OPINION: How can Built Environment Professionals play an active role in the rebuilding of SA - Kate Foss

Kate Foss who is an Architect shares her hardhatOPINION on what she thinks Built Environment Professionals can learn from the recent violent protests in South Africa which led to looting and destruction of property.

Please give us a brief summary on your career to date

I am an architect. I studied in Johannesburg and have worked at commercial practices in South Africa and the United Kingdom. I am currently based in London. 

Have you been directly impacted by these events? 

No, I am living abroad currently.

How do you think these events will impact Construction and Built Environment Professionals going forward?

Built environment professionals need to think differently. How could the built environment prevent such devastation? How can we design in security? How can we prevent buildings from being burnt so easily? Why did those children in the JHB cbd have to jump from the roof? What about fire protected staircases? We need to ensure we have safer spaces for our people.

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How can Construction and Built Environment Professionals contribute in rebuilding our society after all this?

We can provide pro bono services to those impacted. We can work together to provide better, safer and healthier spaces which protect our children and provide jobs for our unemployed.

Do you see a silver lining in all this? 

I am hoping that following the traumatic uprising, a time of public community consciousness will follow

ALSO READ OPINION: How can Built Environment Professionals play an active role in the rebuilding of SA - Duma Mnqumevu

What would you say to Construction and Built Environment Professionals who are currently feeling despondent by these events?

We must treat these times as an opportunity! Much of the built environment (especially city planning) has not changed since apartheid. The recent destruction must be seen as an opportunity to rebuild that which we can improve upon. For example, does South Africa need more malls only accessible via car or taxi? Can we build schools and clinics instead? Can we set up mobile service providers for food and medicines able to reach those in rural areas? I don't believe this will be the last time this happens. Lets plan for the imperfect world.

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