INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE TO SHAPE CITIES FOR AFRICA’S FUTURE POPULATION

Industry professionals gather at AZA24 from 4-7 September in Johannesburg, South Africa to shape the future of African cities through innovative architecture.

Africa’s population is expected to balloon to 1 billion people in the next 25 years (from 1,5 billion in 2025 to 2.5 billion by 2050), and the majority of these people will want to live in urban areas. This presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the continent, and architects will play a crucial role in addressing them.

The massive rise of urbanisation in Africa, is resulting in sprawling cities and the emergence of megacities such as Kinshasa, Lagos, and Cairo. However, this trend is not limited to just these areas, as other cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi are also projected to earn the megacity status soon.

“In an increasingly complex world, the role of architecture is becoming more crucial than ever before,” says  Devi Paulsen-Abbott at Energy Capital & Power. “As Africa experiences rapid urbanisation and the emergence of megacities, the need for innovative, sustainable and functional design is imperative.”

The skills gap in African architecture

Recognising the potential for economic growth, the South African government has prioritised infrastructure development and urban planning, emphasising the importance of the architectural profession.

But Paulsen-Abbott says there is a shortage of qualified and experienced architects in the continent, with only 1,453 architects currently practising in South Africa and 8,859 registered professionals with the SA Council for the Architectural Profession. To address this need, the profession has been included on the Critical Skills list in South Africa.

Shaping Africa’s megacities

Against this background the highly anticipated AZA 2024 Conference will take place from 4-7 September in Johannesburg, South Africa. With the theme “Where Architecture meets…Us/Planet/Future,” this four-day event will bring together over 1500 architects and industry professionals to explore the critical role of architecture in shaping the future of African cities.

The conference aims to bring together industry experts to share knowledge and expertise, with the goal of driving the growth of development and urban planning in Africa.

With an impressive lineup of over 50 speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in African architecture through a number of illuminating discussions. Two of these include:

1. Contemporary architectural design for Africa
   One of the highlights of the conference will be a session on Productive Synthesis: An Approach to Designing Contemporary African Architecture from Olayinka Dosekun-Adjei and Jeffrey Adjei from Studio Contra.

   “Productive Synthesis is about harmonising the architectural past, present, and future to create a unique and vibrant contemporary African architecture. By bridging these elements in both practice and academia, and fostering cross-border collaboration, we can redefine and elevate the architectural landscape across Africa,” say the duo.

2. The AI revolution in African architecture
   Exceptional knowledge and expertise will be brought forth at the upcoming conference on architecture, featuring renowned expert Dr. Sechaba Maape from the University of the Witwatersrand. Drawing on extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Maape will offer insights on the pressing topic of the Future of Architecture in an Age of Doubt.

According to Dr Maape. “By exploring AI beyond mere visualisation and developing new theories for a post-AI world, we can redefine architectural practice and envision a future where technology and design seamlessly coexist.”

Attendees can anticipate a thought-provoking and eye-opening discourse, delving into the transformative potential of AI in African architecture.

Innovative, sustainable architecture

African architects are breaking new ground in urban design, merging functionality, aesthetic appeal, and community cohesion through mixed-use developments and inclusive public spaces. This innovative approach not only addresses housing challenges, but also preserves cultural identity and promotes sustainable and socially responsible practices. AZA 2024’s gathering of experts and thought leaders, will not only inspire but ignite changes within the architectural profession.

This conference provides a platform for networking and collaboration among attendees from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and countries, ultimately driving the transformative power of architecture in shaping Africa’s future and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Africa.