At Design Indaba's 25th edition, structural engineer Hanif Kara reframed engineering as an essential creative force within architecture — one that shapes not only how buildings stand, but how they respond to society, environment, and context. As co-founder of AKT II, Kara has collaborated on some of the world’s most ambitious projects, yet his talk focused less on spectacle and more on responsibility.
Central to his message was the idea that engineering is not a technical afterthought, but a generative discipline that should be embedded from the earliest stages of design. By working collaboratively across architecture, engineering, and construction, Kara argued, teams can unlock more intelligent, efficient, and expressive solutions.
He also addressed the environmental impact of the built environment, calling for a more conscious approach to materials, resources, and construction processes. For Kara, sustainability is not a constraint but an opportunity — a driver for innovation that can reshape how and what we build.
A recurring theme in his talk was equity. Kara emphasised that design decisions carry social consequences, influencing who has access to space, resources, and opportunity. Engineers, therefore, play a critical role in shaping more inclusive and resilient cities.
Ultimately, his Design Indaba presentation positioned engineering as a bridge — between vision and reality, creativity and pragmatism, ambition and accountability. By elevating the role of engineering within the design process, Kara challenged audiences to rethink how the built environment is conceived, and who is responsible for its impact.
