DESIGN FOR LIFE
THROUGH a series of books titled
Movement (The City), Zahira has collaborated with some of the most prominent names in design, art and politics to challenge the notions of city building and modern living.
Yours is a very academic approach to design…
The social narratives around cities really interest me, so I started to journey through Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, hoping to understand the cities in more meaningful ways. This project highlights our past and present movements. The chapters in the books are presented in accessible, diverse ways, from an artwork by Lady Skollie on gender, to a conversation about transformation with Albie Sachs.
Collaboration is a big part of your process…
Design is about co-creation. Often designers feel they need to get a brief, design and receive feedback in a linear fashion. This is a very rigid approach to a process that should be a lot more fluid.
What was your goal with Movement?
To invite reflection and encourage civic engagement individually and collectively in the movements we make in our personal and professional lives.
You’ve got big plans for this project…
This year we are hosting a series of Movement Experiences which will bring the chapters of the books to life through talks, tours and events.
You recently collaborated with architect David Adjaye…
We are working on a public pavilion made of concrete and timber, for Johannesburg’s prominent Park Station. The model of the project is currently on exhibit at the Guggenheim in Bilboa until February 21.
What excites you about the future of design?
I would love to see designers, architects and artists engaging with politicians and collaborating more on designing our cities.
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