The Halfway Pavilion is a collaborative architectural installation coordinated by Paulo Moreira and Sechaba Maape, developed with first-year architecture students and artisans from Alexandra through the Kelvin–Alexandra–Frankenwald City Studio. Located in the gardens of Brebnor House – the new home of the Campus Innovation Lab (CIL) – the pavilion marks the launch of a series of experimental projects exploring design-build pedagogy at Wits University, Johannesburg.
Through a hands-on workshop with students and artisans, the team developed a strategy for material reuse that culminated in the construction of the elements that compose the Halfway Pavilion. The process included AI methodologies that consisted of photographing discarded materials on site, and using those images as prompts to speculate on how waste could be reimagined and transformed through craftmanship into architecture.
Conceived as both a learning environment and social space, the pavilion reflects on experimental spatial practices and planetary habitation. It demonstrates how architecture can emerge from collective intelligence, low-cost materials, and site-specific exploration. Sonic interventions by Adey Omotade (Tropical Ontologies) amplified the installation’s multisensory dimension during its public launch, which celebrated the partnership between students, artisans, and researchers.
project coordination
Paulo Moreira, Sechaba Maape
developed within
Centennial Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Centre for Urbanism and Built Environment Studies (CUBES), School of Architecture and Planning, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
collaboration between
Kelvin–Alexandra–Frankenwald City Studio and the Campus Innovation Lab (CIL), as part of the course ARPL 1031A – Histories and Theories of Architecture
date
2025
artisans and builders
Edmore Hwatetepa, Claude Mutanho
students
Aaron Klein, Advay Mahadeo, Amos Nyausaru, Angel Bada, Angel Okoli, Aphelele Mkhwanazi, Ayanda Ntshosho, Azania Jack, Brandon Balliah, Buhlebakhe Damane, Cameron Mazibuko, Carianne Pather, Cebelihle Mlotshwa, Daniel Silcock, Daniella D’Aguanno, Dhivesh Govender, Divashan Govender, Elizabeth Makhabane, Emma Shorten, Gabriella Gutlar-Balkovic, Gabriella Koch, Ijeoma Berto, Imaan Kolia, Itumeleng Lekalakala, Itumeleng Motaung, Jennifer Mukadi, Katlego Mashego, Kathleen Young, Keith Chirwa, Keira Moodley, Kevin Asaba, Khanyani Khanyile, Koketso Rabothata, Kgaogelo Marodi, Kylie Beatty, Layyah Bashir, Lebogang Mashigo, Lethabo Tjelele, Lloyd Nyalungu, Lorenzo Moro, Luke Merriman, Lukhanyiso Ngongoma, Luyanda Xoseka, Mabotshe More, Mamodikwe Mampuru, Maleatupa Moremi, Masingita Baloyi, Mihir Naidoo, Mokgadi Makoro, Mmaijane Mothapo, Mpho Ndhlovu, Mpho Nwendamutswu, Mpho Sithole, Ngcebo Zulu, Nongcebo Zulu, Ntokozo Shongwe, Oarabile Matsafu, Olerato Makoe, Phaphama Magaqa, Phumlani Nkambule, Rafaella Felsher, Rameez Mayet, Sabeehah Guman, Safiya Dunn, Samantha Davidene Schultz, Sarah Potgieter, Sean Bolton, Sharnize Roskin, Taashmika Rampersad, Thandile Avela Manyifolo, Thandolwethu Cembi, Thembani Malungane, Tobias Waner, Tristan Duarte, Tristan Matthews, Tshepang Matete, Tyla Kassen, Udhayan Reddy, Wandile Mazibuko, Zahraa Sheik Ismail, Zipelele Yotwana