AIA Sub-Saharan Africa - Una Ferreira: Architecture Built on Solid Rock

When: Thursday 8 May 2025 @ 12:00 (Eastern US Time)/ 18:00 (Namibia Time)
Where: The Mining Auditorium, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Wagner Street, Windhoek, Namibia

Description

This talk focuses on the work and design philosophy of Una Ferreira.

Una Ferreira completed her Bachelor of Architecture in 2005 at the University of the Free State. She drawsdeep inspiration from her upbringing in Katutura, a township in Windhoek, Namibia, which ignited her passion for community service and human-centred design. Through her firm Una Stuurmann Architects and Social Enterprise Bold Creations, she embodies a profound architectural philosophy - anchored in the human vector in architecture - where each project is a heartfelt response to the people who will inhabit and experience spaces.

Her work is steeped in empathy and storyteIIing, as she strives to create emotionally resonant buildings that do more than just serve functional purposes; they care for the emotional and psychological well- being of the occupants. This approach, which she calls empathy layering architecture, involves a deep discernment of the social and physical needs of the community. Through this lens, she ensures that her designs are not just visually appealing, but also rich in physio- sociological architecture - spaces that address both the physiological and sociological dimensions of human life.

Her work extends beyond architecture into the realm of sustainable, community-driven creations. Bold Creations show cases Namibian talent through recycled and handcrafted furniture, art, and sculpture, emphasising her belief that architecture and design are powerful tools to foster both community pride and environmental stewardship. With every project, Una embodies innovation, care, and a commitment to the sustainable growth of her community, proving that architecture can be a force for social change.