ArchitectureZA 2015 (AZA2015), attended by over 500 delegates, was officially opened by President of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) and architectat PPC, Daniel van der Merwe. “This year’s ‘Future City’ theme is more relevant and urgent than ever before. For the first time in human history the majority of humans are now urbanised and the rate is accelerating. Our new era of urbanisation is already dramatically shaping the cities and countries we live in, offering new opportunities and creating new challenges as we collectively redefine the future of our planet especially in the face of climate change and unprecedented demands on precious resources,” said van der Merwe.
Architects and designers are vital in shaping cities that offer residents social and economic services. AZA2015 brought together leading innovative minds to discuss the opportunities these fraternities have to ignite social change and transformation.
Van der Merwe indicated that the United Nations estimates that 71.3% of South Africa’s population will live in urban areas by 2030. “Johannesburg and its population are set to expand by 66% over the next 20 years. Already our cities and large towns produce over 80% of the national gross value added and metros are growing twice as fast as other cities,” explained van der Merwe.
Riveting seminars, enthralling dance performances, interactive film screenings and urban tours are all lined up for AZA2015, which takes place until Saturday, 26 September 2015.
AZA2015 is proudly hosted by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) and sponsored by PPC Ltd., Corobrik and City of Johannesburg. Affiliated partners include: the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA), the University of Johannesburg (UJ), School of Architecture & Planning WITS University, Free State Institute of Architects (FSIA), South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA), ClayBrick, the Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency (SAEE), the Southern African Wood, Laminate & Flooring Association (SAWLFA), Solid Green Consulting, Property Valuers Profession (PVP) and the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID).
For more information on AZA2015, visit http://architectureza.org/. AZA2015 is also on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/architectureza)
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