Touching the Earth Lightly was founded by Stephen Lamb in 2014, and since then has become an icon in the South African sustainable development industry. Before founding the company, Lamb had fourteen years of design experience working for various local governments and non-profit organisations. His most notable works before the formation of Touching the Earth Lightly is the work done for the World Wildlife Fund in Cambodia, and the design and construction of the Hoerikwaggo hiking trails in the Table Mountain National Park. His stall showcasing the changing Cape Town climate at the COP 17 Pavillion earned him a silver Loerie award, and he was also awarded the National Kudu Award by SANParks. He founded Touching the Earth Lightly as a method
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The construction for the creche used as little tools as possible and was used to start a conversation about key issues in Cape Town’s rural suburbs; issues such as flooding and fires that often leave several families without homes to return to. The building emphasises one of Lamb’s main objectives; the idea that people should find alternative ways of managing disasters, instead of sitting around waiting for the government to hand out blankets or food resources. The building, and many of his other projects, becomes a way for local people to empower themselves and the empathetic design approach that Lamb had while working on the project helps to establish a relationship between the community and local government, as well as the community and the natural …show more content…
When Xoma Ayob resisted being transferred to a Temporary Relocation Area by the City of Cape Town, many would call him the victim, but Lamb worked to empower Ayob, and managed to turn him into his own saviour. The Light House is perhaps the project that best illustrates Lamb’s care and love for each unique client. Lamb understands that each project is unique and may have different needs, and is willing to try anything. Ayob reports that Lamb “never said ‘no’” and “came to listen to [him].” The interaction between Ayob and Lamb emphasises Lamb’s philosophy that human-centred design is a key component to allow any project to be treated with respect, be successful, and be able to grow.
The Green Shack is perhaps Stephen lamb’s most well-known work, and has inspired many eco-friendly designs across the world. Yet another collaboration with Andrew Lord, the Green Shack celebrates the transformative power of light and water and comprises of a type of simple beauty. Like many of his other projects, Lamb makes an abundant use of timber and corrugated iron, emphasising his belief that these materials do not necessarily have to represent poverty. Since its construction, the Green Shack has become a model for turning temporary homes into places that families can truly be proud
The construction for the creche used as little tools as possible and was used to start a conversation about key issues in Cape Town’s rural suburbs; issues such as flooding and fires that often leave several families without homes to return to. The building emphasises one of Lamb’s main objectives; the idea that people should find alternative ways of managing disasters, instead of sitting around waiting for the government to hand out blankets or food resources. The building, and many of his other projects, becomes a way for local people to empower themselves and the empathetic design approach that Lamb had while working on the project helps to establish a relationship between the community and local government, as well as the community and the natural …show more content…
When Xoma Ayob resisted being transferred to a Temporary Relocation Area by the City of Cape Town, many would call him the victim, but Lamb worked to empower Ayob, and managed to turn him into his own saviour. The Light House is perhaps the project that best illustrates Lamb’s care and love for each unique client. Lamb understands that each project is unique and may have different needs, and is willing to try anything. Ayob reports that Lamb “never said ‘no’” and “came to listen to [him].” The interaction between Ayob and Lamb emphasises Lamb’s philosophy that human-centred design is a key component to allow any project to be treated with respect, be successful, and be able to grow.
The Green Shack is perhaps Stephen lamb’s most well-known work, and has inspired many eco-friendly designs across the world. Yet another collaboration with Andrew Lord, the Green Shack celebrates the transformative power of light and water and comprises of a type of simple beauty. Like many of his other projects, Lamb makes an abundant use of timber and corrugated iron, emphasising his belief that these materials do not necessarily have to represent poverty. Since its construction, the Green Shack has become a model for turning temporary homes into places that families can truly be proud