Urban-think tank develops low cost housing for south african slum

Empower by Urban Think Tank ETHZ

Slum housing can be difficult and dangerous with communal taps and toilets inconvenient, and with shacks often built right up next to each other fire is a constant hazard. Poor services and facilities mean the areas become poverty traps that are difficult to escape. Current government schemes have been inadequate, with not enough homes being built and those that are not flexible enough to accommodate different families' needs.

This project is interesting as the low-cost buildings occupy a smaller proportion of the usual slum-dwelling footprint，leaving fire break spaces and giving emergency services easy access. This inspires me because instead of taking over the space, empower shack relocated the space and made the area more functional. The denser accommodation means land is used more efficiently and guarantees residents can remain at the same site, keeping community ties intact.

reference: https://www.dezeen.com/2017/12/28/empower-shack-urban-think-tank-low-cost-housing-khayelitsha-south-africa/

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