor, thus the building
can be a unifying community effort. Material is fire resistant and does not
decay. Earth bag is an excellent thermal mass.
Limitations: Structure may require periodic finishing and some
maintenance. UV rays can destroy the polyethylene bag so it must be
protected during construction.



4.9 RAMMED EARTH

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES DESIGN IDEAS

• Rammed earth should not be below grade because moisture from the For the interior and exterior of walls,
ground can penetrate rammed earth and reduce compression strength. rammed earth can be left bare or
If it is below grade it must be reinforced on both sides with another covered with stucco plaster. Brick
material. veneer is another option. After
• Foundation for rammed earth can be reinforced concrete in a pier and pouring the mixture into formwork,
beam form. Posts would have a flared bottom to distribute the weight rammed earth can be pattered for
of the wall. A continuous beam of concrete connects the posts. Earth is aesthetic purposes.
rammed on top of the beam.
• Another option for rammed earth is a “spread footing” method and build
a foundation with concrete and steel below grade.
• Formwork is to create a desired shape for a section of the wall and can be
constructed from plywood and lumber and connected to the foundation. FORMWORK CONSTRUCTION
• Clay, sand, and gravel are mixed with a gasoline powered plaster mixer.
When delivering soil to the formwork, it must be compacted by hand or
with a hydraulic loader. An overhanging cap of steel can be added to walls
to keep rain water away.
• Framing is needed for all openings. Wood is preferred over metal
because moisture from the soil mixture will corrode metal frames. Doors
are attached onto the wooden frames. Wood pieces are embedded in
certain openings when ramming the wall.
• Concrete ring beams attach to tops of walls to reinforce wall panels and
fortify the structure during seismic disturbances. Roof systems connect
to these beams.
CONCRETE BEAM TO
REINFORCE RAMMED WALLS

DESCRIPTION OF USE

Materials needed: plaster mixer, Sustainability: It is environmentally heating and cooling will be minimized composition mentioned above.
earth, concrete wood pieces. Best friendly because it uses soil on site. in the long run. Pouring soil into the formwork is a
composition: thirty percent clay and Even if soil is delivered from other Dimensions: Thickness of wall is demanding task because rammed
seventy percent sand, gravel. Portlandlocations its CO2 emissions are around 250 mm earth is not a liquid like concrete and
cement, lime, or different mixtures much less than that of cement. If Limitations: can be time consuming.
of clay can be added to the soil to Portland cement is used, its percent Rammed earth can be a load bearing
strengthen rammed earth. composition in the rammed earth or a non-loadbearing wall system
mixture will be small. depending on wall-thickness. Skilled
Affordability: Costs for compaction Advantages: Rammed earth is water labor is needed. Finding a good soil
machinery must be considered. The resistant, strong, durable, and fire composition on site may be difficult,
hydraulic loader saves time but could resistant. Rammed earth is a good but about 6% cement can make most
be expensive. thermal mass, so energy costs of soils suitable instead of the optimal
SANDBLASTING



DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOIL STONE FOUNDATION WITH MUD
PRODUCE DIFFERENT SHADES BRICKS, RAMMED EARTH WALLS CAN
AND VARIATIONS HOLD WELL IN PLACE ON ITS OWN
WEIGHT, THE MUD BRICKS ARE THERE
FOR DECORATION AND ARE OPTIONAL.

EARTH CAN BE RAMMED INTO A LOG
TYPE PATTERN , NATURAL SHADE OF
COLOR IS PRESENT IN THIS IMAGE

RAMMED EARTH ATTATCHED TO A MANUALLY RAMMING EARTH
MUDBRICK WALL , GRANITE LINTEL IS
USED ABOVE AN OPENING



4.10 SIPS

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
• General standard foundation (i.e. concrete) is needed
• SIPS are manufactured and shipped to the building site
• Panels are placed on foundation and lifted into desired position with a
crane or a forklift
• They are joined with expanding foam, sealing tape, sealing mastic and
hardware (such as screws, nails, etc)
• Timber framing with sips as insulating walls can also be built
DESCRIPTION OF USE
• Affordability: Sips are not too expensive. The materials used to make
sips are cheap and available.
• Advantages: The goal for building a SIP house is to make it as airtight as
possible, thus insulation is very effective. Thermal capacity is high with
no gaps for heat to escape and cooling and heating costs are reduced.
Load is distributed evenly over all the panels rather than just a frame.
Little labor is needed, and assembly does not take a long time. Sips are
compatible with many other building systems. Sips can be used with truss
roofs, or stick walls with a sip roof. They are also compatible with timber
framing.
• Sustainability: The OSB outer skins of the SIPS come from fast-growing
softwood trees. SIPS are recyclable. Good Insulation and thermal
capacity requires less energy.
• Limitations: Fire resistant for only 15 minutes. It requires a separate
ventilation system. Mechanical ventilation is needed. Because sips are
energy efficient, a relatively small unit can be installed. The ventilation
system will control air flow and bring fresh air inside while expelling
stale air. The ventilation filters incoming air to keep out humidity and
of allergens. HRVS are also used to recover the heat which is released
from the building. HRVS utilize heat exhausted from the building to heat
incoming air.
• Dimensions: Walls are typically between four to twelve inches thick.



4.11 STRAW BALE
PLASTER CAN BE PAINTED. BRICK
CLADDING CAN ALSO BE USED.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
FOR LOADBEARING: MONOLITHIC PLASTER AND BALE SYSTEM is easier to achieve than the non loadbearing technique. Straw bale is
• A concrete foundation is needed with a waterproof material between the generally considered a strong and durable wall system material. If coated
foundation and straw bales to prevent moisture from seeping. with plaster, fire resistance is high. Construction does not require much
• Lay flat straw bales on top of one another, on top of the foundation. skilled labor. The low tech process allows community to get involved.
• Straw bales need to settle before adding stucco or plaster. • Limitations: If straw is left unplastered, fire resistance is low. If exposed
• If straw bales are firm then the settling won’t happen spontaneously. The to too much moisture, rotting may occur. This should be taken into
bales need to be compressed. Walls can be mechanically or manually account when designing roof overhangs. It has high seismic resistance.
compressed. • Dimensions: Depending on the desired insulation straw bales of different
• While assembling the wall system, wooden or bamboo stakes which sizes can be used. For super insulation the thickness of a straw bale wall is
penetrate a few bales stabilize the bales. These stakes remain while about two feet.
plastering and are embedded permanently into the structure.
• Bales are held firmly onto foundation with high tensile fencing wire
attached to a top plate (made out of wood or steel sheet). DESIGN IDEAS
• Straw bales are coated with plaster. Straw bonded to plaster prevents the • Straw and bale with wood framing and then plaster is one design.
plaster from buckling. • Straw bale (loadbearing) with stucco plaster.
• It serves as a lateral reinforcement while plaster carries the load.
Different mixes of plasters can be applied. See materials: earth bag.

NON-LOADBEARING: POST AND BEAM SYSTEM
• Timber framing is constructed and straw bale is used as infill. Window
and door frames and headers are made from wood.
• Roof framing, set onto a wood plate or concrete beam, is placed on
top of the wall. A threaded bar can penetrate through the top bales and
fasten to the roof to add stability
• Poultry netting can be mounted on both sides of the walls for plastering.
• Stucco plaster is used to fortify areas around windows, doors, and
corners. It is held against bales using U Shaped pins or wires.
DESCRIPTION OF USE
Straw bale can be used to build load bearing and non-loadbearing wall
structures.
• Materials needed:
• Loadbearing: U shaped pins, wooden stakes, straw bale, plaster,
and compressing device, concrete, fencing wire, top plate, gripper
(device that tightens wire)
• Nonloadbearing: timber, plaster, straw bale, concrete
• Affordability: Straw bale loadbearing and nonloadbearing walls are
relatively cheap. Loadbearing is cheaper because it does not require
additional wood framing.
• Advantages: Straw bale is sustainable and earth friendly, as straw is made
from dead stalk material. Straw bale is a good insulator. The advantage
of the bale-and-plaster loadbearing system is a simpler design which



4.12 WINDOWS AND OPENINGS

DESIGN IDEAS
Fenestration and shading devices are vicinity. These shading devices can
crucial to the design of the façade, for create spaces not defined as either
both natural illumination and intersti- interior or exterior. Manipulation of
tial spaces. These sorts of devices are shading devices and fenestrations
influenced by the sun’s direction and can significantly affect the design of
shading changes throughout the year. interior spaces. A very innovative pro-
ject, designed by Ernst Giselbrecht +
A series of precedents from Brazilian Partner presents the Kiefer Technic
and American architecture are shown. Showroom in Austria. The project
Even though climate varies between is mainly an office building, whose
these regions, the most important façade completely reconfigures ac-
element to the design of shading de- cording to different climate circum-
vices and openings is the awareness stances throughout the day. Changes NIEMEYER, REIDY, COSTA & OTHERS, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, RIO DE JANEIRO
of the Sun’s position throughout the in the façade completely alters how
day. For example, Oscar Niemeyer’s light filters into the building.
Boavista Bank in Rio de Janeiro, Bra-
zil, changes its fenestration design
according to the direction the Sun
at different times of day. This is even
M. BREUER, BRONXVILLE, NY FACADE OF THE U.N. SECRETARIAT
more important in a school, as light
entering classrooms or presentation
spacescan provide natural illumina-
tion or cause glares if directed to-
wards blackboards/glossy presenta-
tion boards.
P.A. RIBEIRO, BAHIA M.M.M. ROBERTO, RIO DE JANEIRO
The examples shown are mostly
based on the design of a repeated
module, which create rhythmic shad-
ows along the façade or the exterior

KIEFER TECHNIC SHOWROOM, AUSTRIA A. RAYMOND, PONDICHERRY OSCAR NIEMEYER, BOAVISTA BANK, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL



SHADING DEVICES
Outdoor shading devices are often incorporated into buildings. When HORIZONTAL SHADING
designing shading devices, several implications must be considered Horizontal shading devices are usually the simplest and most maintenance-
regarding operations, maintenance and safety. The designer must be aware free. They are most effective on the south side of a structure, but are
of circumstances that affect occupants' safety or comfort, such as leakage, commonly used for southwest, southeast, and north facades. Horizontal
air control, cooling loads, sun angles, material durability, location latitudes, shading, or, overhangs, must be very deep to be effective on east or west
nesting birds, etc. facing walls. It is recommended to leave a gap between the shade and the
building to allow airflow. Overhangs should be designed so their position
allows low winter sun through the entire window while completely shading
the window from summer sun.

Material Suggestions:

It is common to see horizontal shading made out of concrete, treated wood
or aluminum.

EXAMPLE OF HOW SOLAR RADIATION EN-
TERS AN ENCLOSED SPACE

EXTERIOR SHADING, IF DONE PROPERLY,
EMLIMINATES THE NEED FOR INTERIOR
SHADING DEVICES, SINCE IT BLOCKS BOTH
LIGHT AND THERMAL ENERGY

SHADING STRATEGY FOR SOUTH FACADE SHADING STRATEGY FOR SOUTH FACADE
OSCAR NIEMEYER, EMPREZAS GRAFICAS O CURZEIRO BUIDLING, RIO DE



VERTICAL SHADING DEVICES (SIDE FINS) EGG CRATE SHADES
Vertical Shading devices, or side fins, are usually the most appropriate for A combination of both horizontal and vertical shading results in the “egg-
east and west facing fenestrations. These facades receive the sun at low crate” solar shading device. These are usually seen in very hot climate be-
angles. They can be found at southeast and southwest openings. Side fins are cause of their high shading ef`ficiency. They usually work well with walls and
very effective as windbreakers and are helpful for insulation during winter. control ground glare from reflected solar rays.
Fins placed perpendicular to the wall create horizontal shadows. Fins that
are obliquely angled to the wall result in asymmetrical shading. Adjustable MATERIAL SUGGESTIONS
vertical fins create a variety of shadows that can be recofigued day by day, The most common material used for egg crate shades is concrete, as wood
but are usually costly and coomplex. warps due to climate changes and candistort the grid.

BY MAKING THE FINS “DEEPER” OR
CLOSER TOGETHER, THE SUN PENETRA-
TION IS LESS.

MATERIAL SUGGESTIONS
As with horizontal shading, concrete and treated wood side fins are
common on buildings. Innovative projects, such as the one below, THE “SHADE ANGLE” OR “D” DETERMINES
THE DEPTH AND SPACING OF VERTICAL
incorporate different materials (bamboo) to create the outer facade and SHADES.
side fins. Projects like these can be very time consuming, especially if not
prefabricated.

A. REIDY, RIO DE JANEIRO



INTERIOR SHADING DEVICES LIGHT SHELVES
Includes movable shading devices, shutters, interior blinds, etc. These Light shelves are considered a variation of horizontal shading. It is based on
devices should be limited since they can be expensive. Even though they will the same concept of roof overhang, yet are usually designed deeper so that
help with glare and visual comfort, they will not reduce cooling loads. shading covers glazed windows at heights greater than 2.2 meters.

Light shelves are generally placed above eye level on the equatorial side (the
north side in the case of Cosmo City) of a building where maximum sunlight
hits and shelves are most effective. They allow daylight to penetrate into a
space up to about 2.5 times the distance between the floor and the top of
the window.

They are usually directed towards the interior so incoming light bounces
off the light shelf and is reflected towards the ceiling. The light is then
distributed over the ceiling and into working areas of the space. This method
effectively by reduces glare problems and provides another alternative to
natural illumination.



4.13 INSULATION

Insulation is to be applied on walls and roof. This will keep the school cool SUPPLIER II. FIBERGLASS
during day and warm during night, increasing energy efficiency.
ThermGuard - Phone 082 5529
762 Website http://www.ceiling-
Each type of insulation has an R value which represents its efficiency. Higher
insulation.co.za/contact.htm EXPECTANCY
R values equal better insulation ability. For example, a sheet of fiberglass
insulation that is 1.5 inches thick has an R value of 3.5 while a spray-on Most products available typically consist of a 50mm layer of glass fiber
cellulose insulation that is 1.5 inch thick which has an R value of 4, would insulation with a reflective foil sheeting cover on one side. However the
show that cellulose insulation is more efficient. thicker the insulation the better (100-150mm is not much more expensive
but it is twice or three times as effective). Fiberglass insulation is easy to
install and relatively inexpensive. It can also be used to wrap geysers (or
I. CELLULOSE water tanks) to increase energy efficiency.

Fiberglass offers exceptional acoustic properties & enhances indoor
EXPECTANCY environmental quality through noise absorption.
This type of insulation helps buildings stay warm in winter and cool in
summer by effectively controlling all three methods of heat transfer: Fiberglass is odorless, inert and fully compatible with all standard building
convective, conductive, and radiant. Buildings with cellulose insulation are materials and components. It will not accelerate corrosion of steel, copper
more comfortable and less expensive to operate and maintain. Research at or aluminum. It will not sustain vermin and will not breed or promote fungi,
universities and national laboratories has proven that cellulose insulation mold or bacteria. R – value = 3.14 per inch
offers up to 50% better performance than fiberglass.
METHOD OF INSTALLATION AND COMPONENTS
It can prevent up to 89% of heat generated in the home from escaping
through the ceiling. Easy install; anyone can install. There are also number of suppliers and
installers who specialize in geyser blankets.
Cellulose is known to be slightly more expensive than fiberglass insulation.
It is sustainable, but combustible and water permeable. R – value = 3.70 per Made by jetting molten glass through tiny heated holes in a high-speed
inch stream. These fibers are then wrapped by reflective foil sheeting. This is also
non-combustible.
METHOD OF INSTALLATION AND COMPONENTS
Made mostly from shredded recycled newspaper (about 85%) and mixed
with a variety of chemicals that make it permanently flame resistant. CONSIDERATIONS

It can be sprayed on by machine which requires specialized workers. Fiberglass insulation can cause irritation when in contact with skin.

CONSIDERATIONS
When installed properly and under normal conditions of use, these additives
are nontoxic to humans, will not adversely affect other building components,
and actually help create an environment that is inhospitable to insects and
rodents. Bags of cellulose can be found locally in Gauteng. This insulation is
SABS approved. It is not hazardous to Children - non-allergenic and non-
toxic. Cellulose insulation also prevents the release CO2 and methane which
are released when newspaper decomposes in landfills.



4.14 ROOF COVER

GENERAL DESCRIPTION SIZE CONSTRUCTION

There are hundreds of possibilities when we want to cover a building, from Typical commercial dimensions are between 610 and 762 millimeters width; • Lay sheets beginning on the lower edge opposite prevalent winds.
typical tile disposition to traditional thatch covers. Based on the constraints 3,600 and 6,600 millimeters length. • Start the second row with half of a sheet in order to achieve an alternate
of easy and quick installation, good properties, and cheap material, we will pattern.
focus on corrugated sheets. STRUCTURE PERFORMANCE • Special attention must be paid to upper, lower and overlap purlins, the
The bending strength of the sheets is greater in the direction perpendicular rest of them will be between those. Ridge covering must overlap at least
The wide range of materials gives us variety of properties and prices, but in to the corrugations. Thus, sheets are longer in their stronger direction. This 125 mm, to prevent leaks and shear.
general these materials are often used in developing countries because they allows coverage of an entire roof with only one layer. Although this eliminates • Screws must be placed in the crown of ridges and sealed.
are inexpensive and widely available. joints perpendicular to the corrugation, constructability may be more • To accommodate thermal movement, holes should be at least 5 mm.
difficult with large sheets. larger in diameter than screws.
There are three main subgroups:
• Metal sheets (galvanized iron, aluminum-zinc alloys, stainless steel, etc)
• Fiber cement sheets
• Polycarbonate sheets

Roof sheeting requires a substructure to support the material. The essence
of this substructure is to provide enough number of purlins (small beams)
perpendicular to the corrugations in order to accomplish maximum span
requirements.
The distance between them depends on sheet properties and roof slope, but,
maximum space between purlins is less than 1 meter.

