Kurhula Maluleke

Across the world, cities are grappling with the effects of urban decay, economic stagnation, and increasing social inequality. Once-thriving urban cities and towns are now marked by abandoned buildings, deteriorating infrastructure, and marginalized communities struggling to survive. From Detroit in the United States to Naples in Italy and Johannesburg in South Africa, declining urban areas share common challenges: rising unemployment, lack of public investment and youth disengagement. These issues are heightened by the migration of wealthier residents to suburban areas, leaving inner cities vulnerable to poverty, crime, and substance abuse. Richmond, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, faces similar challenges including urban decay, architectural ruin, economic hardship, youth decline and substance abuse, as well as socioeconomic disparities. By positively exploiting Richmond’s agricultural landscapes, this research explores how architectural interventions integrating urban farming can serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization, social cohesion, and sustainable urban development. 

The architectural intervention aims to bridge this divide by creating a multifunctional, productive landscape that merges agriculture with public space. Through passive design strategies, and sustainable agricultural techniques, the intervention will provide a shared platform for skill-building, economic opportunities, and social interaction. I will explore appropriate building techniques using locally sourced and cost-effective materials, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability. Ultimately, this research envisions a resilient, self-sustaining urban model where architecture fosters renewal through food production, ecological awareness, and community-driven development.