Johannesburg to host Africa’s leading festival of architecture, design, and innovation
The AZA2025 urban festival and conference returns this August, bringing together international and local architects, cultural producers, academics, and students in a vibrant celebration of ideas, innovation and the future of the built environment. Presented annually since 2010, AZA2025 invites attendees to explore bold new directions in architecture through collaborative dialogue and design thinking.
Three Lenses Shaping the Future of Architecture
Themed “Architecture Meets…”, AZA2025 takes a multidisciplinary approach, exploring how architecture interacts with three urgent realities:
1. Architecture Meets Planet
Focuses on sustainable design within a climate-challenged, globalised context.
2. Architecture Meets Us
Explores how built environments connect communities, preserve heritage, and foster belonging.
3. Architecture Meets Future
Looks to AI, automation, and emerging technologies reshaping architectural practice.
Festival Highlights: From Keyes Art Mile to UJ Kingsway Campus
The programme begins on 28 August 2025 with an opening exhibition at Keyes Art Mile, showcasing exceptional graduate work from across South Africa.
From 29–31 August, the main conference takes place at the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus, featuring dynamic keynote addresses, SACAP-accredited CPD sessions, and hands-on discussions on sustainable innovation, equitable urban development, and digital transformation in the built environment.
Global Thought Leaders Take the Stage
AZA2025 welcomes a compelling roster of international speakers, each offering a unique perspective on design, sustainability and the future of cities.
- Arjun Malik (India): Known for balancing heritage and innovation, Arjun explores how architecture can be both technologically advanced and experientially grounded.
- Bijoy Ramachandran (India): Architect, filmmaker, and educator, Bijoy co-founded Hundredhands and brings a critical urban lens through his documentaries and design studio.
- Brendan MacFarlane (France/New Zealand): Co-founder of Jakob+MacFarlane, Brendan is celebrated for projects like Restaurant Georges at Centre Pompidou and will curate the French Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale.
A Platform for Connection and Growth
AZA2025 offers a rare space for cross-disciplinary exchange, where architects, planners, academics and artists can connect through networking, panels, and curated events. Students are especially encouraged to attend, offering early-career professionals the chance to interact with global leaders, discover diverse paths in design, and expand their professional horizons.
Where Architecture Meets What Matters
As the world demands more inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive urban solutions, AZA2025 places African architectural voices at the centre of global conversations. It’s a chance to imagine, challenge, and shape what comes next.
