![]() ![]() This background has given Makeka a strong understanding of what enables cities to withstand shocks and reinject economic energy. His service on the CCID board is linked to his determination to rejuvenate cities and give back, “I’ve decided the next 10 years of my life are about broadscale impact, where I can look back and say, 'I made a difference'.” ![]() He’s doing a lot of work on post-Covid-19 economic recovery strategies. Right now, he’s looking forward to having a greater impact with Dalberg. “Now, sometimes the design isn’t a physical building but rather a process or outcome – such as a horticulture strategy for Lesotho.” He says his career has been an evolution from pure design consultancy to strategic consulting where design has a big role. Previously, he has sat on the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for Design, served on the South African Creative Industries Federation, and as the chairperson of Isandla institute and Cape Town Heritage Trust, to name a few. All of this experience makes him the ideal board member for the CCID. Makeka has sat on myriad boards, recognising these as a way to serve, to demonstrate that architecture goes beyond building pretty houses and to demonstrate the competency of architects of colour. Additionally, he was the Precinct planner for the Silo District in the V&A Waterfront, (working alongside Thomas Heatherwick and VDMMA) and one of the co-architects for Silo 3, the mixed-use residential block in the same district. He also devised tourism strategies, arts and culture strategies, and innovation hubs. As well as the CTICC, Makeka spent many years designing police stations and worked closely with PRASA to rejuvenate the Cape Town Train Station. His work in the Cape Town city centre makes him a perfect champion for this area’s continued revival. His work went international, to China, Madagascar, Tanzania, and other regions. “Simplistically, even though I’d interned with some of the world’s best architects, in South Africa, black architects were associated with public and community buildings, not necessarily private residential buildings.” Makeka maximised the opportunities he had in the space, using his urban design thinking to be involved in large-scale projects like the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). He began to pivot to public work – a reflection of the economy and country at the time. Hons from the University of Cape Town, and leadership qualifications from Harvard Kennedy School, Oxford University among others. Off the back of that, he started his practice while completing his city planning and urban design degree – one of many qualifications he holds, including a B.Arch Dist. He entered an architecture competition while studying – his first exposure to competing with professionals. The World Economic Forum Young Global Leader’s career started as a student. Urban planning and architecture inform his lens – a powerful duality that gives equal weight to form, function and advocacy. A longstanding cross-thread in his impressive career is his passion for making spaces inclusive, dynamic places. Makeka is uniquely qualified to comment on South Africa’s cities. If we can get it right, we can secure a better future for everybody. To do so, he says a radical refocusing on inclusivity is imperative. Right now, we need to inject vibrancy into inner cities like the Cape Town CBD. Mokena Makeka – award-winning architect, urbanist, Principal at Dalberg Advisors and CCID board member – says cities need to constantly be reinvented or they will stagnate. Post the pandemic, there will be an opportunity to reflect on how cities should be redesigned to better withstand shock. If you care about people, you have to care about your city.” Mokena Makeka, newly appointed board member of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID). Better cities can produce better lifestyles. ![]() “Cities are the most powerful way for people to self-actualise to become better human beings.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |