Johannesburg is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. This cultural excellence, as a truly unique melting pot of ideas, gives the city a heritage rich in diversity, always one of the most precious resources for creative minds.
Architecture and design in Johannesburg
It is not easy to define the architectural style of Johannesburg. The city has evolved over time, neighborhoods change, and the views change vibrantly from one zone to another. From the trendy districts with fine 19th-century buildings and ultra-modern skyscrapers, to the former industrial areas that have been completely renovated, featuring new shops, museums and art galleries.
One of the most interesting examples of this “rebirth” of Johannesburg from a design standpoint is Orlando Towers, in the township of Soweto – once a marginal zone of poverty and crime, the theater of violent clashes during the battles against apartheid. This district became part of Johannesburg only in 2002, and its architectural and social context is highly diversified. The two cooling towers of an abandoned power plant have been completely renovated as an entertainment center, with a large panoramic terrace overlooking the city. A great place for drinks or dinner.
The design district
The most important zone for design lovers in Johannesburg is Maboneng, meaning the “place of light” in the local language. This old area in the eastern part of the city was once full of industrial buildings, which have now been completely refurbished. The man behind this progress is the young South African designer Jonathan Liebmann, who has renovated over 50 buildings in Maboneng, including old factories and warehouses, converted for modern and efficient apartments. The streets offer museums, art galleries, venues, shops, showrooms, ateliers, restaurants and cafés, contributing to a lifestyle full of flair and creativity. Last but not least: it is also possible to visit the MoAD (Museum of African Design), the first museum of its kind on the continent.
Braamfontein is one of the most central districts of Johannesburg, very lively and fashionable, also thanks to the presence of the University of the Witwatersrand, which also contains the Wits Planetarium and the Wits Art Museum. Strolling through the streets of Braamfontein you can see historic palaces of the English aristocracy from the 1800s, and very modern towers for offices and trendy rooftop restaurants.
44 Stanley in Johannesburg is famous for shopping. Luxury boutiques, decorated and iconic buildings, enticing showrooms for local and international brands, art galleries with antiques and ultramodern design, bars and restaurants created inside completely refurbished old buildings. La 44 Stanley is not just a development – it is a true icon of style, perfectly embodying the city’s character: a mixture of antique and modern, desire for rebirth and a creative spirit.
Speaking of design and the rebirth of Johannesburg, we cannot help but mention 27Boxes: a modern shopping center with stores, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors made from a series of stacked freight containers. A splendid example of regeneration that has become a cultural symbol in the city.
The Bus Factory in Johannesburg is one of the most interesting and innovative art and design galleries in the city. Inside the complex, you can see (and buy) works and objects by important local and international artists (above all from the regions of southern Africa), items for the home, jewelry and other products created by young designers. The Bus Factory also contains the iconic Drum Café, one of the most fashionable spots in Johannesburg.
Parkhurst: design and furniture stores in British style
Another district in Johannesburg worth a visit for design addicts is undoubtedly Parkhurst. This small suburb is full of attractions, in a northern part of the city that is mostly residential. Visitors can check out leading furniture stores, with local and international products, crafts, art locations and very trendy night life – lounge bars and restaurants, very much in vogue, especially on the famous 4th Avenue. The neighborhood grew above all at the start of the 1930s, and it went through a real boom after the end of World War II. It has a clearly British image, and the suburb – also thanks to associations of local residents – still attempts to conserve its original, romantic spirit.
Design hotel: the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
One of the most important luxury hotels in Johannesburg is the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. It is located in the peaceful suburb of Sandton, and has won boutique hotel awards for its Balinese spa, an excellent restaurant and premium suites in tune with international standards. The Fairlawns restaurant offers various seasonal treats, all prepared with local ingredients. The design is sumptuous, with luxurious furnishings that make every spacious suite unique.
Trendy venues: Alice & Fifth
When it comes to food, Johannesburg offers lots of excellent options that combine great cuisine with appealing design. Just to mention one, the Alice & Fifth supper club is the winner of the coveted “Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.” Its atmosphere is truly original, featuring precious materials of antique charm – marble, stuccowork, leathers and velvets – immersed in an absolutely modern context, with intelligent décor solutions and extreme attention to detail.
