WHY DOES THE ORGANIZATION EXIST?

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Ubuntu Design Group aims to listen to the communities in informal settlements and work together with them to create homes that respond to the families' specific needs and enable growth and economic opportunity. At the heart of Ubuntu is the concept of community- "I am because you are"

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WHOM IT SERVES 

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Ubuntu's first project is building a home for the Mtshali family. The Mtshali family has shown great resilience. Despite having to send their son to live elsewhere and moving into a one-room shelter after losing their home in a storm, the Mtshalis have a strong desire for self-sustainability and a safe family home that caters for their needs. Although Mr. Mtshali has been in a wheelchair, he has a strong desire to see his family's situation improve, and has given valuable input into the house design at our client's meetings.

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HOW IT SERVES

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Given the strong desire of Mrs. Mtshali to give back to her community through providing a crèche (daycare) for the community, the Andrews University Urban Design Studio made sure to make this a major focal point in the design. Commercial space was provided in order to provide the daycare service and make money to sustain the family.

 

The design team also listened to the needs of Mr. Mtshali, who is in a wheelchair. He expressed his preference for certain rooms to be in close proximity to each other – for his ease of access and comfort. This led to not only a fully wheelchair accessible home, but one which was configured to his specific desires.