Interviews mit Hactor Kabo Malete

I am a Botswana born Architect based in South Africa. I completed Masters in Architecture (M.Arch Prof) in South Africa at Nelson Mandela University, in city called Gqeberha (Formerly known as Port Elizabeth. Since my graduation, I have been working full–time for a private Architecture firm – Consult Three Architects for close to 12 years. In this company, I was involved in different types and size projects ranging from small to mega. The largest project was estimated at just over half a Billion in South African Rands. I worked for just over 3 years as a trainee Architect until I wrote my professional/board exams which I passed and registered as a Professional registered Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Since then, I have a have been practicing as a Professional Architect for 9 years to date. I have, in total, accumulated just over twelve years of work experience. I am registered with Architecture professional regulatory bodies in South Africa and Botswana. I am currently based in East London, South Africa where I have been running my own Architecture firm for just over a year to date. My firm is involved in projects around Africa, mainly in South Africa and Botswana. I am Professional Architect registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and Architects Registration Council in Botswana (ARC). To me, Architecture is not only a profession, but a calling to a greater purpose in life.

Since high school, I have always wanted to pursue a career which involves a combination of Art and Science. Architecture was my best-suited choice. I hence, have always known from high school that Architecture is the career I would like to pursue. Spaces, beautiful buildings, large buildings, high rise buildings have always fascinated me as a teenager. My love for beautiful building structures grew to the extent I imagined myself as a creator of these structures at some point in life. To me, these were not only buildings, but works of Art. My interest in joining the profession was with the aim of further pushing the envelope in the design of spaces and buildings.

I focus more on the overall composition and expression of the building, how public spaces around the building relate to the building, spatial flow & spatial relationships within the building. My aim is to ensure that the overall design is well knitted together. Lastly but not least, I always ensure, without compromise that, in all my building/designs, sustainability forms part of my priorities.

Before I design, I look at the site for which the building is to sit, some sites are very exciting to work with even before I start designing. The same goes with the type of building to be designed, it’s exciting even before the design starts. However, it usually gives a feeling of uncertainty everytime I start a design from scratch because it takes hard work to come up with a design. It’s a stressful time to be honest up until I see the design taking shape.

Growing up, I have always been an experimental as a child and always curious to the extent of imitating real-life objects through drawings, painting, and sculpting and other creative means. That was my fun and play time as a kid while other kids were interested in many other activities like playing games, watching videos etc. My passion for creativity grew with time and I knew that once I complete my high schooling one day, I would like to pursue a career in creativity.

As an Architect born in Africa, I have always ensured that all my projects I design anywhere in Africa, identify with the cultural heritage of the place for which I’m designing. Most of my projects are therefore rooted in culture and are place specific. With that being said, it does not take away from the fact that as an Architect, I can design any building anywhere in the world and still ensure that the building/design identifies with the character and cultural heritage of that specific country within the world.

I would like to grow my Architecture firm into a big establishment that does big projects all over the world. I would like to have my footprint in most of the continents. My goal is to win more design awards and ultimately win the Architecture Pritzker Award with time. My immediate next plan of action is for me to open up a branch of my company in Botswana this year.

My aim is to one day be given an opportunity to design and implement super mega sized projects like airports, skyscrapers etc. I await an opportunity from potential clients so that I can showcase my design skills.

Do as much research as you can on design and learn from award-winning designs. Also subject your work to rigorous critic by other designers.

The advice I have is that as a designer, you continuously work 24/7. Even when you are on holiday, design doesn't stop. Break times are perfect times to refresh and come up with innovative and creative ideas. Those spare and leisure times are a perfect opportunity to get the creative juices flowing and perhaps resolve pending design issues.

I start my day off by going through my emails and checking if there's important correspondence to be attended to. I quickly draft a 'to do list' then attend to the first task and my day unfolds according to the list. Most of my day, however, consists of design work. I make sure that i attend to my design work early in the morning while my mind is still fresh to think creatively.

I constantly subject my work to critique by other Architects, read articles on Architectural design, learn from award winning projects, and attend Architecture webinars and seminars, watch educative YouTube videos

A good design ensures that it serves the intended purpose, it’s humane, sustainable and furthermore aesthetically pleasing. Architectural work is also a work of Art, it should be wowing to look at.

Firstly, no design can ever be enough. A designer will always feel the need to develop the design further or alter it. That being said, it is important as a designer to ensure that you set yourself levels to ensure that beyond that level, you avoid making further changes, especially when the design ticks all the necessary boxes in terms of functionality and esthetics. Secondly, the client must be happy and give approval. If both the designer and the client are happy, it's enough to put an end to the design process, otherwise other projects will suffer in the process

I have worked on a museum concept designing South Africa even though the project was not built. The estimated construction cost was just over half a billion in South African Rands. The museum was to commemorate one of the important events of the people of that area. I had a great time doing research into the context, culture and the history of the area for which the museum was to be designed. It took me about 2 months to finalize the concept (this includes both research and design). I have also worked on another museum of a similar nature which was estimated at hall a billion South African Rands. The design was also not built, only the concept was designed.

My latest project which I was involved in is a Mega School in South Africa with a construction value of 137 Millon South African Rands. I was involved in Both the design and implementation of the project. Construction was completed in 2021. This project was interesting and challenging because the client (the government) had a strict budget as well as set standard prototypes with which Architects are to work with when designing schools. One had to figure their way around working with standard prototypes and limited budget and at the same time come up with a design that has been creatively thought out of the box.

This has always been a very difficult question for me to answer because I have 2 Designers/Architects that I look up to and they inspire me a great deal. Here are they (in no particular order):

The first Architect is Francis Kere. Kere is an Architect whose work is mostly rooted in culture is its very place-specific. To me Kere's work is an epitome of African Architecture. If further reflects sustainability in a more profound sense than the mere common narrative of carbon footprint. I look forward to meeting him in person one day and more importantly partnering with him in one of the projects at some point in my career.

The second Architect Zaha Hadid. Unfortunately, she is not more, I have always had a dream to one day also meet and have a conversation with her on the ideas behind her great work. Her work inspires me because it is purely an Architectural work which is very artistic and expressionistic. Her work is a marvel to look at. It bridges the gaps beautifully between concept and reality.

I was born in Botswana but I’m currently based in South Africa. I always ensure that all projects that I design Identify with the cultural heritage of the place for which I’m designing. I can design any building anywhere in the world and ensure that it identifies with the character and cultural heritage of that specific area. I will have to carry out research and study the culture of that specific area.

I have just started my own firm and will only have employees by the end of the year. I would like to believe that I will be an easy Designer for one to work for. I work well with other designers and I'm a strong believer in the opinions of other designers on my designs to ensure a water-tight designs. I see design as a culture as opposed to a work environment.

I personally believe in working alone in the business and not partnerships with other Directors/shareholders. It gives me freedom of choice/decisions and expression as a designer. However, if I were to have a business partner, I would look for someone that has strong points that I, myself, lack so that our strengths complement each other.

What I currently do to give back as a designer is mainly assist students. I assist them by giving them critiques on their work so that they grasp the basic principles of basic designs. My focus is mainly on those that struggle with design. This is an initiative that i have been doing for many years since my graduation.

A' Design Awards are reputable and esteemed design awards worldwide. If one wins these awards, it gives my clients and potential clients confidence in my work. The award changed the trajectory of my career in the sense that I will always endeavor to keep the high level of design/creativity to ensure that as a designer I'm known for my excellent craft. I cannot afford to drop the standard. This award is a motivation and confidence booster.

Besides winning the award, being chosen as the designer of the is a great honor. Many other designers could have been chosen in place of me. I will always be grateful to A Design Awards.

This design I did has been nicknamed ‘The Worm’. This is because, it was inspired by one of Botswana’s local delicacies – Mophane worm. Of pivotal importance is the relationship between Mophane worm and Mophane tree in particular. This relationship was translated into how the building commands a harmonious dialogue between itself and the natural vegetation surrounding it. This dialogue is established through the use of scale, material as well as physical and visual interaction/connection between interior of the building and outdoor natural landscape. Creating a building that resonates with this worm further gives the building a sense of cultural significance. The two distinct features (thatched roof and the circular form) evoke traditional Tswana Architecture.

