Nelson Mandela University School of Architecture

Honouring the Life of John Rushmere (1939–2025)
The architectural community bids farewell to John Rushmere, a legendary architect and ISAA Gold Medalist (2002), who passed away on August 20th. A true visionary, John was celebrated for his humanist principles, thoughtful designs, and dedication to creating spaces that respected the spirit of place and community.

From the innovative Village Place at Cape St. Francis to the Duckpond Pavilion in Gqeberha, his work exemplified meaningful placemaking, blending light, movement, and structure to celebrate our shared humanity. Beyond his architectural achievements, John was a talented sportsman, representing Western Province in rugby and cricket, and a beloved teacher who inspired students with his wisdom, care, and passion for design.

John’s legacy extends far beyond his buildings. He was a generous mentor, a loyal friend, and a man who valued collaboration and community in all aspects of life. His influence will continue to shape the world of architecture and the lives of those he touched.
Our hearts go out to his wife Shirley, his family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. John Rushmere’s remarkable contributions and spirit will never be forgotten.

We built it, and our hearts are full! 💛
Through a workshop at Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with Chief Jean Burgess, the Ghonaqua Peoples, and Jason Jacobs, we revived Indigenous knowledge by constructing a Matjieshut.
Staff, students, First Nation leaders, and youth came together to learn, share, and honor traditions guided by Elders from Namaqualand. The Matjieshut now stands proudly as a space for rest, reflection, and cultural connection.
Thank you to everyone who made this meaningful experience possible! 🙏

Building hope, one block at a time! 🌟

Architecture students from Nelson Mandela University designed and built this amazing portable crèche. It’s a game-changer for children in Soweto-on-Sea, Gqeberha, providing a safe, bright, and inspiring place to learn and play.

This innovative structure is more than just a classroom; it’s a movable oasis of hope. Designed for informal settlements, it can be assembled quickly, relocated easily, and offers a dignified environment where early childhood education can flourish.

This project, led by Studio Make, shows what’s possible when students and communities collaborate to create real change. It’s a testament to ingenuity, turning a R270,000 budget into a life-changing space with a reading nook, outdoor play area, and water harvesting system.

Let’s celebrate this incredible initiative! Share this post to spread awareness and inspire more projects that support our youngest learners.

The School of Architecture mourns the loss of esteemed Architect John Rushmere. John, a renowned Architect and recipient of the SAIA Gold Medal for Architecture, led the School of Architecture between 2001 and 2010. His passion and conviction for architecture had a profound and lasting impact on students and staff of the School. Our condolences to his wife Shirley and his family.

Join us tonight at 17:30 for 18:00. A talk by Nikhil and Nindya Bucktowar.

Venue: Main Auditorium, Summerstrand Campus.

It’s going to be excellent! 🙌🏼

Masters student Aiden Van Loggerenberg is inspiring the next generation! 🏛✨ Today, he’s leading a presentation workshop for our First Year BAS class, sharing valuable insights and building bridges between innovative thinking and foundational knowledge.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that’s shaped your learning journey? Share with us below! 👇

Balancing books and rugby takes heart, and our first-year technology student is nailing it! 🏉📚 We’re so proud of their dedication both on the field with the Madiba team and in the classroom. Keep making us proud! 💪🖤💛