Design Week South Africa 2026, presented by Pinterest, returns to Cape Town from 22–25 October. This year’s theme, ‘The Shape of Us,’ explores how design reflects people, places and communal life. The festival spans architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, craft and urban design, activating studios, galleries, showrooms and public venues across the city.

Architecture and spatial-design highlights

The festival’s architecture and spatial-design events are a major draw. They offer insights into public space, infrastructure and urban design. Key highlights include:

• UNBUILT: Presented by Design Week SA and sponsored by dhk Architects, this exhibition showcases projects, prototypes and ideas on public space, infrastructure and mobility. It opens on 23 October at Short MARKET with Mission For Inner City Cape Town. The exhibition includes related conversations and interventions. 

• SAOTA: Shaped by Place – 40 Years of Architectural Practice: A retrospective celebrating four decades of architectural innovation.

• dhk Architects guided tour of Conradie Park: This tour addresses housing, public space and urban design in Pinelands.

• MŪVEK and CVN presentation: An examination of the overlap of architecture, furniture and object design through architecturally informed furniture.

• The MAAK & The Otto Foundation’s Dream Library: Co-designed with learners at Dryden Street Primary, this project showcases participatory spatial design in education.

Visitors can also look forward to numerous studio experiences, open houses and guided tours. These are designed to connect audiences with design practices and built-environment thinking.

South African design stalwarts

Here are three (of many) exciting launches and collaborations to look forward to: 

• Haldane and NØDE collaboration The il Noir Edition, a sculptural reimagining of the Galapagos outdoor kitchen island, debuts at the event.

• Weylandts launches ‘The With’ An expression of good living and connection, brought to life as a bar for Design Week 2026.

• Pedersen + Lennard’s The Industry Dialogue Brings together local design brands and creative leaders to discuss South Africa’s design landscape.

Cross-disciplinary and international programming

Pinterest Predicts 2026 activations Beyond its role as title sponsor, Pinterest collaborates with local designers, crafters and makers in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These activations celebrate South Africa’s design creativity by bringing Pinterest’s annual trend report to life. Local talent reinterprets global trends through a South African lens, connecting discovery and inspiration with hands-on creative experiences.

International showcases These include Dubai-based Objects by Eight (OBE) collaborating with TSL on a collectible design exhibition featuring independent artist-designers and makers from Africa and the Middle East. Italian heritage brand Molteni&C opens its doors for a showcase of South African artists and makers. The space is reimagined through circuit-bent digital works, handwoven textiles, sculpture and live music.

There will also be industry talks and Cape Town Morning Sessions where architects, designers and creative leaders will discuss topics related to design, sustainability and urbanism.

For the full programme and visitor information, visit the Design Week South Africa website.