The formal expression of the building is derived from the physique/body shape and posture of mophane worm. The main body of the worm was translated into the floating and overarching roof that covers all indoor spaces below it. The moving multiple legs of the worm are the flexible and openable see-through walls that open to the courtyard as well as the outside natural environment.

May main focus was designing a building that relates well with nature and also rooted in the local culture.

My future plan is to enter this design for more awards and competitions. The client’s aim is to start building the design towards the end of the year 2023 or early 2024

It took me about 2 months. The building is part of a complex of other buildings in an Agritourism development project in Botswana (Letlhakane town).

The design was commissioned by my client

I designed the project specifically for a client and he intends to start building the design towards the end of 2023 or early 2024

I was approached by my client who gave me a brief of what he would like me to design for him

No, there wasn’t. I’m currently the only designer in my company. However, I intend on hiring other designers once my company grows and expands

This particular design belongs to a client already. I can design more buildings of this type for other clients anywhere in the world. The designs will be different depending on the site location and client’s requirements

Its place specificity and culture rootedness as well as drawing inspiration from nature, sets this design apart from others.

The building draws inspiration from nature (Mophane worm in particular), hence the name ‘The Worm’

Hand sketches to formulate the concept, Autodesk Revit for design development and technical documentation and lastly Twinmotion for producing 3 dimensional renders

It’s the inspiration it draws from Mophane worm and how it translates that into its formal expression and its relationship with nature

I worked alone on the project, there was no collaboration.

The use of Architectural modelling software as well as 3D rendering software

I did research on the climate and culture for the area, which informed building orientation, use of material, sustainability measures etc.

The challenge was to design a building that draws inspiration from Mophane worm and be able to translate the inspiration to Architectural terms.

I have always known about A design Competition as one of the international design competitions and I have been following the competition on social media. When I saw the competition calling for entries, I decided to enter my project for the competition since I had also completed the design. By then, I only had to compile documentation and all necessary presentations required for the competition.

My architectural presentation techniques improved greatly and I become more conversant with Architectural Rendering software (Twinmotion) that I use for my projects. The project also helped me understand Biomimetic Architecture better (the type of Architecture that draws inspiration from natural forms and translates that into Architecture).

All is covered

I completed Masters in Architecture (M.Arch Prof) in South Africa at Nelson Mandela University, in city called Gqeberha (Formerly known as Port Elizabeth). My M.Arch design thesis received 3rd place Regional Student of the year award. As a student, I also won a commendation prize (runner-up) at the Gyproc Enervation National Design challenge in South Africa. Since graduation, I have accumulated just over twelve years of work experience to date. He is currently based in East London, South Africa where I have been running my own Architecture firm for just over a year to date. My firm is involved in projects around Africa, mainly in South Africa and Botswana. I am Professional Architect registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and Architects Registration Council in Botswana (ARC). To me, Architecture is not only a profession, but a calling to a greater purpose in life.

Since high school, I have always wanted to pursue a career which involves a combination of Art and Science. Architecture was my best-suited choice. I hence, have always known from high school that Architecture is the career I would like to pursue. Spaces, beautiful buildings, large buildings, high rise buildings have always fascinated me as a teenager. My love for beautiful building structures grew to the extent I imagined myself as a creator of these structures at some point in life. To me, these were not only buildings, but works of Art. My interest in joining the profession was with the aim of further pushing the envelope in the design of spaces and buildings.

I chose to become a designer

I design buildings and spaces. I design buildings of all types and scales. There is no restriction in terms of the size and type of building. As an Architect or designer based in Africa, my wish is to design landmark buildings, large scale buildings both in Africa and other continents overseas. One day I would really like to further be given a chance to design projects overseas (Europe, Asia, Australia, America etc.)

When they start in the industry, they should be willing to prioritize experience over money until they get the necessary experience. They must also be willing to work under a mentor and be willing to learn, put more effort and time at the beginning of their career and then enjoy the results later. They should be involved in design competitions as much as possible even though they might not win, but they should keep trying because in the process they learn. Also learning from past awards winning projects is of paramount importance in how one develops.

A good designer is content with a satisfactory design that meets all the requirements and functions well. A great designer is always looking for ways to challenge the status quo, think out of the box and come up with ground-breaking design concepts.

A good design ensures that it serves the intended purpose, it’s humane, sustainable and furthermore aesthetically pleasing. Architectural work is also a work of Art, it should be wowing to look at.

A good design tremendously boosts the value of the property, attracts the public, and attracts clients. It boosts business.

I would like to design one of the largest international airports. This is because it’s a place which most people from many countries in the world pass through. It’s an opportunity to exhibit my Architectural work to such a large audience. Alternatively, I would like to design any large building that would give me freedom of expression without having to worry about the budget for construction. I would like to design these buildings for both private clients or any government anywhere in the world

To design and implement mega sized projects like airports, skyscrapers etc. I await an opportunity from potential clients so that I can showcase my design skills.

I always do research, read, learn from other award-winning Architects’ work, and enter more competitions to sharpen my skills. I also put more time into design, I do not rush it.

The Architect Francis Kere, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster. I also get inspired by award winning architects from design competition platforms

Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens (London) by Francis Kere, Beijing Daxing International Airport (China) by Zaha Hadid, Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi (UAE) by Norman Foster

My greatest design is the Agritourism development that I designed in Botswana (in a small town called Letlhakane) for a private client. The building comprises of; the entertainment center, hotel, conference center and farming activities. The buildings are designed in a way that it resonates with local culture and makes use of local traditional indigenous Architecture in a more modern way.

Read more, learn from other designers and award-winning projects and participate in design competition

I would have become a fine artist

The conventional understanding of design is interrogating the problem, addressing it to achieve a particular intended purpose. For me however, it goes beyond that, I would define design as the art of creatively and poetically addressing issues while ensuring that the intended purpose for which the design is done is achieved.

As a Design Architect, it is critical for one to define their design philosophy which becomes their drive in their professional career. It helps one as a Designer to focus on a specific area or 'style of design' to ensure a well-crafted design.

Architecture must not be understood merely as a process of designing buildings and defining spaces. The term 'building' should be divorced from the process of Architecture (and understanding spatial quality, syntax etc.), It should rather be looked at as a moment in space that results from an interplay of various factors. This then becomes a provocation of a series of ongoing events in time. Therefore, in light of this, Architecture becomes a moment in space that 'sparks' a series of events in a continuous progression of time.

It is an inescapable fact that the term 'building' limits one's thinking and results in the designing of 'conventional' & inhumane 'buildings' that also lose relevance with time. A well-crafted Architectural design is one of mankind's perfect tool to challenge the rule of time.

As an Architect, I endeavor to create 'Architectures' that are timeless, humane, and sustainable and evoke a true sense of 'dwelling'. This is a paradigm I believe should be harnessed further in the 'sphere' of Architecture. Once this is the case, we are confident that our places of dwelling, neighborhoods, towns, urban spaces and edges, villages etc. will be delightful places to inhabit.

I must give credit to my former employer who gave me the platform to express myself in terms of design, he trusted me with his projects and clients

My former lecturer (Andrew Palframan) from the Nelson Mandela University School of Architecture. He taught me design in my final year of my undergraduate studies as well as my final year of my postgraduate studies. His approach to teaching design made it easy for me to understand design and made design interesting. Ever since my graduation I never looked back, I enjoy design and Architecture is my career and my hobby at the same time. I will always be grateful for the role he played in my career.

Having to spend sleepless nights trying to put more effort into designs that end up being rejected by clients, my former employees and also losing design competitions. I would temporarily give up and keep trying again. It was not an easy road

Through digital presentation platforms. Technological advancement has created more opportunities for designers to take advantage of.

My next project which I’m currently working on is another Agritourism development project also in Botswana. I hope to enter this project for a competition as well once completed. In future, you should expect much bigger projects for mainly private clients and hopefully the government as well. The aim is to enter more than one project for A design competition in future.

I would like to grow my Architecture firm into a big establishment that does big projects all over the world. I would like to have my footprint in most of the continents. My goal is to win more design awards and ultimately win the Architecture Pritzker Award with time.

