有韧性的家园丨南非

A Creative Conscience Project

The inspiration for this project began from a deep concern about the intersection of climate change, urban poverty, and social inequality. In response to the Creative Conscience Awards 2023/24 brief, I became increasingly aware of the urgent need to address global challenges like environmental degradation and the vulnerability of marginalized communities to natural disasters. The brief's focus on sustainability, social justice, and health led me to focus on South Africa's informal settlements—places where the most vulnerable populations often live in conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, and at risk from the growing climate crisis. But this was just the beginning of exploring the solution...

Drawing from the Double Diamond design process, I began by researching how informal settlements in South Africa are structured and how they respond to natural disasters. Through secondary research and interviews with people living in these areas, I uncovered critical issues like poor housing quality, lack of infrastructure, and the devastating impact of climate-related events such as flooding and heatwaves.

The Define stage led me to identify the need for a sustainable, affordable housing solution that could be rapidly deployed in these communities. It needed to be resilient to climate change while promoting community-building and well-being. The goal was not just to provide shelter, but to create spaces that foster social connections, health, and environmental stewardship.

In the Develop phase, I explored innovative materials and design strategies for building low-impact, disaster-resistant homes that use locally sourced, sustainable materials. I also ensured the design was adaptable, allowing each community to personalize and evolve their homes as their needs change. A lot of pivoting had taken place by this stage.

The final solution emphasizes creative activism—empowering communities to take part in shaping their environment, while addressing the Sustainable Development Goals of Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action. Through this project, I aim to not only provide a practical, scalable solution for informal settlements but also encourage a shift towards more conscious consumption and resilient living in vulnerable regions.

This initiative is designed to not only tackle environmental degradation but also to reduce inequality, promote health and well-being, and foster stronger, more cohesive communities. By integrating user-centric design and innovative sustainability practices, this project embodies the core ethos of Creative Conscience: addressing wicked problems with high-impact, real-world solutions.

About Informal Settlements in South Africa

In this tale of resilience and adversity, South Africa’s informal settlements tell a story of enduring legacy and the quest for a better future amidst ongoing challenges.

We haven’t found a happy ending yet.

The Personas

Exploring a Possible Solution

Informal housing is (almost) always materially unfit for human habitation.And this is not by choice.

Asking the 7 Whys

The Final Solution

Enter: Resilient Homes

The Main Touchpoints

The ModHome

ModHome Solar PV Type

ModHome Solar Water Heater Type

ModHome Interactive 3D Viewer

ModHome Marketing/Awareness Poster Example

The ModMini

ModMini Solar PV Type

ModMini Solar Water Heater Type

ModMini Interactive 3D Viewer

ModMini Marketing/Awareness Poster Example

Together, we can transform informal settlements into resilient, thriving communities, creating a lasting ripple of positive change that enhances lives, strengthens our environment, and builds a sustainable future for all.

Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM)

Thank You!