Community leaders identified nine shacks where prototype bins were installed on cemented wooden poles. The geostationary positioning of the nine installations was done. The bins were designed along the dimensions to fit two blue bags.
Applied Design Head of Department, Monica Di Ruvo says sustainable design is at the core of the “Design Curricula”. “There is a need to raise awareness of the challenges faced and the role that design can play in developing solutions with stakeholders.” Di Ruvo says the project will benefit the Doornbach community where the intervention took place and the staff members and students who took part in the learning activity.
Reflecting on the success of the project, she says the end goal has been achieved in that students were able to engage and learn with the Doornbach community. “As the Department of Applied Design, we hope that we can take part in more opportunities to apply sustainable design problem solving to make a positive contribution to our communities.”
Di Ruvo says the project forms part of teaching sustainable design principles and strengthens CPUT’s relationships with neighbouring communities. She adds that the project increased CPUT’s visibility in communities, “hopefully, the results will inspire youth to consider design as a career option”.
“There is a need to raise awareness of the challenges faced and the role that design can play in developing solutions with stakeholders.”