PUBLIC INTEREST DESIGN IN SOUTH AFRICA

306pp., illus., paperback, Routledge, Abingdon, 2026

ISBN: 9781032455037

This study presents examples of architectural projects and practices in South Africa since 1994 that collectively subscribe to the paradigm shift towards Public Interest Design, the deliberate and necessary shift from a culture of segregation, fortification and private interest, to one of intense collaboration, democratic engagement and responsive design thinking.

Local architectural projects discussed include the Warwick Markets in eThekwini and the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrade programme in Cape Town, projects undertaken by Carin Smuts of CS Studios, as well as a collection of smaller but impactful interventions across the country.

Carin Combrinck is Associate Professor and head of the Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria. She serves as a researcher of the Unit for Urban Citizenship and as Co-Director of the Informal Settlements working group of the UIA.

Claire du Trevou is a professional architect and public space strategist working at the intersection of architecture and community development. She holds an MBA from UCT and an MA in Architecture from the University of Pretoria.

Tshepo Mokholo is a South African interdisciplinary designer, urbanist, writer, and researcher. He holds an Honours degree in Architecture from the University of Pretoria and is pursuing an MA in Southern Urbanism at the African Centre for Cities.