The 4th annual Architecture South Africa Conference will take place in Johannesburg from September 4-7, uniting some of the brightest minds in the industry.

This year’s 4^th annual Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA) 2024 will feature an exciting roundup of internationally renowned speakers and attendees. Taking place at the University of Johannesburg from September 4-7, the conference is a celebration of the practice, art, utility and conscience of modern architecture in South Africa.

Hosted by the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GiFA) and the University of Johannesburg and organized by Energy Capital & Power – Africa’s leading investment platform – the event returns as the premier event for the South African architecture sector under the theme, Where Architecture Meets… Us/Planet/Future….

Recognized for creating spaces that cater to the needs and wants of individuals, Georg van Gass, Director of GASS Architecture Studios, will participate as a speaker during the event. Founded by Gass in 2005, the firm has grown to become a prominent name in the industry and is recognized for its human-centric principles focused on creating spaces that enhance personal experience.

As a partner at Savage + Dodd Architects – based in Johannesburg – Heather Dodd specialized in restorative spatial justice and urban resilience. The firm focuses on large-scale urban housing, public buildings and adaptive reuse project, with special attention paid to sustainability and maintaining client relationships. Dodd’s participation as a speaker at AZA 2024 is poised to showcase the firm’s talent for complex additions, alterations and adaptive reuse of buildings.

Having been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions and with an internationally recognized body of work, Co-founder of Wolff Architects and Open House Architecture Ilze Wolff’s participation at this year’s edition will exhibit her firm’s transdisciplinary and practices approach to design and architecture. Her work alongside her partner Heinrich Wolff has been featured in international exhibitions in Venice, Louisiana, Chicago, São Paulo and Shenzhen.

With over 30 years’ experience in architecture and urban design, Althea Peacock, Director of LEMONpebble Design, has shown an unmitigated passion to the growth and evolution of South African architecture and urbanity. Peacock and her team are dedicated to serving diverse communities in the country while integrating green building practices and showcasing South African citizen’s perceptions of their environments.

As the founder of the multidisciplinary design studio Frankie Pappas International, Ant Vervoort is known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to architecture. Frankie Pappas International is well-known for its engagement with local craftsmen, architects and artists in creating architecture that celebrates client needs, site specifics, budget constraints and sustainability.

“AZA 2024 provides a unique opportunity for networking. It is our goal to bring professionals, academics, students, industry and public together, breaking down the silos we often find ourselves in,” says Claire McCusker, Incoming Chair and current Vice Chair of SAIA.

Boasting a renowned group of speakers, AZA 2024 unites companies and investors from across ten countries, with over 1,500 stakeholders expected to participate this year. The event brings together project developers, investors, designers, policymakers, students and more under one platform to explore opportunities and challenges in South African architecture.

For more insight about this exciting event, visit www.architectureZA.org.za.