Simone O’Maker is a Bachelor of Architectural Studies graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand and is now a Student Architect at Paragon Group. She is primarily interested in the creation of designs which are contextually sensitive, and she explores the use of geometries in order to develop an architectural language that promotes the experiential. The common themes her projects explore are those of embodiment and phenomenology. This project for a museum in Newtown, Johannesburg, examined the interconnections between people, the city and the site surrounds, while preserving existing heritage. ‘Parallel’ is a design concept that expresses the struggle of artists within Newtown. It was inspired by the two existing parallel pathways on the site. The split through the building highlights the disruption experienced by artists during the ‘Apartheid’ era. As one ascends within the building, double volume spaces open up, enhancing the experience. A series of bridges connect to the southern wing, which contains the sculpture garden as well as offices and artists’ workshops. Conscious decisions were made in terms of the materiality, energy and water supply, and social sustainability in order to give back to the local community. The Museum of the Struggle sheds light upon the past, present and future while restoring a sense of dignity to its occupants.