International light shines on SA architect, Sumayya Vally - but she remains committed to Joburg

London is a city renowned for its architecture, with great buildings like the Palace of Westminster and St Paul’s cathedral, the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren. In recent years, more modern architecture - like Norman Foster’s 'Gherkin' and Renzo Piano’s 'Shard' sky scraper - have been changing the skyline. In the European summer, the city celebrates modern architecture with an annual commission of a pavilion in the grounds of the Serpentine gallery. Here, an internationally famous architect is chosen for the design. This year an architect from Johannesburg was chosen. She is Sumayya Vally from the Counterspace Studio. This is not the only honour bestowed on this young woman from Jozi - she has been featured on Time magazine's 2021  best 100 list as the most influential architect “who is shaping and defining the next generation of leadership.” But despite the international accolades, Vally told BizNews that she remains committed to Johannesburg, where she sees potential beyond deterioration and challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices