Avela Swana - Architectural Portfolio

ARCHITECTURE UNDERGRAD portfolio

My work seeks to reclaim and renew the dignity of the Indigenous peoples of these lands, waters, and skies.

I confront the divisions that have fragmented our societies and strive to rewrite our history and shape our future. The truth has been suppressed by those more powerful, wealthier, and distant from our reality.

We say no more.

Gone are the days when Africans are told what to do and when to do it. We are our own leaders, followers, and everything in between. Rejecting the European model for developing our land is not only imperative but a direct rebuttal to the belief that we are incapable.

To that, we say no more.

I see this land as one with scars that can still walk. The healing of Africa must come from the love and dedication of its own people. No one is coming to save us. I will continue to find ways to ensure that the healing of this land is a peaceful process, a feeling we have forgotten.

Uthuli Lwezwi Uthuli Lwezwi

The museum’s architecture fosters a learning environment that encourages exploration and dialogue.

A central exhibition space serves as the heart of the site, with surrounding buildings forming a courtyard. Each building offers unique educational experiences focused on language and storytelling, including a research library, interactive classrooms, and an amphitheater for performances and community engagement.

The dispersed layout reflects the theme of fragmented communication, requiring visitors to explore the entire site to gain a full understanding, highlighting the power of sharing information creatively.

Apetura Institue is a multi-purpose highrise in Johannesburg’s CBD, addressing the city’s drug crisis while promoting community and research. The building’s steel shading panels, perforated with cellular-like holes, symbolize the scientific research happening inside and the open, transparent nature of its services.

At the heart of Apetura Institute is a supervised space where individuals can safely administer drugs, reducing harm and encouraging rehabilitation. Above, research labs work to advance addiction treatment, while the top floors offer affordable housing for students and families, strategically located near Wits University.

With its innovative design and diverse functions, Apetura Institute is more than just a building—it is a place of safety, connection, and transformation, responding to both the social and health challenges of the city.