Field Architecture Empowers South African Township With Sustainable Ubuntu Center

How do you lift up a formerly beleaguered community in South Africa? For starters, build a $6 million education and health center as the township's nucleus. That is what the <a href="http://www.ubuntufund.org/">Ubuntu Education Fund</a> did with California-based <a href="http://www.fieldarchitecture.com/">Field Architecture's</a> award-winning design. Located in Port Elizabeth's Zwide Township, and based on the Bantu concept that no human lives in isolation, the Ubuntu Center features various sustainable components such as locally-sourced<a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/materials"> materials</a>, passive design and renewable <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/energy">energy</a> sources.

The large windows not only let in plenty of natural lighting, but also create a convection effect that regulates the building's temperature.

A new take on the standard office and flooded with natural light, these enclosed cubicles are welcoming but still maintain a certain amount of privacy.

The thick, sloping concrete walls trap heat that is then reflected back into the building.

The footpaths are an important component of the building, designed as they are to represent the community's township footprints. Some of the tiles' texture resemble elephant skin - an iconic African mammal.

Higher windows release hot air, which in turn reduces the building's dependence on fossil-fueled cooling devices.

The sunsets for which Africa is famous casts a beautiful sheen on the Ubuntu Center. Unlike many community centers, this one was built in the heart of the Zwide township.