South Africa (SA) Architects unite to address housing shortages amid rapid urban growth

South Africa is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 63% of the population already living in urban areas, a figure that is predicted to rise (https://apo-opa.co/3Yt1Azg) to 71% by 2030. It is estimated that by 2050, eight out of ten people in the country will live in urban areas. As a result, the demand for basic infrastructure and essential services will increase significantly.

While urbanization is a global phenomenon, the rate of growth is fastest in Africa. By 2035, half of its population (https://apo-opa.co/4d151l7) will live in cities and urban areas. But so far, this has largely translated into an increase in informal settings, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing poverty and inequality.

One of the most pressing problems is the disastrous situation of the architectural profession in the region and the lack of qualified staff.

“As the need for proper planning and development of cities increases, so does the need for skilled and competent architects who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive cities. However, the current state of the profession is a cause for concern, with various obstacles hindering its development. One of the most serious challenges is the housing crisis, which creates complex problems for architects,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott of Energy Capital & Power.

The ever-growing urban population puts enormous pressure on the limited housing options available, resulting in an urgent need for affordable and sustainable solutions. Architects play a key role in developing innovative and sustainable housing options for all citizens.

“These are professionals who have the skills, knowledge and creativity to design and build the spaces in which we live and work. They have the potential to transform our cities and shape them into welcoming, inclusive and sustainable environments. However, the current state of the architectural profession in South Africa makes it difficult for them to fulfil this critical role,” says Paulsen-Abbott.

Another major challenge facing the local architecture profession is the lack of cooperation between the public and private sectors, he says. “The development of our cities requires a joint effort from both sectors, but there is a significant gap between them.”

As a result, many projects are abandoned, delayed or poorly implemented, leading to poorer living conditions for citizens. Paulsen-Abbott explains that this discrepancy is also due to insufficient 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 leads to a lack of resources and opportunities for architects to develop their skills and push the boundaries of design innovation.”

To address these pressing issues, the upcoming Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) (https://ArchitectureZA.org.za/) is a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme “Where Architecture Meets… USA/PLANET/FUTURE…”, the conference promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between architecture, humanity and sustainability.

Hosted by the SA Institute of Architects (SAIA), the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the highly anticipated event will take place from 4 to 7 September 2024 on the UJ campus.

AZA Coordinator Daniel van der Merwe says: “This conference is a key opportunity for the architectural profession to come together, collaborate and find solutions to the challenges facing our cities. By bringing together the public and private sectors, architects can work to create more livable and sustainable cities for all.”

AZA will also provide a platform where architects can showcase their innovative projects and ideas, encouraging further professional development and improvement.

“As citizens, we must also recognise the importance of the architectural profession in creating a better future for all of us. We must demand that our governments prioritise urban planning and development and allocate sufficient resources and support for the architectural profession,” says van der Merwe.

“Architecture South Africa AZA 2024 is a call to united action. We know the challenges that South Africa faces, the lack of adequate housing, spatial inequality and poor infrastructure. As architects, our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the end users of the spaces we design, including everyone in our beautiful country. AZA wants to start a conversation about how we can achieve this. By bringing together thought leaders to empower us all for a bright future,” notes Claire McCusker, 2024/25 President of the SA Institute of Architecture (SAIA).