An Architecture of Equity
Objectives
"The Architecture of Equity" conveys that sustainable and inclusive community development is essential for addressing the housing crisis in South Africa. The film highlights the urgent need for alternative and innovative housing solutions that prioritize social sustainability and a people-oriented approach. By working both bottom-up and top-down, the project underscores the value of keeping communities together and opposes the destructive nature of displacing residents.
The film emphasizes the generational empowerment that land ownership provides to very poor communities. It showcases the importance of environmental sustainability through climate-conscious design and construction methodologies, social sustainability by keeping communities intact and empowered, and economic sustainability by creating jobs and training residents from informal settlements.
"The Architecture of Equity" also addresses broader issues of social equity and justice, demonstrating how inclusive development can restore dignity and provide a path towards a more equitable society. This community-centered approach to urban development shows that by empowering residents and fostering a deep sense of ownership, long-term stability and a sense of belonging can be achieved.