Project Team Talent Showcase
Presenting the incredible talent and dedication of our apprentice project team, who have poured their hearts and minds into these diverse and inspiring concepts for the Youth Economy Campus. Delve into the innovative ideas, sustainable designs, and thoughtful solutions these rising stars have brought to the table. This showcase offers a glimpse into the journey of an architect in the making, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you.
Naledi Molefe, PTA
What inspired your design process?
The design process was inspired by the South African flag. The South African flag represents unity and an Indigenous culture that is only found within South Africa. The main aim is to design a campus for the youth and by the youth that celebrates the collaboration and unification of our society.
How have you integrated sustainable design principles into your concept?
Yes, I have. I have integrated opportunities of cross ventilation and glazing to introduce natural lighting to areas to eliminate the need for mechanical heating and cooling as well as artificial lighting.
What lessons have you learned from feedback and collaborating with the team?
I have learned that growth comes from collaboration and listening with an open mind. New perspectives and ideas can be gained from the insight of others.
How do you hope to further grow or develop as part of the SAYE projects team?
I hope to grow in ways that far exceed my expectations. I hope to gain knowledge not only from my colleagues but also from the practical experience that this project will provide for me. In the end, I want to grow in ways that my weak points will grow into my strongest points.
Luyanda Zakwe, KZN
What inspired your design process?
The inspiration for my design is the South African flag, but also nature inspired me. I want the building to not just be dead like concrete but have living organisms incorporated into the building. I wanted the building to not have corners to make them more natural.
How have you integrated sustainable design principles into your concept?
The building is designed to use clean energy, like solar panels. To limit air conditioning, it can be cooled and heated by nature [wind, sunlight] by using the right material and the way the buildings are designed.
What lessons have you learned from feedback and collaborating with the team?
The team has shown me another path in the way they designed their buildings and some things I might have overlooked. I appreciate their constructive criticism because that makes you learn, especially in architecture, and grow as a person.
How do you hope to further grow or develop as part of the SAYE projects team?
I want to grow my communication skills in terms of the people I work with. This opportunity is a great thing for me, as it allows me to be in a new environment, learn more from different people,
Nothemba Nhlabatsi, JHB
What inspired your design process?
My design process was all about creating a space that’s collaborative, transformative, and, of course, full of good vibes! I wanted to design an environment where the youth could seamlessly connect with different departments, sparking creativity and innovation across the board. The idea was to craft a space that encourages collaboration—where young people can come together, share ideas, and explore new possibilities. I focused on flexibility and openness, so the space can adapt to whatever needs arise, whether for learning, growth, or creation. And to add a little extra flair, the form and plan were inspired by an abstract version of the South African flag—bold, dynamic, and full of energy! It’s all about mixing function with fun while celebrating our roots and making sure the space radiates creativity.
How have you integrated sustainable design principles into your concept?
Incorporating sustainability was a top priority in my design, and I wanted to make sure the space feels as good for the planet as it does for its users! I brought nature into the mix by introducing greenery—like trees and plants—between departments, creating little pockets of serenity and fresh air that also boost creativity. Each room is flooded with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and keeping the space bright and energizing throughout the day. Plus, I added solar panels to harness the sun’s power, making the building self-sustaining and environmentally friendly. It’s all about creating a vibe that’s not only inspiring but also in harmony with the planet.
What lessons have you learned from feedback and collaborating with the team?
What I’ve learned from feedback and collaborating with others is how incredible it is to see everyone’s unique take on the same brief. We all started with the same foundation, yet each person brought something totally different to the table. It was like a masterclass in design processes and perspectives! Feedback has been such a gamechanger too—it’s taught me that there are many ways to approach something. Sometimes it’s not what you initially imagined for the space, but if you embrace the feedback, you can let it reshape and elevate the design into something even better. The key is to stay open and remember: you don’t have all the answers, and that’s totally okay! Collaboration is all about learning and growing together.
How do you hope to further grow or develop as part of the SAYE projects team?
I’m super excited to keep growing with the SAYE projects team! I hope to dive deeper into the creative process, pushing boundaries and experimenting with new ideas and materials. I want to get even better at collaborating, learning from the team’s diverse perspectives, and sharing my own. I’m also keen to develop my problem-solving skills, especially when it comes to adapting designs to fit real-world challenges. Ultimately, I want to keep soaking in all the knowledge and experience so I can contribute more and grow as a designer—making every project more impactful and fun along the way!
