Development Of Design Criteria For Economically Viable Sustainable Housing In Gauteng, South Africa

Agenda 21 is an international attempt to create a normative blueprint for sustainable development worldwide. It is, however, not really possible to define a normative blueprint for the whole spectrum of human settlements worldwide, as economical, ecological, geographical, topographical and social contexts differ. In informal settlements, especially, design criteria for sustainable development are of paramount importance. This paper examines these problems from an international point of view, but in a South African context. Problems in five subsystems (political, economical, socio-cultural, environmental and technological) are examined. Recommended solutions are summarised in tables of design applications. These comprise design recommendations concerning the site selection; passive solar design; water-saving measures; and sanitation options. A further summary has been compiled to show the benefits gained by using these alternative construction methods, expounding vernacular building methods that have been traditionally used in South Africa and in similar climatic conditions elsewhere.