Sarah Calburn

Sarah Katherine Calburn, usually known as Sarah Calburn, (born 10 May 1964, Johannesburg) is a South African architect. She studied architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand, graduating in 1987, and in 1996 was awarded a master's degree for her research at Australia's Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The same year she set up an architecture practice in Johannesburg.

Quotes

• "I believe that the need for low-cost housing should never equate to creating oppressive or unattractive spaces. We must shift away from the typical township designs and envision developments that uplift communities."
• "Alternative building technologies are rich with possibilities. I want architects to realize their potential to create beautiful, sustainable homes within compact spaces, shaping the foundation of our future cities."
• "There are many assumptions about housing preferences, like 'Africans don't prefer multi-story living.' I reject this. We need to experiment and showcase successful designs that challenge such misconceptions."
• "We need to dream of a South Africa that embraces its urban ambition. I hope architects, designers, and government officials will collaborate and seize opportunities to redefine cities with creativity and purpose."
• "Social housing and low-cost housing are often seen as lowly enterprises, but I want the government and society to understand their immense potential to transform communities and lives."
• "We haven't experimented enough to demonstrate success. Bold projects can challenge outdated notions and inspire others to imagine cities built on innovation and inclusivity."
  • Interview with Sarah Calburn of Space Matters, John Bowe Transmedia Vission, Retrieved 22 March 2025.