Leading architect Paul Mikula receives honorary doctorate

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of Architecture, Dr Paul Mikula was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Architecture from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) at a graduation ceremony held at the UKZN Westville campus on 10 May 2023.

Mikula was deeply committed to the preservation and promotion of KwaZulu-Natal’s arts and cultural heritage.

His family immigrated to South Africa when he was 14 years old. After matriculating, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the then-University of Natal qualifying in 1967, and going on to earn a reputation as a distinguished and respected architect.  Besides setting standards in modern architecture locally, Mikula has lobbied for appropriate construction, often low technology. His trailblazing efforts are much admired and have received honours from the profession.

He has wide social and cultural interests, with art activism being his particular passion.

In 1982, he turned his attention to the rich Hindu temple heritage of KwaZulu-Natal and initiated a study and publication of a book in collaboration with two colleagues. His love for Zulu culture, music, arts and crafts, saw him turn big ideas into reality. In 1995, he established the BAT Centre in leased premises on Durban’s Esplanade, before founding the Phansi Museum in Glenwood, an African art centre housing a large collection of Zulu cultural artefacts, where he serves as managing trustee.

He has been instrumental in encouraging the careers of numerous successful crafters and artists including Thami Jali; Sfiso ka-Mkame; Clive Sithole; Derrick Nxumalo; Elliot Mkhize and Zamokwakhe Gumede, and is arguably single-handedly responsible for promoting the burgeoning of a very successful telephone wire basket craft industry.

Citation

Citation for the Award of Doctor of Architecture (honoris causa)

Mr Paul Mikula

Mr Paul Mikula is a distinguished and respected architect who has made a significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of KwaZulu-Natal’s arts and cultural heritage.

Born in Germany in 1940, Mr Mikula’s family emigrated to South Africa when he was 14. After matriculating at Ladysmith High School, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the then-University of Natal.

He qualified in 1967 and has since earned a reputation as a distinguished and respected architect. Besides setting standards in modern architecture locally, Mr Mikula lobbied for appropriate construction, often low technology. His trailblazing efforts are much admired and have been honoured by the profession.

Mr Mikula has wide social and cultural interests, with art activism being his particular passion.

In 1982, he turned his attention to the rich Hindu temple heritage of KwaZulu-Natal and initiated a study and publication of a book in collaboration with two colleagues.

His love for Zulu culture, music, arts and crafts, saw him turn big ideas into reality. In 1995 he established the BAT Centre in leased premises on Durban’s Esplanade, before founding the Phansi Museum in Glenwood, an African art centre housing a large collection of Zulu cultural artefacts, where he serves as managing trustee.

He has been instrumental in encouraging the careers of numerous successful crafters and artists including Thami Jali; Sfiso ka-Mkame; Clive Sithole; Derrick Nxumalo; Elliot Mkhize; Zamokwakhe Gumede and many others. Mr Mikula is arguably single-handedly responsible for promoting the burgeoning of a very successful telephone-wire basket craft industry.

Less well known is his encouragement of and personal friendship with many key musicians including Madala Kunene; the late Busi Mhlongo and the late Sipho Gumede who found a platform for their work at the BAT Centre.

In recognition of Mr Mikula’s outstanding contribution to architecture and the preservation and promotion of KwaZulu-Natal’s arts and cultural heritage, the University of KwaZulu-Natal awards him its highest honour, Doctor of Architecture (honoris causa).