‘Finding Latitude’ is an exhibition of the work of 26’10 South Architects  

As a student who studied architecture at this school, I loved the public talks and lectures held here. It is a privilege to be invited into this space where I learnt so much and to share with you some of the insights gained since graduating and working in the incredibly complex and dynamic place we call Johannesburg. I would like to thank Professor Elleh for this opportunity and for letting me draw on the glass of the Gallery. The Fassler Gallery was actually one of the first projects I did as an architect, just before Anne and I founded 26’10. Back then my client was the late Prof Raman who had the vision to turn what would otherwise be a passage into a show-case for students and architects and it is wonderful to see his vision living on. (Thorsten Deckler) 

The exhibition was first put up at Columbia University in New York last year (2018) as part of the 2 on 2 Dialogues curated by Prof Juan Herreros. When he invited us, he made it clear that he was not interested in slick images of finished projects, but rather a behind the scenes look into why and how architecture is produced in different parts of the world. In response we highlighted 5 themes that have occupied our work. These are big global questions that are not so easy to answer. Pursuing these questions in Johannesburg has forced us into finding the latitude to maneuver within the limits of available skills, budgets and rules. 

• Position: How do we, on the edge of mainstream, embrace the local and its peculiarities? 
• Making: How can create memorable experiences using off-the-shelf materials?  
• Informality: How do we learn from the directness and inventiveness of spontaneous urbanism?  
• Dialogue: How do we meaningfully engage with the communities we serve?  
• Urbanity: How do we create everyday thriving spaces in one of the world’s most unequal cities?