Award-winning innovation in architecture education is taking shape at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), led by Mr Wendle Dwaine Naidoo, a lecturer in Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
A Durban-born architect, Naidoo’s academic journey spans a Master’s in Architecture, an MBA, an Honours degree in Project Management, a BTech in Architecture and a Diploma in Architecture.
This impressive background recently culminated in Naidoo receiving the Platinum Award in Teaching and Learning: Innovative Curriculum at the ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards. His winning project, “Rural Unsettlement,” has become a shining example of how academic work can blend cutting‑edge technology with deep community engagement.
“Rural Unsettlement” is a student‑led initiative that takes learners out of the classroom and into the rural heartlands of KwaZulu‑Natal. By immersing themselves in the daily lives of local residents, students gain first‑hand insight into the challenges, values and untapped wisdom that exist in these often‑overlooked communities. The brief challenges them to envision a settlement that could exist fifty years from now, one that honours the cultural identity of the area while integrating innovative tools such as artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D printing and laser cutting. The goal, as Naidoo explained, was not to erase rural identity but to reimagine it in a way that was sustainable, dignified and technologically inclusive, thereby aligning closely with the ENVISION2030 objective of preparing graduates for the Fourth Industrial Revolution without leaving any community behind.
The project embodies the core values of DUT in several ways. It places community engagement at the forefront, encouraging students to listen, learn and co‑create solutions that are socially responsive. At the same time, it pushes the boundaries of innovation, using 4IR technologies responsibly to develop context‑sensitive designs. This blend of Ubuntu, transformation and ethical leadership not only produces technically skilled graduates but also nurtures a sense of social responsibility that extends beyond the campus. In doing so, the work demonstrates how education can drive meaningful impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Of course, Naidoo’s journey was not without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges he faced was helping students move beyond a purely technical mindset to one that values empathy and active listening. He shared that many arrived with limited exposure to rural contexts, requiring careful mentorship and reflective sessions to bridge that gap. Integrating advanced technologies in resource‑constrained settings also posed difficulties, but Naidoo said the team reframed these tools as supportive aids rather than dependencies, fostering adaptable solutions. For Naidoo, a pivotal moment arrived when students began designing with the community, a shift that transformed their proposals into genuinely socially driven outcomes and reinforced the long‑term value of the project.
“The outcomes of Rural Unsettlement have been both tangible and inspiring. Participants reported a profound shift in mindset, moving from isolated design work to collaborative, empathy‑driven proposals that reflect real community needs and cultural practices. Rural voices were amplified, directly influencing future‑focused settlement concepts that prioritize sustainability, dignity and long‑term upliftment. Moreover, the successful integration of AI, BIM, 3D printing and digital fabrication showcased how innovation can be harnessed responsibly to address inequality and reimagine the future of rural areas,” shared Naidoo.
As a Platinum Award recipient, Naidoo views the recognition as a responsibility rather than a personal accolade. He urged his peers and the broader community to see community engagement not as an add‑on but as central to education. “When we teach and learn in partnership with communities, we produce graduates who are skilled, grounded, ethical and socially conscious,” he said.
His message was clear: innovation must serve people, especially those who have been historically overlooked, and true impact arises when academia listens, collaborates and responds with humility.
DUT congratulates Naidoo and the entire “Rural Unsettlement” team for exemplifying how DUT’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity and impact translates into tangible change. Their work serves as a powerful reminder that when students and communities work hand‑in‑hand, the possibilities for a more sustainable and equitable future are limitless.
Pictured: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Vusi Gumede honouring Mr Wendle Naidoo, a lecturer in Architecture for his excellence in curriculum design.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
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