Back for its 2025 edition, Architecture ZA (AZA2025) is set to ignite meaningful conversations around the future of architecture and urban development in Africa. Presented since 2010, this influential urban festival and conference unites a dynamic mix of international and local architects, thought leaders, creatives, academics, and students to reimagine the built environment through new and transformative lenses.
A Tri-Lens View: Themes of AZA2025
This year’s conference, hosted in Johannesburg, explores three critical focal points:
- Architecture Meets Planet: Tackling sustainable, climate-responsive design in a rapidly urbanising world.
- Architecture Meets Us: Reflecting on how architecture preserves culture, builds community, and fosters belonging.
- Architecture Meets Future: Examining AI, automation, and the digital evolution of architectural practice.
From 28 to 31 August, AZA2025 offers attendees a curated experience beginning with an opening exhibition at Keyes Art Mile and moving into the main conference at UJ’s Kingsway Campus, complete with SACAP-accredited CPD sessions, keynote talks, and workshops on digital transformation, equitable urban development, and future-ready architecture.
Connect, Collaborate, Innovate
AZA2025 isn’t just about presentations, it’s about participation and transformation. Expect interactive panels, collaborative cross-disciplinary discussions, and powerful networking opportunities. Whether you’re an emerging student or seasoned practitioner, the event is a unique opportunity to engage with current industry challenges and explore pathways forward.
Spotlight on Global Visionaries
Three highly anticipated international speakers will share their insights:
- Arjun Malik (India): A Columbia University graduate blending intuitive and intellectual design philosophies. His work bridges historical sensibility with cutting-edge progressiveness.
- Bijoy Ramachandran (India): Architect, filmmaker, and academic, Bijoy brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by documentary work and leadership at Hundredhands.
- Brendan MacFarlane (France/New Zealand): Co-founder of Jakob+MacFarlane and curator of the 2025 French Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Brendan’s forward-thinking approach blends architectural innovation with environmental responsibility.
A Festival for All Generations
From its inception, AZA has been a platform for the future of architecture. AZA2025 continues this mission by welcoming students, educators, and young professionals to engage directly with established industry figures, explore diverse career trajectories, and shape the next era of built design.
