Reflecting on the learning centre requirements of social urban housing projects in Johannesburg

This paper reflects on an interior design study conducted on the afterschool learning centres established by ‘Makhulong A Matala’ the community development wing of the Johannesburg Housing Company (JHC). Makhulong A Matala’s function is to address community development needs and other social support services. Currently there are seven learning centres housed within the JHC’s buildings which are dispersed across the Johannesburg CBD. These centres target learners from grades 1-7 and are meant to offer educational and play opportunities in a safe and structured environment for the children of the residents. The aim of the study was to identify the common flaws pertaining to the spaces currently housing the learning centres and to develop a design solution for alternative spaces that would address the shortcomings and present a more sustainable option. The critical design issues that needed to be addressed were identified as: the need to create environments that are conducive for teaching and learning purposes, resolve the current spatial constraints and variable user needs presented at each site, and specifically the need to change the perception of the residents in order to increase their participation