Kurhula Maluleke

This thesis explores how architectural interventions integrating urban farming can address urban decay, social fragmentation, and economic decline in small towns, with a focus on Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal. Richmond suffers from severe spatial inequality, youth unemployment, and underutilized agricultural potential. The proposed intervention—situated between the formal town center and an adjacent informal settlement—aims to bridge socio-economic divides through the creation of a multifunctional, community-focused hub. By combining education, agriculture, and public space, the project promotes skill development, food security, and social integration. Grounded in theories of regenerative urbanism, socio-spatial justice, and participatory design, the research proposes a resilient, inclusive model for urban renewal. The outcome envisions architecture as a catalyst for ecological sustainability and community empowerment, applicable not only to Richmond but to other towns facing similar challenges.