Construction World September 2024

ABOUT GIFA The Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) boasts a rich legacy, tracing its roots back to 1900 as the Transvaal Institute of Architects. It is dedicated to nurturing architectural excellence and raising awareness of the built environment. Its focused committees explore specific topics, addressing both current and historical issues. Moreover, it offers extensive training and development opportunities to members, ensuring continuous professional growth. ABOUT SAIA The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) is a voluntary association for Professional Architects. SAIA’s mission is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members in pursuit of excellence and responsible design. It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The fundamental principles of equality and justice are implicit in our Constitution. SAIA incorporates the nine existing regional institutes: Border-Kei (Eastern Cape), CIfA (Western Cape), Eastern Cape, Free State, GIfA (Gauteng), KZNIA (KwaZulu-Natal), Limpopo, Mpumalanga and PIA (Gauteng). “The Architecture South Africa Conference AZA 2024 was 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).  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 Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) was a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme, “Where Architecture Meets ... US/ Planet/Future ...”, the conference was a 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.

Claire McCusker, President 2024/25 of SA Institute of Architects (SAIA).

AZA Convener, Daniel van der Merwe.

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

35 CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2024