In the context of South Africa’s complex socio-cultural fabric, the notion of ‘community’ holds significant importance. The country’s history of colonialism, apartheid, and struggles for social justice have shaped how we understand and operationalize ‘community’ in various contexts, especially within the realm of spatial design. This article, drawn from a longer piece contributed to the Just Spatial Design ZA platform, delves into the multifaceted ways in which the concept of ‘community’ is operationalized in South Africa.

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“ …this project exemplifies community architecture…”,

“…the community built this structure….”,

“…the community protested against…”,

”..the community agreed with….”

When one read these sentences captured in the above picture, hears these When one reads these sentences captured in the above picture, hears these phrases, or even shares these words in your practice or institutional spaces, a particular set of images, ideas, and actions are brought to mind. Perhaps a smiling, but determined woman carrying a heavy load; a group of laughing children playing in a desolate street; maybe a modest – but proud – homeowner standing against a ‘humble’ dwelling as the sun sets in the distance…^{(see more on this type of spatial-romanticism here: [0])} No? What imagery appears in your mind’s eye?’

Excerpt from Article ‘Community Caution’

A short article drawn from a longer piece I contributed to the Just Spatial Design ZA platform on how concepts of ‘community’ are operationalised in South Africa. Below area some diagrams I developed to assist in explaining some of the complexity: https://justspatialdesignza.com/2020/10/19/caution-with-community/