Abstract
This paper reflects on an interior design study conducted on the afterschool learning centres
established by ‘Makhulong A Matala’ the community development wing of the Johannesburg
Housing Company (JHC). Makhulong A Matala’s function is to address community
development needs and other social support services. Currently there are seven learning centres
housed within the JHC’s buildings which are dispersed across the Johannesburg CBD.
These centres target learners from grades 1-7 and are meant to offer educational and play
opportunities in a safe and structured environment for the children of the residents. The aim of
the study was to identify the common flaws pertaining to the spaces currently housing the
learning centres and to develop a design solution for alternative spaces that would
address the shortcomings and present a more sustainable option. The critical design issues that
needed to be addressed were identified as: the need to create environments that are conducive
for teaching and learning purposes, resolve the current spatial constraints and variable user
needs presented at each site, and specifically the need to change the perception of the residents
in order to increase their participation.