Empowering the homeless in Durban, CBD: Towards a socio-economic transition house.

Abstract

Within the growing urban context of Durban City, this dissertation investigates spaces which aid the socio-economic empowerment of homeless people. This research explores carefully designed spaces that Architects can implement in a Socio-Economic Transition House, which will aid the homeless in transitional process towards becoming socio-economically empowered. This research dissertation explores the various spaces which conceptualizes a Shelter to aid the transition process of the Homeless becoming socially and economically empowered within the city of Durban. The psychological and physical street culture experiences are considered and translated into carefully designed spaces that encourage transition towards becoming independent model in society. Relevant literature was reviewed in order to gain an understanding of the social and economic empowerment of the homeless and how architecture can provide empowering spatial conditions. The dissertation aims to conceptualize a building typology which is a symbol of social and economic growth and creates a new social culture among the homeless. The building typology should also represent the communities concern and sympathy towards the Homeless phenomenon within the city of Durban.