The role of innovative building technologies in self-build architecture to facilitate sustainable human development in the informal housing context of South Africa

Abstract

Within the South African Human Settlement context there is a growing need for socio-economic development and infrastructure improvement. Social capital, community integration, the local economy, and levels of education are key indicators of citizen well-being in the country. Currently citizens are left wanting when it comes to governmental aid programmes dealing with service delivery and provision of basic housing. Both these areas of concern are not seeing consistent and overall promising improvements. The aim of this study is to establish a basic understanding of the potential offered by Innovative Building Technologies as a possible solution to the infrastructural backlog (especially in the provision of housing and places for economic activities). UN-Habitat suggests that in-situ upgrades to existing structures are the most effective approach to address the current housing challenges (Chenwi, L., 2012). This study proposes self-build practices as a means of achieving such upgrades, involving owners or residents in the planning, design, and construction processes for the upgrading developments. To this end, an improved sense of ownership and stewardship can be fostered, and the country’s development can become a community effort. Within this social climate, the culture and practice of self-build exists in the informal settlements sector with the use of found objects. The proposed relationship between IBTs and self-build architecture is considered to cause a paradigm shift as a new model for South Africans to participate in building their own neighbourhoods in a sustainable manner that is both incremental and uniquely suited to the contextual requirements of each geographical region. The study investigates the regulatory context’s role, including the Department of Human Settlements, Agrément South Africa, and the National Home Builders Registration Council, in shaping policies and influencing the adoption of IBTs within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Findings highlight the importance of promoting and developing IBTs, coupled with the need for greater awareness and understanding of their benefits among professionals and policymakers. Overall, the research underscores the potential of IBTs in revolutionising the South African construction industry, emphasising the need for strategic policy reforms and proactive measures to foster their widespread adoption in self-build typologies. The study began with a literature review to explore the current perceptions of IBTs in both professional and end-user communities. In the second phase, questionnaires were administered to IBT manufacturers. Finally, a specific IBT system was selected based on further research and assessment of its suitability for self-build architecture in a specific typological context.