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South Africa is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 63% of the population already residing in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 71% by 2030. By 2050, it is estimated that eight out of every 10 people in the country will live in urban areas. As a consequence, the demand for basic infrastructure and essential services will significantly increase. 

While urbanisation is a worldwide development, the growth rate is the fastest in Africa. By 2035, half of its population will be living in cities and urban areas. But so far, it has largely translated into rising informal establishments, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing poverty and inequality.

One of the most pressing issues is the dire state of the architectural profession in the region with too few skills on hand.

“As the demand for proper urban planning and development escalates, so does the need for skilled and competent architects who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive cities. However, the current state of the profession is cause for concern, with various obstacles hindering its progress. One of the most significant challenges is the housing crisis, which creates complex issues for architects,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott at Energy Capital & Power. 

The ever-growing urban population has put immense pressure on the limited housing options available, resulting in a dire need for affordable and sustainable solutions. Architects have a crucial role to play in developing innovative and sustainable housing options for all citizens.

“These are the professionals who possess the skills, knowledge, and creativity to design and build the spaces we live and work in. They have the potential to transform our cities and shape them into liveable, inclusive, and sustainable environments. However, the current state of the architectural profession in Southern Africa is hindering its ability to fulfil this critical role,” she Paulsen-Abbott. 

Another big challenge facing the local architectural profession is the lack of collaboration between the public and private sectors, she says. “The development of our cities requires a joint effort from both these sectors, but there is a significant disconnect between them.” 

As a result, many projects are abandoned, delayed, or poorly executed, leading to subpar living conditions for citizens. Paulsen-Abbott explains that this disconnect also stems from the inadequate recognition and support for the architectural profession. “Despite its crucial role in shaping our built environment, architecture is often undervalued and underfunded by the public sector,” she says. “This results in a lack of resources and opportunities for architects to develop their skills and push the boundaries of innovation in design.” 

To address these pressing issues, the upcoming Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) is a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme, “Where Architecture Meets… US/ PLANET/ FUTURE…”, the conference promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between architecture, humanity, and sustainability. 

This highly anticipated event, hosted by the SA Institute of Architects (SAIA), Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA), and University of Johannesburg (UJ), will take place from 4-7 September 2024 on the UJ campus. 

AZA Convener, Daniel van der Merwe, says: “This conference is a vital opportunity for the architectural profession to come together, collaborate, and find solutions to the challenges facing our cities. By bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, architects can work towards creating more liveable and sustainable cities for all.”

AZA will also serve as a platform for architects to showcase their innovative designs and ideas, encouraging further growth and development within the profession.

“As citizens, we must also realize the importance of the architectural profession in creating a better future for us all. We must demand that our governments prioritise urban planning and development, and allocate sufficient resources and support for the architectural profession,” van der Merwe concludes.

“The Architecture South Africa Conference AZA 2024 is a call for united action. We know the challenges South Africa faces, lack of sufficient housing, spatial inequality and ailing infrastructure. As architects our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the end users of the spaces we design, inclusive of everyone in our beautiful country. AZA looks to open the discourse on how we can achieve this. Bringing together thought leaders to empower us all for a bright future.”   Says Claire McCusker, President 2024/25 of SA Institute of Architecture (SAIA).

Observed on 9 August, Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. This day seeks to eliminate the root causes of discrimination that still curtail women’s rights in both private and public spheres. Globally trusted infrastructure company AECOM proudly commemorates the day by showcasing exceptional women underpinning its extensive architectural and design capabilities.

Doreen Noetzold, Technical Director – Architecture & Architectural Lead, South Africa

A professional architect with 17 years’ experience, Doreen says that what keeps her passionate about architecture is its diversity. “Every day is different. The world of architecture is very colourful and rich; you will never be bored.”

She adds that architecture is interesting, exciting, entertaining, stimulating, lively, enjoyable and never monotonous. “Change and breakaway from routines are important to keep focused, interested and challenged in my professional life.”

Another factor is her team, as she enjoys engagement, collaboration and exchanging ideas. This is not only limited to her own team, but all the disciplines in her office. “We have a great culture, which is vital considering how much of our time is spent at work.”

Architecture plays a vital role in creating a sense of identity and place. Buildings and public spaces can represent the culture, values and history of a community. It creates spaces that evoke emotions, inspire creativity and foster a harmonious relationship between the built environment, nature and its inhabitants.

“One needs to understand how space affects the people it serves. In my opinion, women bring a greater level of understanding through their inherent intuition to this part of the process. I would also humbly say that women are more detail orientated,” adds Doreen.

She calls for diversity in all spaces in our daily lives. This means experiencing traditions, learning new skills and having a broader and less selfish view in order to build a stronger society. “The importance of diversity is providing the opportunity to strengthen our development as a society,” says Doreen.

Ongoing challenges faced by women are gender biases and stereotypes, work-life balance, unequal pay and recognition and limited representation in leadership roles. Luckily, Doreen has not faced any gender discrimination in her career to date.

“I wish to thank AECOM in this regard. One of its key objectives is to empower women and support their growth to ensure female representation in leadership positions. I am proud to be an example of AECOM’s commitment to female growth and females in leadership roles,” she says.

Doreen’s advice to young women aspiring to enter the field is: “Be patient, committed and dedicated. Even though studying and the first years of your career might be tough, it will be worth it once you find your feet. Architecture is a very rewarding profession.”

Carolien Els, Senior Professional Architect

In line with AECOM’s strategy of ‘Think and Act Globally’, Carolien cites one of her most memorable projects as being a renovation at a school for children with physical disabilities. “The pure joy evinced by the children when they realised they could independently enjoy the facilities was a career highlight. Small changes in the design empowered the students to lead independent lives.”

Carolien graduated from the University of Pretoria and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture at the University of Cambridge. She has worked on diverse projects, from cleanrooms to underground stations.

She has always been drawn to architecture’s power to connect people, particularly through its ability to remove barriers and generate crossing points. Whether it is a building linking two communities or a public space encouraging social interaction, architecture has the unique ability to shape human connections and foster inclusivity.

Throughout her career, she has focused on designing inclusive public spaces and innovative structures that foster community interaction. With over a quarter century of experience, she has led several projects that have transformed urban landscapes and enhanced connectivity within neighbourhoods. “I have had the privilege of studying and working with diverse nationalities and across various countries, which has enriched my perspective and approach to architecture,” says Carolien.

Architecture is a collaborative process where the end users are the most important part. Whether designing a school or research facilities for world renowned scientists, architects have the ability to interpret the user’s needs in creative and unique ways to create beautifully crafted spaces and make a real impact on people’s lives.

Carolien says diversity is important because working with individuals who offer diverse ways of thinking and whose cultural backgrounds and experiences differ prompts consideration of a wider spectrum of possible approaches to challenges and tasks. “It helps us overcome our cognitive biases and drives creativity and innovative thinking,” she adds. Collaborative design by a diverse team delivers much richer, socially integrated projects.

“I have been fortunate to work with quite a few inspirational women during my career. They were hard-working, motivated, effective communicators and maintained incredibly high standards. Women tend to juggle many roles, making them incredibly effective with time management and multi-tasking,” says Carolien.

Her message to young women architects starting out is: “Believe in yourself. Find your passion and fight for your place at the table. Seek out strong mentors to help navigate the unknowns. We are fortunate that AECOM has many inspirational women to lean on. This is only the start of a lifelong journey. Be confident in the process. There will be ups and downs. Consider the bumps as the best teaching moments and keep forging ahead by embracing challenges. And lastly, lift as you climb.  It is imperative to give back to younger women throughout your career.”

Shoroma Dindial, Senior Architect

“The imprint we make on this world, even the smallest, is significant. We as architects enable people to experience this through the buildings we create. Whether it is a home, place of work or worship, refuge, or a site of realisation, we have the opportunity to shape the settings where people create memories,” comments Shoroma.

Having dedicated seven years to tertiary education to achieve her goal of becoming a professional architect, Shoroma subsequently accumulated 12 years’ private sector experience and an additional seven years in the corporate field, involving public sector work and industrial, residential and commercial projects. Career highlights include highly sensitive projects with a specific need that require in-depth research, immersive design and interrogation.

Architecture combines her deep passion for drawing from a young age, the thrill of natural science and geography and the intensity of mathematics. Her tertiary education options ranged from engineering to fine art. “Architecture provided the perfect balance of creativity and seriousness I was hoping for,” highlights Shoroma.

“Over time, I have come to truly understand the need and value of the built environment and how it connects every aspect of life. It offers far more than I initially anticipated. It is deeply rewarding to influence and uplift people’s emotions through design experiences,” she says.

“When an industry reflects the diversity of society, it is more likely equipped to understand and address the needs of all its members,” says Shoroma. Innovation and creativity thrive in diverse environments, as they ensure a multitude of approaches, resolutions and concepts. Inclusivity fosters social equity by providing equal opportunities for all individuals.

In addition, an inclusive industry attracts a broader range of talent, addressing skill shortages and creating a vibrant workforce. Shoroma says a significant challenge is achieving work-life balance. For mothers, balancing professional and personal life can be particularly challenging. Efficiently allocating time between work responsibilities and family obligations is crucial to ensure that neither aspect is neglected.

Shoroma’s advice to aspiring women architects is: “Advocate for yourself and be confident. Strength comes from within. Having done the hard work, enduring the lack of sleep, applying your mind and channelling your creativity, you are well-prepared to thrive in the real world with the fundamentals gained from university. Cultivate your communication skills, showcase your talent and indulge in your interests. Architecture is vast and offers many avenues to explore; find what brings you joy.”

Space Fanatics, the newly established property turnkey project management firm, is revolutionising the design and built environment. Spearheaded by a dynamic duo: Tlalane Ntuli and Tumi Matsau, this cutting-edge company brings superior expertise and passion to every project; managing all aspects from space design to construction in order to produce seamless masterpieces. It’s no wonder they chose the tagline “Where  passion meets precision”.

Space Fanatics, focuses on fusing the elements of construction and space design into a cohesive, greater whole for their clients. By managing and coordinating teams of top-tier specialist implementation partners, including architects, engineers, builders, and interior decorators, Space Fanatics ensures that all aspects of every project are impeccably executed. The business is driven by four key pillars: Simplicity, ensuring straightforward, hassle-free processes for clients; Transparency, providing clear, honest communication and updates throughout the project; Peace of Mind, guaranteeing reliability and trustworthiness in all their dealings; and Excellence, working only with highly vetted implementation partners that consistently deliver superior quality and masterful craftsmanship. Together, these pillars form the foundation of Space Fanatics, whose top priority is comprehensive and seamless property development and design, underpinned by superior project management that also integrates through-the-line advisory aimed at driving process efficiency and cost effectiveness.

The Visionaries:

Tlalane Ntuli, the “Interior Design-Obsessed Exec”, has a corporate marketing background that includes some of South Africa’s largest firms. Tlalane has always delivered impressive results. However, her true fervour for interior design eventually led her to co-found Space Fanatics. Now, she channels her corporate acumen into making Space Fanatics a paragon of organisational excellence. She ensures that the company runs like a well-oiled machine, making it stand out distinctly in the marketplace. Her expertise guarantees that every project not only meets but exceeds client expectations, with an emphasis on timeous delivery, on budget.

Tumi Matsau, the “Designer Extraordinaire”, has a rich history in architecture and branding, complemented by years of hands-on experience in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, making her the creative powerhouse behind Space Fanatics. Her philosophy, “Architecture is a language and Design, a dialect,” is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and user-centered approach. Tumi epitomizes the ‘Precision’ in Space Fanatics’ tagline “Where passion meets precision,” ensuring that every design element is perfectly aligned with its purpose and the client’s vision.

