People & Partners

Tswaledi Tshepo Maila

Tswaledi Tshepo Maila’s MPhil research focuses on gaining insights into the experiences and perspectives of practicing architects in the context of informal settlement in-situ upgrading: progress, critical challenges, and innovative design strategies. His central objective is to explore how architects can design top structures in informal settlements with considerations for resilience, adaptability, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability, steering away from an interventionist approach. To achieve this, Tshepo emphasizes the importance of adopting a community-driven strategy, drawing from existing self-organizational practices that shape informal settlement morphologies.

As a senior architectural technologist registered with the South African Council for Architectural Profession (SACAP), Tshepo co-founded Blackboard Design Lab in 2013, responding to the increasing demand for architectural services that are jargon-free, align with contextual needs, and prioritise sustainable architecture. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tshepo is deeply dedicated to environmental advocacy, exploring the complex spatial relationship between human intervention and its impacts on the natural and social environment. His academic journey includes studying toward a National Diploma in Architectural Technology from the University of Johannesburg, obtaining a BA degree in Environmental Management from UNISA, and completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions.

• Spatial equity
• Sustainable architectural practices
• Participatory design practices
• Sustainable urbanism
• Informal settlement upgrading