Abstract:
PURPOSE – The adverse impacts of climate change coupled with rapid informal urbanization in the Southern
African region are increasing the vulnerability of already sensitive population groups. Consequently, these
urban regions are highly vulnerable to urban heat island effects and heatwaves due to exogenous and
endogenous factors. While the dynamic interplay between the built environment, climate and response
strategies is known, this paper highlights the lived experience of informal settlement residents. It presents work
from a project undertaken in Melusi, an informal settlement in Tshwane, South Africa, as a multi-disciplinary
project focusing on improving the local resilience to climate change associated heat stress.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – Following a mixed method approach, a semi-structured observational
analysis of the spatial layout and material articulation of selected dwellings along with the continuous
monitoring and recording of their indoor environments were undertaken.
FINDINGS – The paper presents the research results in terms of the dwelling characteristics, as spatial and
material-use strategies and documented heat stress exposure in these structures. The findings highlight that
informal dwellings perform poorly in all cases due to endogenous factors and that inhabitants experience
extreme heat stress conditions for between 6 and 10 h daily during the peak summer period.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE – Currently, there are little empirical data on the heat stress residents living in informal
settlements in Southern Africa are experiencing. This article provides insight into the indoor environments of
informal dwellings and hopes to contribute future guidelines or heat health policies.
Description:
This project is undertaken as part of the Architecture and Public Health Nexus project in collaboration with the departments of Public Health, Architecture and Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria.