Page 15 - Decor & Lifestyle Issue 1 2024

Focusing on spatial development for a positive outcome for communities. ‘The less we engage in the social issues of our
society is Urban-Think Tank Empower time, the more we breed a public apathy towards architecture and, in turn, dilute the
(UTTE), a non-profit organisation which urgency of our craft,’ it says. The MAAK’s New Rest Valley Crèche is an early childhood
emerged from Urban-Think Tank Design development (ECD) centre for The Vuya Foundation and the first completed formal
Group, an international collective that public infrastructure in the New Rest Valley near Riebeek-Kasteel.
uses the power of architecture and
design to uplift the lives of marginalised Based in Cape Town, The Ramp is a multidisciplinary project space that challenges
communities worldwide. UTTE employs conventional means of institutional access to the arts by bringing creative practitioners
a unique collaborative, research-led together. The Ramp connects creatives with the goal of sharing collective knowledge
design approach to providing decent, and resources - and invites the public to get involved - to produce more impactful work.
affordable housing for all — the fruit of
which is a modular housing unit that Experience this active shift towards impact design for yourself and join the designers
allows the owner to adapt the layout to and creatives paving the way to the future at Decorex Cape Town and Joburg.
suit their specific needs.
For more information about the shows, follow @decorexafrica or visit
Another company paving the way in https://www.decorex.co.za/
social impact architecture is The MAAK,
an award-winning architectural practice ®
based in Cape Town that focuses on DECORE X
public buildings and spaces that yield

AFRIC A

13 | DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE Issue 1 2024