A Story Written in the Stars:

Tlalane and Tumi’s partnership is as unique as their approach to business. Both born in Maseru, Lesotho, on the same day and only 12 hours apart, destiny seemed to have plans for them from the start. According to legend, their mothers even crossed paths at the hospital! This divine connection is woven into the fabric of Space Fanatics, infusing every project with shared passion and harmonious synergy.

They eventually met at age 11 and became inseparable throughout their high school and tertiary years. They exemplify complementary excellence. Tumi’s keen eye for intricate design details seamlessly integrates with Tlalane’s strategic vision, creating a harmonious balance that drives innovation in the business. Their unique synergy is palpable; speaking to one feels like engaging with a different yet perfectly aligned version of the other. Together, they deliver a cohesive, client-focused approach that sets Space Fanatics apart. Witnessing their collaboration is seeing the embodiment of unity in diversity, excellence, and creativity.

A Seamless Experience from Concept to Completion:

Space Fanatics is your one-stop solution for all your space creation needs, whether you are building from scratch, renovating, remodelling or just redecorating, they partner with you to bring your dream to reality. They handle every aspect with precision and care. The company collaborates with thoroughly vetted professionals, including but not limited to architects, engineers, builders, and interior designers, ensuring that each project is executed to the highest standards. Visit  http://www.spacefanatics.co.za to explore how Space Fanatics can transform your vision into reality. Witness first-hand how their unique blend of passion and precision creates spaces that are not only beautiful but also perfectly functional.

Space Fanatics: Where passion meets precision, bringing together the sum parts of design and built to create a greater whole.

Leading Southern African roofing, ceilings and partitioning specialist, Scheltema, has announced the allocation of just over a quarter of the company’s shareholding to three of its managers.

The company, which primarily operates across the Western Cape, says that bringing in these three key managers at a shareholder level will not only better secure enhanced long-term prospects for the business, but also provides incentives for longer tenure and offers greater financial potential, benefiting both the company and individuals.

Operations Manager in the Roofing division, Girshwan Bredenkamp; Operations Manager in the Ceiling and Drywalling division, Zubeir Fisher and Financial Director, Stuart Edelstein, have together secured a 26% share of Scheltema, which took effect on 1 March this year. All three executives are also in the process of being appointed as Directors.

“Each of these executives are excellent at what they do, having established a solid track record at Scheltema. They are also young with bright prospects, and we see this share deal as an investment in the future of the company, and a great opportunity for these individuals in the medium and longer term,” says Michael van Breda, Group CEO, who alongside Managing Director Wouter Viljoen are the other active shareholders in the company.

Bredenkamp has been with Scheltema since 2016, having started as a project manager within the Roofing division, and has gained extensive experience over the last eight years, with an outstanding track record collaborating with stakeholders.

Fisher started with the company in 2011 and has demonstrated proficiency in evaluating cost control measures and enhancing customer satisfaction at a Project Manager level within the Ceilings division.

With both the Roofing and Ceilings divisions now needing a head of operations, Bredenkamp and Fisher’s proven capabilities sees them both move into respective directorship roles. In the Roofing division, Bredenkamp will now co-lead alongside Marcellus Finlayson, Commercial Manager since 2011. In the Ceilings division, Fisher will now co-lead alongside Andre Le Roux, Commercial Manager since 2022.

Edelstein, with a background within the property sector, has proven his abilities from a financial perspective as well as in problem solving and management.

“All three are at a stage where the acquisition of these shares is merely the starting point of their journey, and what we hope will be a long and fruitful tenure with the company,” van Breda says.

The opportunity to bring in three managers at shareholder level was realised when Stephen Arrow retired as a director and relinquished his shareholding in the company. Arrow had been a senior manager with the company since 1977.

“Making Girshwan, Zubeir and Stuart directors is a natural progression to the shareholder deal. As five directors from diverse backgrounds, with both high level operations capabilities and focus, we make up a highly capable and experienced board which is very exciting for the future of the company,” says Viljoen. “By continuing to trade in the way we do, and have done, we believe that we are a force for good in Cape Town and the greater Cape area. The business is in good hands”.

Scheltema was established in 1931 when original founder Cornelius Scheltema began importing clay roof tiles from Europe. Despite weak growth rates in the country over the last decade which has had a major impact on the construction sector, Scheltema continues to show steady growth, attributed to opportunities within the logistics, data centres and solar rooftop space on the roofing side, as well as in short-term accommodation, housing, schools, shopping centres and luxury homes on the ceilings side of the business.

With the growth in e-commerce, Scheltema also identified the opportunity to launch Buildmate in 2021, an online retail platform which offers trade prices on building materials, convenient delivery options, and tech services to homeowners, bakkie builders, skilled tradesmen and farmers. With over 8 000 subscribers and a range soon to number over 5 000 products, the business has seen a 25% growth year on year.

“We focus on helping smaller builders and the DIY market grow their businesses through technology – simple ordering, a large range of product to choose from, and fast delivery,” says van Breda. “Buildmate has now established itself as a meaningful part of the overall Scheltema Group”.

Next for Scheltema is to continue its growth trajectory and talent acquisition, with the company now also looking to recruit a quantity surveyor with commercial experience to join the Ceilings business.

Go to www.scheltema.co.za for more details.

Italian educator and philosopher, Loris Malaguzzi pioneered the Reggio Emilia Approach, – a student-centred educational philosophy. One of the principles he believed in was that the teaching environment is the third teacher (the first and second being adults and other children) in a child’s life. Malaguzzi advocated for designing the educational environment with purpose and intent because a child’s creativity and natural desire to explore the world is what leads them on a path of discovery and learning. Landseer Collen, director and principal at BPAS Architects, believes that this principle can apply not only in school environments, but in tertiary education, and even in adult working and recreation spaces.

“The idea of the environment being the third teacher is about the fact that where you are can be a catalyst for learning,” says Collen. “Your environment can affect all the senses – sight, touch, smell, hearing and even taste. And engaging our senses is how we learn. But instead of focusing on those things, our modern education system tends to put children in rows, between four walls, with narrow passages leading between these classrooms.”

Collen says the idea of the third teacher has also needed revision in a post-Covid age of digitalisation. “I think we have to acknowledge technology as a fourth teacher and cater for that in our architecture,” he says. “One of the ways we can cater for all the teachers – the classroom teacher, the peers, the environment and even technology – is to create ways for users of the space to have more control over it; to create flexibility.”

Collen references Alain de Botton’s book, The Architecture of Happiness, which focuses on the joy of our spaces, which is a concept BPAS tries to implement in its work. One of the ways to achieve this, he says, is about opening up buildings to have a deeper vision of them. At the same time, it’s important to combine this with functionality.

“For example, we can look at educational spaces, which started with people sitting under the canopy of a tree,” he says. “Why? Because trees provided shade and protection from the elements. Buildings do the same. Within buildings, we can use various tools to improve the environment. We can use colour, natural light (and orientation), volume and even landscaping. Architectural elements can promote learning as well as happiness.”

This can be as simple as including grassed areas in schools in impoverished communities where greenery is a rarity and a luxury, a rooftop garden in a corporate working space, or a comfortable reading nook in an educational institution. All of these elements encourage learning, sensory input, and joy.

“A corridor between classrooms can become a green avenue,” says Collen. “Linkages between spaces are important and often an overlooked aspect of architecture that can affect learning, people’s headspace and their emotions. I truly believe that the beauty of architecture is that it’s so much more than buildings – it’s about life. Architecture affects how we experience life.”

Collen believes that even restaurants, bars and coffee shops have the potential to be places of learning, where the environment acts as a third teacher. “People come together in these spaces to exchange and share information, whether it’s to have an informal business meeting, watch a sports match, discuss family decisions, or go on a blind date,” he says. “These places become an informal educational forum – a third teacher.”