SCREWS POSITION
ROOF SUBSTRUCTURE SCREWS MUST BE PLACED IN THE CROWN
BEAMS AND PURLINS OF RIDGES



METALLIC SHEETS FIBER CEMENT SHEETS
CONTEXT POTENTIAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES
CONTEXT
There are different metallic materials with slightly different properties. This • Shallow-pitched roofs are possible with this material, but care must
Fiber cement is a material composed of portland cement and fibers, used in
translates into various prices and maintenance requirements, but design and be taken to avoid possible ponds on the surface. Any kind of roof
the manufacture of rigid and light plates. Fiber cement boards are waterproof
construction considerations remain essentially the same. penetrations (e.g. vents, flues, skylights) must be sited to avoid restricting
and easy to both cut and drill, and therefore a suitable material for roofs.
water run-off.
PERFORMANCE • Ventilation/insulation should be adequate to prevent condensation on
PERFORMANCE
AFFORDABILITY: They are relatively cheap, as an order of magnitude we can soffits (underside of roof elements).
AFFORDABILITY: Widely used in low-income houses in Cosmo City. It is
find sheets between $4 and $20 per square meter. They are easy to install • Avoid contact with moisture-retaining materials (e.g. rain exposed
inexpensive and widely available.
and transport. timber, wet mortar, etc.).
• Take into account incompatabilities between different types of metal
SUSTAINABILITY: Require less energy to construct and are potentially
SUSTAINABILITY: Different types of metals are recyclable, and some sheets compositions.
recyclable, but at present there are no programs that reincorporate fiber
are made from post-consumer materials. • A double roof system is suggested to dampen acoustics from inside
cement into production.
(echo) or outside (rainfall) the building.
CONSTRUCTABILITY: Easy to transport and manage because of light weight. • A double roof system would also aid climatic performance (heat
CONSTRUCTABILITY: Require little skill and easy to install.
It does not require complex skills to place. absorption). Another option to avoid heat absorption is to paint it with
light colors or a reflective coating (cool roof).
RESILIENCE FACTOR AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
ADAPTABILITY: Depends on material: • Typical shapes are corrugated and inverted box-rib (square-fluted). The
• Requires little maintenance once installed and painted.
• Galvanized iron is not a long-term durable material due to water and first type is often cheaper and the second is often chosen for aesthetic
• Good impact resistance when thick enough and resistant against large
oxygen corrosion. Despite its gallvanization (which inhibits corrosion), reasons.
temperature changes.
rusting is inevitable in places with acid rain.
• Fireproof.
• Aluminum-zinc alloy sheets or plain aluminum sheets are more
• Can last up to 60 years.
expensive and not as strong as corrugated galvanized iron, but are more
durable (up to 50 years) due to resistance against corrosion. They are
POTENTIAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES
lightweight and have positive climatic properties.
• The recommended pitch ranges between 5º and 35º
• Stainless steel: It is expensive but has good strength and corrosion
• Thermal resistance and sound transmission vary greatly between fiber
resistant properties.
cement products. Fiber cement sheet products rate poorly in thermal
resistance and sound transmission, thus wall insulation is highly
recommended. In general, the thicker and denser the product, the better
• Low maintenance for aluminum and stainless steel sheets. PONDS ON THE SURFACE
resistance to temperature and sound transmission.
• More maintenance is required for galvanized iron, because it gets
damaged via corrosion.
• Easily replaceable and easy to construct.
• A layer of paint will increase durability.
• The steel and zinc will be exposed if there is a scratch or cut. To avoid
this, take care to clear debris.
• If sheets rust around fixings, covering them with a sheet that protrudes
about 100 mm below the lap joint can extend the life of the covering. CORRUGATED SHEETS
• Metal panels respond to temperature change by expanding and
contracting, causing the fastener hole size to increase which will result in
leaks. FIBER CEMENT SHEETS
LOW INCOME HOUSEING
IBR SHEETS COSMO CITY



POLYCARBONATE SHEETS RECOMMENDATIONS
GALVANIZED IRON
CONTEXT
• It is the cheapest way to cover a roof, but maintenance requirements are
Metal sheets have better properties and are cheaper than PVC sheets;
high, and the rusted appearance is not appealing.
therefore PVC must be used only in order to provide natural lighting and/or
• If there is possible contact with children, this option must be discarded
color effects.
because of rust.
PERFORMANCE
ALUMINUM-ZINC ALLOYS
AFFORDABILITY: The prices of PVC is relatively cheap, similar to metal
• It is expensive, but the appearance and low maintenance may be worth it.
sheeting
MAINTENANCE ISSUES • Some brands offer an epoxy coated surface that increases durability
SUSTAINABILITY: It is recyclable and some of the sheets are comprised of
STAINLESS STEEL
post-consumer recycled plastic.
• The same as aluminum but more expensive
CONSTRUCTABILITY: Lightweight, and thus easy to transport and manage.
FIBER CEMENT
Does not require complex skills to install.
• If used as a simple roof cover it may remind occupants of low-income
housing and neglect our aim to improve upon the status quo.
ADAPTABILITY: Avoid use in extreme hot climates, and double roof systems
• It has poorer climatic performance abilities than metal sheets.
cause inadequate ventilation. It has light transmission up to 90%.
TRANSLUCENT WINDOWS POLYCARBONATE
• Collect heating, possible overheating problems by greenhouse effect.
• It is less durable than aluminum or stainless steel.
• It is only recommended to lighting purposes.
• If used as roofing or light transitivity surface, it requires cleaning.
Corrugated sheets can also be employed as other building components such
POTENTIAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES
as walls, lighting, or cladding materials.
• The same as metal sheets, but without any corrosion problems.
• They cause a greenhouse effect, and therefore should not be used in
interiors where overheating may be a problem.
• They can be used as translucent windows, for example in a restroom.
CLADDING MATERIAL

USES AS WALLS



4.15 ROOF SYSTEMS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES RECOMMENDATIONS

A roof is not just a building cover, nor is it a simple skin to protect a If we focus on materials, we have two main options: wood or steel.
• Repetitive frames may be preferred over trusses because they are faster
building from rain. A building must act as a whole, all building systems • Wood can be used as sawed timber or as "poles" in its natural circular
to install and do not require a substructure for support.
interconnected. The roof is one of the most decisive parameters of the form. The strength of poles is larger because of not disturbance, and the
• High ceilings eliminate overheating and allow additional cross ventilation
structure. waste of material is smaller, but connections can be more difficult than
and lighting.
using timber.
• Roof cover – ceiling space may be enough insulation. Care must be taken
When designing a roof system, several factors must be taken into account: • Steel is stronger than wood which enables larger spans and free-form
to avoid inhabitation by birds or other pests.
• CONSTRUCTABILITY: Different systems require complex skills and plans with small diameter members.
• Projections and high roofs offer significant shaded space.
lengthy installation processes.
• Totally independent roof – rooms require a double structure without
• NATURAL LIGHTING AND VENTILATION: The roof plays an important With these materials we can develop two different roof systems:
connections: more expensive, but will afford freedom of form to both
role in climatic performance. It will determine the shape of the building, • Frames: Are large forms made from jointed individual members which
roof and rooms.
air currents, and shade. link the roof directly to the ground.
• Water harvesting must be taken into account; this may be difficult if with
• SUSTAINABILITY of materials and methods. • Trusses: Are elements made from independent members placed above
complex joinery or connections.
• DURABILITY and maintenance requirements: The roof is entirely independent columns or walls.
• Steel is environmentally less friendly than wood.
exposed to weather changes and thus is vulnerable. Some materials
perform better than others depending on climate. There are two ways to work with timber or steel systems: On-site Assembly or
• AFFORDABILITY: Roof systems and materials are linked to a wide variety prefabrication.
of construction and maintenance requirements; the cheapest materials • Prefabrication has some advantages because trusses and frames are
may be the most expensive to maintain in several years. supplied to the site already assembled. It is only necessary to place each
• OTHER BUILDING SYSTEMS: The roof system will have decisive piece on site. Installation does not require special tools or skills and saves
influence on the substructure below (walls, columns, etc). Therefore, significant construction time.
neither walls or roof system can be chosen regardless of the other. • Prefabrication affords a choice of size and quantity, with logistic and
• RAIN WATER HARVESTING: If it is decided to install this system, the roof constructability limitations. Typical sizes are as long as the required span.
will play an important role.
Depending on shape and weight, installation may require a crane. Frames
or trusses are lifted and held in place, then linked together with purlins by
welding or bolts. Therefore, frame set up does not require skilled labor.

When combining roof structure, roof cover, and ceiling, there are three
different options:
• SHEETS – TRUSS – CEILING: Large space between roof and ceiling,
allows wind to cross through and avoid rain noise.
• SHEETS – PURLINS – CEILING (OR WITHOUT CEILING): The
frame supports both roofing sheets and ceiling; insulation is placed in
between.
• INDEPENDENT ROOF: Both building and roof are completely
independent, which eliminates load-bearing limitations but requires a
double structure, without any common element. It makes large shaded
spaces possible, potentially through the use of a super-structure.



TIMBER AND POLES FRAME TIMBER AND POLE TRUSS

A frame made of timber or poles is one of the most traditional ways to build a small structure. Roof sheets are There is a wide variety of timber trusses that may be used, and all have large spans and need to be fastened walls
supported by the building structure. The idea is to have wood beams and columns interconnected, creating a frame or columns. Less assembly can be prefabricated, and thus more work is required. It is necessary to construct load
that is later linked with other frames by purlins. bearing walls before placing the roof.

• It is not prefabricated, requires skilled labor
• Repetitive prefabricated frames, quick set up • Connections between poles are more difficult than between sawed
• Shape and openings provide ventilation and day lighting timber
• Bolt connections do not require skilled labor or special tools • High ceiling
• Arch configuration is difficult to construct.

• Wood poles (i.e.: bamboo, gum poles) tied or jointed using metallic plates • Planar prefabricated timber truss
• It is not prefabricated, which increases assembly time • Canvas in one side to protect from birds incursion
• This is a cheap and quite strong solution but requires skilled labor • Some services (i.e.: light cables) are placed through the truss
• Affords a large shaded area • Some rooms have a ceiling under the roof

• The roof is independent of the rooms; the two structures are not
• Mixed structure: wood poles (bamboo, gum poles) and steel
connected in any way
• Ceiling is placed between roof cover and beams
• Repetitive prefabricated frames, quick set up
• High ceiling and light appearance
• Easy water harvesting because of mono-slope

• Same idea as framing, but trusses allow larger spans than beams
• Allows prefabricated trusses that are fastened to columns or walls on site



STEEL FRAME STEEL TRUSS
For a typical steel structure, frames are prefabricated and then fastened on site while beams and columns are In this case, the idea is the same as timber trusses. The difference is that steel truss members are thinner, which
assembled on-site. This allows a free form plan, but requires skilled labor. results in lighter structures.

• Steel structure with metallic sheets independent of the rooms
• Seamless roof-to-wall construction
• Water harvesting can be difficult • Light weight steel frame over clay ceiling
• Supported by walls and columns
• Requires welding
• Clay ceiling with arch shape. Bricks work under compression

• Lightweight steel structure + plastic film cover
• Several independent rooms under each roof
• No water harvesting
• Large shaded area

• Planar steel trusses.
• Sloped inwards, central canopy allows water harvesting.
• Central canopy shades the patio; gutters are fastened to columns

• Steel structure with no prefabrication, just independent columns and
beams assembled on site.
• Ceiling is placed under the roof sheets with space only for insulation

• Same idea as prefabricated timber frames but made by small diameter
steel members in triangulated shapes
• Every frame is prefabricated and jointed on site.
• Light weight structure.



4.16 PLUMBING SYSTEM OVERVIEW

FIXTURES
• 5 bathroom sinks (lavatories)
• 1 kitchen sink
• 6 toilets (2 adult, 6 children)
• solar water heater

PIPE LINES
• potable water (hot and cold)
• sewage line (graywater and
blackwater)
• vent line

VALVES
• water control valve (cold)
• greywater valve (for potential
recycling)

DRAIN-WASTE-VENT
• vent stacks
• traps

OUTLETS
• water (hot and cold)

MISCELLANEA
• Filters
• Clean Out
• Insulation



4.17 WATER SYSTEMS

BLACKWATER AND GREYWATER TYPICAL PIPING MATERIALS
• BLACKWATER is the wastewater from the toilet, kitchen sinks and
dishwashers PIPING WHY? WHERE? COMPATIBILITY
• GRAYWATER is the wastewater from laundry, bathroom sinks MATERIALS WITH CHILDREN
(lavatories) and bathing
COPPER easy to handle and solder (if use copper, it will Safe
The former cannot be recycled due to the presence of human waste, while moldable metal be buried deep, to
the latter is recyclable. Both, however, will be sent to the public sewer line. easier to shape/bend prevent robbery ~)
However, due to the fear of much maintenance, the graywater will not be safer to use for potable water (corrosion,
recycled; so therefore both types of water will be sent to the sewer line. The weather and bacteria resistant)
lines are still separately colored for the possibility of the implementation of recyclable
recycling technology. PE flexible (fittings not necessary) Cold water only; No contact
(POLYETHYLENE) low-cost outdoor piping; buried
easy to transport
VALVES resists corrosion
• Stop valves, gate valves, sill cock valves, compression valves and ball does not require maintenance
valves
• Typically, the shutoff/control valve is for the cold water. It allows the flow
PEX cheaper than metal Connections to fixtures Do not leave the
to be turned off, such as when the water heater, or other appliance, is not
(CROSS-LINKED most flexible piping (easier to install) (no UV exposure, prone pipes within reach
in use or needs repair. POLYETHYLENE) flexibility allows for increased expansion to biofilm growth), of children; they can
capacity (pipes more burst resistant) difficult to break down try to climb or pull
PLUMBING ACCESS have shut-off valve at each supply line and reinstall), hot water out the pipes
(easier to repair)
• Framing square around the hole that is left in the wall and trace the resists corrosion
perimeter does not require maintenance
• Hole in the drywall; horizontal support block behind the wall board if more aesthetically pleasing then PE pipes
hole is not near studs in the walls; otherwise just secure support blocks due to color availability
to the studs before installing the door and frame
• Water shut-off valve and electrical wiring PVC rigid DWV (unsafe for No contact
(POLYVINYL hard to damage potable water due
CHLORIDE) is long lasting to production
more resistant to bacteria (good for drain/ of carcinogenic
waste system) byproducts), sewer and
corrosive resistant drain pipe; cold-water,
buried



COMPARISON OF PIPING MATERIALS

PVC PEX PE COPPER
(POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) (CROSS LINKED POLY- (POLYETHYLENE)
ETHYLENE)
DURABILITY ~ 30 years ~ 50 years ~ 30 years > 50 years

Weight Light Light Light Heavy

Tensile Strength Moderate High High Very High

TEMPERATURE Smallest temp range Wider range than PVC Cold only Much wider range than PEX
TRANSPORT Harder (provided in tubes) Easy (provided in Easy (provided in Harder (provided in tubes)
reels) reels)
INSTALLATION Solvent welding Crimp ring (or WIRSBO® Clamped couplings Solder ( or compression
(rigid with high chemical resistance; Quick & Easy®, which uses (requires skilled labor) fittings)
requires skilled labor) rubber seals)

COST $1.5 to 6 /m + fittings $2 to 3.6 /m + fittings $0.5 /m + fittings $3 /m + fittings

PRODUCT L: 3 – 5 m L: 50 or 100 m L: 50 or 100 m N/A
DIMENSIONS D (toilet/general outflow): 90-110 D: 20 – 25 mm D: 20 – 25 mm
L = LEngtH mm
d = dIAMEtEr D (sink/shower outflow): 32-50 mm

SAFETY Releases poisonous gasses if Releases poisonous gasses Immune to corrosion, Safe (modern ones are
burned, dioxins in manufacturing if burned, but has FAR fewer releases harmful chemicals corrosion-resistant)
and leeched into water toxins than PVC, especially if burned.
in manufacturing

MAINTENANCE No maintenance required. Fails No maintenance required. No maintenance required. No maintenance required
are usually due to bad installation Fails are only due to bad Fails are only due to bad
practices and are easy to solve. installation practices. installation practices.



POLYETHYLENE (HDPE & LDPE) SUPPLIERS

• HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (HDPE) – (0.941 ≤ density < 0.965) has STEWARTS & LLOYDS TRADING BOOYSENS JACOBS PYPE
strong intermolecular forces, high tensile strength, is harder than LDPE, 118 4TH STREET, BOOYSENS RESERVE 118 4TH STREET, PLOT 295, KROKODILDRIFT-EAST, BRITS
is good for drainage pipes BOOYSENS RESERVE, JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG 0250, BRITS
• LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE) – (0.910 ≤ density < 0.925) 2016 P: 012 2620161; 012 2502860
weaker intermolecular forces, higher resilience, is good for small- P: 011 496 3000 F: 011 496 3012 HTTP://WWW.JACOBSPYPE.ORG
diameter water distribution pipes. HTTP://WWW.STEWARTSANDLLOYDS.CO.ZA LDPE: 20MM 0.22 $/M
HDPE: 25 MM. FROM 0.7 (PN 6.3) TO 1.2 (PN 16) $/M 25MM 0.32 $/M
HDPE: 20MM 0.32 $/M
25MM 0.5 $/M
ELBOWS AND COUPLINGS: FROM 2 TO 3 $/UNIT
TEES: 3 TO 5 $/UNIT

PRAYSA 1199 RamPiping Systems
1 LOG ROAD EXT 14 WADEVILLE EXT 14, UNIT A1, 178 Immelman Road Wadeville Germiston,
P: 014 763 1742 F: 011 383 9910 Johannesburg, Gauteng 1428
HTTP://WWW.PRAYSA1199.CO.ZA p: 011 827 3700/1 f: 011 827 3702

POTENTIAL DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION
MASTERBATCH SA JCL ENTERPRISES
13 spanner road spartan, kempton park, gauteng Gate 7, Kent road, Anderbolt, Boksburg, Gauteng 1446
• A common 20 – 25 mm PE pipe system is used to connect the local p: 011 975 6252 f: 082 466 0468 p: (07) 9333 8351 f: (08) 6673 9018
water supply with the interior of the building, because its flexibility and http://www.masterbatch.co.za http://www.jcl.co.za
strength give a good outdoor and underground behavior.
• Fitting can be avoided because of flexibility, but when they are necessary SMART PIPING SUPPLY SPIRAL HDPE PIPE (PTY) LTD
a mechanical pressure fitting may be used. 13 Spartan Road, Kempton Park, Unit E3-4, Old Mutual Industrial Park, Moot Street,
• The backfilled is not as critical as in PVC pipes, because PE is less rigid p: +27119746760 f: +27119746764 Hermanstad, Pretoria, Gauteng 0002
and more resistant. http://www.smartpipingsupply.co.za p: 012 377 1670 f: 012 379 2603
• It is recommended to check the fittings with water pressure larger than
the common before cover them. ZEBULA ENGINEERING AND STEEL AFRIPEX (PTY) LTD
• Care must be taken about suppliers: all the products must comply with SUPPLIES CC Unit 1, APD Industrial Park, Elsecar Road
SABS requirements. ROVER ROAD RUSTIVIA GERMISTON, GERMISTON, Kya Sands, Johannesburg, South Africa
GAUTENG 1401 Telephone +27 (0) 11 708-6807
DETAILED COST (FROM CASHBUILD) P: 011 822 2441 F: (08) 6656 6840 Fax +27 (0) 11 708-6808
Email: info@afripex.com
HDPE: 20mm x 100 m. 350 ZAR = $50 -> $0.5/m www.afripex.com

LDPE: 20mm x 50 m. 125 ZAR = $18 -> $0.36/m
25mm x 50 m. 168 ZAR = $24 -> $0.5/m



CROSS-LINKED POLYETHYLENE (PEX) SUPPLIERS

Smart Piping Supply Afripex (Pty) Ltd
13 Spartan Road, Kempton Park, Unit 1, APD Industrial Park, Elsecar Road
p: +27119746760 f: +27119746764 Kya Sands, Johannesburg, South Africa
http://www.smartpipingsupply.co.za Telephone +27 (0) 11 708-6807
Fax +27 (0) 11 708-6808
Email: info@afripex.com
www.afripex.com

POTENTIAL DESIGN / CONSTRUCTION

• For this kind of building a traditional “tee system” installation method is
recommended, due to low water demand. This is a main pipe where all
the points are connected.
• Additional installation procedures and tips are widely explained in
Afripex web page: (Tech Data Sheet: Basic Tapwater Manual (3.3 MB))
• It is recommended to check the fittings with water pressure larger than
the common before cover them.
• Care must be taken about suppliers: all the products must comply with
SABS requirements.

