Page 24 - Landscape-Issue160

FEATURE

UPDATE

ON THE

BIODIVERSITY

STAND:

STADIUM OF

LIFE, LESOTHO

Two previous issues of Landscape SA
have featured articles on an eco-friendly

football stadium in Lesotho. Named
the Stadium of Life, it was built using
sustainably sourced timber and set new
standards for sustainable construction

and environmental responsibility.

he first article appeared in LSA No. 148, April 2025, and was
entitled Eco-Friendly Football Stadium in Lesotho. The second
Twas in LSA No. 153, September 2025, and was entitled
Biodiversity Stand at the Stadium of Life, Lesotho. This third article
features an update on the biodiversity stand.
The multipurpose venue was designed to foster biodiversity and
provide a serene outdoor environment enriched by indigenous flora.
Beyond its ecological focus, the space serves as a hub for social theatre,
facilitating interactive performances that encourage dialogue and
address critical social challenges. Additionally, it supports Kick4Life’s
social enterprise initiatives by offering a professional setting for
private functions such as graduations, weddings, corporate events
and wellness programmes including yoga and fitness classes. Other
special events are also possibilities for the near future, such as
product launches, exhibitions, master classes and presentations.
Plant material used includes various indigenous plants, herbs and
flowering species. Most are evergreen and well adapted to withstand
extreme weather conditions. They are also low maintenance,
requiring minimal care and watering, and making them both
sustainable and resilient choices for the garden.
The actual stand was constructed from FSC-certified timber,
local sandstone and cement, and designed by the architecture
firm of Park Associati in Milan, Italy. The project was developed in
partnership with rise International, a non-profit social enterprise
dedicated to empowering job seekers as entrepreneurs within the
built environment.
Information and photos provided by rise International n

The biodiversity stand at Lesotho’s Theatre of Life accommodates
fitness and yoga classes, features indigenous planting and is also
a hub for numerous social enterprise initiatives.

22 Landscape SA • Issue 160 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za