How are the principles of community engagement in architecture, within Public Interest Design, relevant to and applied in our South African informal context?

Abstract

Despite the radical political transformation promised in the democratic elections of 1994, the people of South Africa remain adversely affected by the socio-spatial legacies of a segregated urban landscape (Ballard 2021). Architects' efforts to tackle these challenges are often overlooked and marginalised within the broader field of architecture. Although globally, there is a greater awareness of the importance of social engagement and agency in design (Awan et al. 2011). There are various examples of how the principles of Public Interest Design are applied in international contexts, but are these principles relevant in our South African informal context? This study aims to prove that these principles are relevant if applied in our South African informal context and subsequently offers an example of how this can be accomplished. By using the work done by Collectif SAGA architects in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, as case studies, this report analyses their engagement with the project leaders, partners and surrounding community to determine how the aforementioned principles are successfully applied. Data collection was done through interviews with the Collectif SAGA team, as well as the project leaders and partners, and was analysed using a thematic analysis. The study found that through building a strong sense of trust with the project partners, by involving and engaging with various organisations, by stepping beyond the traditional role of the architect as artist and technician, and by building upon a solution to a problem the community has already taken ownership of, Collectif SAGA’s involvement was successful in bolstering projects that greatly benefit the community. Collectif SAGA applied principles of engagement that is recognised as good Public Interest Design practices, thus indicating that these methods are relevant in our South African Informal context, and can be applied successfully.