DETAILED COST (UPONOR®, CASHBUILD)

Plastic elbow 16 mm = $3
Metallic elbow 16 mm = $4
PEX 15mm x 5.5m 75 ZAR = $11 -> $2/m
22mm x 5.5m 140 ZAR = $20 -> $3.6 /m



(POLYVINYL CHLORIDE) PVC DETAILED COST
PVC 50mm x 6 m
68 zar = $9.7 -> $1.6/m
SVpipe 110mm x 6 m
245 zar = $35 -> $6/m
Underground pipe 110 x 6 m 140 zar =
$20 -> $3/m
Fittings: SV bend plain 94 / 110
33 zar = $5

POTENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIERS
• A common waste pipe installation requires a 90 or 110 mm. PVC pipe RAMPIPING SYSTEMS MASTERBATCH SA
that connects all the toilets, and 32, 40 or 50 mm PVC pipes that link 178 IMMELMAN ROAD WADEVILLE GERMISTON, 13 SPANNER ROAD SPARTAN, KEMPTON PARK,
sinks, showers, baths, etc. with the larger pipes. JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG 1428 GAUTENG
• When possible, elbows must be avoided and care must be taken about P: 011 827 3700/1 F: 011 827 3702 P: 011 975 6252 F: 082 466 0468
the minimum slopes: 2% when the diameter is smaller than 50 mm. and HTTP://WWW.MASTERBATCH.CO.ZA
1% in the largest ones.
• Joints between pipes or pipes-accessories are done using glue or a
JCL ENTERPRISES Smart Piping Supply
rubber, depending on the model.
GATE 7, KENT ROAD, ANDERBOLT, BOKSBURG, 13 Spartan Road, Kempton Park,
• The wall thickness is standard and thicker pipes are more expensive.
GAUTENG 1446 p: +27119746760 f: +27119746764
Therefore the possible external loads as vertical soil pressure, possible
P: (07) 9333 8351 F: (08) 6673 9018 http://www.smartpipingsupply.co.za
superimposed live loads (vehicles) must be taken into account. They
HTTP://WWW.JCL.CO.ZA
can crush or bend the pipes.
• The backfilled is also critical, direct contact with stones must be avoided. PVC Pipeline Services Selectrical Material Wholesalers
It is recommended spill a sand bed, install the waste pipes, and then Hammets Crossing Off Pk Blc 807/2 Selbourne Rd, Shop 17 Roraima Centre Hawk Str. Elspark Germiston,
cover them with a layer of tamped sand before add excavated material. Johannesburg, Gauteng 2153 Boksburg, Gauteng 1418
As larger is the depth of trench greater the soil loads but smaller the p: 114620231 p: 0119130952 / 0825613014 f: (08) 6689 2937
superimposed load effects. In private land is recommended a cover http://www.smwholesalers.co.za
of 0.3 meters from ground surface to top of the pipe, or 0.6 meters if ZEBULA ENGINEERING AND STEEL SUPPLIES CC
vehicles are allowed. Rover Road Rustivia Germiston, Germiston, Gauteng
• Flexible PVC pipes are useful as easy to install small diameter waste 1401
pipes to sinks or showers, but they must be connected with a rigid one. p: 011 822 2441 f: (08) 6656 6840
• Care must be taken about suppliers: all the products must comply with
SABS requirements



POTABLE WATER DEMAND (FOR DRINKING PURPOSES) FIXTURES

From p 71/113 (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/DRI//DRI_Water/73-185.pdf):
Children 1-3 years need 1.3 L/day of total water (0.9 L/day of total beverages,
including drinking water) Around 4 cups.

4-8 years need 1.7 L/day of total water
(1.2 L/day of total beverages, including drinking water) Around 5 cups.

Assume: Preschooler age range of 2-5, total volume of beverages needed
taken as average of 0.9 and 1.2 = 1.05 L/day. Assumed that children would not
drink their daily fill at school, total volume of beverages then taken as half of
total = 0.525 L/day.

(80 children) (0.525 L/ child per day) = 42 L
of total beverage intake for total children

From p 73/113
Adult Men 19-50 years need 3.7 L/day of total water SINKS : 5 LAVATORIES, 1 KITCHEN
(3 L of total beverages, including drinking water) DIFFERENCE : DIFFERENT DRAINS, DIFFERENT SIZES

From p 75/113
Adult Women 19-50 years need 2.7 L/day of total water
(2 L of total beverages, including drinking water)

Assume: Presence of several adults, the total volume of beverages needed
taken as average of 3.7 and 2.7 = 3.2 L/day. Assumed that adults would not
drink their daily fill at school, total volume of beverages then taken as half of
total = 1.6 L/day.

( X adults) (1.6 L/ adult per day) = 1.6X L
of total beverage intake for total adults

SOLAR WATER HEATER : 1 UNIT TOILETS : 6 CHILDREN, 2 ADULT



4.18 WASTE AND VENTING SYSTEM 4.19 ENERGY SYSTEM: SOLAR WATER HEATER

DRAIN-WASTE-VENT (DWV) INTERFACE
Drain-Waste-Vent system removes the wastewater (blackwater and Collectors are placed on the roof.
graywater) from the house and also vents the gases produced by the waste While the domestic hot water tank
Made of traps, vents, soil vent pipes, and then through the public sewer line can be placed anywhere, traditionally
it is placed inside the roof.
Waste will go from the fixtures, through a trap, to the waste lines, before
leaving via the public sewer line as well as the soil vent pipe (which may be on We can expect around 2 MWh of
the roof). Every fixture must contain traps and every fixture must be vented; electricity savings in a given year. Possible Extensions?
if not, a problem with just one fixture may affect the others in the system. Because the school is located in a
highly insolated area, we can expect - Solar panels: Both pump
The vents will also provide a means for the pressure to equalize on either a payback period of around 8 years.
and controller system can
side of the traps, which will allow the trap to hold a little water. This water will
render the trap more efficient by preventing the sewer gas from travelling be powered by solar panels.
back to the fixture. MECHANISM
Solar panels are also ap-
A heat transfer fluid (HTF) is exposed to the sun during day whereby it is
heated. HTF could be water or nontoxic antifreeze. Evacuated tubing and propriate for these systems
insulation prevents the heat gained from being lost. Heat is then transferred
CLEAN OUT to a hot water tank via a pump. If the whole system is on the roof, the since the system should only
evacuated tubes are slanted upwards, with the hot water tank on the top.
• Component that allows the pipes to be manually cleared of any kind of be used when there is sun.
blockage of accumulated debris Heated fluid in the evacuated tubes rises to the top into the tank. Depending
• A clean out is usually placed at the most likely place for debris to gather; on the choice of heat transfer fluid, hot water can be directly pumped into - Flat panel collectors can
this is usually at where a vent stack (vertical) meets the sewage line the tank, or the water in the tank is heated by a heat exchanger, a coil of pipe
with HTF running through it. be used instead of evacu-
(horizontal), or where the pipe changes direction 90°.
• For regulations on venting and waste, see Appendix. ated tubes. Typically flat
• Access to certain points of the waste system is achieved in the rodding
eye, which allows the clearage of blockage panel collects have higher
efficiency but they would
cost more (around R 4,000).

ACTIVE SOLAR WATER HEATER
1. EVAcuAtEd tuBES 2. controLLEr
3. PuMP 4. WAtEr tAnK



PASSIVE SOLAR WATER SYSTEM ACTIVE SOLAR WATER SYSTEM

COMPONENTS

• COLLECTOR consists of three parts: heat pipes, evacuated tubes, and
a manifold. Water is pumped through the heat pipes. These pipes are
inside evacuated glass tubes. The manifold holds together 16 or 20 of
these evacuated glass tubes.
• DOMESTIC HOT WATER (DHW) TANK: Stores the water being
used. This could be bought separately depending if the building have an
existing water tank.
• HEAT EXCHANGER: If the system uses anti-freeze as an HTF, a coil of
piping is installed inside the hot water tank to transfer heat to the used
water.
• PUMP AND CONTROLLER SYSTEM: The pump keeps the HTF
running through the system. A controller system can turn off the pump
when the water temperature is high enough. During night, when the solar
collector cannot supply heat, the controller system can also activate an
auxiliary heating from electricity.
• INSULATION: The tank itself may have its own insulation. If not, then a
sheet of insulation (usually fiberglass insulation), will be wrapped around
it. If the water tank is placed on roof, insulation may not be needed.

CONSIDERATIONS
PASSIVE SOLAR WATER SYSTEM
• A passive solar water heater system is very simple. It consists of no
electrical components. Manuals are usually given to instruct assembly,
angling, positioning. A typical system weighs around 140 kg.
• One passive solar water heater assembly, used for residential purposes,
is intended for up to two people. More would be needed for greater
demand of hot water.
• Since water usage is greatest in the bathrooms and kitchens, it is best
that the collector system is placed as close to these rooms as possible.
• Compared to a passive solar water heater, the cost of the active solar
water heater components are certainly be greater. Including installation
the cost would range from R 12,000- 20,000 around R 3,000 greater
than passive systems.
• In the active system, the domestic hot water tank does not have to be
on the roof, allowing for a more aesthetically pleasant appearance.
However, space would have to be put aside elsewhere. Typical active
systems place the tank inside the roof to minimize the distance between
collector and tank.
• Given the complexity of the system, it could become a hassle for
maintenance and installation.



4.20 ENERGY SYSTEM: PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL

INTERFACE COMPONENTS

Solar panels can power the school enough to be off the grid. It has the • SOLAR PANELS - capture
potential to exceed the needed amount of electricity and give back to the radiation and convert it to
grid. useable electricity
• BATTERIES - store the solar
energy when no electricity is
EXPECTANCY being used
• CONTROLLERS - Computer
Each solar panel cell power can deliver at peak around 3.5 Watt-hours of device which directs and
energy. This can be more in summer and in certain areas. Assuming there controls the solar energy
is 10 hours of sunlight a day, one solar panel cell can generate around 35Wp • INVERTERS- (stand alone or
(peak-Watt) a day. If a solar panel has 50 cells in series, it can generate grid connect) - Using an off-
175Wp/hr or 1.75 kWatt-hours a day. grid inverter can significantly
improve the efficiency of
The energy requirements are determined by the power that each appliance your PV system even under
(light, TV set, radio, refrigerator, etc.) uses and the number of hours per day highly inductive or capacitive
FIXTURES (POTENTIAL)
each appliance is on. If more energy is used than is produced in a given time, loads. The inverter provides an
• Fluorescent light (4 outside, 8 inside)
the energy store (battery or batteries) will run out. economical way to get instant
• Stove (1)
AC power anywhere and at all
• Solar Water Heater
times, just as long as a battery
• Refrigerator (1)
is handy. It converts a DC power
COMPARISON source (solar panels) to 230
VAC power.

• To supply a family of 4, i.e. 600kWh/month (20 kWh/day), one would need
either 12 - 175 Wp of solar panels or 9 - 220 Wp of solar panels (~15 sq. meter). BRANDS
• In Eskom or municipals, this would equal to an R450 bill at a typical 75c
• Kyocera – Provides 50w, 70w, 95w, 135w, 135w, 185 w, 205 w, and 210w
per kW-hr. A energy system to cater for this would cost about R400000.
panels
• Average radiation basis is 5.5kwh/sqm/day. This is more radiation than
• Lorentz – Provides 50w, 75w, 120w, and 175w panels
any solar panel can capture.
• Sharp – Provides 148-175Wp and 200-220Wp panels

SUPPLIERS

PO Box 1159
Randpark Ridge 2156
Johannesburg, South Africa
e-mail contact: info@kgelectric.co.za



INSOLATION OF JOHANNESBURG



4.21 RECOMMENDED SERVICES

RAINWATER COLLECTION
COMPONENTS
By collecting rainwater, the crèche will be able to reduce municipal water
• Sloped roof. Corrugated iron is most efficient, but all waterproof
use for irrigation during the dry seasons. This is an economic advantage,
materials are compatible.
reducing the dependency on city water. This is also a strong sustainability
• Rain gutters along the edges of the roof, all downward sloping to one
factor, as it will conserve water, and prevent excess runoff and the need for
(PVC) pipe leading to cistern. Must have mesh/filter to remove roof
drainage from the roof.
debris.
• Cistern, gravity-fed. Above ground, size dependent on amount that can
EXPECTANCY be used. Must be sturdy plastic, and NOT clear (algae will form).
Maximum monthly rainfall: 130mm. • Piping. Need 4” PVC pipe, same supplier as for plumbing. Anticipate
needing at least 5 meters, but this will need to be determined based on GUTTER WITH MESH FILTER
TO COLLECT ROOF DEBRIS.
(Surface Area of roof in m2) x (~.075m rain) x (1000 liters/m3) = ~Size cistern cistern’s location relative to the crèche.
needed in liters for one month’s worth water.
SUPPLIERS
Usage
Watering garden. (*most recommended) Gutters
Groundwater recharge (*probably not necessary, up to discretion of Gutters Galore, Gauteng 021 982 0895 http://www.guttersgalore.co.za/
landscape architects). SuperSpan Gutters, Gauteng 033 342 9412 http://www.superspan.co.za/index.php
Grey water, i.e. toilet (*may pose challenge when connecting to municipality Cistern
line, and will require energy to pump indoors; not recommended).
Water Rhapsody http://www.waterrhapsody.co.za/tag/water-tanks-johannesburg/
Urban Rain Systems +27 11 817 3534 www.urbanrainsystems.co.za
Filters
First Flush (American) http://www.rainharvest.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=269
Product Code (WDDS98, $34.95)

FROM THE YELLOW SUBMARINE (TONGO, SEGAU, MALI). WATER FLOWS OFF
SLANTED ROOF LEADS TO FILTERED GUTTERS. SLANTED ROOFS LEAD TO CISTERN. CISTERN, URBAN RAIN SYSTEMS



4.22 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: PLAYPUMP

Due to cost (in the case of the playpump) or efficiency (for the biogas), or
even just the existence of a less troublesome alternative (for hydroponics),
these potential fixtures are not feasible at this point of time and with the
current budget.

I. PLAYPUMP
A PlayPump is, to the children, a merry-go-round designed for collaboration,
and group playtime. However, to the crèche, it is a highly sustainable water
pump, utilizing energy that the children exert during playtime. It has the
potential to conserve energy, and teach children about how mechanical
processes become sustainable.

Children playing on the PlayPump provides a gradient energy that enable the
ground water to be pumped upwards.

EXPECTANCY
A PlayPump is able to pump 1,400 liters of water per hour at 16 rpm from a
depth of 40 meters (maximum depth of 100 meters). It should be located in
the “Playground” area of the site, integrated into other play equipment.

DESIGN CHALLENGES SUPPLIERS
• Is it ethical?
• What will we use the PlayPump to pump, since there is no groundwater? Water for People (http://www.waterforpeople.org/)
Potential in connecting to rainwater collection, but the rainwater about $14,000 (USD).
collection can be designed gravitationally, and thus would not require
a pump.
• Is it effective? Will energy produced outweigh product cost?

COMPONENTS

• A merry-go-round, for the children to spin on.
• A large tank to store water; can also act as an advertisement board.



4.23 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: VIP TOILETS

II. VIP TOILETS COMPONENTS
Dry toilets can help lessen the amount of water required to run the school. It • Two (or more) pits are dug into the ground or built raised above the
is of the outdoor ‘outhouse’ type structure. ground.
It can also collect methane in pit to be used as biogas. In this case, the • Slab (for each pit) are places for the users to finish their business. A dry
methane can be recovered through the ventilation popes, converted for use, pit does not require any water for flushing.
and then used to power a stove, lights, heater, etc • Superstructure made of wood, iron sheets, bricks, cement or nylon rice
sacks (depends on local availability and level of skilled labor).

LIMITATIONS
A composting toilet requires a significant commitment from its users.
A timeline must be followed that determines how long one pit may be
used before it needs to be sealed for composting. Once a pit is sealed, it
must be left to compost for a specific period of time. After composting,
someone must excavate the pit, and implement a use for the soil produced.
Community members must be a part of the decision, design, and installation
process. In our case, it might make community members feel like they are
reverting back to less innovative times. VIP’s are theoretically a good option,
but are not practical or desired, and thus not recommended in our project.



VIP SYSTEM ECOLOGICAL SANITATION (ECOSAN)

• Less expensive. Can accommodate more people since underground space is less limited • Composting latrine that produces a rich, organic fertilizer
• more difficult to empty after composting is complete • Built above ground, No pit needs to be dug. More expensive Less conductive to many users



4.24 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: DIGESTER

III. DIGESTER (BIOREACTOR) FEASIBILITY
From Table 4 (http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/MethaneDigesters/
Biogas is the gas produced by the MD4.html):
anaerobic breakdown of organic
compounds. About 0.020 ~0.028 m3 1 Human adult output: % volatile means ‘digestible by bacteria’
methane is produced per kg human 2.2 lbs urine/day (75% volatile) = 1.65 lbs urine/day digestible
solid waste. The resulting methane 0.5 lbs fAeces/day (95% volatile) -> 0.475 lbs feces/day digestible
can then be used as a biogas to offset Assume: A preschooler will only output ¼ the same amount as an adult in a
some of the cooking fuel costs, while day --> 0.11875 lbs feces in a day
nitrogen-rich slurry can be used as
fertilizer/compost for garden. From Table 2 (http://www.fao.org/sd/egdirect/egre0022.htm) : 0.020 - 0.028

MECHANISM
Greywater from the sin run-off (recyclable) will be redirected into the toilet
cistern (now blackwater). The resulting mixture, when flushed, will enter the
septic tank for treatment by the bacteria in the biodigester.

Basic setup of the biodigester consists of two components: a digester
(or fermentation tank) and a gas holder. The digester is a cube-shaped or
cylindrical waterproof container with an inlet into which the fermentable
mixture is introduced in the form of a liquid slurry. The gas holder is normally
an airproof steel container that, by floating like a ball on the fermentation
mix, cuts off air to the digester (anaerobiosis) and collects the gas generated.
In one of the most widely used designs, the gas holder is equipped with a gas
outlet, while the digester is provided with an overflow pipe to lead the sludge
out into a drainage pit.

CONSIDERATIONS

• Unfortunately, human waste isn’t as effective as that of livestock. The
resulting slurry would need some priming, which is of a higher carbon-
nitrogen ratio (such as with animal waste, straw, or sawdust), in order to
better the efficiency of methane production.
• Nitrogen-rich slurry can be used as fertilizer for garden.
• Human waste contains dangerous pathogens, minimize contact
with system by implementing pumps. Also, to assure hygienic quality,
especially due to the mixing of human wastes, a long retention time
(>60 days) shall be used.
• Satisfactory gas production at 15-20 degrees Celsius, best at 35 degrees.



CASE STUDIES

Background 1 : In India, human and livestock waste is a huge environmental hazard. Background 2 : The children now currently collect kitchen wastes from seven restaurants to feed the digesters, then
The government plans to help by subsidizing several of these units. sell organic vegetables back to the restaurants at 20% over the non-organic price.``

Background 3 : The children now currently collect kitchen wastes from seven restaurants to feed the digesters, then
sell organic vegetables back to the restaurants at 20% over the non-organic price.



4.25 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: PIPING SYTEMS AND HYDROPONICS

IV. AESTHETIC DESIGN OF PIPING SYSTEMS V. HYDROPONICS
• Color coded piping for maintenance. For example, a different color for: Hydroponics is a mean of growing plants, using a medium other then soil
black water pipes, grey water pipes, and municipal water pipes. Or, color (such as rice husks water, or gravel). Less water is needed for a hydroponics
code by materials, if more than one material are used. Or, color code by system in comparison to a regular soil garden; the productivity of the
installation practices so that if a pipe must be fixed, it is easy to tell how hydroponics is also much greater. However, systems that were considered
this must be done. were of the traditional hydroponics systems, as well as two soil techniques
that can potentially lessen runoff.
• Clear PVC piping can be used for all exposed pipes carrying grey or
municipal water. Children will find it interesting to see water flowing RECOVERY DRIP
through them. However, these are not to be used outdoors, and are TYPES
unnecessary if hidden. Pipes must also be kept out of reach of children
• RECOVERY DRIP SYSTEMS – excess nutrient solution run off is
if there is a chance they could be pulled apart.
caught and used via a pan or a small container. The run off can either be
automatically or manually recollected
• Lead one pipe outdoors and attach to a spigot and/or drinking fountain
• WATER CULTURE – mentioned for the sake of comparison, an
so that children can drink/wash hands while playing outdoors and after
active hydroponics (requires a pump), the plants are held up by floating
eating outdoors. Put basin beneath spigot to collect water if a drain
Styrofoam squares while an air pump bubbles nutrient and oxygen from
cannot be installed. Water collected can be used on the garden.
the bottom of the tank.
• WICK SYSTEM – simplest type of passive hydroponics; plants are in
• Unusual, interesting structures individual pots with a wick protruding from the bottom to allow a path
for nutrient to be drawn by the plants. Weak point is that large plants may
require liquid at a faster rate than the wick could supply.

DESIGN CHALLENGES
Higher maintenance than a conventional soil garden

DRIP SYSTEMS
POMPIDOU CENTRE



CASE STUDY 1: JESUSALEN, COLOMBIA (LATIN AMERICA) CASE STUDY 2: ST. WERBURGHS (SOUTH-CENTRAL AFRICA)



4.26 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: SOLAR CHIMNEY

SOLAR CHIMNEY

A natural form of “air conditioning” is utilized in that solar convection is used
to enhance the stack effect and thereby more efficiently pump hot air out of
a building.
A single solar chimney with a suitably large glazed roof area and a high
chimney can generate 100-200 MW/day.

