Our Future Cities

Our Future Cities An urbanism practice & consultancy led by Rashiq Fataar
Working today for better cities of tomorrow.

An independent organisation co-creating more equitable, visionary and innovative cities and spaces.

Our CEO,  , joined Suren Naidoo on the Moneyweb Property Pod to talk about our work — how we help cities, developers and...
19/10/2025

Our CEO, , joined Suren Naidoo on the Moneyweb Property Pod to talk about our work — how we help cities, developers and institutions understand what’s really happening in places and unlock opportunities through strategy, design and partnerships.

The conversation covered public space, placemaking, Cape Town’s future, mobility, and of course, how the Olympic Games could act as a catalyst for urban transformation.

Listen at Moneyweb.co.za / Spotify / Link in bio.

PROJECT Update: In 2024, Our Future Cities delivered the study 'Regent Road Reimagined: A Strategic Framework for People...
11/08/2025

PROJECT Update:
In 2024, Our Future Cities delivered the study 'Regent Road Reimagined: A Strategic Framework for People and Place' — a placemaking led block-by-block plan to transform the heart of Sea Point into a safer, more welcoming, and more vibrant public space.

Commissioned by the Regent Road Precinct Association , the framework builds on the momentum of the Regent Road Socials — that brought thousands together — and charts the next chapter for one of Cape Town’s most recognisable streets.
Nicola Jowell - Ward 54 James Vos Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism -Road-Precinct-100085706234924 Mojo Market

Its goals include:
• Make walking and cycling safe and easy
• Create spaces to linger, meet, and enjoy
• Strengthen identity through art, lighting, and wayfinding
• Improve safety and welcome, day and night

The process is now led by Cllr Nicola Jowell, has been presented to Alderman James Vos , and is currently travelling through the City for review.

Project: Regent Road Reimagined – A Strategic Framework for People and Place
Client: Regent Road Precinct Association
Year: 2024–
Location: Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
Project scale: 1.2 km street corridor
Services: Research, Urban Strategy & Visioning, Stakeholder

Reunion Island is a compelling case study in circular economy and sustainability. With all resources—food and waste—eith...
16/12/2024

Reunion Island is a compelling case study in circular economy and sustainability. With all resources—food and waste—either cultivated locally or imported, it exemplifies resource management in a closed system. The island has set an ambitious target to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources—hydroelectric, solar, and biomass—by 2030, while its untapped geothermal energy potential remains unexplored.

Transportation, however, remains a pressing challenge. Limited public transit options and a reliance on private vehicles result in significant congestion and lost time. A decision to abandon plans for a light rail system in favour of a costly highway over the sea has deepened this dependence. Since 2022, some improvements have been made, including bus-only routes and protected bike lanes, critical for supporting the island’s sugar palm industry and truck transport.
Reunion Island’s cultural mix and use of public spaces—for barbecues, cultural events, and renowned hikes—reflect its unique social and environmental dynamics.

We’ve been opening up the Our Future Cities archives in placemaking—rediscovering bold ideas, experiments, and placemaki...
11/12/2024

We’ve been opening up the Our Future Cities archives in placemaking—rediscovering bold ideas, experiments, and placemaking projects that have shaped our journey in creating more welcoming, exciting, and meaningful spaces. As we gear up for a lineup of projects in 2025 in new cities and on new continents—spanning meanwhile uses, area-based strategies, and art-led, more colourful initiatives—we’re reflecting on what didn’t work to make us sharper, challenge our own ideas, and bring the best into the next 15 years.

Join us on this journey—get in touch to work with us: [email protected]

05/12/2024

Our CEO, Rashiq Fataar, sat down with Africa Melane from CapeTalk to reflect on the past 15 years of Our Future Cities. In the coming weeks, we’ll share highlights from the interview, showcasing our journey and evolution.

Placemaking and public spaces have always been in our DNA. As we embark on new placemaking projects we remember our roots.

Can sustainable precincts make for sustainable cities?Our CEO, Rashiq Fataar, recently participated in the Green Buildin...
03/12/2024

Can sustainable precincts make for sustainable cities?

Our CEO, Rashiq Fataar, recently participated in the Green Building Council South Africa GBCSA Convention to debate the opportunities and limitations of precincts in South Africa.

He was joined by Bakang Moeng, Harold Spies, Heidi Barends, and chair Diale Josiah Lodi.

Don't give up on Jozi !Johannesburg is often viewed as a city grappling with significant challenges, yet it remains full...
28/11/2024

Don't give up on Jozi !

Johannesburg is often viewed as a city grappling with significant challenges, yet it remains full of untapped potential for renewal and growth. Over two weeks, we explored parks, public spaces, and used the Gautrain, while seeing projects like Oxford Parks and grassroots work of JoziMyJozi, demonstrating the power of community-led change. With opportunities to activate parks and regeneration projects like Victoria Yards, the City of Gold still has much to be hopeful for.

Since we have started advising on a mobility project in Europe, we’ve been inspired by  vision for Prague’s Central Stat...
22/11/2024

Since we have started advising on a mobility project in Europe, we’ve been inspired by vision for Prague’s Central Station.

It transforms the area into an inviting “urban lounge” (Thanks Liezel at the City) that redefines public transit spaces. The design focuses on low-emission transport and micro-mobility, with public transit, walking, and cycling taking centre stage—aligning with Prague’s ambitions to lower carbon emissions.

Incorporating timber for sustainability, this project blends eco-consciousness with comfort, offering a model for future transport hubs that prioritise both people and the planet.

A dream started 10 years ago!  The Soweto-Caracas Community Centre has opened!Led by Urban-Think Tank  Alfredo Brillembo...
18/11/2024

A dream started 10 years ago! The Soweto-Caracas Community Centre has opened!

Led by Urban-Think Tank Alfredo Brillembourg the centre beautifully integrates and opens up onto 72 homes, a public space and includes flexible indoor space and rooftop farming.

Thank you Eddie Andrews for the inspiring words, to remind us that there is still space for crazy dreamers and innovation.

Well done to the wider team too Benjamin Kollenberg, Delana Finlayson, OKRA landscape architects, Andy Bolnick Ikhayalami and many others - https://utte.co.za/

On World Cities day 🌍, we look at our visits to London in the past 2 years which have been short but always thrilling; h...
31/10/2024

On World Cities day 🌍, we look at our visits to London in the past 2 years which have been short but always thrilling; here are some of our snaps in the field.

From the serene design of Lina Ghotmeh’s 2023 Serpentine Pavilion encouraging community around ‘À table,’ to the accessible, inclusive atmosphere of the Diana Memorial Fountain, we’ve explored spaces that highlight London’s commitment to thoughtful public design.

Behind-the-scenes at Heatherwick Studio and cycling through redeveloped districts like Batter Sea Power Station allowed us to witness firsthand a city at the forefront of urban innovation and regeneration.

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37 Parliament Street, Church Square
Cape Town
8000

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