SA's housing crisis | Empower housing project changing the face of affordable housing

Summary

Urban Think Tank in Power is addressing South Africa's housing crisis with an innovative model that emphasizes community participation and sustainable construction. The model involves developing double-story duplex units on occupied sites, optimizing land use and freeing up space for community amenities. By keeping communities together and focusing on quality over quantity, the initiative aims to create long-lasting, comfortable homes that residents can take pride in.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The project aims to address the housing crisis in South Africa, with at least 1.9 million households living in informal dwellings.
• 🌐 Urban Think Tank is introducing a radical housing model to tackle the issue, focusing on innovation and community involvement.
• 🔍 The model has been tested over a 10-year pilot project, proving its effectiveness before scaling up for wider implementation.
• 🏢 The approach includes developing on already occupied sites, working closely with the community from the beginning of the project.
• 👪 The housing typology features double-story duplex units, optimizing land use and creating higher density living spaces.
• 🎨 The design includes separate living and sleeping areas, allowing for more efficient use of space and community amenities like playgrounds.
• 📈 The pilot project was able to free up approximately 30 percent of the site area, emphasizing community spaces over traditional RDP models.
• 👥 Community participation is a key factor in the success of the model, with residents being the stakeholders and clients of the development.
• 📍 The project aims to keep communities intact, avoiding the dispersion that can occur with RDP housing assignments outside of existing communities.
• 🛠️ Quality is prioritized over quantity, with a focus on sustainable construction methods and long-term durability of the housing.
• 🌡️ Sustainable construction also considers thermal comfort, ensuring homes are warm in winter and cool in summer.

Q & A

What is the primary issue being addressed by the innovative housing project mentioned in the script?

The primary issue being addressed is the housing crisis, specifically the lack of formal housing for the 1.9 million households living in informal dwellings in the country.

Who is Mama Local Kubai and what did she reveal in Parliament?

Mama Local Kubai is the Minister of Human Settlements. She revealed in Parliament that at least 1.9 million households live in informal dwellings.

What is Urban Think Tank and what is their role in this housing initiative?

Urban Think Tank is an organization that is rolling out a radical housing model to address the housing crisis. They are working on innovative solutions to develop occupied sites and improve living conditions.

What is the alternative model proposed by Urban Think Tank to the current RDP solution?

The alternative model proposed by Urban Think Tank involves developing double-story duplex units on occupied sites, optimizing land use, and maintaining community cohesion by keeping people in their existing communities.

How does the new housing model differ from the traditional RDP model?

The new model focuses on community participation, sustainable construction methodologies, and creating comfortable homes with consideration for thermal comfort. It contrasts with the RDP model, which has been criticized for prioritizing quantity over quality.

What is the significance of community participation in the new housing model?

Community participation is crucial as it ensures that the residents are key stakeholders and clients in the development process, allowing them to take ownership and maintain the community bonds.

How does the new housing model address the issue of space in the City of Cape Town?

The model addresses space issues by focusing on developing already occupied sites rather than finding new unoccupied land, thus optimizing the efficiency of land use.

What is the housing typology developed by Urban Think Tank and how does it contribute to higher density?

The housing typology is a double-story duplex unit with living areas on the ground floor and separate sleeping spaces for adults and children on the first floor, allowing for higher density and more efficient land use.

What are the benefits of the new housing model for the residents and the community?

The benefits include better quality housing, community cohesion, the creation of playgrounds and community centers, and the provision of training for local community members in construction processes.

How does the new housing model ensure the longevity and sustainability of the constructed homes?

The model ensures longevity and sustainability by focusing on quality construction, using sustainable construction methodologies, and considering thermal comfort for year-round livability.

What is the role of Delana Finlayson in this initiative and what is her position at Urban Think Tank?

Delana Finlayson is the Managing Director of Urban Think Tank. She is responsible for leading the initiative and has been involved in proving the pilot project and the model over the past 10 years.