Zoo Lake Basketball Courts

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring


As part of the Nike Battle Force campaign, a three-on-three basketball tournament and a celebration of competition, creativity and collaboration, design studio Futura teamed up with local artists to transform the Zoo Lake community basketball courts.

Futura worked predominantly with artists Falko One, Karabo Poppy Moletsane and Faatimah Mohamed-Luke, as well as Danielle Clough (Fiance Knowles), DOCC (Nokana Mojapelo), MKAY Frash, Hanro Havenga, Tarryn Alberts, Scoop Makhathini and Leboghang Rasethaba.

“We identified the artists based on their individual styles,” says Futura’s Gustav Greffrath. “We looked for outgoing styles that could potentially complement each other, but also create something we have not seen before.” The result is a bespoke artwork depicting a crocodile emerging from a lake and a cheetah from the neighbouring Johannesburg Zoo about to battle.

Before Falko One brought the artwork to life on the actual courts, Faatimah and Karabo created separate pieces over the course of a few weeks. They then combined their work to create the final result. “What emerged was truly magical,” says Gustav. “The talent of both Faatimah and Karabo came together beautifully with a strong local concept. It is a testament to collaboration and creativity.”

Want to see more of Futura’s work? We featured the redesigned Nike Football Training Center in Soweto here.