Michele Scremin

South Africa currently experiences the highest unemployment rate in the world. Due to the inequitable educational policies of Apartheid, large sectors of the population missed out on basic education and remain ill-equipped for the demands of the labour force. A culture of poverty, crime and social instability prevails. The solution lies in building a bridge to cross this gap and improve opportunities for learning and skills development of the youth and older adults. This will empower them for employment and improve their overall socio-economic prospects. This study investigates the architectural narratives that are related to the design of a successful, collaborative adult learning centre that will serve the Makause informal settlement in Primrose. The research is directed through an explorative lens of the sustainability triangle, discussing the social, economic and environmental implications.
Appropriate designs of learning spaces are subsequently guided by informed analytical decisions.