Our commitment to thoughtful design extends beyond luxurious accommodations. We believe in using our expertise to support and uplift communities, promoting sustainable development and cultural conservation. Our latest pro bono project, the Mdluli Community Discovery Centre, exemplifies this mission.
THE VISION
The Mdluli Community Discovery Centre is a project born out of our deep-rooted relationship with the Mdluli community. In 2020, we served as the architects and interior designers for Mdluli Safari Lodge, and we were inspired by the community's resilience and rich cultural heritage.
This inspiration fueled our decision to design the Community Discovery Centre, a space dedicated to education, environmental awareness, and cultural celebration.
The centre will house an interactive museum, an information centre, and an environmental study centre. These facilities will provide a platform for community members to showcase their arts and crafts and share their stories and traditions with visitors.
A DESIGN FOR THE COMMUNITY
Designing the Mdluli Community Discovery Centre involved creating a space that is functional, sustainable, and deeply reflective of the community’s identity.
Throughout our design choices, we made an effort to tell a meaningful story– in this case, the story of the Mdluli community’s journey, resilience, and cultural heritage.
A notable example is the anti-poaching unit. We plan to repurpose a collection of old snares into an art installation. Incorporating these elements into the design of the community centre becomes a living testament to the community’s ongoing efforts in conservation and dedication to preserving their heritage.
“This is our way of weaving the story of the community into the design. The story of the community is phenomenal, and supporting something like this is really important to us.”
Graeme Labe
Managing Partner of Luxury Frontiers
HOW THE COMMUNITY CENTRE CREATES A SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
The Mdluli Community Discovery Centre will serve multiple purposes:
Educational Hub: The Discovery Centre will educate locals and visitors about the region's history, ecology, and cultural heritage by hosting an interactive museum and an environmental study centre.
Economic Empowerment: The centre provides a venue for community members to display and sell their arts and crafts, generating income and promoting local craftsmanship.
Cultural Preservation and Environmental Stewardship: The centre tells the story of the Mdluli tribe, from the chief who won back the land for this community to the establishment of their anti-poaching unit. By doing so, it preserves and honours their heritage, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate their history. It also highlights the community’s conservation efforts and role as stewards of their land.
CREATING A LEGACY
Through thoughtful design and meaningful collaboration, the Mdluli Community Discovery Centre will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, reinforcing the true strength of conservation and community-driven development.
For us at Luxury Frontiers, this project means more than building a structure; it is about building a future. It embodies our dedication to using design as a tool for empowerment and positive change.
