Ryan Maxwell

South Africa faces significant challenges in areas such as housing, job security, and skill development and addressing these issues requires a holistic approach. In the blue-collar northeastern areas of Johannesburg such as Bezuidenhout valley, residents face a multitude of challenges that undermine the quality of life and urban fabric. The Jukskei River, a vital waterway, suffers from pollution, affecting both the environment and public health. My thesis will use architecture as a unique opportunity to address these interconnected issues by empowering the Bezuidenhout Valley community through construction skills training. By establishing a construction and learning center, and sustainable native bamboo farms, residents can gain practical skills while contributing to the development of essential infrastructure, such as housing, training centers, craft spaces for entrepreneurs, and social spaces. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term socio-economic growth by creating a circular economy.