They expect flawless designs and high level of professional integrity

Great designs, especially in Architecture, combat a lot of social ills like crime, and create a healing atmosphere both physically and psychologically. Great Architectural designs are more than just housing activities.

I am currently working on another Agritourism project in Botswana

The Agritourism development in Letlhakane, Botswana. It gives me the most satisfaction because it’s a project that resonates with the culture of the area and once completed, it will be one of the tourist destinations in Botswana since it offers traits that not many buildings of the same type offer. It goes beyond a conventional building. It’s an artwork that, once completed, will be exhibited to the local and international market.

To have more people get involved in design competitions of this nature to maintain high standards of design

It’s headed towards the direction of infusing more technology in design but still maintaining a large extent of human intelligence. I personally believe that, there’s no alternative to human intelligence in terms of designing

It depends on the size and the complexity of the project. However, I usually give my designs enough time. I prefer to take longer to design than produce a quick design that’s not effective and fulfilling. One of the secrets of great designs is quality time.

I start with understanding client’s requirements and brief, understanding his/her background/profile, analyze the site on which he/she would like me to design and then do research before I start producing hand ketches. These hand sketches capture the concept that I will present to the client before I further develop the design.

A good designer should aim beyond trends, and produce designs that are timeless

A good design sets trends, designers are trend setters.

Technology helps me convey my mind as a designer

I use Autodesk Revit for modelling and Twinmotion for producing rendered 3D views

When texture is used with a particular color, it could stimulate a certain feel/mood/reaction. In Architecture, both texture and color could be further used to define spaces.

I would like to them to ask what inspired the design and what sets it apart from other buildings of the same type

What’s the concept behind the design and how long did it take to design?

Yes, I believe in co-design, and my ideal design partner would be my former design lecturer at university (Andrew Palframan) and also some of the well-established award-winning Architects. I also particularly wish to partner with the Architect Francis Kere at some point in life for one of the projects

My client had the most influence on my design. He gave me requirements which I interpreted into the design product.

Architecture magazines that cover renowned works of Architecture, philosophy of Architecture books and articles

I constantly subject my work to critique by other Architects, read articles on Architectural design, learn from award winning projects, attend Architecture webinars and seminars, watch educative YouTube videos

Francis Kere (Architect)

It is definitely not easy to be famous, but once you work hard and finally get recognized for your outstanding work, getting famous is inevitable

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite place: Cape Town (South Africa)

Favorite meal: Pap with beef stew and spinach

Favorite season: Summer

Favorite thing: Going to church

Favorite brand: Mercedes Benz

I had a dream while I was sleeping. In that dream, I missed my deadline for submissions of my designs. I was so relieved and happy when I woke up and found out it was only a dream.

What makes my day is when my design takes shape and the reaction I get from my client when they are happy with the design.

Yes, it was obvious because I have always been a child who liked Art and I was involved in Art competitions from primary school. I also used to design and build model cars made of wires. The fulfilment I got when I saw the final completed model made me realize that I’m destined for a career that has to do with design and creativity when I grow up. By the time I completed high school, it was already clear that I would like to become an Architect. I never struggled or got confused trying to choose a career path.

The only thing I think about the future relating to design is technology. The future of technology in design cannot be ignored. It will form a much bigger part of the design process. We can already see it make strides.

I am a Botswana Born Architect but work and reside in South Africa where I am a permanent resident.

This design I did has been nicknamed ‘The Worm’. This is because, it was inspired by one of Botswana’s local delicacies – Mophane worm. Of pivotal importance is the relationship between Mophane worm and Mophane tree in particular. This relationship was translated into how the building commands a harmonious dialogue between itself and the natural vegetation surrounding it. This dialogue is established through the use of scale, material as well as physical and visual interaction/connection between interior of the building and outdoor natural landscape. Creating a building that resonates with this worm further gives the building a sense of cultural significance. The two distinct features (thatched roof and the circular form) evoke traditional Tswana Architecture.

The formal expression of the building is derived from the physique/body shape and posture of mophane worm. The main body of the worm was translated into the floating and overarching roof that covers all indoor spaces below it. The moving multiple legs of the worm are the flexible and openable see-through walls that open to the courtyard as well as the outside natural environment.

