39 >
Past and future Since 1982,CS Studio Architects has practiced in the poorest and most marginalised communities. Their work during the apartheid era often required many years of fighting to obtain land for clients even before any building work could be considered. In the 80s, during the state of emergency, clients were often detained and the design processes had to be put on hold. All the projects worked on prior to 1994 entailed the empowerment of communities, development of business plans and raising the funds for their building projects. “Strangely, this is still the case as very little development is happening in the poorest of the poor communities and settlements of South Africa today,” says Smuts. When asked why she has such great passion for developmental architecture and heritage restoration, Smuts replies: “Developmental work is rewarding as people participate and one learns from others to produce better solutions. Restoration of beautiful old buildings requires extensive research to understand the history of the building, which is something that we find extremely stimulating.” Reflecting on the present and future of the architecture profession, Smuts says; “The world today needs facilitators to restore a balance; not only in nature but in the built environment as well. I believe that by listening, architects can produce culturally appropriate, humane and dignified solutions.” <
Guga S’thebe Arts, Culture and Heritage Village.