20/12/2018
Season's Greetings 2018
2018 has been a different year for us, challenging in many ways, but also exciting as we have been exploring new arenas and working differently. The DesignSpaceAfrica team has outdone itself. Many thanks to all our clients and colleagues in the built environment as we have been navigating between socially relevant architecture, good design and maintaining a commercially viable business. Our community focused design engagement has revealed new approaches to our work in architecture and design. We call it 'lessons in architecture from below', an important aspect given the work we have been doing in the upgrading of informal settlements, pursuing dialogue towards 'affordable housing' and the revitalisation and integration of inner cities. We have deepened our involvement at the urban scale and are excited by the opportunities which have been slowly opening up towards a more equitable land use in our cities. In a nutshell, our 'passion for design' continues and our drive towards inclusive cities remains relevant. I am personally pleased by the confidence my colleagues have bestowed upon me as the incoming President of the South African Institute of Architects. It was rewarding to participate in the Congress of the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) this year, and engage on architecture at a continent level. 2019 promises also to be a very different year and we look forward to the new challenges. Best wishes to all and wishing everyone an enjoyable festive season and a good year ahead.
