South Africa Creche Project
Participatory Design & Build: A Community Creche in Limpopo, South Africa
Services
Community
University of Nottingham
Limpopo, South Africa
2022
Credits
Design & Build with University of Nottingham and Studio 8FOLD
This collaborative creche design, which was chosen for construction in Limpopo, South Africa, aims to provide playfulness and security for the children, teachers and parents. The nooks also become the highlight of the creche, providing recreational and educational opportunities.
In April 2022, Alan joined the Design/Build trip to Limpopo, gaining firsthand construction experience and contributing to the build itself, from drawings to the physical work of raising the structure.
One of the highlights of this project is the practicality of the build, which is constantly tested via a series of construction drawings. In particular, the construction details and materiality are thoroughly explored in both 2D and 3D.
The crèche remains the root of how Meridian 88 works: participatory design done with NGOs, teachers and children rather than for them. Social sustainability is the Flourish in the studio's Flow and Flourish philosophy, and it started here.
