Igor Silva

This research examines how architectural design can address the growing social issues of isolation and loneliness by developing a community centre in Johannesburg's South. In accordance with the World Health Organisation’s recognition of social connection as a public health priority, the project views architecture as a means of strengthening everyday social infrastructure. Drawing on Ray Oldenburg’s theory of Third Spaces, the study argues that suburban environments often lack accessible, neutral spaces for informal interaction, with malls and parks serving as inadequate alternatives due to their commercial or under-programmed nature. Without these everyday places for gathering, residents have limited opportunities for casual, low-pressure interactions, which can create disconnection across generations and communities.

The proposed community centre addresses this gap by reinterpreting the concept of the Third Space as an inclusive, flexible social hub. It is designed to accommodate a diverse range of activities while remaining accessible to people regardless of age, background, or income. The project explores how architectural strategies, spatial openness, permeability, and multi-use environments can create spontaneous interactions, social trust, and psychological well-being. More than just a building, the centre serves as a platform for civic engagement, bridging the gap between the structured obligations of home and work and the informal need for community.

The site, situated along the boundary of Linmeyer, Rosettenville, and The Hill, lies within a transitional space of Johannesburg South, historically shaped by mining, immigration, and suburban growth. These factors have created a fragmented urban landscape, where physical and social barriers remain despite the growing demographic diversity. By activating this neglected site, the project seeks to reconnect neighbourhoods through a shared civic space. Ultimately, the research portrays the community centre as both an architectural and social intervention, serving as a hub for daily interactions and a catalyst for reimagining suburban public life.