This type of Architecture is termed ‘Biomimetic Architecture’. It draws inspiration from nature and natural forms to address spatial issues and human interaction with spaces and the built environment. It is sustainability in a more profound sense.

Since high school, I have always wanted to pursue a career which involves a combination of Art and Science. Architecture was my best-suited choice. I hence, have always known from high school that Architecture is the career I would like to pursue. Spaces, beautiful buildings, large buildings, high rise buildings have always fascinated me as a teenager. My love for beautiful building structures grew to the extent I imagined myself as a creator of these structures at some point in life. To me, these were not only buildings, but works of Art. My interest in joining the profession was with the aim of further pushing the envelope in the design of spaces and buildings.

After working for a private Architecture firm for roughly 12 years, I decided to open my own Architectural Company. The name of my company is called Hactor K. Malete Architects and it has been operating for roughly a year now. It mainly does projects in Botswana and South Africa and some of the countries in Africa. It currently stationed in South Africa. This year we will be opening another branch in Botswana.

The conventional understanding of design is interrogating the problem, addressing it to achieve a particular intended purpose. For me however, it goes beyond that, I would define design as the art of creatively and poetically addressing issues while ensuring that the intended purpose for which the design is done is achieved.

As a Design Architect, it is critical for one to define their design philosophy which becomes their drive in their professional career. It helps one as a Designer to focus on a specific area or 'style of design' to ensure a well-crafted design.

Architecture must not be understood merely as a process of designing buildings and defining spaces. The term 'building' should be divorced from the process of Architecture (and understanding spatial quality, syntax etc.), It should rather be looked at as a moment in space that results from an interplay of various factors. This then becomes a provocation of a series of ongoing events in time. Therefore, in light of this, Architecture becomes a moment in space that 'sparks' a series of events in a continuous progression of time.

It is an inescapable fact that the term 'building' limits one's thinking and results in the designing of 'conventional' & inhumane 'buildings' that also lose relevance with time. A well-crafted Architectural design is one of mankind's perfect tool to challenge the rule of time.

As an Architect, I endeavor to create 'Architectures' that are timeless, humane, and sustainable and evoke a true sense of 'dwelling'. This is a paradigm I believe should be harnessed further in the 'sphere' of Architecture. Once this is the case, we are confident that our places of dwelling, neighborhoods, towns, urban spaces and edges, villages etc. will be delightful places to inhabit.

Currently I enjoy designing hospitality buildings and buildings that are located within a natural landscape. However, my wish is to one day design a mega sized international airport and other large sized public buildings like skyscraper hotels, museums etc.

My favorite design is the Agritourism development that I designed in Botswana (in a small town called Letlhakane) for a private client. The building comprises of; the entertainment center, hotel, conference center and farming activities. The buildings are designed in a way that it resonates with local culture and makes use of local traditional indigenous Architecture in a more modern way. It goes beyond a conventional building. It’s an artwork that, once completed, will be exhibited to the local and international market.

I designed a public space (proposed upgrade of a street, public square and a heritage monument) at a city called Gqeberha in South Africa

I prefer to use rustic and natural material for all my designs located in natural landscape. In terms of the mediums that I use in my design process, I prefer using hand sketches. However, for drawing and rendering software, my favorite is Revit Autodesk for modelling and Twinmotion for rendering

Very early in the morning or when I’m out to have coffee relaxing or taking a walk. When I feel stuck, when designing, I usually take a break and have a cup of coffee then come back refreshed and ideas come through much better.

I focus more on the overall composition of the building and how public spaces around the building relate to the building and each other. My aim is to ensure that the overall design is well knitted together. I also focus on the overall 3-dimensional expression of the building. I ensure that it's aesthetically pleasing.

Before I design, I look at the site for which the building is to sit, some sites are very exciting to work with even before I start designing. The same goes with the type of building to be designed, it’s exciting even before the design starts. However, it usually gives a feeling of uncertainty everytime I start a design from scratch because it takes hard work to come up with a design. It’s a stressful time to be honest up until I see the design taking shape.

I get a feeling of relief, excitement and fulfilment.

A successful design ensures that it serves the intended purpose, it’s humane, sustainable and furthermore aesthetically pleasing. Architectural work is also a work of Art, it should be wowing to look at.

Does the building serve the intended purpose? Does it contribute positively to urban spaces around it? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is the building sustainable?

The designer is responsible for ensuring that the building/design contributes positively to public spaces around it. It should create pleasant spaces for people to inhabit. As designers we are also responsible for creating designers that contribute to the reduction of the global carbon footprint. Climate change has become a serious challenge in the last few decades.

The future of design is evolving towards a trajectory where it will see design inseparable from technology. The future of technology in design cannot be ignored. It will form a much bigger part of the design process. We can already see it make strides. The amount of time it will take for a design process in future will most probably take a fraction of the amount of time it takes now.

I’m an Architect, I have not held any exhibition yet

I draw inspiration from my clients’ background and requirements, climate, nature of the site as well as building type to be designed. I also get inspiration from works of reputable Architects, award winning designs and nature.

Contemporary minimalistic designs that are rooted in culture and place.

I was born in Botswana but I’m currently based in South Africa. I always ensure that all projects that I design Identify with the cultural heritage of the place for which I’m designing. I can design any building anywhere in the world and ensure that it identifies with the character and cultural heritage of that specific area. I will have to carry out research and study the culture of that specific area.

Sometimes I work with companies as my clients and at times I consult for other Architectural companies to offer Architectural design services if they do not have enough resources or they specifically require my special design services.

The best way for companies to select a good design is by advertising the vacancy and asking candidates to submit a portfolio of previous work done. Companies will be able to ascertain which designer produces great designs.

My design process is as follows and in the following order:

1.I get client’s brief and understand his/her requirements

2.I then study the site, analyze it and analyze its context (including culture, climate, buildings around, movement, access, to mention but a few)

3.Then I’ll start with hand sketches to develop a concept

4.From hand sketches I’ll develop the concept further and start using Architectural drawing software to sketch and design more to scale

5.The next stage will be to further detail the design of Architectural drawing software

6.When I’m confident about the design, I then export the model to my Architectural rendering software to produce 3 dimensional renders

7.After producing renders, I will further develop the design to produce working drawings and construction drawings

Coffee table, picnic table, bedside lamp, couch, book shelf

I start my day with prayer and a cup of coffee, check my emails, and note things to do for the day. If I have a design a design, then continue with then I’ll continue with the design.

Do as much research as you can on design and learn from award-winning designs. Also subject your work to rigorous critic by other designers and Architects.

The beautiful thing about design is seeing your idea take shape and your client happy with the product. The down part about design is you may come up with a design concept that you might have to change completely either because the client doesn’t like it or yourself as a designer you are not happy with it. It takes a lot of effort and stress to get to a point where as a designer you are also happy with your design.

Always subject your design work to critique by other designers no matter how good of a designer you are. Designers never stop growing.

Creativity, Research skills, critical analysis, imaginative mind, being able to design with hand sketches, presentation skills, being able to translate hand sketched to computer aided designs

Books, hand sketches, site, client’s requirements and brief, drawing and rendering softwares, internet

At design stage, I ensure that I do design everywhere I go and at any time. Even if I go out to the shops or watch movies etc., e ensure that I think about design so that by the time I sit down it takes a short time to come up with the design. Designing is part of my everyday life regardless of the time and place or what I’m busy with at the time

It depends on the size and complexity of the project. However, good designs always take time

1. What inspired your design?

2. How long did it take to design?

3. How much does it cost to design?

4. How much does the design cost to build?

Being given an opportunity to design the biggest project my previous employer was ever contracted to.

My clients are currently mainly private individuals and private companies

I enjoy designing buildings that I located in nature because. I love nature and the only way to interact with it is directly personally and also via my creations/designs.

I would like to grow my Architecture firm into a big establishment that does big projects all over the world. I would like to have my footprint in most of the continents. My goal is to win more design awards and ultimately win the Architecture Pritzker Award with time. My next plan of action is for me to open up a branch of my company in Botswana this year.

