Architectural spaces and poetry may seem worlds apart, but for Sumayya Vally and Sara Mansour, these disciplines intersect in powerful ways. Both Vally and Mansour are dedicated to creating spaces that resonate with community, culture, and belonging, and their upcoming talk at UTS Great Hall on 15 September will dive into how these environments can be designed to foster connections among people.
Sumayya Vally, the principal at Counterspace, has earned a reputation for her innovative approach to architecture. Her work, which spans Johannesburg and London, is rooted in a deep understanding of how cultural needs—ritual, faith, and tradition—can be woven into the fabric of public spaces. Vally’s vision was most recently showcased as the artistic director of the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale in 2023. This event reimagined how public spaces could serve as cultural hubs, demonstrating her commitment to placemaking that honours the diverse identities of communities.
Sara Mansour, a lawyer and poet, brings a different yet complementary perspective to the conversation. As the co-founder of Bankstown Poetry Slam, Mansour has seen firsthand the power of words to unite and empower communities. The slam, which began as a small event in Western Sydney, has grown into the largest of its kind in Australia, becoming a vital platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. Mansour’s work extends beyond poetry; she is actively involved in various cultural and youth leadership initiatives, including her roles with the Crescent Institute and Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
The upcoming event promises to be a rich discussion on the intersection of architecture and community activism. Vally and Mansour will explore how intentional design and creative expression can create spaces that do more than serve a functional purpose—they can become places of belonging, where community and culture are celebrated.
Attendees can expect to gain insights into how public spaces can be more than mere structures or gathering places. Vally’s architectural practice and Mansour’s poetic activism both underscore the importance of considering who a space is for and how it can serve as a reflection of the people who inhabit it.
This event is free to the public, but bookings are essential. It’s a unique opportunity to hear from two dynamic women whose work is shaping the cultural landscape in ways that are as thoughtful as they are transformative. Whether you’re an architect, a poet, or simply someone interested in how spaces can bring people together, this talk is sure to inspire new ways of thinking about the places we inhabit.
Event Details:
- When: Sunday, 15 September, 2–3pm
- Where: UTS Great Hall, Building 1, 1/15 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007
- Cost: Free (Booking essential)
Speakers:
- Sumayya Vally: Principal at Counterspace, award-winning architect, and artistic director of the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale 2023.
- Sara Mansour: Lawyer, poet, co-founder of Bankstown Poetry Slam, and 2024 NSW Young Australian of the Year Nominee.
This event promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of how spaces, whether physical or poetic, can create a sense of belonging in today’s world.
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