AZA2015 to focus on future of South Africa's cities

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“New buildings are going vertical. After decades of sprawl, building structures are being pushed upwards by the new transport corridors, demands for spatial access, and power costs. In Johannesburg alone, the race to height is rapidly reshaping Sandton,” says Hannah le Roux, one of AZA2015’s speakers and director of the architecture programme at the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Witwatersrand.

AZA2015 will be a bonanza of creative thinkers and visionary leaders with one collective goal - how can architects and designers create meaningful, liveable spaces for generations to come? The architecture and design festival of the year offers master classes, workshops and multitude of public events that will leave the audience breathless.

Design master class

An exciting addition to this year’s programme is the ‘Parametric Design Master Class’, a collaboration of the University of Johannesburg, South African Institute of Architects, PPC and Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA), which takes place from 26-28 September 2015. The class will be tutored by founder of Daffonchio and Associates Architects, Enrico Daffonchio, and co-founder of SLIK Architekten in Zürich, Steffen Lemmerzahl. Together they will unravel the design and construction of innovative pavilion prototypes.

“Architects and designers play a massive role in shaping cities’ future. These disciplines have the power to address local needs and transform spaces for more equitable living for all,” says Daniel van der Merwe, president of GIfA.

Riveting seminars, interactive film screenings and urban tours are all lined up for AZA2015, making it a must on this year’s design calendar. Delegates and the public can choose from the Open Spaces Walking Tour, Chinatown Walking Tour, Johannesburg Modern Tour, Johannesburg Style Tour, Johannesburg Retail Tour, Johannesburg Places Tour and Johannesburg Cultural Heritage Tour.