Reverse Futurism

Stella Mutegi speaks about her experience co-founding Cave_bureau, a Nairobi-based bureau of architects and researchers. She discusses how researching the caves in and around Nairobi has contributed to better understanding of the tensions and connections between rural and urban contexts, as well as the pre- and post-colonial conditions of the city. Mutegi also shares insights into indigenous knowledges in Kenya and expands on Cave_bureau’s interest in improving life in African cities, while taking into account the social and environmental implications of architecture and urbanism.

Mentioned in this episode:
The Great Rift Valley in Kenya
The Anthropocene Museum
Mount Suswa in Kenya
Cow Corridor (2021)
Shimoni Caves of the Enslaved
Cave_Bureau’s exhibition at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (2023)
British Pavilion at the Architecture Venice Biennale co-curated byCave_Bureau (2025)

To find out more about Stella’s work, visitCave_bureau’s website or follow them on Instagram.

Music for the JCAF Knowledge Talks podcast was commissioned by JCAF.
‘INGWENYA’, performed by the Afrikan Freedom Principle, led by Mandla Mlangeni, © MM Publishing.

Website URL: ⁠⁠jcaf.org.za⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠foundation_jcaf