Jhono Bennett

Jhono Bennett is an architect, urban researcher, and educator currently serving as an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts London, School of Architecture, and as a Lecturer & Researcher at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. He previously held a Lecturer & Researcher position at the Graduate School of Architecture, University of Johannesburg (2012–2019). His work bridges grassroots urban activism and formal architectural practice through participatory and reparative design methodologies.

• PhD (Design), University College London (2020–2025)
• Masters in Architecture (Professional), University of Pretoria (2010–2025)
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2005–2007)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Education, University of Cambridge (2024–2025)
• Advance HE Teaching Certificate, University College London (2025–present)

His research and teaching focus on spatial justice, decolonial urbanism, and ethical design in post-apartheid South Africa. He advocates for inclusive architectural pedagogy and co-creates knowledge through initiatives like the Southern African ArchiPhD Resource and Just Spatial Design ZA. His work emphasizes community engagement, climate justice, and dismantling systemic inequalities in the built environment.

His sole known publication, 'Venting Practices: Navigating Interpersonal Dynamics of Socio-Technical Spatial Design Work in Neo-Apartheid Cities' (2023), reflects a qualitative, feminist-informed exploration of emotional and professional challenges in grassroots urban design. The article underscores the importance of peer support and positionality in socially engaged practice, contributing to discourse on urban equity and architectural responsibility.

Jhono Bennett is actively involved in curriculum development, public lectures, and doctoral support programs such as the WIP+ Bartlett PhD Support Programme. He has contributed to workshops and studios on urban method, community caution, and inclusive planning, often in collaboration with institutions across the UK and Southern Africa. His teaching philosophy centers on critical thinking, social relevance, and inventive research methodologies.

As co-founder of 1to1 – Agency of Engagement, he leads a practice dedicated to connecting marginalized communities with architectural expertise. This initiative fosters collaborative spatial solutions and challenges conventional design paradigms. He also maintains digital platforms for knowledge exchange, emphasizing transnational dialogue between the Global North and South in architectural education and practice.