F E AT U R E
C AT C H I N G U P W I T H . . .
Lesego Bantsheng, 2 0 1 9 W I N N E R O F T H E FA C E S O F T H E F U T U R E C A M PA I G N
Q: How has your current portfolio
evolved, and what new projects have you been working on?
A: My current portfolio has
evolved in two ways. First, in my plight to become an urban designer, I have to register as a landscape architect professionally. Professional registration has required me to take up projects more geared towards filling the gaps in my competency able. Before working for the Department of Public Works, my work experience at Newtown Landscape Architects consisted of intensive design projects. There was a lot of conceptualising, draughting, and site visits. After reassessing my timesheets, I realised I had to gain experience in the categories of professional practice and environmental management. Thus, the bulk of my work in the past year has been more of report writing than design. In order not to lose my language as an artist and designer, I’ve embarked on personal projects, including painting, illustrations, and sculpting. Through these mediums, I get to continue my search for the African creative expression I was so passionate about in my thesis. The work might not be landscape architectural, but it is a way for me to communicate my love for African heritage.
Q: What do you see happening within the next two years of your career?
A: In the next two years, I see myself studying
urban design part-time or wholly immersed in urban design projects. I want to continue working in the public sphere, especially as an urban designer. I believe that this route will equip me better to make the types of change I’m passionate about in society. I also see myself doing more projects with Uhuru Heritage.
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Q: What advice would you give to other young up and comers like yourself?
A: I would advise young up and comers to be
patient with the process. The journey is a reward in itself. The only competition we have is with ourselves. If one continues to better themselves, there is no failure.
Q: How has your move from Cape Town (CPT) to Johannesburg (JHB) affected you?
A: The move that affected me the most was
from Johannesburg to Cape Town. I did my undergraduate in Pretoria, which is close to JHB. JHB is familiar territory for me. Although I miss Cape Town, I understand JHB, and sometimes I feel more comfortable here. I’m closer to my support system, something I did not have in CPT.
Q: How do you see yourself positively affecting the industry?
A: My contribution to the industry will be to
broaden the scope of landscape architecture. To achieve this, I need to be involved in the early stages of project conceptualisation. Unfortunately, landscape architects get involved in projects at the very last minute, and the practice can be perceived as an inconvenience. Working at the DPWI has taught me about the process of identifying work for landscape architects. The trajectory of projects I’ve been involved in has proved the benefits of being an urban designer that understands the need for greener cities. Even as an urban designer, I intend to have a significant impact on landscape architecture.
Q: Do you still have free time to work on Uhuru Heritage?
A: I make time to work on Uhuru. At this stage, the bulk of our work is research-based. We had scheduled to film a project on climate change before the lockdown. Like everyone else, we