MECHANISM

Solar energy heats the air within the chimney during the daytime and
therefore creates an updraft inside it. The updraft evacuates hot water from
the chimney, and replacement cold air is drawn in from the cool side of the
house due to the suction at the bottom of the chimney due to the updraft
displacing hot air outside. A turbine attached to a generator can be joined
to the top of the chimney to generate mechanical energy. At night, or in the
winter when cooling is no longer needed, the vent connecting the house to
the chimney can be closed.

COMPONENTS

• An absorber is used to retain solar energy for best effects; two intersecting
sides of the chimney absorb heat. The absorber sides face the southern
direction, to maximize the amount of radiation.
• The chimney should be located at the side of the house with the most
sun exposure, usually the south.
• The solar chimney is made of a minimum of three basic stacks

POSSIBLE MATERIALS

• Glass - A good heat absorbing
material for building the solar
collector area of the solar
chimney, which is usually
situated on top of the chimney
or sometimes even the entire
shaft. (3 to 5 vertical shafts are
needed for the process.)
• Black ceramic gravel - The best
material to use as solar collector
for a solar chimney.



POSSIBLE MATERIALS (CON’T) POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF SOLAR CHIMNEY SYSTEM:

• Stainless steel - Also a good heat absorber; particularly good for To maximize the effect, new air can be directed in underground pipes before
enhancing the airflow inside a building because of low friction properties, entering the building. Johannesburg has a low average wind speed, therefore
so enhances stack effect. For the round exhaust stack (of the 3 stacks) convection would not be as infective; therefore it would be a good idea to
made of stainless steel. maximize cooling. Ground temperature is relatively stable all year, and will
• Concrete - The body of the chimney is made of reinforced concrete, cool the air before it goes inside the hotter house.
which also is a good heat absorber. In fact, the chimney itself acts as a
thermal engine. Due to its favorable surface to volume ratio, the chimney
acts like a pressure tube with low friction loss.

CONSIDERATIONS

• Works best with high temperature difference between indoors and
outdoors, to create a greater pressure gradient
• Chimney is placed at the part of the house most exposed to the sun, to
maximize convection
• Wind turbines may be installed with generators to convert the wind
power from the updraft into mechanical energy
• Can create interesting design forms for the building structure
• This could be unnecessary because is only overglorified cross-
EXTRA COMPONENTS:
ventilation. Hot air is going to leave the house, regardless of whether or
not there is a chimney. • A long, wide corrugated pipe is laid in a trench about 5-10 ft. below
grade. Drainage holes are drilled into the bottom of the pipe, which is
laid upon a gravel bed.
• A 90 degree elbow as well as sludge filter or wire mesh is laid over the
opening from the ground to protect against damage from rain or stray
animals

ATTACHMENT OF TURBINE TO GENERATE MECHANICAL ENERGY
(TO OCCUR ON TOP OF THE CHIMNEY)



4.27 ALTERNATIVE FIXTURES: SUMMARY

REFER TO PREVIOUS SECTIONS OF

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CHAPTERS FOR

IMAGES OF BIOGAS, HYDROPONICS,

AND PLAYPUMP.



4.28 BIBLIOGRAPHY

RAINWATER HARVESTING
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Committee, 2002. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.toolbase.org/PDF/DesignGuides/ApprenticeManual_03.
Countries, By. “Copper Pipes from India.” B2B Marketplace,Business to Business Portal,B2B Trade Directory of
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Pipe Main Line. Digital image. Ecostream. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ecostream.co.nz/site/ecostream/images/ SOLAR WATER HEATER/PHOTOVOLTAICS
productimages/pipe/pipemainlinesa.jpg>.
“Active Solar Water Heater.” Isolated Pressure-enduring Solar Water Heater---solar Water Heater, Solar Hot Water,
Solar Hot Water Heater, Solar Heating, Solar Collector, Solar Thermal, Solar Water Heating Systems,
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PLAYPUMP
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Sanitation. Water for People. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.waterforpeople.org/extras/playpumps/how-
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SOLAR CHIMNEY BIOGAS
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“Black Water Recycling Systems.” Water Saving Systems - A Site Dedicated to Saving Water. Web. 18 Nov. 2010.
Williams, Alan. “The Solar Chimney.” THE SOLAR CHIMNEY - Would a Regenerator Improve Efficiency? Web. 18 Nov. <http://watersavingsystem.com/black_water_recycling.php>.
2010. <http://www.globalwarmingsolutions.co.uk/the_solar_chimney.htm>.
Garmer, Jorn, and Kangxing Zhu. “Urine Diversion Analysis in Olympic Forest Park, Beijing, China.”Susana.org.
Elgendy, Karim. “A Damascus School Revives Traditional Cooling Techniques.” Carboun: Advocating Sustainability Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.susana.org/images/documents/06-
in the Middle East. Carboun.com, 24 June 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.carboun.com/sustainable- case-studies/cn/en-susana-cs-china-beijing-forest-park-2009.pdf>.
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<http://www.fao.org/sd/egdirect/egre0022.htm>.
GARDEN
Fry, John L. “Methane Digesters for Fuel Gas and Fertilizer - Chapter 4.” Journey to Forever: Hong Kong to Cape
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<http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/MethaneDigesters/MD2.html>.
Planters. Digital image. Studio G. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.studiogblog.com/plants-natives/kitchen/diy-
recycled-tire-garden-planters/>. “The Methane Digester for Biogas.” Use of Flue Gas Analyser for Stack Monitoring. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.
habmigern2003.info/biogas/methane-digester.html>.
Bench Garden. Digital image. Greenfingers. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.greenfingers.com/images/superstore/
LS4460D_l.jpg>. “Sintex Biogas Digesters in India.” Rural Tourism in Costa Rica: Welcome to the Real Costa Rica. Web. 18 Nov. 2010.
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Raised Beds Garden. Digital image. Home Harvest. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://homeharvest.com/
homeharvest2000pics/RaisedBedGardenImages/raised_beds-garden_photo-close-380x304.jpg>. Chandak, Ajay. “50 CUM/Day. Biogas Project Based on Night Soil and Food Waste.”Princeinindia.org. Suman
Foundation, 30 Aug. 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.princeindia.org/Success%20story,%20biogas%20
plant.pdf>.



HYDROPONICS COMPOSTING BIN

Ortiz, Aubrey, Hilary Rotatori, Liz Schreiber, and George Von Roth. “Hydroponics Farming in Mahsarakham: Cochran, Soni. “Vermicomposting- Composting with Worms.” UNL Extension in Lancaster County. University of
Integrating Hydroponics into the Agricultural Curriculum While Promoting Entrepreneurial Skills.” Hydroponics Nebraska- Lincoln, 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtml>.
Final Report. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-030409-225133/unre-
stricted/Hydroponics_Final_Report_pdf.pdf>. “Worm Composting Bin.” Earth Matters - Environmental Information from Pierce County. Pierce County Envi-
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Stajano, Martin C., Ivonne Cajamarca, Juan Erazo, Tamara Aucatoma, and Juan Izquierdo. “SIMPLIFIED HY- compost/WormCompFlyer.pdf>.
DROPONICS: Improvement of Food Security and Nutrition to Children Aged 0 to 6, a Case Study from Ecuador.”
TOILETS
Organización De Las Naciones Unidas Para La Agricultura Y La Alimentación Oficina Regional Para América
Latina Y El Caribe. FAO. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.rlc.fao.org/es/agricultura/aup/pdf/biotecu2.pdf>.
“WaterAid America - Toilet Technologies.” WaterAid America - Clean, Safe Water and Sanitation for Africa and
Alexander, Tom. “The Best of Growing Edge - Google Books.” Google Books Preview. Google. Web. 18 Nov. Asia. WaterAid America. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.wateraidamerica.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/sus-
2010. <http://goo.gl/sfs0>. tainable_technologies/toilet_technologies.aspx>.

Bradley, Peggy. “Home Hydroponics and Urban Agriculture.” City Farmer’s Urban Agriculture Notes. City Farm- “Levels of Service: Sanitation.” Water and Sanitation for All: A Practitioners Companion. MIT. Web. 18 Nov.
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html>.

Acta Horticulturae. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.actahort.org/members/showpdf?session=21147>.
“Simplified Hydroponics Projects.” Pet Bharo | Simplified Hydroponics | Hydroponics Training India. Pet Bharo.
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Bradley, Peggy. “ISH Reaches Out to India - A Hydro For Hunger Article.” Welcome to Hydro For Hunger. Insti-
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Kratky, A. “A Simple Hydroponic Growing Kit for Short-Term Vegetables.” College of Tropical Agriculture
and Services. University of Hawaii at Monoa, June 2002. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/
freepubs/pdf/HG-42.pdf>.

“Hydroponics FAQs.” Hydroponics Online! - Hydroponics Tutorials, Forums, Designs, Plans, Supplies. Hydro-
ponics Online. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/>.

“”Simply Hydroponics”” Hydroponics History. T3, 16 Feb. 1999. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.k12.
hi.us/~ckuroda/hydroponics.html>.



4.29 MATERIAL CATALOG

FOUNDATION FLOORS DOORS
• Concrete • Wood Deck • Standard Hinge
• Waste Tires • Rammed Earth • Sliding Door
• Concrete • Patio Door
WALL SYSTEMS
WATER SYSTEM
Load Bearing: CEILING • PE Pipes
• Stone Cladding • Double Roof System • PEX Pipes
• Earth Bag Construction • Reed Ceiling • PVC Pipes
• Clay + Straw • Plywood
• Clay Bricks • MDF ENERGY
• Hydraform Bricks • Cork
• Solar Water Heater
• Waste Tyres Construction • Drywall
• Solar Battery Pack
• Sandcrete • PV Panels
ROOF • Water Heat System
Framing + Cladding
• Corrugated Galvanized Iron Sheets • Windmill Pump
• Wood Cladding • IBR Sheets
• Metal Cladding • Fiber Cement FINISHINGS
• Plastic (vinyl) Cladding • Polycarbonate Sheets • Washers
• Stucco/Stone Masonry Cladding • Gumpole Beams • Bolts
• Brick Cladding • Wood Truss Roof • Nuts
• Steel Roof (Truss) • Nails
STRUCTURE • Exterior Paint
INSULATION • Interior Paint
Steel: • Cellulose • Primers
• Circular • Thatch (under roof) • Chalkboard Paint
• Square • Mineral Fiber • Water Retention Layer / Vapor Barrier (typically a plastic/foil sheet)
• “L” • Loose Fibered (treated cellulose & glass wool) • Chaulk / Filler
• “I” Beam
FENESTRATIONS
Wood GARDENING/FOOD
• Glass Block
• Gumpole • Composting Bin
• Skylights
• Standard Wood • Bag-a-Farm
• Screens
• Tension Fabric
• Casing/ Baseboards
Reinforced Concrete • uPVC


cHAPtEr 5 PrE-dESIgn BrIEF

5.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Cornell students will design and build the first official crèche in the
low-income sections of Cosmo City. Currently, day care centers in the
poorer areas of Cosmo City are “informal,” hosted in houses that are
too hot in summer, too cold in winter, crowded and barely stimulating
for children.

Our project will be the first Early Childhood Development (ECD) en-
gagement between Education Africa and the Cosmo City community.
This pioneering initiative is a collaboration between Basil Read, the
City of Jo-burg, Education Africa, and Play with a Purpose. They will be
CUSD’s main clients for this project.

Play-with-a-Purpose is the ECD organization responsible for training
the teachers and staff who will work in subsequent Cosmo City ECD
centers. Our facility will be used solely as a pre-school/crèche and Play
COSMO CITY IN SATELITE VIEW COSMO CITY MASTERPLAN IN BASIL READ’S OFFICE -with-a-Purpose curriculum training facility.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
During a site visit, four CUSD members had the opportunity to visit
several informal crèches in Cosmo City. Currently, the Reconstruction
and Development Program (RDP) [see 3.1] units in Extensions 2 and 4
do not have an adequate number of proper day-care centers. In most
informal crèches, there are over 60 young children in a single unit that
measures only 6m by 6m (approximately 20ft by 20ft).

Given these conditions, children often spend most of the day watch-
ing cartoons instead of learning, and rarely receive time to play out-
side. When they do, they are exposed to rust-covered playground
equipment and construction scrap materials.

The first few years of a child’s education are the most formative and
are proven to have the greatest impact on children’s ability to learn
and develop into active citizens. At present, teachers are faced with
the daunting challenge of teaching children with barely adequate sup-
plies and overcrowded facilities.

It is our mission to change the status quo of early childhood education
in Cosmo City through the construction of a stimulating and engaging
learning environment. Our crèche is the first purpose-built crèche in
Cosmo City and will set the standard for future ECD centers to come.

INFORMAL CRECHE IN COSMO CITY



5.2 CLIENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS PHASHE MAGAGANE VINAH TSHABALALA RUSSEL ZAMA JAMES URDANG

DIRECT CLIENTS

EDUCATION AFRICA PLAY-WITH-A-PURPOSE
Education Africa is a non-profit organi- Play-with-a-Purpose is an Early Child-
zation based in Johannesburg, South hood Development consultant based
Africa. Under their Social Architecture in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg, South
program, Education Africa has collabo- Africa. They train staff members of early
rated with international universities to childhood development centers and
design and build pre-schools, day-care have partnered with other non-profit
centers, and skills training centers for the organizations. Currently, they are the
poor. In recent years, Education Africa CONTACT: main partner for ECD training in Cosmo
has committed to building only Early Robin Wienand City along with Education Africa, City of
Childhood Development centers be- Johannesburg and Basil Read.
Our clients and stakeholders.
cause of the great need.
RELATIONSHIP:
RELATIONSHIP: Robin Wynand, CEO, will be our design
They will be our direct contact regarding client as she is well informed about the
the project. requirements and specifications of ECD
centers. Our document and design will
CONTACTS:
inform subsequent crèche productions,
James Urdang
as it will be a partnership between de-
Linda Gould
signers and ECD experts.
Daniel Fisher (USA)

BASIL READ CITY OF The site visit with Basil Read and Cosmo City
Development Forum
JOHANNESBURG
Basil Read (Pty) Ltd. Is one of the largest
construction, mining, and development The City of Johannesburg is the devel-
company in South Africa. They have oper of Cosmo City and has jurisdiction DES HUGHES
partnered the City of Johannesburg, as over the land. They are allocating the
a joint company CODEVCO, to develop land for the school. As part of a national
and manage Cosmo City. and regional initiative, the city is sup-
porting the implementation and devel-
opment of Early Childhood Development
RELATIONSHIP:
centers.
Basil Read is providing CUSD with the
necessary professional assistance,
such as plot surveys, geotechnical data, RELATIONSHIP:
CONTACT:
demographic data, etc. They will the They will be assessing the building ap-
*Robin Siebert, Developments
site, enforce security during construc- CONTACT: provals and also the recipient of our re-
*Brian Mulherron, General Manager,
tion, and assist with the construction *The city officials will be contacted via search document and pre-school facility.
Cosmo City Codevco
Russell Zama, Development Director, itself with labor and equipment. They Education Africa and Basil Read.
Cosmo City will stamp our drawings, provide both
Des Hughes, Managing Director, Basil the structural engineer and architect of
Read (Pty) Ltd record, and facilitate the building plan
Mike, Surveyor, Basil Read approval with the City of Johannesburg. Managing Director, Des Hughes was explaining
Cosmo City and future developments in the area
Lynette, Townplanner such as Malabongwe Ridge, which is an improved
Christelle Myburgh version of Cosmo City.



STAKEHOLDERS OTHER STAKEHOLDERS NEIGHBORS

CUSD will only have direct contact with Direct Clients (see p. 3). Other 1. FuturE StudEntS
stakeholders directly or indirectly involved with the project need to be taken 2. FuturE tEAcHErS And StAFF
into account. These stake holders will affect the success of the project after 3. trAInEd tEAcHErS And StAFF
it is constructed. Therefore, it is important that they are engaged or at least 4. coSMo cIty EXt 4 rESIdEntS
considered in the design and planning process. The other stakeholders are 5. rESIdEnt coMMIttEE In EXt. 4
listed below: 6. BLocK coMMIttEE
7. SurroundIng nEIgHBorS
8. FuturE BuSInESS ArEA tEnAntS
9. PrIMAry And SEcondAry ScHooLS

IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS

The site is surrounded by various programs and
there are immediate residential neighbors that will
be affected by the project.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

COMMUNITY ZONE

South of our site will be a business area and farther
NEW BUSINESS AREA
south are the primary schools. It is important to
understand the interface between our site and its
surroundings in regards to the social ramifications
towards potential users of those spaces and the
owners of future businesses.



5.3 PROGRAM CHECKLIST

USERS
TYPICAL DAILY SCHEDULE GENERAL SPACE REQUIREMENTS

80
dAILy PASSIVE SoLAr Indoor SPAcE: 1.5 M2 / cHILd
20 InFAntS ProgrAM rEQuIrEMEntS
20 2 - 3 yEArS 7:00 AM
outdoor SPAcE: 2 M2 / cHILd
20 4 - 5 yEArS 8:00 AM
BREAKFAST
MORE HEAT
IN THE MORNING
8:30 AM
20 6 - 7 yEArS 20 StudEntS / cLASSrooM
CHILDREN
*All rooms must have adequate cross ventilation (operable windows)

7+
9:45 AM *Avoid stairs/multi-story structures: safety issue for children
LEARNING TOILET
1 HEAdMAStEr 10:50 AM
FRUITS + JUICE *All students use toilets at specified time with supervision by teachers

3 tEAcHErS (max) PERIOD OF
STRONG SPACE PROJECTIONS
1 cooK SUN
12:30 PM
1 gArdEnEr CATEGORY QTY UNITS NOTES
STAFF MEMBERS 1 SEcurIty 1:30 PM LUNCH TIME Total Site Area ~1700 sqm approximate land
PLAY TIME
area
(ADULTS) 2:00 PM SNACK TIME Building Footprint > 450 sqm sum of breakdown
below
Classroom (babies) > 40 sqm 1.5sqm / child ++
EXTENDED
DAY - CARE Classroom (2-3) > 40 sqm 1.5sqm / child ++
Classroom (4-5) > 40 sqm 1.5sqm / child ++
4:00 PM
Classroom (5-6) > 40 sqm 1.5sqm / child ++
Office + Sick Bay + > 60 sqm estimated
• This is a typical daily program of créches in South Africa.
Training Room
• Classtime is usually concentrated during the morning while the
afternoon is reserved for play time and outdoor activities. Storage > 10 sqm estimated
• Solar requirements are important to consider. The heating of the Kitchen > 20 sqm estimated
rooms is critical in the morning, especially in the winter. Daylight-
ing is most critical when activities are indoors (i.e. in the morning). Ablutions / Toilets > 20 sqm estimated
• Do not underestimate the strong African sun or the winter period Semi-Outdoor Area 2 sqm / child
in the climatic performance of the building.
> 170 sqm
These space projections are calculations derived from building codes,
best practices and the expected resources.



