Degrees Held
- PhD (Architecture), University of KwaZulu-Natal, RSA, 2019
- Masters (Architecture and Planning), University of Cape Town, RSA, 2002
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), University of Auckland, New Zealand), 1997
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), University of Auckland, New Zealand, 1996.
Research Interests
- Architectural Design and Urbanism: Indigenous peoples and their lifestyles and how they influence architectural forms and space planning; Influence of lifestyles on built form; how traditional space planning and forms should inform contemporary design with particular emphasis on housing.
- Theory of Architecture and History: Concepts and theories around cultural aspects of urban design. Afrocentric placemaking and architecture, Postcolonial colonialism, Symbolic interactionism, Existentialism, Decolonisation and Threshold concepts in architecture. Indigenous Knowledge systems
- Research Methodology: knowledge gathering, analysis and how it should assist broadening Third World built environments database. Afrocentric knowledge management systems.
Teaching Interests
- Architectural Design
- History, Theory and Criticism
- Society and Built Environment
- Architectural Research Methods
Selected Publications
Books
- MTHETHWA, M. N. (2019). AFROCENTRIC PLACEMAKING AND ARCHITECTURE IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN BUILT FORM: A Case of Bulawayo’s Civic Precinct, Zimbabwe, A Thesis Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Architecture Discipline, School of Built Environment and Development Studies University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
- MTHETHWA, M. N. (2011). A Study of the Relationship between Built Form and Culture: the Bulawayo Mayor’s Residence and its environment. Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Verlag Dr Muller GmbH & Co.
- MTHETHWA, M. N. (2001). A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUILT FORM AND CULTURE: The Bulawayo Executive Mayor’s Residence and its environment. A Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture and Planning, University of Cape Town. Cape Town, RSA
Journal Articles
- MTHETHWA, M. N., (2002), TOWARDS A REGIONAL IDENTITY: Application of Traditional Forms and Decorative Elements in Zimbabwean Contemporary Architecture, Open House International, Vol. 27 No. 3, (54 – 65).
Students Supervision
Masters
- MLANDULI (MArch – Current): AN INQUIRY INTO AGRICULTURAL LAND TRANSFORMATION AND FOOD SECURITY THROUGH BUILT FORM: A Proposed Agro-Industrial Park in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa
- Sibusiso JALI (MArch – Current): EXPLORING THE RESTORATION OF HERITAGE AND CULTURAL IDENTITY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE: Towards a Cultural Memory and Learning Centre
- Kundai Chiraga (MArch – Current): EXPLORATION OF CULTURAL IDENTITY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ARCHITECTURAL ADAPTIVE REUSE: A Proposed industrial park for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Mbuso N MSIPHO (MArch Current): IDENTITY AND MEMORY AS A GENERATOR OF ARCHITECTURE: Towards an African Cultural Heritage Centre in Durban
- Muhammad N KHAN (MArch_- Current): SOCIAL DYNAMICS AS A SPATIAL GENERATOR IN ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM: A Proposed Multicultural Theme Park for the Durban CBD
- Melissa S PILLAY (MArch – 2021): EXPLORING CULTURE AND IDENTITY THROUGH THE BUILT FORM: Towards A Proposed Performance Arts Village.
- Kinita RAMJUAN (MArch- 2021): THE EXPRESSION OF TRADITION AND CULTURE IN AFROCENTRIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Towards A Cultural Tourism Centre in Durban
- Selebogo, Diboys MATLHOGONOLO (MArch – 2021): IMPACT OF SPORTS TOURISM ON BUILT FORM: Towards a Proposed Design of a Gaborone Leisure Center, Botswana
- Ncomekile Mathe – co-supervised with Bonga NTULI (MArch – 2021) – SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES AND MATERIALS AS A DRIVER FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT FORM: Proposed Skills Development Centre in KwaXimba, KZN
- Linsey L. KHUMALO (MArch – 2021: AFROCENTRIC CONTEXTUALIZATION OF BUILT FORM THROUGH DECOLONIZATION. A proposed Mixed-use Development in Skukuza Kruger National Park
PhD
- Naresh SINGH (PhD – Current): INDO-AFRICAN COSMIC INFLUENCES TO ARCHITECTURAL SPACES: A Case of Durban’s Civic Precinct, Kwa-Zulu Natal