A Series of Conversations and Events
Throughout October, Shaped by Place will host talks, panel discussions and special events that expand on the ideas explored in the exhibition.
Bringing together architects, designers, collaborators and members of the public, the programme creates opportunities for conversation around place, culture, technology, social impact and the future of the built environment.

Explore the Programme
Browse upcoming events taking place throughout the exhibition period.
Visitors can view event details, reserve their place and receive updates on future programme announcements.
Talk
Design Friday
Architecture, Place & Practice
Chanel Besson in conversation with Peter Rich, Stefan Antoni, and Philip Olmesdahl
A conversation exploring architecture, place and practice with Peter Rich, Stefan Antoni and Philip Olmesdahl Hosted by Chanel Basson, the discussion reflects on four decades of architectural thinking, cultural influence and the role of architecture in shaping meaningful human experiences.
Date: Friday, 2 October
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: Brundyn Arts & Culture
Speakers
Chanel Besson, Director and Editor-in-Chief of Scape Magazine
Peter Rich, South African architect, educator, and researcher
Stefan Antoni, Principal at SAOTA
Philip Olmesdahl, Principal at SAOTA
Reserve Your Place
Talk
Architecture, Power & Justice: Designing for Agency and Opportunity
How can architecture help build a more just and equitable society?
This conversation brings together SAOTA and 9Miles to explore architecture, education and social impact through projects like the 9Miles Learning Centre, considering how design can support access, dignity and community empowerment.
Drawing on the creation of a community learning space, the speakers will reflect on how thoughtful design can create lasting value beyond a building itself.
Date: Thursday, 8 October
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: Brundyn Arts & Culture
Speakers
Nigel Savel, Co-Founder of 9Miles
Sher’Neil Savel, Co-Founder of 9Miles
Mark Bullivant, Principal at SAOTA
Reserve Your Place
Event
Open Studios
This year, SAOTA’s Open Studios looks a little different. Hosted within Shaped by Place, SAOTA’s 40th anniversary exhibition, the event invites visitors to explore four decades of architecture through models, films, drawings and immersive installations, while engaging directly with SAOTA team members throughout the exhibition. Visitors will gain insight into the ideas, people and places that shape the practice, as well as careers in architecture, interiors and design.
If you are interested in a future career at SAOTA, we encourage you to join us and start the conversation.
Date: Wednesday, 14 October
Time: 17:00 – 20:00
Venue: Brundyn Arts & Culture
Reserve Your Place
Talk
Modern Architecture in the Cape: Heritage, Influence and Continuing Legacy
Explore the architectural lineage, mentorship and enduring influences that have shaped contemporary practice in the Cape. Through the lens of the Fagan legacy, the conversation reflects on the relationship between architectural heritage and the future of the profession.
Date: Wednesday, 21 October
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: Brundyn Arts & Culture
Speakers
John Wilson-Harris, President of CIfA
Roxanne Kay, Principal at SAOTA
Dani Reimers, Principal at SAOTA
Dominik George, Principal at SAOTA
Reserve Your Place
Talk
Architecture After Automation
As emerging technologies continue to transform the built environment, what remains uniquely human about the practice of architecture? Join SAOTA principal and invited guest for a discussion exploring creativity, authorship, technology and the future of design.
Date: Tuesday, 27 October
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: Brundyn Arts & Culture
Speakers
Akheel Khan, Founder of IBD
Phillippe Fouché, Principal at SAOTA
Reserve Your Place
Reserve Your Place
Please complete the form below to register for this event.
Reserve Your Place
Please complete the form below to register for this event.
Reserve Your Place
Please complete the form below to register for this event.
Reserve Your Place
Please complete the form below to register for this event.
Reserve Your Place
Please complete the form below to register for this event.
