Sumaiyah Ally Kotty

During Apartheid, the Group Areas Act enforced racial segregation in South Africa, severely limiting access to economic opportunities, social development, and public resources. This essay examines the long-term effects of this division on employment and community development in southern Johannesburg, specifically in Lenasia, a historically segregated area. Despite the end of Apartheid, these communities still face high unemployment and underdevelopment. The essay proposes an architectural intervention to address these issues by transforming a city park in Lenasia into a multi-functional facility. This space will promote job creation, skills training, and community engagement, with a focus on teaching practical skills like furniture making using recycled materials. The project aims to showcase how sustainable, community-centered design can help overcome socio-economic challenges and foster resilience in post-Apartheid South Africa.