I currently develop designs by myself. However, once I have hired designers in my company, I will develop designs together with my team. Every team member that develops a design will have it discussed by the team internally before presentation to the client.

I am currently working on another Agritourism project, residential houses, and hotels, all of them in Botswana.

Email: hactor.k.malete@gmail.com

Cell: +27 72 498 1223

Everything has been covered

The harmonious relationship harmonious relationship between Mophane worm and Mophane tree has evoked the use of free flowing spaces that ‘spill’ to the outside. This necessitated the use of largely openable facades that are also glass to create both visual and physical connection between the inside and outside spaces.

This dialogue/natural symbiosis is established through scale, use of geometry, material as well as physical and visual interaction/connection between interior of the building and outdoor natural landscape. The building winds itself in a circular form and ‘disappears’ into the natural landscape with facades largely openable to the surrounding. The circular form derived from the structural form of the worm, makes it easy to create habitable spaces that are shielded from the external weather elements. In this manner, the wall membranes between the outside and inside can be all open regardless of the weather conditions. This creates a building that’s intricately connected to the natural environment surrounding it.

This creates a safe haven for users that prefer to sit and use the outside spaces, to do so without having to worry about weather conditions. This courtyard is usable regardless on any harsh weather condition. Users are able to use outdoor spaces anytime they will. The further blurred line between the outdoor and indoor spaces allow the users sitting inside to experience the outdoor spaces at the same time.

In Traditional Tswana Architecture, materials used are usually earthy and are left raw in their natural finish. This is the case with The Worm Integrated Center, materials are left unfinished in their natural state. Not only is the use of compressed earth blocks and thatched roof a literal representation of the primary materials used in Traditional Tswana Architecture, they also promote environmental sustainability. These materials reduce energy consumption of the building. They keep the building warm in winter and cool the interiors cool during summer. The materials are further also locally sourced materials (earth and thatch). All these reduce the carbon footprint of the building in an era where climate change and global warming has become an increasing concern.

These flexible and openable glass walls create a sense of oneness between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The walls completely open to the courtyard and blur the line between the two spaces. In this instance, the natural environment flows into the inside and the outside flows out to the natural environment.

I ensured that the overall primary aspects of Traditional Tswana Architecture are captured in the design while infusing it with modern ways of construction and materials in a way that it does not overshadow the primary traditional Tswana Architecture traits. For example, Tswana huts are usually arranged around a common courtyard. This was translated into the building’s ability to form a central courtyard. I also infused the use of natural materials like glass walls with the compressed earth walls. Earth blocks used in traditional Tswana architecture has also been reimagined in a modern way through the use of compressed/engineered earth blocks. It still gives the same character but the walls are more modern and structurally sound for a structure of this scale and this use.

During the season mophane worm harvesting, the local communities usually harvest the worm to feed their families and also most sell it for economic benefits. It has been one of the most important contributors towards local communities’ economic upkeep. This building was therefore, not only designed to serve its function but also to display the Traditional Tswana Architecture as well as the cultural Heritage of Botswana. It is targeted at international tourists to experience it and in the process contribute towards the Letlhakane local economy. The whole architectural concept and narrative was informed by the probe to display this local traditional heritage.

Traditional Tswana architecture only makes use of small huts and not so big structures. The challenge on this project was to design a roof that suites a bigger building that is arranged around a wider and a radial configuration. I have also used the structure in a playful manner that celebrates the tectonics structural aesthetics. The challenge was getting the structure to work technically. However, I made use of modern building technics to get the structure to be technically sound.

Most of the walls are between buildings and facing the main courtyard. These are the walls that mostly form part of the 70%. Besides the courtyard being shielded from the adverse weather conditions, the building is layered with a wide veranda space between the outside and the building. These create enough buffer zone to cushion the interiors from external weather conditions. The use of compressed earth blocks, underfloor insulation and thatch further help to regulate the weather effects of weather conditions while allowing for the use of openable glass facades.

Once completed, this building will set a precedent in terms of successful interpretation of Traditional Tswana Architecture to modern architecture. I envision this building to be an inspiration to other local Architects in terms of this type of approach to Architecture. This will be the local Traditional Tswana Architecture re-imagined.