KHOLISILE DHLIWAYO
Culture as Creative + afrOURban
SAY IT LOUD - Naarm Melbourne Exhibitor
MELBOURNE/AUSTRALIA Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by the tenacity, resilience and ingenuity of BIPOC communities and immigrants , the ways in which they use the tools at their disposal to better built environments that take little account of their needs and culture.
KHOLISILE DHLIWAYO
Bio:
Kholisile is an African-Australian architect, whose work focuses on engaging diaspora and community-driven design through BIPOC knowledge systems. He is the principal architect of Culture as Creative the curator of afrOURban(a collective of African artists in the diaspora and on the continent). He has worked extensively in Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and New York. He is collaborating and working interdisciplinarily to decolonise his practice through BIPOC knowledge systems and cultural practices.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My father was a diplomat, so growing up we moved more than the average family. I can pinpoint when exactly but I enjoyed drawing plans of the houses we lived in and imagining changes, I particularly remember the courtyard house in Addis Ababa.
What do you do?
I am an architect, curator and creative director investigating ways in which practice can be transformed by BIPOC knowledge systems and cultural practices.
What excites you in the work you do? Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am excited about the experience(s) of learning from people, specifically issues that were not addressed in my very western - Australian - professional education. I enjoy collaborating with some of the really impressive creatives in our country.
Who or what inspires you professionally? What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am inspired by the tenacity, resilience and ingenuity of BIPOC communities and immigrants , the ways in which they use the tools at their disposal to better built environments that take little account of their needs and culture.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
This is yet to come, despite having worked as a built environment professional I have a long way to go before achieving my goal of being an architect who's work embodies and prioritises BIPOC knowledge systems and practices.
Featured Project Name:
Black Diasporas
Featured Project Location:
New York City
Featured Project Completion Date:
ongoing
Role in Featured Project:
Creative Director & Curator
Featured Project Description:
Black voices telling Black stories Black Diasporas is a digital mapping platform that documents the experiences of Black individuals and the spaces and places that have meaning to them in New York City. The project manifests as a geolocated oratory experiences of Black people. The pilot commenced in New York City with a new edition expected for Melbourne Australia. www.BlackDiaspras.com In collaboration with Simba Mafundikwa and renowned African-Australian filmmaker Kalu Oji.