CLASSROOMS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES STORAGE AREA OUTDOOR
ABOUT THE CLASSROOM
Each classroom has “theme 1 OFFICE 1 KITCHEN 1 FOR FOOD SHADED
1 FOR INFANTS spaces” where children learn
The infancy room must ac- specific skills. Throughout the Everybody entering the school 1 SErVIng WIndoW must be accessible to kitchen for MULTI-PURPOSE
comodate very young children day, students rotate between should pass the office for secu- for children to retrieve lunch easy access and lockable. SPACE
with limited mobility. Soft the “stations” in groups. The rity.
utILIty KItcHEn SInKS
sections do not require physical The office should have a lockable 1 SAndBoX
surfaces and large floor mats
demarcation, but the environ- computer desk with space for a
deep enough for large pots 1 FOR GENERAL must be built under shade
are common. Their toys range
from bouncy balls to card- ment should creatively accom- printer and filing materials. ELEctrIc StoVE for gardener’s tools, cleaning
Ample semi-outdoor spaces
board tubes. In addition, it modate the unique activities at agents, etc. Should be accessible
should be created to take advan-
must contain the following: each station. SUB-PROGRAMS from outside so that adults do not
tage of the relatively mild weath-
The themes are as follows: disrupt classrooms.
1 slightly secluded tEAcHEr trAInIng er in South Africa. Shaded spaces
Make-Believe (dress-up, playing
training toilet
house, cooking, etc) The office can also function as a TOILET/ABLUTIONS can help to shade against the
1 sink or basin large training room for new teachers: strong African sun while allowing
Blocks and Construction (vari- 4 FAucEtS
enough to bathe a small 4 large tables for 2 trainees each GENERAL REQUIREMENTS children to remain active.
child or infant ous types of blocks and building
toys) • There must be adequate stor-
1 changing table with SIcK BAy 6 cHILdrEn’S toILEtS
storage for diapers age for both
Arts and Crafts (space to get 1 child-sized bed • Storage must be secured with
a napping area with
space to keep sleeping
messy and store art supplies) storage for medical supplies 1 AduLt toILEt (SEPArAtE) locks to prevent theft WATERPLAY AREA
mats while not in use Reading Nook (storage for • Storage does not need to be (OPTIONAL)
books with comfy spot and a LIBrAry And MEdIA rooM in a location where passive
heating is needed. In fact, a This must also be shaded. The
1 FOR AGES 2-3 small table) The library and media room will
waterplay area can be part of the
1 SHoWEr cool, dark location would al-
Discovery and Nature (science- contain storage and shelf spaces outdoor activity as well as the
for books, videos and other ma- for staff, gardener, or cook low food to last longer.
themed corner with found handwashing period for lunch
terials. Potentially also used for
1 FOR AGES 4-5 objects, plants, and animals)
training purposes. WASHcLotH HAngEr and snack periods. Use this to
Activity Corner (changes weekly Area for children to hang their promote washing and proper
depending on the skill they are personal washcloths hygiene through play!
1 FOR AGES 6-7 focused on at the time)

GENERAL PROGRAMS GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Each classroom requires a se- All classrooms require built-in
cluded spot for a disruptive child shelves to store the following:
games and toys GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
to have a “time out”
papers and files (in cereal • Floor and walls should be
Each classroom must have a boxes) waterproof
“Teacher’s Station” with a desk old student work • Separation of boys and girls is
and shelves (desk must face wall). activity files optional
Each classroom must have hooks All classrooms need room for
for each child to hang their back- five small plastic tables (four
pack, coat, and washcloth. chairs at each table)



ABLUTIONS / TOILET IN-CLASS STORAGE ADMINISTRATION

GENERAL STORAGE SICK BAY

FOOD + KITCHEN



CLASSROOM SPACES AND ACTIVITIES
The collage of images below show the different activities that go on
in classrooms and indoor spaces. They provide visual directions on the
types of objects that are used and the physical space requirements
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
SIngIng
dAncIng
nAPPIng
EAtIng And SnAcKIng
drAWIng And coLorIng
PoStErIng
rEAdIng
HAngIng BAcKPAcK
PuttIng on SHoES
SIttIng Around
ForMIng grouPS
tEAcHEr InStructIon
SIttIng Around tABLES



CHILDREN RISKS SECURITY
When designing for children, safety risks are important. Removing as are needed to create a balance between an interactive and safe place. Security cannot be taken for granted in Cosmo City, particularly at an early
many dangerous factors as possible creates a better environment for Although the space should allow movement, it should prevent children childhood center. Security measures such as the examples below should be
learning and development. Material and spatial design considerations from injury. integrated within the design from the start to minimize harsh or unfriendly
experience
SHARP EDGES SECURITY POST
The school will have a security post.
Most posts are ad-hoc shacks that
double up as a home for the security
guard. It is usually located within
FRAYED MATERIALS the compound (see technical site
recommendations for more in-depth
analysis)

INACCESSIBLE CORNERS FENCE AND GATE
Fences and gates around the
perimeter are a must. Careful design
strategies need to be considered
because the perimeter boundary
TRASH AND HAZARDOUS
is the first interface between the
OBJECTS
community and the school.

FRAGILE GLASS WINDOWS SECURITY DOORS
AND DOORS Designs for doors must ensure
that classrooms cannot be broken
into. Some doors have metal grilles
while other schools installed safety
TALL SPACES AND PLAY bars after construction. There is an
STRUCTURES opportunity to design security into
the door.

WINDOW GRILLES
TALL STEPS Security in windows must also be
considered. Window grilles or safety
precautions can prevent trespassers
from breaking in.



5.4 INTRODUCING THE SITE AND SITE RECOMMENDATIONS

KEY MAP

HOUSING
1
The site is a part of Cosmo City Extension 4, a low-income residential
sector that is linked to the Reconstruction and Development Program.
Houses are in the give-away category.
PARCEL NUMBERS
2
Each plot of land is assigned a parcel number. Each parcel’s number
starts with the number of the Cosmo City extension it is in. (i.e. parcels
around the site will be 4XXX because they are in extension 4)
TRAFFIC
3
Vehicular traffic is experienced most on the road immediately South of
6 the site. The least amount of vehicular traffic occurs on the road im-
1
mediately North of the site.
PROPERTY LINE
4 4
5 3 This line delineates the property boundary. In drafted drawings, this
2
7 line appears as a dot-dashed line. All building done by CUSD must oc-
cur within this area. CUSD can propose uses for the space outside of
this line, but it must be approved and constructed by the developer.
SITE GRADE
5
The site slopes toward the West and slightly toward the South. There
is a steep drop off at the West end of the site that is adjacent to the
conservation area.
SOIL COMPACTION
6
8
The soil on the site is compacted, meaning that the site will sheet wa-
ter, instead of absorbing it. The condition of the soil is crucial for plant-
ing. Rainwater can be an incredible resource, if soil conditions and site
grade are used correctly
DROP-OFF
7
The drop of at the West end of the site is approximately 3 meters high.
To prevent the drop-off from eroding, avoid directing runoff toward it.
If directing runoff toward the drop-off is unavoidable, plant the slope or
make it gentler.
CONSERVATION AREA
8
The conservation area lies outside of the property line. It essentially
serves the purpose of a vegetated drainage ditch/flood zone safety.



SITE SURVEY



VIEW FROM EAST TO THE SITE

VIEW FROM SITE TO THE EAST



VIEW FROM SITE TO THE NORTH

VIEW FROM THE SITE TO THE NORTHWEST



VIEW FROM THE SOUTH WEST INTO THE SITE

VIEW FROM THE SITE OUT TO THE SOUTH



VIEW OF THE BACK OF THE SITE

VIEW FROM THE SITE OUT TO THE WEST



SITE DIMENSIONS



POSSIBLE BUILDING CONFIGURATION
ORGANIZATION COVER ORIENTATION
1. ORGANIZATION
Organization of the structure or structures.
1.1 • Two structures aligned North-South. Consider the space between the structures
as instrumental in the programming of the building and the programming of the site.
1.2 • Two structures aligned East-West. Consider the space between the structures as
instrumental in the programming of the building and the programming of the site.
Circulation on the site could benefit greatly from this configuration.
1.1 2.1 3.1 1.3 • One structure facing North. Can be extremely useful in terms of passive heating
and cooling. This configuration, however, might create a disconnect between the
programming of the site and the structure.
1.4 • One structure facing North with wing attached. A wing attached to the main
structure can generate an engaging site design. It can also improve the public’s
image of the school as it can face more heavily traveled roads. This configuration,
however, can also enclose the site in an undesireable way.
2. COVER
Cover refers to partially-enclosed parts of the structure or site. They are in
many cases less expensive than a fully enclosed space of the same footprint.
They can also create more roof surface area, which would increase the
1.2 2.2 3.2
amount of harvestable water
2.1 • Two structures, separated, each with a semi-enclosed space. This configuration
can create a smoother transition from inside to outside, as well as generate a
powerful site design.
2.2 • Two structures, connected by a semi-enclosed space. Covering this space would
effectively make a contiguous footprint. Might improve air circulation in classrooms.
Also creates microclimate between structures, which can be ideal for certain plants
2.3 • One structure with an attached semi-enclosed space. Creates a large footprint of
shaded area, ideal for a South African climate.
2.4 • One structure with wing attached and semi-enclosed space. Depending on the
1.3 2.3 3.3 configuration of the building and wing, this semi-enclosed area could be a powerful
generator for the program of the building and more importantly, the programming of
the site.

3. ORIENTATION
The orientation of the structure or structures can have a great affect on the
ways the building systems operate.
3.1 • One structure, facing Northeast. This configuration would affect most the
entrance to the school, particularly the layout of the parking area.
3.2 • Two structures, rotated.
3.3 • Two structures, connected, forked. A configuration such as this, if executed
properly, could engage the site fully.
1.4 2.4 3.4 3.4 • One structure with a wing attached. This configuration can accommodate parts of
the building program that do not require it to face North.



PARKING LOT / PROVISION
LOT SHOULD PROVIDE UP TO 3 CARS. They are most likely visitors, the ECD NORTH-SOUTH STRIP EAST-WEST STRIP SET BACK LOT
trainer or a place where taxis can park and wait for the children or teachers.
CONFIGURATIONS
1.1 • North-South strip. Advantages are a less concentraded flow of runoff than East-
West strip, the guard post can be centrally located on East edge and still touch lot,
and buffers a portion of site from busy street.
1.2 • East-West strip. Advantages are that lot is located along less-traveled North edge
and aligns with the long edge of the school. Disadvantages are concentrated
amount of runoff flowing close to conservation area.
1.3 • Set-back lot. Advantage are cars located away from main entrance of site and
the division of the site allows for convenient placement of trash/dumpster.
Disadvantages are the increased amount of impervious surface.
1.1 1.2
SITE TOPOGRAPHY
CONDITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 • The site slopes gently to the east and slightly to the south. The dropoff is a height
of about 3m, and it slopes steeply to the southeast. The conservation area can be
treated as a drainage area for the site, however, large amounts of runoff can erode
the drop-off considerably.
2.2 • Existing grading that lies outside the property line shall remain that way unless
otherwise stated by the developer. If placed, sidewalks should drain away from the
site into existing concrete drains on the street.
2.3 • The drop-off has potential to erode from runoff and general use. The steepness
of the slope can be decreased to allow for better use of the slope (i.e. vegetative
stabilization). Run-off from the site into the conservation area may need to be
mitigated or collected

2.1 2.2 2.3
CONSERVATION AREA

CONDITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 • The conservation area is a separate parcel from the creche site and is therefore
out of the architect’s jurisdiction. It is, however, within reason to propose a
use for the conservation area. Pay attention to runoff that might drain into the
conservation area. It is important that the minimal runoff gets put into this area.
3.2 • 3.2 3.3
The drop-off at the back of the site is steep, with about a 3 meter change in
elevation. The slope of the drop-off can change, but keep in mind that only the
higher edge can be changed, not the lower edge. This would reduce the amount
of space on the site for programming.
3.3 • One way to keep runoff from penetrating the slope (which would erode) and the
conservation area is to plant the edge nearest the drop-off. Vegetation would 3.1
absorb the water. The slope, though now too steep to plant, could be made
gentler and then planted to prevent erosion.



ENTRY/ACCESS RECOMMENDATION
Access to the site must be located on or touching the north edge SINGLE ENTRANCE DOUBLE ENTRANCE +2 ENTRANCES
of the site. This is the least-traveled road and therefore provides
the safest access to the site.

SINGLE ENTRANCE
1.1 Single entrace. One lane wide. This does not provide adequate access for large
vehicles entering the site.
1.2 Single entrance. Two lanes wide. This provides an adequate two-way entrance and exit
to the site. It does not, however, distinguish between vehicular and pedestrian traffic,
which would be unsafe for children.
1.3 Single entrance. Three lanes wide. This provides an adequate two-way entrance and 1.1 2.1 3.1
exit to the site. Types of paving can designate what is to be used for pedestrians and
vehicles.
DOUBLE ENTRANCE
2.1 Double entrance One lane wide. This does not provide adequate access to the site.
Large vehicles will be entering the site.
2.2 Double entrance. One one-lane, one two-lane. This distinguishes between
pedestrian and vehicular traffic. (OPTIMAL)

+2 ENTRANCES
3.1 Triple entrance. Two one lane wide, one two lanes wide. This a security post 1.2 2.2 3.2
distinguish between where people are entering and exiting the site.
3.2 Triple entrance. One one lane wide, two two lanes wide. This has distinct access for
pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as well as an auxilary entrance for a large vehicle like
a garbage truck, which could pick up garbarge easily were the dumpster situated near
the acess. However, this may bring about control issues.

SECURITY POST

SITUATION
Guard station can be inside the fence, within the compound or it can be integrated into
the fence. 1.3

SIGHT LINES
The guard station’s field of vision should be able to cover most of the site perimeter.
SIZE
The size of the security post will be adequate for 1 person. ACCESS
ACCESS TO THE SITE CAN
ONLY BE PLACED WITHIN
THESE BOUNDS



5.5 SITE COMPONENTS AND COVER TYPES

OUTDOOR AREA SEMI - OUTDOORS OUTDOORS

outdoor PLAytIME
runnIng
HIdE + SEEK
SWIngS
SEE-SAW
PLAyground StructurES
gArdEnIng (oPtIonAL)

SEMI-OUTDOORS
SAndBoX
EAtIng ArEA
outdoor cLASS tIME
PLAcE For gAtHErIng
SIttIng And rEStIng



LOCAL FENCING TRENDS SECURITY: FENCES, GATES AND GUARD STATIONS
Several trends are commonly found in Cosmo City’s crèches’ fencing, gates,
and guard stations. By observing photos taken during the site survey, several
1. CHAIN-LINK FENCES 2. BARBED WIRE
of these trends in crèche perimeter security were analyzed to provide a
CHAIN-LINK FENCES ARE THE MOST BARBED WIRE IS A VERY COMMON context for the design of our schoolhouse’s perimeter. This analysis provides
COMMON FENCING TYPE SEEN. ADDITION TO CHAIN-LINK FENCES information about security conditions and local practices, and design
(DESPITE THE SCHOOLS BEING recommendations that are based on this information.
DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN).

FENCE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The fence or perimeter wall height should be greater than 1.8m (6 ft). This
is common to all the creches.
2. The fence is the first interface between the school building and vthe
community. Its design should find a balance of security and respect
for community. It cannot be overtly hostile to trespassers and provide
3. PUBLIC BORDERS 4. RESIDENTIAL BORDERS visibility for the school, which will be a symbol for the community. A form
of “passive defence” can create a successful compromise.
SOMETIMES, BARBED WIRE IS USED ON WHEN BARBED WIRE IS NOT USED ON
3. The fence should include extra security, such as a sloped wall or natural
BORDERS THAT FACE PUBLIC AREAS. THIS THE ENTIRE FENCE, SIDES FACING
INDICATES A HIGHER NEED FOR SECURITY RESIDENTIAL AREAS DO NOT HAVE boundaries (see Plant Schedule) create by trees and prickly plants. Most
ON SIDES FACING PUBLIC AREAS. BARBED WIRE. THIS INDICATES A LOWER creches in the region use aggressive defences such as barbed wire
NEED FOR SECURITY ON THESE SIDES. and spiked picket fences. This is the level of security deemed fit by the
community, and our fence should try to achieve high security as well,
while keeping in mind the compromises and considerations from point 2.
4. Priority for extra security and noise reduction should go to the South side
(facing the future business district). This is based on the placement of
extra security on specific sides of the fence that faced public areas.
5. Chain-link fences do not look secure, are easily tempered with, and are
not aesthetically pleasing. Should CoDevco provide a chain-link fence,
reinforcements to its structure will be required. Creative use of the
5. FENCE POST REINFORCEMENTS 6. FENCE HEIGHT
chain-link fence should be considered to resolve aesthetic issues.
FENCE POSTS LOCATED IN CORNERS FENCES AND WALLS ARE ALL 6. Bright colours should be used on the fences and walls to enhance the
ARE REINFORCED WITH THICKER AT LEAST 1.8M (6 FT) TALL. child-like atmosphere of the creche. This will also help differentiate the
POSTS AND ANGLED, METAL creche from the surrounding buildings.
BUTTRESSES. THIS INDICATES A
NEED FOR IMPROVED STRUCTURAL
STRENGTH ON DEFAULT FENCES.



THERE IS A CAR PARKED INSIDE THE GATE RECOMMENDATIONS
SCHOOLYARD. THERE IS A CHAIN-LINK
FENCE PERIMETER AROUND THE SITE, 1. Provide one gate large enough for car traffic in both directions. It is
AND SO THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A LARGE
expected that automobiles will be entering the site as well.
ENOUGH DOOR FOR THE CAR TO ENTER.
2. Provide a separate or integrated gate entrance for people. Fewer gates
will be more secure, although an integrated gate would be inconvenient.
3. Having more than two fences is highly discouraged. It would be
excessive, and would only increase security risks.

GUARD STATION RECOMMENDATIONS
IN THE BACKGROUND, THERE IS A
GATE LARGE ENOUGH FOR CARS TO 1. Preferable placement of guard station in order of priority:
ENTER THROUGH. a. Inside the schoolyard (maximum asecurity if perimeter boundary
does not prevent entry, and maximizes guard’s field of vision)
b. Outside the schoolyard (maximizes effectiveness of perimeter
boundary, limits guard’s field of vision and effectiveness should the
perimeter boundary fail)
c. Incorporate into fence (compromise)
2. The guard stations field of vision would preferably cover all the sides of
the fence. However, if this is not possible, here is a recommended priority
list of which sides to cover first:
THE REFLECTION IN THE WINDOWS i. The side with gates.
SHOWS A CAR PARKED INSIDE THE
SCHOOLYARD. AGAIN, THERE MUST’VE ii. The side with the business district.
BEEN A GATE LARGE ENOUGH FOR THE iii. The sides facing roads.
CAR TO ENTER THE SCHOOLYARD. iv. The side with a slope
3. The guard station should be designed for one person to live in 24/7. This
is common practice in Cosmo City, and is a necessary security measure.

SOMETIMES THERE IS MORE THAN
JUST ONE GATE FOR CARS. THE METAL
DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THIS PICTURE
IS AN ENTRANCE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE.



TEDDY BEAR NOTABLE EXCEPTIONS TO LOCAL CRECHE TRENDS
THERE IS A 7 FEET WALL AROUND THE These exceptions are presented to provide other perspectives of fencing and
PERIMETER OF TEDDY BEAR. A CLOSEUP gate designs in Cosmo City creches.
OF THE WALL MATERIAL IS ALSO SHOWN.

TEDDY BEAR
The perimeter of Teddy is surrounded by 7 ft cement/concrete walls, about
1 foot thick, with posts in intervals of 2 ft. This completely shuts off visibility
of the schoolyard from the outside. In addtion, one side of Teddy’s perimeter
has an additional 14 ft brick wall outside the 7 ft wall. The gates are made of
copper or iron, with an open grille on the top half, and are less than 0.5 ft
thick.

WHEELER
Wheeler is built on mildly uneven terrain. It uses a 6ft tall metal picket fence,
and the intervals between the pickets are 5 inches wide (smaller than an
TEDDY BEAR
adult foot’s width). Each picket has spiked tips.
BEHIND THE TREE, THERE IS THE
7 FEET WALL. BEHIND THE WALL, These exceptions are presented to provide other perspectives of fencing and
THERE IS ANOTHER, SEPARATE BRICK gate designs in Cosmo City creches.
WALL THAT IS ABOUT 14 FT TALL

CLOSING REMARKS AND FOCUS

There are 3 main considerations for the design of our fence, gates, and guard
stations:

SECURITY - Based on the local practices of using barbed wire and spiked
pickets for children’s schools, security is a serious concern in Cosmo City.

WHEELER INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY - Our creche is symbolic to
the community, and one of its publicized features is the sustainable and
THIS IS THE 6 FEET PICKET FENCE. IT
IS MADE OF METAL THAT HAS BEEN innovative design of the school. The residents want something fresh and
PAINTED GREEN. AT THE APEX OF EACH new. However, whatever creative ideas are implemented should not sacrifice
PICKET, THERE ARE 3 SHARP POINTS. security and function.

APPEARANCE AND AESTHETIC APPEAL - This is particularly
important for the perimeter boundary because it will make up the majority
of the school’s public facade. The majority of the community’s visual
impression may be based on the perimeter appearance, because a relatively
small percent of the population will be going beyond the schoolhouse
perimeter.



