Designs That Heal - Scholarship Program for UBUNTU Architecture

Client: Ubuntu Architecture | Durban, South Africa

Date: October 2021

Role: Lead Graphic Designer

Project Type: Flyer Design (Printed & Digital)

Platforms: Print, Digital Marketing Channels

Briefing:

This project was developed for Ubuntu Architecture as part of their NOMA Scholarship program. The scholarship aimed to promote an inclusive and healing approach to design, specifically drawing inspiration from Zulu architecture and addressing the impact of apartheid on design in South Africa. Ubuntu Architecture needed promotional material to attract 30 students from around the world for a specialized course.

Concept & Idea:

The campaign was designed to reflect both the cultural heritage and healing purpose of the program. The design emphasized the use of Zulu architecture elements, incorporating imagery that showcases traditional Zulu building techniques alongside topographical textures that mirror the South African landscape. My concept for this design involved using high-contrast colors inspired by Zulu culture to make the flyer stand out, both in print and digitally, while communicating the essence of inclusive, community-centered design.

Design Process:

1. Research: I began by researching Zulu architecture, understanding its role in the community, and how to best represent it visually. This included studying the use of natural materials and cultural significance behind these designs.

2. Wireframes & Layout: The layout was created to ensure visual hierarchy, making sure the main message of “Designs That Heal” stood out, along with clear calls to action to apply for the scholarship. I sketched several initial concepts before refining them in Adobe Illustrator.

3. Prototyping: Digital prototypes were developed for feedback from the client, focusing on visual balance and ensuring that the topography and architectural elements did not overwhelm the flyer’s readability.

4. Final Design: The final flyer uses bold typography, traditional Zulu imagery, and textured backgrounds to evoke a sense of history and healing. The contrasting yellow with black and white highlights key elements and grabs attention, making the flyer suitable for both print and digital use.

‍

‍

Outcome:

• Result: The campaign was highly successful, helping Ubuntu Architecture fill all 30 student slots for their program. The client was particularly satisfied with how the design conveyed the message of healing through architecture and its cultural relevance.

• Client Feedback: “We were thrilled with the result. The flyers and digital posters not only filled our program but also connected deeply with our community values and the spirit of Zulu architecture.”

‍

Reflection:

This project helped me deepen my understanding of how cultural design elements can drive powerful narratives. It also allowed me to balance aesthetic design with functional marketing, making sure the visuals were impactful across multiple platforms. One improvement I would make in future projects is to test the readability of the flyer with more diverse audiences before final production.

‍

Tools Used:

• Adobe Illustrator (for vector design and layout)

• Photoshop (for image manipulation and topography integration)

• InDesign (for preparing final files for print)