32 THE WAY AHEAD In 2026 the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture will continue to build on the strategic initiatives introduced in recent years under the leadership of the Executive Dean, Prof Federico Freschi. Aligned with the University of Johannesburg Strategy 2035, these initiatives focus on strengthening communication, collaboration and collegiality across departments and divisions, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for the faculty’s academic, research and professional objectives. Through ongoing staff development, careful workload management and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the faculty aims to sustain an environment conducive to both academic excellence and professional growth. The faculty’s research strategy will continue to focus on strengthening the research pipeline and promoting both textual and creative outputs. Guided by the ‘3P’ principle of research productivity – ensuring that each researcher has work in the pipeline, in preparation and in production – the strategy supports staff across all stages of the research process. Through the continued involvement of Faculty Research Champions and targeted mentoring initiatives, the faculty seeks to ensure that all academic staff remain actively engaged in research and creative production. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on practice-based and creative research, recognising the important role that exhibitions, performances and design-led projects play in advancing knowledge within art, design and architecture. The Faculty Teaching and Learning Strategy will remain a priority, particularly in relation to student access, success and throughput. In response to the centralised APS-based admission system, the faculty will refine its application processes to ensure that prospective students have a clearer understanding of the vocational and technical demands of art, design and architecture programmes. These adjustments aim to improve programme alignment and support student success and progression while maintaining equitable access to study opportunities. The faculty will also continue to deepen partnerships with industry, professional bodies and alumni networks to strengthen work-integrated learning opportunities, support graduate employability and ensure that curricula remain aligned with evolving professional practices. These collaborations will remain central to preparing graduates for dynamic creative industries and professional environments. Internationalisation will remain an important dimension of the faculty’s work. Building on existing exchange agreements, visiting scholar programmes and global research networks, FADA will continue to expand opportunities for international collaboration, mobility and academic engagement. The coming year also offers significant opportunities to highlight the faculty’s achievements and profile. In 2026 the Graduate School of Architecture will celebrate its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of influential work in reshaping architectural education in South Africa through its innovative pedagogical model and international partnerships. At the same time, the Department of Visual Art will commemorate its centenary, tracing its origins to the Transvaal Technical College in 1926 and recognising its longstanding contribution as one of the country’s oldest art schools. The tenth anniversary of the Graduate School of Architecture will also coincide with the appointment of a new Director following the departure of Prof Mark Raymond in 2025 to take up an academic position in the United States. This transition presents an opportunity to reflect on the School’s achievements over its first decade and to position it strategically for the next phase of growth and international engagement. In addition, the faculty will continue to develop short learning programmes and digital learning initiatives in collaboration with UJ Digital. These initiatives aim to broaden access to professional education, support lifelong learning and strengthen the faculty’s third-stream income. Continued attention will also be given to the development and maintenance of specialised facilities, including studios, laboratories, galleries and workshops, ensuring that the faculty’s infrastructure remains aligned with the needs of contemporary creative practice and research. Finally, the faculty will continue to expand its programme of community engagement, industry collaboration and public-facing activities. Through exhibitions, performances, conferences, symposia and collaborative projects, FADA remains committed to advancing the role of art, design and architecture in addressing social, cultural and environmental challenges. The faculty remains firmly committed to nurturing creative excellence, advancing transformative scholarship and contributing meaningfully to the cultural, intellectual and professional life of South Africa and the broader global community. Prof Federico Freschi Executive Dean | FADA
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