RAISED BEDS GROUND COVER
Raised beds are a safe way to provide food to the school children. They The soil on site has been heavily compacted. This makes it extremely
are rectangular in shape without a top or a bottom. The bed is placed on difficult for roots and water to penetrate the soil. It is therefore
the ground and the void is filled with healthy topsoil. This topsoil can be unsustainable to propose large areas of grass lawn without considerable site
ammended by adding organic matter to it. preparation and/or importing new top soil.

Raised beds should be accessible to children, as they can be valuable Grass requires maintenance and water, does not have good penetrating root
teaching aides. Irrigation of the raised bed can vary, depending on the plant structures, and competes for resources against other more valuable plant
and the available resources. Depending on the available materials, raised species, such as shade trees or fruiting shrubs. However, it is a good semi-
beds can even be made out of salvaged materials, such as tires and old wood. durable play surface for children.

Raised beds can be invaluable in generating a design for the site. Consider
placement, shape, continuity, educational value, species, and the proximity
to and interface with the school.

Paths around the site should be maintained as compacted soil. They can be
delineated with a mulched or planted edge.



VEGETABLE GARDENS CRITERIAS FOR VEGETABLE GARDEN REEL GARDENING
The vegetable garden is a great source of food and income for the commu- Reel Gardening is a simple and cost-
nity. It lowers the maintenance cost of the school while providing ecological effective way of growing vegetables.
additions to the site. It helps to employ the gardener. Given such a large site, It is made of a strip of paper with
we have the opportunity to create a much more effective urban agriculture seeds. The paper can be unrolled and
system for the productive garden. put into strips on the soil. With water,
nutrients and the sun, the plants will
• The garden can become an important teaching tool and should be grow.
integrated in the playscape
• Garden should have boundaries to prevent children or invaders to
destroy the plants
• Because of the soil on our site, we may need to acquire more top soil
and use raised beds

STEP 1: OPEN PACKAGING
VEGETABLE TYPES

SPInAcH These are common vegetables that
LEttucE are planted on previous schools.
MuLBErry They respond to local culture and
oLIVE trEES nutritional needs.

BEEtrootS
BEAnS
SWEEtcorn
cHILI STEP 2: LINE THE REELS
MInt
corIAndEr
BASIL
toMAto
REEL GARDENING
nASturtIuM
PEAS
cHIVES
PArSLEy
MArIgoLd
STEP 3: GROW THE PLANTS



BAG GARDENING KEYHOLE GARDENING

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

Bag gardening is a method of conserving space by planting in bags of soil, the plant will grow out of the Keyhole gardening is a method of stacking a garden; the middle of the area is dug deeper than the rest,
holes in the bag. This is especially useful for areas where there may be soil contamination or places where providing a direction for the water runoff to gather.
there may not be enough space. This is also a method to limit water runoff. Can grow kale, spinach, capsai-
cin, and onions, for example. The garden can be constructed to have different levels with different plants; the lower leveled gardens can
have more child-friendly flora, where the vegetables for food could be on upper levels for adults to tend.



COMPOSTING BINS

DESCRIPTION
Description: An outdoor composting bin will allow for the decomposition
of organic waste produced on site. Waste can include: food scraps, kitchen
scraps, gardening scraps, and paper products. After decomposition, a rich
fertilizer will be left, ready for use the garden.

WORMS
In this process, called Vermicomposting, red worms (Eisenia Foetida) will be
added to the bin to speed up the decomposition process, and reduce the
required maintenance.

SIZE
The bin needs to be no more than 30cm deep because the worms live and
feed near the surface, and will need .3 cubic meters for every pound of
waste. A suitable size would be 30cm x 150cm x 75cm.

COMPONENTS
• Wood (plywood for external, hard and non treated for internal)
• Nails/Hinges
• Construction materials (hammer, saw)
• Worms

MECHANISM
Does not require turning like most, non-worm composting bins. Soil is ready
within 2-3 months, in which case it will need to be removed. To do this, the
lid can be left open for a short while so the worms burrow toward the lower
layers, away from the light. Then, the top layer can be removed and used. The
bin is expected to last 4-5, but if the first is proven successful, a new bin can
easily be constructed.



5.6 PLANT SCHEDULE

ORGANIZATION OF PLANT SCHEDULE INCORPORATING PLANTLIFE INTO DESIGN

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES The 17 noteworthy plants Here you will find a list of 41 indigenous plants of South Africa. Each of the
NAME (METERS)
plants have properties useful for the design of a sustainable schoolhouse,
Aptosimum (None Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 - crawls along ground up to 1m 7 are highlighted in the and there are 17 in particular that we believe have the best properties for
decumbens Found) - small purple flowers

Plant Schedule our schoolhouse’s purposes. The plants are categorized into 7 main uses:
Sphenostylis Wild Sweet Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 - Deep, woody root system 3
angustifolia Pea Erosion Prevention - Pink flowers
Aesthetic Appeal, Construction Material, Erosion Prevention, Grazing,
- Requires some tending to The entire plant ma- Medicinal Herb, Natural Boundary, and Shade. All of the plants are endemic
(such as frequent watering,
protection from frost, and
to Coscmo City, and most of them require no extra watering or attention
replanting) trix is organized from to survive and grow, making them a very sustainable choice of plants for
the school site. Using the information from the plant schedule, specific
Parinari capensis Sand Apple Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 to 0.2 - Deep root system 7 smallest plant height
Erosion Prevention - Large elliptical leaves
plants can be chosen to be incorporated into our school and plot to create a
Medicinal Herb - Antimalarial properties to largest plant height functional and sustainable solution.

The schedule is organized by median height, from smallest to largest.
The sources of informa- The scientific name, common name, uses, height in meters, and other
information about the plant are listed in the table. The 17 highlighted plants
tion are represented by a
have additional commentaries and pictures provided on the sides of the
number. The correspond- page to provide a clearer vision of how these recommended plants may fit
into the layout of the schoolyard.
ing source and link can
Although we have already identified 17 plants that we believe are most likely
LEGENDS FOR SYMBOLS OF PLANT USES be found at the end of to be incorporated into the schoolhouse, the other plants may be very useful
the plant schedule as well. Do not hesitate to look into non-highlighted plants to see if their
properties better serve the functions you require, and remember that the
highlighted plants are only a recommendation.

At the end of the plant schedule, there are further details on how to use the
information in the plant schedule, in addition to the source links where the
Aesthetic Construction Erosion Grazing Medicinal Natural Shade plant information was found. Should you require more information about
Appeal Material Prevention Herb Boundary specific plants, you can follow the number from the sources column to see
AESTHETIC APPEAL - The plant is GRAZING - The plant is commonly SHADE - This plant can provide where we obtained our information, or you can use any of the other sources
visually pleasing or unique used for grazing a significant amount of shade for to search for plant information, as they are mostly all databases of plant
people or buildings properties.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL - MEDICINAL HERB - The plant SYMBOLS FOR PLANT USE
The plant’s components are used to is traditionally used by locals for
fabricate products such as brooms or medicinal purposes In addition to photographs of the recommended plants and further
timber commentary, symbols of the plants’ uses are located immediately below
NATURAL BOUNDARY - The the plant’s scientific name. These symbols are provided to allow a quick
EROSION PREVENTION - The plant can be used to discourage/ glance of the plants’ potential usefulness. A legend and explanation of each
plant is suited to preventing soil prevent passage, for example, with category of plant use is provided to the right.
erosion, and stabilizing soil thorns



SPHENOSTYLIS ANGUSTIFOLIA

COMMON NAME: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES
Wild Sweet Pea NAME (METERS)
Aptosimum (None Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 - crawls along ground up to 1m 7
COMMENTARY: decumbens Found) - small purple flowers
This plant would require tending
(not fully “sustainable”), but children
Sphenostylis Wild Sweet Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 - Deep, woody root system 3
could also take part in caring for
angustifolia Pea Erosion Prevention - Pink flowers
these plants.
- Requires some tending to
(such as frequent watering,
protection from frost, and
replanting)

Parinari capensis Sand Apple Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 to 0.2 - Deep root system 7
PARINARI CAPENSIS Erosion Prevention - Large elliptical leaves
Medicinal Herb - Antimalarial properties
COMMON NAME:
Sand Apple Senecio Chipapari Erosion Prevention 0.1 to 0.2 - Large rootstocks 7
coronatus - Elliptical leaves
COMMENTARY: - Small, yellow flowers
This plant is more compact than
other erosion prevention plants, Rhynchelytrum Ruby Grass Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 to 0.3 - Evergreen 6
and its large leaves may come in nerviglume - Pink flowers
useful for cooling roofs. In addition, - Tolerant to dryness and cold
its anti-malarial properties are very - Requires little maintenance
applicable to the community of
Coscmo City. Anthephora Wool Grazing 0.1 to 0.5 - High quality hay 5
pubescens Grass

RHYNCHELYTRUM NERVIGLUME Conmmelina Yellow Medicinal Herb 0.1 to 0.5 - Hard, woody, deep rootstock - 3
africana Commelina Grazing Common in Southern Africa
COMMON NAME: - Used to treat veneral diseases
Ruby Grass or fertility disfunctions

COMMENTARY:
This plant is very aesthetically
pleasing, and would require very little
maintenance. It would be an ideal
garden flower.

Aesthetic Construction Erosion Grazing Medicinal Natural Shade
Appeal Material Prevention Herb Boundary



PENTANISIA PRUNELLOIDES

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES COMMON NAME:
NAME (METERS) Wild Verbana
Eragrostis obtusa Dew Grass Grazing 0.1 to 0.5 - Weak grazing grass, only 1
useful in young stages COMMENTARY:
This plant would be suitable as a
supplement to the main schoolyard
Pentanisia Wild Aesthetic Appeal 0.1 to 0.6 - Easily grown from cuttings 3
grass. Its medicinal value may come
prunelloides Verbana Medicinal Herb - Widespread in South Africa
in useful as well.
- Grows best with other grasses
- Resistant to fire and drought
- Herbal/medicinal properties
for various ailments

Heteropogon Black Spear Grazing 0.1 to 0.75 - Weakly drought resistant 1
contortus Grass Construction Material - Able to grow in poor soils
(Thatching)
ERAGROSTIS RACEMOSA
Eragrostis Narrow Erosion Prevention 0.1 to 0.8 - Low leaf production 1
COMMON NAME:
racemosa Heart Love - Grows at a slow/moderate rate
Grass - Used in shallow soil and Narrow Heart Love Grass
heavily grazed areas COMMENTARY:
This plant could serve as a
supplementary addition to whatever
Cynodon Bahama Erosion Prevention 0.1 to 0.9 - Highly invasive rhizomes 6 other erosion prevention methods
dactylon Grass Medicinal Herb - Very adaptable to different are being used.
environments and climates

Hyparrhenia hirta Common Construction Material 0.1 to 0.9 - Mostly year-round growth 5
Thatching (Thatching) - Tolerant to many soil types
Grass
CYNODON DACTYLON

COMMON NAME:
Bahama Grass

COMMENTARY:
This plant’s invasive rhizomes make
effective for erosion prevention,
but also make it hard to control this
plant’s growth.




ERAGROSTIS SUPERBA

COMMON NAME: SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES
Sawtooth Love Grass NAME (METERS)
Eragrostis Sawtooth Erosion Prevention 0.1 to 1.0 - Fast growing 1
COMMENTARY: superba Love Grass Grazing - Always green
This plant is extremely hardy - High seeding
and commonly used for erosion - Drought resistant
prevention. However, its high seeding
make it difficult to control this plant’s
Digitaria Purple Grazing 0.4 - Strong and durable grass 1
growth.
tricholaenoides Finger (0.2 to 0.55)
Grass

Digitaria Silver Grazing 0.4 - 4 to 20cm long leaves 1
argyrograpta Finger (0.2 to 0.6) - Good leaf production
Grass - Grows in dry conditions

Panicum Small Grazing 0.5 - Requires well prepared seed 1
coloratum Panicum Construction Material (0.1 to 1.0) bed
(Hay)

Tragus Creeping Erosion Prevention 0.5 - Weed 1
koelerioides Carrotseed (0.12 to 0.95) - Prevents topsoil loss
TRAGUS KOELERIOIDES Grass - Very aggressive growth

COMMON NAME: Tristachya Hairy Grazing 0.5 - Sheep particularly like this 1
Creeping Carrotseed Grass leucothrix Trident (0.15 to 0.90) grass
Grass
COMMENTARY:
This plant’s erosion prevention ability Brachiaria serrata Red Top Grazing 0.5 - Low leaf production 1
is rather mild; it would serve best as a Grass (0.3 to 0.75)
supplement.
Monocymbium Wild Grazing 0.6 - Nimble and cute 1
ceresiiforme Oatgrass Aesthetic Appeal - Grows in acidic soil
- Useless after maturity




SCABIOSA COLUMBARIA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES COMMON NAME:
NAME (METERS) Butterfly Blue
Scabiosa Butterfly Aesthetic Appeal 0.6 - 90 cm wide 2
columbaria Blue - Prefers mildly alkaline soil COMMENTARY:
- Attract bees and butterflies This plant is very visually pleasing,
and it could potentially bring
butterflies and bees into the
children’s everyday life.
Eragrostis Boer Love Grazing 0.6 - Very drought resistant 1
chloromelas Grass (0.3 to 0.9) - Spreads by natural seeding

Panicum Natal Erosion Prevention 0.65 - Used in mountain 1
natalense Buffalo (0.5 to 0.8) grasslands
Grass
VERNONIA NATALENSIS

Eragrostis Lehmann Grazing 0.7 - Drought resistant 1
lehmanniana Love Grass (0.5 to 0.9) - High pH tolerance (7.0 to COMMON NAME:
8.5) Silver Vernonia

COMMENTARY:
Vernonia Silver Aesthetic Appeal 0.8 - Anti-fever/malaria uses 3 This plant is very visually pleasing,
natalensis Vernonia Medicinal Herb (0.1 to 1.5) - Purple flowers and has been used traditionally as a
- Silver hairs on leaves and medicine against malaria, fevers, and
stems other general illnesses. However, this
plant has also been used to ensure
Pogonarthria Herring- Erosion Prevention 0.85 - Grows easily in tough areas 1 healthy births, or to induce abortions.
squarrosa bone Construction Material (0.27 to 1.40) - Grows in colonies If the loacls are unaware of these
Grass (Broom-making) properties, they should be warned.

Trachypogon Giant Spear Erosion Prevention 0.9 - Long, broad leaves 1
spicatus Grass (0.3 to 1.5) - Slow/moderate growth TRACYPHOGON SPICATUS
- High leaf density that
protects against rainfall COMMON NAME:
Giant Spear Grass

COMMENTARY:
This plant’s moderate growth rate
makes it a better erosion prevention
plant than some others, because its
growth can be more easily controlled.




XEROPHYTA RETINERVIS
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES
COMMON NAME: NAME (METERS)
Black Stick Lily Loudetia simplex Common Construction Material 0.95 - Hardy 1
Russet (Thatching) (0.4 to 1.5) - Grows in poor soil
COMMENTARY:
Grass
This plant has a very unique
appearance, and is culturally
Cymbopogon Common Construction Material 1.0 - Slow-growing 1
significant to South Africa as well.
excavatus Turpentine (Thatching) (0.1 to 2.0)
Its erosion prevention properties are
Grass
mild. However, this would still be an
excellent addition to gardens or the
schoolyard. Themeda triandra Red Oat Aesthetic Appeal 1.1 (0.45 to -Traditional food plant 1
Grass 1.8)

Xerophyta Black Stick Aesthetic Appeal 1.8 - Pink flowers in summer 3
CASSINOPSIS ILICIFOLIA
retinervis Lily Construction Material - Sparse, and dense root
Erosion Prevention system
COMMON NAME:
Medicinal Herb - Smoked to treat asthma and
Lemon Thorn nosebleeds
COMMENTARY:
This plant’s spines would make a very Cassinopsis Lemon Natural Boundary 3.0 (1.0 to - Sharp spines and leaves 3
good secondary fence; it can grow ilicifolia Thorn 6.0) - Non-extensive root system,
up over time and take over the visual - Attracts many birds
presence of a fence giving a more
aesthetic and natural boundary to Buddleja Sagewood Aesthetic Appeal 4.5 (1.0 to - Readily growing shrub 3
the grounds. Its non-extensive root salviifolia Natural Boundary 8.0) - Very decorative
system will be far less likely to ruin - Can form trimmable hedge
pavement. - Leaves can be used for tea

Leucosidea Oldwood Shade 4.5 - 5m wide vergreen 3
BUDDLEJA SALVIIFOLIA sericea (Tree) Natural Boundary (2.0 to 7.0) - Thick branches and leaves
Construction Material - Grows easily with cuttings
COMMON NAME: (Timber)
Sagewood

COMMENTARY:
This plant is less well suited to be a
protective boundary plant than the
Lemon Thorn (above), but would still
make a good hedge that is far more
aesthetically pleasing due to its lilac
flowers.



HALLERIA LUCIDA
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON USES HEIGHT OTHER INFORMATION SOURCES
COMMON NAME:
NAME (METERS)
Tree Fuchsia
Protea caffra Sugarbush Aesthetic Appeal 5.5 - Difficult to cultivate 3
Shade (3.0 to 8.0) COMMENTARY:
This tree is very decorative and will
Halleria lucida Tree Aesthetic Appeal 6.0 - Grows non-ripe edible fruit 3 provide consistent shade year-round.
Fuchsia Shade (0.3 to 12.0) - Evergreen It only reaches large sizes if it is well
- Forms tree or shrub watered, so it will most likely be at
- Resistant drought and frost a height between 5 – 7 meters. It
attracts many species of birds.
Kiggelaria Wild Peach Natural Boundary 8.5 - Evergreen 3
africana (Tree) Shade (0.1 to 17.0) - Thick branches and leaves -
Construction Material Non-invasive root system
(Timber) - Birds and caterpillars are
attracted to its fruits/leaves
ACACIA CAFFRA
Acacia caffra Common Aesthetic Appeal 10.5 - Symbol of luck 3
COMMON NAME:
Hook-thorn Natural Boundary (3.0 to 18.0) - Extensive root system
(Tree) Shade - Resistant to drought, fire, Common Hook-Thorn
frost, and pH change COMMENTARY:
This tree’s flowers and foliage are
Acacia erioloba Camel Natural Boundary 11.5 - Deep taproot (up to 60m) 4 very decorative, but its spines and
Thorn Shade (5.0 to 18.0) - Thorny stems stems may be harmful to children
(Tree) - Currently a “protected” tree unless the tree is pruned. It has the
potential to hurt the foundation or
break up pavement because of its
Celtis africana White Aesthetic Appeal 16.0 - Grows easily in varied 3 aggressive root system so it should
Stinkwood Shade (2.0 to 30.0 ) environments not be planted near buildings or the
(Tree) - Grows small berries that road.
attract birds
- Already widely used in
ACACIA ERIOLOBA
South African parks

COMMON NAME:
Camel Thorn

COMMENTARY:
This tree has very long thorns, which
would make it a good barrier plant. It
has a very broad and elevated canopy
which can provide great shade.




OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS
PROBABLE PLACEMENT OF PLANTS CLOSING REMARKS ON PLANT SUSTAINABILITY
The probable placement of each plant on the site is suggested by its uses. Plants have a very distinct role in sustainability and integration with
Although all the plants may be useful placed anywhere on the site, the nature. Unlike the majority of building materials used in construction, the
following list provides the primary locations that each plant would be placed, incorporation of plants into the design of a building is the incorporation
based on their use: of a building component that remains alive after construction. Not only
are plants sustainable, but they represent a paradigm shift in construction
• Aesthetic Appeal - In gardens or anywhere on the site • Construction methodology: making buildings become a part of nature, rather than a lump
Material - No specific recommendations of organized, dead material sitting on top of nature. Remember to not only
• Erosion Prevention - On the sloped side of the site think of the plants as objects to be placed in a garden; it is very possible
• Grazing - No specific recommendations to use some of these plants to create functional parts of the building. For
• Medicinal Herb - In gardens or anywhere on the site example, using trees and prickly plants to form a fence, or using plants with
• Natural Boundary - On the site border large and dense leaf surface area to cover and help cool the school roof.
• Shade - Over roofs, parking lots, play areas, on the site border
The schoolhouse is a symbol of sustainability (amongst other things), and
OTHER VISIONS there should be a very deliberate attempt to apply plants as a building
Natural Boundary plants are so categorized based on physical material, rather than a mere object.
characteristics such as thorns or thick branching. They can be used as
a defence on the perimeter. In addition, the trees could also be used to
prevent access to the site as well as reduce visibility into the site, also adding
to a secure perimenter.

Medicinal Herb plants can be incorporated into the gardens and site as a
reserve of medicinally valuable plants that can also be sold to suplemment
SOURCES AND LINK
the school income. Some of the suggested plants have been traditionally
used to cure diseases such as malaria, which is prominent in Africa. If the FAO Grassland Database
school includes an amount of these plants, it could become a public reserve http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/gbase/latinsearch.htm
of traditional medicines, whether children become mildly sick or Cosmo City Floridata
inhabitants fall ill. http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/scab_col.cfm
PlantZAfrica
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plants/plantsmain.htm
Sun Gardens
http://www.sungardens.co.za/items/index
Tropical Forages
http://www.tropicalforages.info/key/Forages/Media/Html/Anthephora_
pubescens.htm
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/datastore/datastoreview/showpage.cfm?usernumbe
Entangled Bank – A sustainable city development for Dallas r=58&surveynumber=451
An example of incorporating plants as part of buildings Zimbabwe Flora
http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/index.php



5.7 DESIGN FOR PLAY

Playing is a child’s way of learning. In order to maximize the children’s
experiences, we, as designers, must understand and treat these children as
our clients. We must understand their emotional, intellectual, and motor
development to inform the material and design strategies we will use to
create a multi-sensory, small-scale world in which they can learn, explore,
and have fun.
TARGET AGES OF THE CRÈCHE:

nEWBorn - 7 yEArS

PRECONCEPTUAL PHASE : 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS
• Ability to create symbols, to imitate others, and to
learn languages
• Attention is no longer limited to the immediate
environment. Through the use of symbols and “make-
believe”, children begin to develop their imagination.
• A more developed imagination facilitates creativity
and innovation.
• Interested in primarily independent play, or parallel
play; not yet intested in socialization or collaboration.

INTUITIVE PHASE : 4 - 7 YEARS
• Ability to conceptualize ideas and assess
functionality, purpose, “good vs. bad”, etc.
• Develops a strong curiousity and begins to ask
questions
• Ability to understand authority and adhere to rules
• Ability to imitate actions and socialize with adults
and peers



SENSORY EXPLORATION
Multisensory experiences engage the whole body in the learning process
and are fundamental to the knowledge-building process and formation of
creativity and personality.

SIGHT: lighting and shadow teach humans how to understand space,
volume, color, and texture. Incorporating different colors, emphasizing light
differences (inside/outside, natural/articifial lighting, etc.), and placing
mirrors will improve the child’s understanding of the environment.

SMELL / TASTE: smell is a powerful sense in terms of understanding
materiality, food, nature, etc. Nothing triggers memory stronger than smell.
Stategies for maximizing the nasal experience include the exposure of
natural materials, including an herb garden, and having a centrally located
cafeteria space.

SOUND: important for sense of space: “sounds evoke strong physiological
and psychiological reactions, they thicken the sensory stew of our lives and
we depend on them to help us interpret, communicate with and express
the world around us” (Ackerman, 1990, p. 175). Silence can be oppresive to
children, while loud noises can be a large source of stress. A balance should
be met by reducing some noises (rain on roof, wind, etc.) and encouraging
others (steady hum of playing, flowing water from exposed plumbing, etc.)

FEEL: since the skin is the body’s largest organ, feeling is one of the most
extensive opportunities for learning. Tactile experience is the most intimate
form of learning and maximum textural resources should be included in the
design.



LARGE MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT

Between the ages of 0 and 7, the children’s size will more than triple. This
growth, along with muscle development , and coordination, must be
challenged in the creche. Climbing devices, swinging devices, crawling
devices, and game space (ball game area, tag area, etc.) must be included.
Good example of the incorporation of nature: Usasazo Secondary School

NARRATION

OSMOSIS Education is not a destination, but a process. The space should emphasize
this notion by narrating the children’s development through drawings,
Osmosis with the world outside, in terms of nature and socity. The creche writings, materials, objects, colors, etc. Even when children are not
should blur what is inside / what is outside. This consequently will blend what occupying the space, there should be ample evidence of their existence.
is learning / what is play.
RICH NORMALITY
A school should not be a counter-world for children, but rather a distillation
of society. The school becomes an interface between childhood and The space should be a harmonious and balanced environment, comprised
contemporary reality. of interactions between different materials, objects, situations, and
iconography. No one object should overpower another. Hierarchy between
objects should be minimized so that everything is approachable to the child;
like how sunlight is the sum of all colors of the specrum.
COMMUNITY
This creche has the opportunity to become very symbolic, culturally, through OVERALL “SOFTNESS”
community involvement during the construction phase and continually
in the future. A school is a collective effort between children, parents, and The creche should establish it’s own ecosystem that is diversified,
the community and can instill collective values, collegiality, and a source of stimulating, welcoming, and is fully accomodating. The space should be
pride. dynamic and group oriented, but also sympathetic towards privacy and
introverted work. Colors, light, and openness provide for a serence, amiable
place.

CONSTRUCTIVENESS
A creche should be an active laboratory. The environment should stimulate
experimentation, creativity, and constructivism.

Simple moves, like including a platform, to serve as a stage for dramatic
activities, and including display space, to showcase student artwork, will
instill confidence and initiative in the arts.

Source: Caring Spaces, Learning Places. Pages 87-88



FLEXIBILITY COLOR THE “ABC”S OF MATERIALS FOR PLAY

Epigenesis, or the ability to adapt and develop one’s own evolutionary Different colors can be implemented in the creche, corresponding to the A Aluminum Foil, Acorns
process, should be applied to the creche. programatic environment: B Bamboo, Baskets, Beads, Bark, Bottles, Bottle Caps,
Boxes, Bolts,
PROGRAMATIC FLEXIBILITY • RESTFUL / RELAXFUL (for sleeping / quiet time area) = turquoise, Bricks, Bubble Wrap, Buttons, Beans (dry), Bubbles
• Movable wall partitions could allow for one large space to be broken in to lavender, soft tones C Cedar, Copper, Carpet Tiles, Caps, CD Discs, Clothes
more intimate spaces Pins, Crayon Bits, Coffee Cans, Coffee Filters, Corks, Ceramic Tiles
• A creche operates mostly during the day. Could something else operate D Driftwood, Dirt, Duct Tape
out of the building at night? E Earth Clay, Egg Cartons
F Feathers, Flowers, Funnels, Fabric, Film Canisters, Fur
USER FLEXIBILITY • THOUGHTFUL (for classroom) = green, blue, violet, earthtones G Gears, Grasses, Grain, Gadgets (recycled)
• Space should accomodate for all ages (0-7 and adult supervisors.) H Hardware, Hats, Hay
I Ice, Ice Cubes
Height of tables, chairs, toilets, sinks, knobs, handles, etc. must all be J Jewelry, Juice Lids, Jars
taken in to consideration K Keys & Locks, Keyboards
• PLAYFUL (for outside areas) = red, red-orange, yellow, lime L Logs, Lids, Leather, Leaves
SEASONAL FLEXIBILITY M Metals, Mud, Magnets, Mirror, Marbles, Milk Caps,
• How will the space change based on the season? Milk Cartons, Milk Jugs, Mirrors
N Nature
In extreme weather (heat, rain, cold, etc.) the windows will be closed and O Organic plants
everyone will remain indoors. In enjoyable weather, the building’s wall • CLEANLINESS ( for bathrooms / kitchen) = white, blue P Paper, Paper Plates, Paper Rolls, Paint Stirrers,
will become more of an interface between inside and outside since more Plastic, Pine Cone, Popsicle Sticks, Paint
children will want to play outdoors. Q
R Rocks, Rain Gutters
S Shampoo Bottles, Shoe Boxes, Socks, Soda Bottles,
NOTE:
ALTHOUGH COLORS ARE IMPORTANT FOR
Spray Bottles,
INSPIRING CREATIVITY AND A DYNAMIC Shells, Sticks, Spoons, Soap
ENVIRONEMT, NO MORE THAN SIX COLORS SHOULD T Tape, Tiles, Tin Cans, Toothpicks, Tubes, Twine, Tree
BE USED IN ORDER TO PREVENT DISTRACTION Branch
AND STRAIN ON COGNITIVE ABILITIES.
U Unit Blocks
V Vinyl Gutter
GOOD EXAMPLE: OLIFANTSVLEI PRESCHOOL W Water, Wallpaper, Wire, Wood, Water Bottles
X X-ray Film
Y Yarn, Yogurt Containers
Z Ziploc Bags



REGGIO EMILIA MODEL

“Children [are] protagonists to their own learn- throughout the school. Children are asked to create their own curriculum based
on what interests them. The physical environment has an important role in
ing, not some ‘container to be filled.’” this process. “The environment is seen too, as educating the child, in fact, it is
considered as the third educator,” (Gandini 1993 145).
The schools use real world objects, not mass manufac- Spaces and objects are seen as catalysts to inspire the students’ curriculum.
tured objects, to allow the children to create and invent. Rooms and furniture are not tailored necessarily for safety or built for child size,
but imitate the community. In the Italian schools children use porcelain ware for
mealtime, have access to computers, projectors, scissors and other potentially
“The environment is seen too as educating the child, dangerous or breakable objects. Although accidents may occur, students are
thought to learn through experience. Students are given real world objects to
in fact, it is considered as the third educator,” play with, such as corks, because they allow children to invent and create their
own activities, instead of following the prescribed activities of ‘children’s toys’. A
“The spaces are not tailored necessarily for safety and or variety of materials, such as glass and mirrors, are built into the environment for
similar reasons.
built to child size, but are built as they are in real life.”
Reggio Emilia schools teach also have some different spaces, not found in most
schools. There is a stage for puppet shows and other performances, always
Designing for children requires a new set of skills and way of thinking, which this
It is important to note that plenty of nooks and spaces for storing and hanging student’s work, and social
section tries to explain. Luckily, the future educators of our school, the NGO Play
spaces. Most interesting is the introduction of a new room, “the atelier, the
With a Purpose, have given us some direction in the form of the Reggio Emilia
there is no cookie cutter meth- schools studio and laboratory,” (Gandini 1996 56). This room, separate from the
model of early childhood education. This method, which has been recognized
classroom, is open and meant for painting and general exploration. Attention is
od for creating such a school, as one of the best for early childhood education, is truly an inspiring model
also paid to open space and natural light.
and places great importance on spatial design for education, going so far as to
since such a program should name the physical space as the “third educator” after the two teachers in the
Much of the beauty of Reggio Emilia schools only occur once the students,
classroom.
reflect and mirror the routines teachers, and family have become part of the school, but the initial designs
are still important in this process for “space [to be] seen as having educational
of the community. That be- At the end of WWII, a group of parents and a visionary educator, Loris Malaguzzi,
content,” (Gandini 137). It is difficult to understand the local South African life
decided to build their own schools, separate from church and state, to educate
and infuse it in our design. Scattered in this booklet is our attempt to understand
ing said, Reggio Emilia also their children. What emerged from this community in Reggio Emilia, Italy, is a
this culture. In our discovery, a few issues stand out as essential for designing a
collection of locally run schools, and a method for educating young children
believes that children’s way school – the importance of gardens and the need for simple and inexpensive
that has become the gold standard. There is no cookie cutter method for
upkeep. Many children come from extremely poor households and only at
creating such a school. The Reggio Emilia schools in Italy, in America, and in
of learning do not drastically school will the children get a real meal. It is important to include nutritious
South Africa should all be different, since such a program should reflect and
food in the school garden to feed these children. The school itself needs to be
change and there are underly- mirror the routines of the community. That being said, Reggio Emilia also
designed so that upkeep is relatively simple and cheap.
believes that children’s way of learning do not drastically change among cultures
ing goals of a Reggio Emilia and there are underlying goals of a Reggio Emilia program that can be discussed
and infused into design.
program that can be discussed For more resources on designing Reggio Emilia spaces see:
“Caring Spaces, Learning Places.’ By Jim Greenman
and infused into design. The first most important aspect thought behind Reggio Emilia is the role of the
“Child Care Design Guide.” Anita Olds
child and allowing the child to: “organize for their control” (Neugebauer 68).
Students do many long-term projects, and their work and progress is displayed



CASE STUDY: EL PORVENIR SOCIAL KINDERGARDEN
Architect: Giancarlo Mazzanti
Location: Bogota, Columbia
Project Area: 2,100 sq. meters
Project Year: 2007 - 2009

DESCRIPTION
Built in a desolate neighborhood and surrounded by informal settlements,
this elementary school was built to instill confidence and pride in local
children.

The elementary school’s entire design is based off the oval interface. Inside
the oval are rotated modules, or classrooms, in chain construction, that
provide for either linked social spaces or introverted sub-spaces. The angles
of the classrooms and large glass facades create a unique view, yard, and
relationship with the outside environment. The oval is permeable, but still
symbolizes intimacy and protection from the outside world.

If the inside, sub-spaces are viewed as the private, intimate spaces, the
outside must act as public spaces. The kitchen, administrative offices, etc. is
located outside the oval interface and is directed toward the local city.

The oval accomplishes many dualities, intrinsic to the elementary school:
inside/outside, private/publuc, child/adult, sheltered/exposed, etc. It’s
statified composition also introduces intresting light and shadows in to the
yard space.

The architect, Giancarlo Mazzanti, stressed the educational opportunities of
nature. The “outdoor yards” are used as outdoor classrooms, so the notion
of having fun is blurred with learning. On weekends, these spaces become
public and are used for community meetings, further enforcing the symbolic
importance of the space.



CASE STUDY: NDLOVU PRESCHOOL OVC
Location: Wapadrand, Pretoria
Creator: Dr Hugo Templeton
Number of children: 120 (Averaged)

DESCRIPTION
Started in 1994, under the Ndlovu Medical Centre, this crèche was created
under the Reggio Emilia model, specifically for children who had lost their
parents or who had parents that were very ill. The crèche is a “nutritional unit”
for the children, where adults supervise and ensure that children are being
fed healthy, regular meals. The crèche also functions as a civic node, where
the community can come to get water, grow vegetables in the vegetable
garden, and offer guidance and supervision to the children.

Although the Reggio Emilia stressed a strong teacher-parent-student
relationship, this creche is unique in that a lot of the children’s parents
are not present. This is resolved through community involvement, where
members volunteer their time supervising the children. These supervisors
act as teachers, mentors, and even adoptive parents in some cases.

Each day, the children complete a verbal sensory checklist. They have
discussions on the things they saw, noises they heard, smells they
encountered, new tastes they liked, etc. Not only is this fun for the children,
but it increases their awareness of the surrounding environment. Introducing
healthy competition surrounding something like “who heard the most
unusual noise” becomes a win-win situation since all the children’s senses
automatically become heightened.



5.8 DESIGN PARADIGMS

PARTICIPATORY SPATIAL PARADIGM 0: EMPOWERMENT + ENGAGEMENT
PLANNING, MERCY CORPS
In 2008, MercyCorps Urban Program Indonesia
conducted a Participatory Spatial Planning (PSP) CUSD EDUCATION AFRICA PHASHE MAGAGANE
project for the community of Rawa Bebek, one coSMo cIty
of the largest and most resilient slums in North dEVELoPMEnt ForuM
Jakarta. The goal was to help develop a proposal
for a productive community space under the
elevated toll-road that cuts through the city. The
PSP project went through a comprehensive com-
munity building process that included a spatial
planning charrette, training of trainers and guided
proposal development. The community based
organization that partnered the NGO, KMPKT, have
been empowered to develop their own proposals
and community programs that continue to inspire
grassroots movement for the urban poor in Jakarta.

MAGAGULA COMMUNITY
CENTER, buildCollective

BuildCollective was founded by Marlene Wagner
who was one of Education Africa’s first partners.
The Magalula Community Center is an ongo-
Community empowerment and engagement can be divided into three dif-
ing ambitious project that attempts to integrate ferent categories:
sustaianable construction processes along with
community engagement and local capacity build-
ing. Development of new innovative construction
PRE-DESIGN PARTICIPATION Community input is used to inform design
techniques were aimed at amplifying current skills decisions and at the same time, participation of community members in
of local laborers as well as developing markets and the beginning of the process results in a sense of ownership for the project
design outlets for local materials and processes.
which is key to create a sustainable and long-lasting impact.

CONSTRUCTION AND CO-CREATION The community or target in-
dividuals are involved in the construction process such that there is skills-
transfer thus creating a project that can impact future employment and
CARIN SMUTS ARCHITECTS economic opportunities of the community involved.
Carin Smuts is the founder and principal of CS
Studio Architects, who focuses on low-cost public POST-OCCUPANCY PERFORMANCE The project has an impact even
structures in South Africa. after the architect or builders have left. The building itself can engage the
POST-CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY
community in a meaningful, integrated positively into their daily interactions.
ENGAGEMENT AND EMPOWERMENT. The
structures designed continue to inspire commu- APPLICATION:
nity building and identity beyond the pre-design • Although pre-design participation is not possible we will be able to
process and cosntruction process. For example, engage the community during construction We will be working with lo-
walls were regarded as blank canvases of which
the community can fill with their inspirations and cal unskilled laborers that will be trained in the process of our construc-
sense of belonging. tion. Community engagement workshops can also be conducted when
Mural painting that became part of community
the team is in South Africa
events were common in her structures. As such, the • Post-occupancy performance will result in a socially significant
community continues to have an attachment to the project for the community as they will remain attached to the building
structures constructed due to constant dialogue
and physical enagement with the building as part of after the students have completed the project. The community will also
their culture and daily interactions. contribute to the upkeep of the building.



FRAME AND INFILL PARADIGM 1: ANTICIPATORY DESIGN
DSGN AGNC have developed a proposal through The design should anticipate the upward mobility and growth of the
community participation and facilitation for a
housing project servicing 50 families of La Union community such that when resources free up and become available,
in Facatativa, Colombia. The project was part of a they have the ability to include some of the sustainable strategies that
research on low-cost and low-tech building deliv-
ery mechanisms in the city. Their project embodied have been developed. For example, rainwater collection tanks and roof
the idea of “frame and infill” which is a combination gardens may not be something that is feasible for now. However, the
of empowerment through ownership and mass cus-
tomization. The building was designed as steel and design should anticipate for such initiatives to be explored further.
reinforced concrete frames that have integrated
sustainable features such as proper day-lighting
and ventilation, rainwater collection and potential
zones for urban agriculture. The main idea is for APPLICATION:
that the community is able to customize their own
dwelling units. They are creating a “fill” in the frame • Anticipate opportunities for further developments in space,
by participating in the construction of the walls, material and technology. Some of the technologies and strate-
fenestrations and additional features that they wish.
gies that we have compiled may not be applicable during the time
of our construction. However, these catalogues will be information
that can be used when resources become available to the commu-
nity.

CORE UNITS

The housing in Cosmo City was designed as core
units that anticipate further extensions as the
community experiences upward mobility. The lot
sizes provided are about 250m2 while the core unit
housing sizes are as small as 36m2. The large lot
and core unit suggests future additions to be made
– more rooms and materials.

Core housing units are also strategies that are
developed for quick and efficient disaster relief ar-
chitectural responses. Core units that are modular,
pre-fabricated and quick to implement can provide
the necessary basic shelter and services such as
water, sanitation and electricity. As conditions
stabilize, additions can be easily made to the core
unit construction to expand the space required for
the surviving or relocated families.



ADSPECS PARADIGM 2: RESILIENCE
The Adspecs is an excellent example of resilience RESILIENCE is vital to the scaling up of new sustainable technologies. Dif-
put into practice. The glasses are made of plastic ferent communities have varying capacities and not everyone understands
membranes that are injected with water. The
amount of water injected via a syringe corresponds the latest gadgets and control systems. As a result, issues such as mainte-
to the optical degree required. The Adspecs nance, life expectancy, upfront costs of installation and capacity to work with
technology was able to be made cheap and easily
replicable providing clear vision to the poor.
new building systems and technologies greatly affect the efficacy of design.
building for the poor does In academia or in the high-end market, designers are trained to think with al-
most infinite or large amount of resources. Resilience takes into account the
not mean a poor building lifetime of the product or design. It is a user-centered approach to sustain-
able strategies of design and technology that integrates low maintenance,
low dependency and long-term impacts. Moreover, it responds to conditions
where there is a possibility of no resources at all.

