Lilitha: an agricultural training center in Keiskammahoek : transforming rural communities through sustainable, innovative architecture and competitive agricultural education

Abstract

My interest is in transforming rural communities through sustainable, innovative architecture, and competitive agricultural education. My research explores relatively viable ways of addressing the multiple socio-economic challenges in the Keiskammahoek community in the Eastern Cape through the design of an agricultural education center. The area is enriched with socio-cultural and architectural heritage and has a strong biodiverse natural environment that requires celebration and conservation. The proposition is that of a complex development which seeks to serve the Keiskammahoek community, and will include an Agriculture farm, Agriculture school and Tourism accommodation facilities. The farm greatly focuses on creating opportunities of employment for the locals, the school component educates the aspiring young farmers, and the tourism aspect celebrates and educates about the heritage and natural context of Keiskammahoek. The construction approach of the centre aims to make use of locally sourced natural materials and indigenous building methods that also greatly involve the assistance and participation (in construction) of the community