How can architects and designers shape South Africa’s urban landscape for positive social change and economic development? Remarkable developments and international best practices will be the hot topic of discussion at ArchitectureZA 2015 (AZA2015) where thought-leaders around the globe will convene on the future of our cities at the popular space, The Sheds, in Johannesburg from 24 to 26 September 2015.

“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 in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. The AZA2015 conference and festival is an opportunity for everyone to share in the future of South Africa’s cities and be part of the regeneration of major urban life.

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.

An exciting addition to this year’s programme is the ‘Parametric Design Master Class’, a collaboration of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), PPC and Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA), which takes place from 26 to 28 September 2015. The class will be tutored by two fantastic international architects namely 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. Attendees will also be awarded CPD points.

“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, Architect and Marketing at PPC and President of GIfA.

Riveting seminars, enthralling dance performances, 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 Heritage Walking Tour and Joburg Places Tour.

AZA2015 is proudly hosted by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) andsponsored by PPC Ltd. And Corobrik. Affiliated partners include: the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA), School of Architecture & Planning WITS University, Free State Institute of Architects (FSIA) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Media partners include: The Star, Ecospecifier Global GreenTag, Architect Africa Online, Future Cape Town and earthworks.For more information about AZA2015 and to book, visit http://architectureza.org/. AZA2015 is also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/architectureza).

Press release

Media Contact:
Winet Fourie
Email: winet@reputationmatters.co.za
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