LOW COST AND LOW TECH does not mean low creativity and func-
tion. It is important to note that building for the poor does not mean a poor
building. Low cost and low tech innovation is an increasingly fecund field for
explorations because of the impact it can create given current conditions
JOHN OSCHENDORF / of the world where 1.7 billion people are in absolute poverty and where 98%
of the world are not able to afford formal design services. The low cost and
BRICK TILE VAULTING
low tech approach maximizes the potential of given resources. In design, it is
1.7 billion people are in
John Oschendorf leads the Masonry Group at MIT.
about making the most out of cheap and affordable materials through crea-
His researches traditional Guastavino vaults and absolute poverty and tivity and innovation
brick tile vaulting with locally found materials. His
buildings use such traditional, cost-effective and
simple techniques to reduce the embodied energy where 98% of the world APPLICATION:
of the buildings by almost 90% compared to con-
ventional modern building technologies. are not able to afford • The community we are working with have very limited resources and
there is almost no maintenance capacity because no janitors or facil-
PAPER TUBE STRUCTURES formal design services ity coordinators will be available. The staff members consist of teachers,
security, cook and gardeners. They usually volunteer their time to main-
International renown architect, Shigeru Ban,
tain the facility in addition to their main occupation, which can become
embarked on the innovative paper tube structure
experiments. One of the first projects was to imple- strenuous.
ment the recyclable and efficient structure for • The life-cycle of the product should be long lasting or easily replace-
emergency shelters for the UNCHR. Subsequent
variations of the project includes paper church,
able to reduce time, cost and labor for subsequent maintenance cycles.
pavillions, museums and libraries.

The paper tube structures can be described as
resilient as it was employed not only as a new
sustainable material innovation, the joints and
detailing of the construction are also designed to
be as low tech as possible, such as metal tapes and
fabric as in the case of the 2000 Japan Pavillion for
the EXPO in Hannover.



TSUNAMI SAFE(R) HOUSE PARADIGM 3: MASS CUSTOMIZATION +
EFFECIENT CONSTRUCTION
The Tsunami Safe(r) House project was initiated
by MIT School of Architecture along with other
Engineers. The goal was to provide quick and easily CONSTRUCTION LOGISTICS AND SIMPLICITY greatly affect how one
constructed homes for the Tsunami refugees. The designs. Designing with construction in mind can empower the designers
house was to be created out of robust concrete
core structures that can be transformed into vari- to develop more creative solutions and actually control their final design
ous permutations - kitchen, toilet, storage, etc. product. The knowledge of construction and implementation process of
It is a C-shaped structure that acts as boath laod
bearing and shear wall. Apart from it’s structural MASS CUSTOMIZED architecture has been increasingly ignored with specialization in the industry
integrity, its form can create malleable spaces as and academia. A renowned master-builder is the recent Pritzker Prize winner,
the user chooses. STRUCTURAL SYSTEM Peter Zumthor who understands the quality of materials, tactile construction
techniques as well as the socio-psychological effects of spaces. Simplicity
has similar production in construction is an important aspect of this project. Simplicity does not
mean simple. Simplicity in construction means that the design should elimi-
method and process nate unnecessary steps that will complicate construction logistics.
but each iteration re-
MASS CUSTOMIZATION is a growing field in almost all industries ranging
sponds differently to a from customizing your own birthday cakes to car chassis to building struc-
tures. There is a growing exploration in mass customization in both product
certain spatial configura- design and architecture delivery. Mass customization allows for repetitive el-
ements that have similar production methods and processes but leave room
PROJECT JOUBERTON
tion as well as specific for infinite variations to produce unique customized products rapidly. With
architecture, mass customization can be applied to structural systems, wall
Project Jouberton by Nottingham University em-
structural demand. systems and even fenestrations and openings such as windows and doors.
ployed a bolted timber frame structure with lateral
frames. The framed structure can easily shift in
height according to the undulation of the roof, thus
creating a complex wave like roof form with a single APPLICATION:
structural framing system. • Repetitive elements and efficient construction techniques can en-
able the completion of the project in 6 weeks.
• Students and unskilled laborers will mostly be working on the project.
Simplicity in construction techniques and logistics will be crucial for the
success.

HOUSE FOR NEW ORLEANS
The house in New Orleans by MIT was exhibited
in MoMA, New York City in the exhibition “Home
Delivery”. It showcases cheap and efficient prefa-
bircated paneling system that fits like puzzles, not
requiring glue, bolts or extra detailing connec-
tions. The idea was to develop a paneling system
that is highly modifiable can give customizable
forms with a single type of material.



ESPAÑA LIBRARY PARADIGM 4: CULTURAL RELEVANCE

Giancarlo Mazzanti was commissioned by the Cultural significance can be important in reifying community and national
mayor to design Espana Library, one of the many
library-park projects in Medellin, Colombia. In his
identity in South Africa and Cosmo City. The building has to embody the
design, he combined modernist aesthetics with community and its ideals. There should also be a respect towards tradition
local stones. The library is situated in the middle and context of local architectures.
of Medellin’s many barrios becoming a symbol for
hope and community identity.
However, there should be a balance of function, aesthetics and conscoius
use of symbolism. Reductive archtiectural productions during the post-
modern era proliferated symbolic architectures that are neither inspiring nor
functional. In the case of our project, it is important to not create a “mud-
hut” as most would think of traditional architure. The exposed straw-bale
structure of Tebogo Home has been criticized by the users and community
as a non-permanent structure. Some of the teachers asked when they would
be able to get the real building.

Culture can also be found from within where culture of the locale (Cosmo
City or even Extension 4) will vary from the region (Johannesburg or South
Africa).

MAPANGUBWE APPLICATION:
INTERPRATIVE CENTER • Do not design a “mud-hut” as a symbol of tradition. South Africa is an
emerging economy and Cosmo City is made up of a community that is
Apart from a structural engineering feat and struggling out of poverty towards a better future. The last thing to do is
experiment, the Mapangubwe Interprative Center
attempts to use local materials, traditional archi- create a design language that suggests a condition that is inappropriate.
tecture and symbolism to create a new formal lan-
guage. The project was made possible by extensive
structural engineering modelling with the brick tile
• Develop a synthesis of form, fuction and culture.
vaulting system that created remarkable spaces
throughout.



TSOGA ENVIRONMENTAL PARADIGM 5: MATERIAL RESOURCE NETWORKS
CENTER

The new environmental center won the Holcim “Max Bond once made a powerful observation regarding the social content
Sustainable Design Award due to its innovative use of design: that the techniques of construction specified by architects affect
of materials. The building employed local gum-
poles as their roof structures and in situ reclaimed who builds buildings.(7) This observation speaks volumes. Materials and
bricks reducing its grey energy. techniques of construction impact the local building and fabrication indus-
try, economically.”
– Yaw Dankwa Osseo Asare

When designing the building, architects should be conscious of the mate-
EKO PRAWOTO - ARCHITECT
rial ecology and resource networks that are connected to the design. From
Eko Prawoto is an Indonesian artist and architect the availability of raw materials, procurement process, production and to
who uses local materials and traditional building construction. The understanding of such flows will allow the architects to
techniques to develop new forms. He is well known make wiser decisions on design and have control over its external implica-
for his creative use of bamboo to create pavillions
and homes. His recent project includes a bamboo tions other than the final product – the architectural object. How can it use
temple in South Korea. the locally available yet limited materials to the fullest potential? How do the
process of building, construction and use of materials inform future building
productions in the region and help to improve sustainable practices? These
are questions that we should be looking at as we design the building.

LOCAL MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Cameron Sinclair, the foud-
ner of Architecture for Humanity argued for the case of local materials and
techniques as he believes that “unproven concepts can be inappropriate and
a distraction to the task at hand.” Local materials ensure that local resources
remain within the locale thus, reduces the embodied energy of the structure.
By using local techniques, local employment can be maximized using exist-
ing time-proven skills ad construction techniques.

RURAL STUDIO PROJECTS MATERIAL REUSE AND RECYCLE Reusing materials and using mate-
rials that are durable but can be recycled can greatly reduce waste. It also
Rural Studio was founded by Samuel Mockbee, an extends and maximizes the lifetime of the material.
architect and educator, working in the black belt
of Alabama. Due to limited resources, the projects
made use of waste materials creatively in their APPLICATION:
design. Some material examples are used car wind- • Creative applications of waste and reused materials.
shields as curtain wall system and used tyres with • Local materials and techniques should be used as much as possible to
plaster as walls for a chapel.
close he resource loop



5.9 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

ORIENTATION FOR OPTIMAL SOLAR GAIN DAYLIGHTING DESIGN PARADIGMS

• Orient créche 15° off north • Locate large, high windows on the North side for ample and ambient 0. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
• Rectangular shape with long side in the east-west direction daylighting 1. ANTICIAPTORY DESIGN
• Allow sun exposure between 8am to 3pm • Locate smaller windows on North side 2. RESILIENCE
• Largest windows on the North side • Use light tubes for bathrooms and storage 3. MASS CUSTOMIZATION AND EFFECIENT CONSTRUCTION
• Windows on the south side for ventilation and light • Use light color for ceilings, mild to light color for walls and darker floors 4. CULTURAL RELEVANCE
• Minimize windows on east and west side (concrete will be adequate) 5. MATERIAL RESOURCE NETWORKS
• Locate classrooms and offices on the North side as these are programs • Locate Blackboard on the South wall to avoid glare
that have hgihest human occupancy and requires greatest comfort • Do not have windows on only one side of the room to prevent glare
during the day • Use light shelves to increase light penetration into the room DESIGNING FOR PLAY
• Locate bathrooms, kitchen and napping area in the South. Bathrooms do
not need to be heated, kitchen is usually hot and needs to be cool and
THERMAL MASS • SENSORY EXPLORATION
napping area requires a cooler temperature for optimal comfort. • LARGE MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT
• Locate thermal mass wall on the North side
• OSMOSIS
SHADING • Allow direct sunlight in the winter and shade in the summer
• COMMUNITY
• Materials such as earthbag, concrete and bricks are recommended
• Horizontal shading on the north to control varying solar gain in winter
• CONSTRUCTIVENESS
and summer GENERAL LIGHTING • NARRATION
• Allow more sunlight between april and august (winter period in South • OVERALL “SOFTNESS”
• Indoor lighting should be located in every room. However, its usage
Africa) should be minimized.
• Vegetation such as trees around the bilding can also be used for shading • Outdoor lighting will be required during night-time for security and also
• Ensure controllable interior shading devices to keep the structure well-lit for the community to enjoy.
VENTILATION

• High ceilings with vents or clerestory windows above to allow for natural
ventilation in hotter days
• Locate lateral ventilation openings on North and South for efficient
airflow
• Locate higher exhaust opening on North side. For example, slope roof
with higher pitch on the North side
• Do not locate windows directly acroos (i.e. stagger or alternate openings)
to encourage air mixing between spaces
• Ensure fully operable windows for passive control of building
environment
• Limit Building Depth to a maximum of 15 meters
• Ensure adequate internal ventilation between rooms


cHAPtEr 6 BuILdIng codES

6.1 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION CODES OF SOUTH AFRICA – SANS10400
The following content provides a guide to find exact codes and emphasizes specific building codes that
pertain to a school structure. The SANS10400 have been reviewed to select individual sections that may
Foundations – Part H (pg. 95)
have a high potential relationship to the design of the school. However, if more detailed information
- General Rules
on a particular specification is required, it is suggested that the SANS10400 is consulted directly.
o Any such foundation shall be constructed in concrete having a compressive strength of not less than
Structural Design - Part B (pg. 77) 10 MPa at 28 days, or be mixed In proportions by volume of 1 part of cement , 4 parts of sand and 5
- Design requirements parts of coarse aggregate.
- Structural material o Any continuous strip foundation shall have a thickness of not less than 200mm: Provided that where
the foundations laid on solid rock such thickness shall not apply.
Dimension – Part C (pg. 79)
- Room requirements Floors – Part J (pg. 97)
o All habitable rooms other than kitchen, scullery or laundry rooms must be 6 m2 with no linear - Materials
dimension of less than 2 m. o Any floor supported on ground or on filling shall be constructed of -
- Plan dimensions Impervious floor units not less than 40 mm thick and consisting of slate, bricks, natural stone
- Ceiling height or other approved material; or
A concrete slab which shall have a compressive strength of not less than 10MPa at 28 days, or
Public Safety – Part D (pg. 83) be mixed in the proportions by volume of 1 part cement, 4 parts sand and 5 parts coarse
- Pedestrian entrances aggregate, and the thickness of such slab shall be not less than 75 mm.
- Ramps o Filling material should be applied in well compacted layers not more than 150 mm in thickness
- Balcony o The underside of any floor boards other than those laid on a concrete slab shall be not less than 550
o The edge of any balcony, bridge, flat roof or similar place more than 1 m above the adjacent ground or mm above the surface of the ground immediately below such floor boards.
floor level shall be provided with a balustrade or parapet wall not less than 1 m in height, unless - Fire requirements
unauthorized access of persons thereto has been excluded by a physical barrier properly erected and - Water requirements
maintained. - Under Floor Membrane
o Any under-floor membrane shall be not less than 0,25 mm thick and shall be laid on a surface which
Site Operations – Part F (pg. 89) shall not contain any sharp object which may perforate such membrane.
- Protection of public
- Damage to local Authority’s property Walls – Part K (pg. 99)
- Unstable soil conditions - Strength and Stability
- Preparation of site - Water penetration
- Soil poisoning - Roof fixing
- Control of Dust and Noise - Fire requirements
- Waste material on site - Height requirements - The span between supporting walls of a timber or metal roof truss, roof rafter or roof
- Cleaning of site beam shall be not more than 10 m and the span between supporting walls of any first floor or roof slab shall
- Builder’s sheds be not more than 6 m.
- Sanitary Facilities - Load requirements - The dead load of the roof covering material shall be not more than 800 N/m2 of slope
area for roofs other than concrete slabs.
Excavations – Part G (pg. 93) - Structural vs. Non Structural Walls
- General stability requirements - Types of Material
o Any excavation more than 3 m deep shall be designed by a professional engineer or other approved - Dimensions
competent person - Framing & columns and piers in walls
o Except where the foundation for any external masonry wall is placed on solid rock, the bottom of the - Cavity walls
excavation for such a foundation shall not be less than 300 mm below the level of the adjoining - Foundation walls - The height of any foundation wall not acting as a retaining wall shall be not more than 1,5m
finished ground. - Free-standing walls



- Retaining walls of Masonry Drainage - Part P (pg. 143)
- Roof Anchoring - Design of drainage installations
- Water/Rain Penetration - Materials, pipes, fittings, and joints
- Damp-Proof Course - Be able to withstand an internal water pressure of 50 kPa and an external water pressure of 30 kPa without
leaking.
Roofs – Part L (pg. 113) - Sanitary fixtures
- Fire resistance and combustibility o Any sanitary fixture shall be made of impermeable, non-corrosive material, shall have a smooth and
- Dimension requirements readily cleanable surface and shall be so constructed and fitted as to discharge through a trap, into a
- The center-to-center spacing of trusses relevant to the roof covering to be applied shall not exceed: soil pipe or waste pipe, as the case may be.
(a) Sheets, either metal or fiber cement - 1 400 mm o The water supply outlet to any waste fixture shall be situated not less than 20mm above the flood-
(b) Concrete tiles, clay tiles or tiles of similar material - 760 mm level rim of such fixture: Provided that this requirement shall not apply to any bidet.
(c) Metal tiles, 1 050 mm o The following table provides the number of fixtures for a school
- Any trussed roof shall be provided with approved bracing to prevent buckling of rafters, tie-beams and long - Standards for WC pans/ Urinals
web members and to keep trusses upright. - Discharges from Washing Areas
- No member of any truss shall have a length greater than sixty times its least dimension. o Size of discharge pipes
- Waterproofing - Drainage systems
- Flat roofs requirements o Size of drains
o Access to drainage systems
Stairways - Part M (pg. 119) - Provision of Traps
- Spiral stairways are not permitted for schools
- Dimension requirements Non –Water Borne Means of Sanitary Disposal – Part Q (pg. 175)
o The rise of any step shall not exceed 200mm
o Any landing serving two flights in the same straight line shall Stormwater Disposal – Part R (pg. 177)
(I) have a length of not less than 900 mm; and - Valleys and Gutters
(II) have a width of not less than that of such flights - Access to storm water drains
o No flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise greater than 3 m between landings.
o No door shall open onto a stairway unless such door opens onto a landing and the width of such Facilities for Disabled People – Part S (pg. 179)
landing shall be not less than that of such door. - Ramp
- Prevention against Falling - Lifts
- Fire requirements - Doors
- Toilet Facilities
Glazing – Part N (pg. 123) -
Fire Protection - Part T (pg. 185)
Lighting and Ventilation – Part O (pg. 129) - Safety distances
- Requirements - Roof assemblies and coverings
o Any habitable room, bathroom, shower-room and room containing a wc pan or urinal, or any room - School requirements
which is a parking garage shall be provided with: means of lighting and ventilation which will enable o Exit doors - population of any room is not more than 25 persons the width of any exit door shall be not
such room to be used, without detriment, and, health or safety or causing any nuisance, for the purpose for less than 800mm
which It Is designed. o Any classroom, lecture room or boardroom that has a population of more than 50 persons or any
- Approval of artificial ventilation other room that has a population of more than 25 persons shall have not less than two exit doors, and
- Natural lighting such doors –
o Zones of space (I) shall open in the direction of travel along the escape route; and
- Natural ventilation



(II) shall have an aggregate width of not less than the required width for an escape route for Fire Stability - SANS 204
such population, as contemplated in rule TT21: - Structural components
o Provided that where such population is more than 240 persons three or more exit doors, as may be o Minutes of stability – 30mins for single story building, 30mins for double story building, 90 mins for
required, shall be installed. Also the school should have an exit door that shall open in the direction of 3-10 story building
travel along the escape route: Provided that in any occupancy classified A3 where the population of o The use of unprotected steel in the structural system of all single story and certain double story
the room is less than 50 persons, such door may open into such room. buildings is permitted in spite of the fact that in many cases such structural members would not
o Any feeder route in any basement or school buildings with more than 50 people shall be provided comply with the requirements of Table 5.
with emergency lighting as contemplated in subrule o The practice is regarded as safe for all practical cases that are likely to occur in single story
o Portable extinguishers – 1 per 200 m2 construction but the possible consequences of early distortion or collapse should be considered in
The type of fire extinguisher shall have a capacity or mass rating as the following: the design of two story buildings in order to be certain that escape routes will be able to serve the
(i) Water type 9 £ purpose for the required period.
(ii) Foam type 9 £ o Particular care needs to be exercised where thin sections are used or in “space-frame” type
(iii) Carbon dioxide type 4,5 kg structures.
(iv) Dry chemical type 4,5 kg
(v) Halogenated hydrocarbon type 2,5 kg
- Ventilation of stairways in an emergency route
- Openings in floors
- External stairways and passages
- Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
- Seating Arrangements in Auditoria or Halls and on Grandstands
- Non-combustible building materials

Space Heating – Part V (pg. 241)
- Chimneys
- Flue Pipes

Fire Installation – Part W (pg. 245)
- Communication pipe
- Water meter
- Isolating valves
- Fire Installations

Energy consumption - SANS 204
- Maximum energy demand and maximum energy consumption per building classification
- 12hrs per day /5days per week
- Maximum energy consumption for its climatic zone - 400 kWh/(m2•a)b
- Light power
Depending upon occupancy and activity, the minimum lighting levels shall be determined in
accordance with the requirements of SANS 10114-1.
10 Power W/m² - 25 Energy kWh/(m²•a) - 100 Lux
- Minimum Space Occupancy Allowed in a School - 1 person/5 m²


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