Khensani Jurczok-de Klerk is an architectural researcher and designer from Johannesburg. At the centre of her practice is an interest in spatial storytelling and commitment to spatial education. Her approaches and attitude prioritze intersectionality through research and design by questioning and imagining how narratives of the built environment can be more socially sustainable through ethical spatial practices.
She is founder of Matri-Archi(tecture), an association based between Switzerland and South Africa that hosts a network of spatial practitioners dedicated to the development of African spatial education, offering a site for artistic collaboration through design, art and architectural research projects. She is also the host and producer of the podcast KONTEXT.
From October 2023, she will be conducting a PhD as a fellow at the Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture (gta) ETH Zürich. Her independent research and practice focuses on safe space, questioning the role that architecture has plays in relation to reducing Gender-based violence in cities.
She previously taught at the chair of Affective Architectures at the ETH Zürich, where she co-coordinated the Department of the Ongoing platform. She has also taught in Johannesburg and practiced in London, amongst engaging in educational contexts through giving lectures and talks at various instititions across the world, including South Africa, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and central Europe. She has exhibited work in various contexts including the Chicago Architecture Biennial (us), Vitra Design Museum (de) and Keyes Art Mile (sa) to name a few.
She received a Bachelors in Architecture and a Bachelors of City Planning (Hons) from the University of Cape Town (South Africa) as well as a MPhil in Architecture and Urban Design (RIBA II) from the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom).
Through her multidisciplinary approach, Khensani finds educational value in spatial, written and auditory explorations. On the odd occasion she appears as ‘Khe’ , where she explores emotive presences embedded in spatial conditions through spoken word projects.
She is fluent in English; and speaks Xitsonga, Afrikaans and German (CEFR B2).
for information about ongoing work, ideas, and CV requests contact: khensanideklerk.work@gmail.com
Khensani Jurczok-de Klerk© 2023