Institute of Architects of Zimbabwe Annual Conference 2023

Under the theme “Urban Composition and Place Making – Lessons for the New City”

-text by Michael Nott -photos by Fotohaus

transport and industrialisation.

He challenged architects to modernise designs, incorporate climate challenges and focus on residential densification. He mentioned the backing that Zimbabwe is receiving from Shelter Afrique for housing developments and urged architects and contractors to support local material suppliers and manufacturers.

Among the line-up of prestigious delegates there were two international guests. The African Union of Architects (AUA) was represented by the Vice President of the organisation

Architect Sydney Ngoma from Zambia. Member states of the AUA include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and South Africa. Mr Ngoma called on member states of the Southern Region of the AUA to work closely together and collaborate on joint projects. He advocated for a broader Free Trade Zone for the region for the sharing of goods and services and the dissemination of expertise.

From South Africa, Lemohang Cindi, Assistant Director: Strategic Urban Planning for the City of Johannesburg, provided information on several fascinating urban renewal projects taking place in Johannesburg including the ‘Hello Joubert’ experimental project to create walkable cityscapes, the Paterson Park Social Cluster (part of Johannesburg’s Corridors of Freedom Initiative, which seeks to improve social cohesion within the urban environment) and the Grand Central project in Mid-Rand which is a mixed housing development integrating low income housing into a more affluent area. These are all innovative developments and could provide a valuable blueprint for similar programmes in Harare.

The major sponsor for the Conference was Khayah Cement which has recently rebranded from Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe. Mr Innocent Chikwata, CEO of Khayah Cement, took us through the remarkable growth of the company as well the development of their new plant which has dramatically increased their output. He emphasised Khayah’s commitment to sustainable building policies as well the company’s ability to create new cement products tailored to specific requirements. In line with the company’s progressive outlook, he touched on the company’s unique plan to offer funding to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly products and construction methods.

Other interesting presentations were provided by Laura Tofts, NCS Colour Expert, on the subject of The Future of Environmental

Colour and Thembani Mhambi from Mbare Art Space on the theme of Repurposing Colonial Architecture: Inspiring Urban Renewal.

Great things are happening in Mbare which should inspire future urban regeneration schemes, particularly in currently disadvantaged areas. Mrs Khanda, Acting Director of Works, Town Planning, City of Harare, spoke about the Borrowdale and Enterprise Road Local Development Plans, and led the audience through the process of planning approval and some of the pitfalls to be avoided. She also lamented the Departments sad lack of the most basic resources and called on Architects, Engineers, Property Developers and others to provide support. Mr Walter Mukanganwi from NUST spoke on the Dialectics of the Dichotomous City indicating that Harare is broadly divided into low income and more affluent suburbs. He gave an overview of the historical development of the City and urged planners to develop more integrated spaces that are safe for women and ignore racial biases.

There were a number of exhibitors with stands outside in the garden which were viewed by Minister Garwe in a tour and networking programme. Many of the exhibitors were also sponsors of the Conference. Sponsors were invited to make short presentations highlighting their products and services.

Before lunch there were presentations from Kaylite King, Safeguard, Pomona Steel & Fencing, Maxitile, Willdale Bricks and Halsteds. Later in the day, after lunch, there were presentations from Paving Pro/ Paving Doctor, Global Roofing Solutions, PUC (Private Utility Company), iBuild Aluminium and Union Hardware. It was a great opportunity for the sponsors to showcase their goods and services and for the attendees to gather information about both new and established products.

There were also two panel discussions, Renewal of the Urban Fabric Part 1 & 2, where experts aired their opinions and members of the audience were invited to ask questions and give their own perspectives on the issues under consideration.

Altogether it was a really successful and informative conference with a carefully curated selection of delegates and presenters representing a good cross section of the construction industry. No doubt there will be many more Conferences in the years to come.