In an era of rapid urbanisation, Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads between functional necessity and cultural expression. In this In Conversation feature, host Trevor Ncube (TN) sits down with architects Evidence Phiri (EP) and Mufaro Donald Mandevhane (MM) to explore how design serves as the "spark plug" for economic growth and social dignity. Moving beyond the "normalisation of design," the duo argues that architecture is far from a luxury; it is a vital tool for nation-building. From decolonising the skyline to creating sustainable, mixed-use spaces, they challenge the country to reclaim its identity through the "spirit of place."
TN: Greetings, and welcome to In Conversation with Trevor, brought to you by Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services. I look beyond the headlines and beneath the surface. Today, I am in conversation with two gentlemen: Evidence Phiri and Mufaro Donald Mandevhane. We are going to be diving into the impact and meaning of design and architecture. If you enjoy this conversation, remember to subscribe, like, and share. Let us get into it.
EP: The value of architecture is something you cannot put a price to. Every piece of architecture that you see tells a story and evokes a certain emotion. That is why, when you engage with a space, there is already a genius loci—the spirit of that place. Here in Zimbabwe specifically, we have to be serious about progressing our architectural identity.
TN: We have never had architects and design strategists on this show, so this is a first. But before we get into it, let us refresh the audience's memory as to why we are sitting down. You both responded to a conversation that took place on LinkedIn. Who responded first?
EP: I think I commented first.
TN: Should we go into that conversation? It was about the normalisation of design, which led us to where we are right now. We are going to play a video of Shingai making comments about Vernon’s contribution to our skyline, and you two chimed in.
MM: I think that was a very eye-opening conversation. It highlighted the need to bring designers into the conversation early on—before we have even decided to build something. Shingai mentioned engaging Vernon to think through whether to proceed with a project, and Vernon said, “Let’s do it”. The challenge we have is that we often do not engage visionaries early enough. Accountants are good at what they do, but we also need people who are freer to explore the deeper aspects of society. If we engage designers early, they can provide a better vision of what is actually needed—whether it is a school or a hospital.
EP: Shingai made it clear that we needed someone to translate vision into reality from the start. When they engaged Vernon, the goal was to ensure the project would speak volumes, stand the test of time, and carry cultural significance for Zimbabwe. It is one thing to design a building, but another to give it meaning that resonates locally. A building that works here might not have the same meaning in Singapore. The question was: what stories will these buildings tell future generations?
TN: Can architecture and design strategy be part of nation-building?
MM: Yes. Architecture answers many of our everyday problems. The moment something is designed poorly, it creates problems—such as busy roads where pedestrians are unsafe. Architecture can solve social and economic problems. It is not just about expensive buildings; it is about creating spaces that work for how people live. That is why we are seeing more mixed-use buildings—places where you can live, work, and eat in one space. It is about efficiency and improving the quality of life.
EP: Every economic activity happens within a building—hospitality, commerce, and everything else. Let me give you an example: there is a museum in Bilbao designed by Frank Gehry. Before that building, the city was dead. After it opened, people came from all over to experience the building, and it sparked economic growth across the city. Architecture can be that spark plug. Beyond that, architecture inspires people. Imagine working in a dimly lit room versus a well-designed one. Productivity ripples upward. When buildings are designed well—whether hospitals, malls, or offices—the economy benefits. People are happier. They go to work with purpose.
TN: So, if I have my apartment, an office downstairs, a restaurant, a gym, and a park for my kids—I do not have to drive, I do not burn fuel, and I avoid traffic. Am I reading you right?
MM: Exactly. That is a more sustainable way of urban planning. We call it efficiency. You minimise effort, spend more time with family, reduce congestion, and cut costs. It is a one-stop shop that is central and efficient. You might even work more hours because it is just a few floors away. You do not have to wait until tomorrow—you can act on ideas in the comfort of your own space.
TN: You are 28 and 29. Are you lone voices, or are you part of a movement pushing for design and architecture to be taken seriously?
EP: The people are there. It is just that a prophet is not recognised in his own land. We have talented Zimbabweans who go abroad and do big things because they were not listened to here. I am grateful you are listening to us. The bad ones are listening too. People are trying — friends of mine are working on things — but sometimes they give up due to a lack of recognition. So, it might seem like lone voices, but there are many of us. Some just end up being recognised elsewhere.
TN: Donald, you have been in Namibia and have come back home. Do you feel like a lone voice when it comes to using technology and climate-sensitive design?
MM: I think there are architects waking up to the need for more sustainable environments and future cities. I do not believe I am alone, but we do need to make our voices louder. We need to make noise and ensure things are done the right way.
TN: Do you agree, Evidence?
EP: Yes. There is a level of responsibility we have to take for the silence that exists. There is always more we can do — more platforms we can use, and more questions we can ask.
TN: Do you feel your profession is recognised? Do people pay attention to what you do?
EP: The value of architecture is intangible. What price do you put on a well-designed home where your family creates memories? Architects do so much that goes unrecognised. But because we are passionate about the spaces we create, we keep going. If people were paid for designing the spaces they live and work in, they should be paid the same value — or even more — for a lifetime, because they continue making memories in those spaces.