Jhono Bennett obtained a Master’s degree in Architecture with design distinction from the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2011).
He completed his undergraduate education in Architecture at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal with a supplemented semester abroad at the Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada.
During his two year practical training in Cape Town, he worked in addition to his primary office work with Architecture for Humanity on the Football for Hope Initiative, collaborating on the design for the Special Olympics Training centre in Katatura, Windhoek, Namibia.
Slovo Park, a student and community research, design and in-funded construction project (2010), provided a critical stance in regard to the role of Architecture in the fluid and dynamic developing areas of South Africa. This was taken further in his Masters dissertation that focused on design as a response to vulnerable networks through qualitative fieldwork in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
From this critical point Jhono, with various partners, have formed a Section 21 collaborative that provides a design based collaborative service between grass roots organisations, professionals, academia and government: 1:1 - Agency of Engagement. Soon after, he began working jointly as technical support to C.O.R.C, an NGO working under the Shack Dwellers International South African Alliance while working part time at various academic institutions in South Africa.
Jhono currently works at the University of Johannesburg as a part time lecturer and Independent Researcher while managing the operations of 1:1 - Agency of Engagement.
1:1 - Agency of Engagement, Johannesburg, ZA, Director, Co-Founder
1:1 is an architecturally based Section 21 NON PROFIT Collaborative that facilitates design solutions through critical engagement in developing urban areas of South Africa.
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, ZA, Part-time lecturer, Independent Researcher
I have a dual role with the academic staff of the University of Johannesburg, assisting in studio work as well as working on research iniatives.
University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Part-time lecturer
I work currently with the professors at the University of Pretoria, assisting in their design studio programmes.
Shack Dwellers International (C.O.R.C), Johannesburg, ZA, Socio-Technical support
I worked directly with community based organisations, non-governmental organisations and government bodies to assist communities in their development goals by providing technical support within the larger NGO's social framework of capicatation.
Open City Architects & Urban Designers, Cape Town, ZA, Architectural Technician
I assisted in the early projects if Open City Architects.
Don Albert & Partners, Architectural Technician
I assisted in the design and development of a large commercial project based in India
Architecture For Humanity, Design Fellow Volunteer
I was the volunteer design fellow for a special sports center that was to be constructed in Katatura, Windhoek.
SAOTA | Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects, Junior Architect
I spent 2 years working at SAOTA where I developed and honed my skills as a Junior Architect under the supervision of Greg Truen.
Open House Architecture, Architectural Technician
I assisted in the Sarah Bartmann Competition entry and worked closely with OHA.
Eco Design Architects, Volunteer
I was a volunteer on a strawbale construction in Barrydale and attended site visits with Andy Horn on some of his other projects.
