Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs)

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Browsing Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (ETDs) by Keyword "Adult learning"

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    Empowered for Employment: A Collaborative Learning and Skills Development Centre in Primrose
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Scremin, Michele; Felix, Sandra
    South Africa currently experiences the highest unemployment rate in the world. Due to the inequitable educational policies of Apartheid, large sectors of the population missed out on basic education and remain ill-equipped for the demands of the labour force. A culture of poverty, crime and social instability prevails. The solution lies in building a bridge to cross this gap and improve opportunities for learning and skills development of the youth and older adults. This will empower them for employment and improve their overall socio-conomic prospects. This study investigates the architectural narratives that are relevant to the design of a successful, collaborative adult learning centre that will serve the Makause informal settlement in Primrose. The research is directed through an explorative lens of the sustainability triangle, discussing the social, economic and environmental implications. Literature reviews of the multi-disciplinary theoretical foundations of adult learning give insight into the unique social, intellectual and physical requirements of adult learners while existential needs are influenced by phenomenological approaches. Appropriate designs of learning spaces are subsequently guided by informed decisions. Economic sustainability is reinforced with financial support of corporate stakeholders and the large waterbody on the site provides environmental opportunities that will benefit both the facility and the community it serves.