The Incremental Community:
Transforming the condition of helpless temporariness on the river edge in Stjwetla
The Incremental Community project addresses the challenges faced by the Stjwetla Informal Settlement in Alexandra Township, South Africa, situated near the Jukskei River. Stjwetla informal settlements is located on the East Banks of Alexandra Township. The settlement is facing multiple challenges including frequent flooding, the presence of illegal landfills, poor sanitation conditions, and insufficient infrastructure. With over 20,000 residents, Stjwetla informal settlement faces a continuous state of temporariness and helplessness.
The chronology maps spanning from 2002 to 2022 depict the evolution of the settlement, highlighting issues such as urban sprawl, pollution in the Jukskei River, and sanitation challenges. Despite the municipality providing 236 plastic bucket toilets, cleanliness issues persist, and water supply challenges further strain the community. The frequency of floods has increased, exacerbating these problems and making it necessary to find resilient housing solutions.
The Incremental Community project aims to improve the quality of life of residents by providing them with secure and functional housing. The design is focused on adaptability and takes into consideration the changing needs of the users. The proposal includes a frame structure made of lightweight materials, which will be built 500mm to 1500mm above the ground level and 10000mm horizontally from the river to minimize the impact of flooding. The 4500mm x 4500mm grid system comprises modular units and 900mm wide walkways that use concrete, steel, and infill corrugated panels.
After conducting meticulous site research, it was discovered that the flooding depth in the area has increased to 3 meters over the years. The Incremental Community project aims to provide a sustainable solution by acknowledging the community’s vulnerability and need for adaptable, cost-effective housing. By combining architectural innovation with a deep understanding of the settlement’s challenges, the project aspires to transform the condition of helplessness in Stjwetla into a resilient, incremental community that can withstand natural disasters and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.
