Regional
Regional Awards 2009
TWENTY-THIRD COROBRIK ARCHITECTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
University of the Free State
Tascha De Lange from the University of the Free State has emerged as the first regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, which kicked off at The University of the Free State in Bloemfontein on the 7th November 2009.
She scooped the top accolade for the Free State with her project, [In]-Graft-ing Vertical art-scape, Florida Road, Durban
“[In]-Graft-ing explores the question of how to consolidate an art experience through architectural built form combining both into one inspirational meeting place within the city,” says Tascha de Langa “People have been making and viewing art for centuries, one has become the other. Just as art mediums and exhibitions have changed and evolved through the ages so has the experience associated with them? The question however is how you would create a space where everyone experiences and interacts with art no matter what your background or culture?”
“The project will aim to achieve this by providing Durbanites with an alternative to experiencing art, to bring back the experience of crafting and participating with artworks rather than only viewing them.”
“The need identified was found in The Durban Arts Bus which first hit the road at the beginning of October as part of eThekwini Municipality's 2008 Celebrate Durban Festival, held to spotlight the city's cultural diversity and heritage. Exploring Durban via this eclectic mix of outlets is giving visitors a new take on the city's diversity and a sweeping view of traditional and contemporary African art. At the moment, the arts-bus provides the traditional viewing of seven galleries throughout the city - my project will act as a stop to provide the alternative.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gary Westwood, Sales Manager for Corobrik Free State said, “We have become accustomed to a very high standard of work from the Free Sate students and this year is no exception. Once again, the entries demonstrate an understanding of the value architecture can bring to the appreciation of built environments and the experiences of those that use them. We are proud to associate our brand with such a high level of architectural discourse and the promise it brings for aesthetically interesting yet sustainable built environments of tomorrow”.
Tascha De Lange from the University of the Free State has emerged as the first regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, which kicked off at The University of the Free State in Bloemfontein on the 7th November 2009.
She scooped the top accolade for the Free State with her project, [In]-Graft-ing Vertical art-scape, Florida Road, Durban
“[In]-Graft-ing explores the question of how to consolidate an art experience through architectural built form combining both into one inspirational meeting place within the city,” says Tascha de Langa “People have been making and viewing art for centuries, one has become the other. Just as art mediums and exhibitions have changed and evolved through the ages so has the experience associated with them? The question however is how you would create a space where everyone experiences and interacts with art no matter what your background or culture?”
“The project will aim to achieve this by providing Durbanites with an alternative to experiencing art, to bring back the experience of crafting and participating with artworks rather than only viewing them.”
“The need identified was found in The Durban Arts Bus which first hit the road at the beginning of October as part of eThekwini Municipality's 2008 Celebrate Durban Festival, held to spotlight the city's cultural diversity and heritage. Exploring Durban via this eclectic mix of outlets is giving visitors a new take on the city's diversity and a sweeping view of traditional and contemporary African art. At the moment, the arts-bus provides the traditional viewing of seven galleries throughout the city - my project will act as a stop to provide the alternative.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gary Westwood, Sales Manager for Corobrik Free State said, “We have become accustomed to a very high standard of work from the Free Sate students and this year is no exception. Once again, the entries demonstrate an understanding of the value architecture can bring to the appreciation of built environments and the experiences of those that use them. We are proud to associate our brand with such a high level of architectural discourse and the promise it brings for aesthetically interesting yet sustainable built environments of tomorrow”.
Tascha De Lange is this year’s regional finalist from the University of the Free State. She is pictured at the awards ceremony with Gary Westwood of Corobrik.
University of Cape Town
Rikus Mundey is this year’s regional finalist from the University of Cape Town. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Christie van Niekerk of Corobrik.
Rikus Mundey from the University of Cape Town is the Western Cape regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, which will be held in Johannesburg on 10 March 2010.
He scooped the top accolade his project entitled: ‘Adaptive Reuse through layering - Transforming the Rex Trueform Clothing Factory.’
The intention of this thesis is to transform the abandoned Rex Trueform Clothing Factory in Salt River, originally designed in 1934 by the modernist architect, Max Policansky, into a Skills Training- & Workshop Facility for the Cape Town Clothing Industry.
The design approach was derived from the concept of a palimpsest; a process of layering that describes a method of overlaying old and new. This design narrative is not about just adding the new with the old, but about the nature of the critical relationship between the two. It is an architectural, rather than a sentimental or historicist approach to create new form out of old built fabric.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Christie van Niekerk of Corobrik, said, “It is an honour for Corobrik to once again host the annual Architectural student of the year awards. The high standard of work being exhibited here today bears testimony of the high standards set, and being maintained, by the University of Cape Town, School of Architecture. It is also testimony to the hard work and dedication of the members of the faculty and I congratulate you on this. I would also like to congratulate the students for progressing to this stage.”
Christie van Niekerk, Manager of Corobrik Western Cape, noted that the “green revolution” is fast taking hold here in South Africa with the formation of the Green Building Council of South Africa. More and more property owners, architects and specifiers are driving towards more sustainable buildings and are asking questions as to the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of products, both at factory level and in application. The designs exhibited here today bears testimony of this trend as many “green” features have been incorporated so as to contribute to the sustainability of the buildings.”
Rikus Mundey is this year’s regional finalist from the University of Cape Town. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Christie van Niekerk of Corobrik.
Rikus Mundey from the University of Cape Town is the Western Cape regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, which will be held in Johannesburg on 10 March 2010.
He scooped the top accolade his project entitled: ‘Adaptive Reuse through layering - Transforming the Rex Trueform Clothing Factory.’
The intention of this thesis is to transform the abandoned Rex Trueform Clothing Factory in Salt River, originally designed in 1934 by the modernist architect, Max Policansky, into a Skills Training- & Workshop Facility for the Cape Town Clothing Industry.
The design approach was derived from the concept of a palimpsest; a process of layering that describes a method of overlaying old and new. This design narrative is not about just adding the new with the old, but about the nature of the critical relationship between the two. It is an architectural, rather than a sentimental or historicist approach to create new form out of old built fabric.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Christie van Niekerk of Corobrik, said, “It is an honour for Corobrik to once again host the annual Architectural student of the year awards. The high standard of work being exhibited here today bears testimony of the high standards set, and being maintained, by the University of Cape Town, School of Architecture. It is also testimony to the hard work and dedication of the members of the faculty and I congratulate you on this. I would also like to congratulate the students for progressing to this stage.”
Christie van Niekerk, Manager of Corobrik Western Cape, noted that the “green revolution” is fast taking hold here in South Africa with the formation of the Green Building Council of South Africa. More and more property owners, architects and specifiers are driving towards more sustainable buildings and are asking questions as to the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of products, both at factory level and in application. The designs exhibited here today bears testimony of this trend as many “green” features have been incorporated so as to contribute to the sustainability of the buildings.”
Rikus Mundey is this year’s regional finalist from the University of Cape Town. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Christie van Niekerk of Corobrik.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Jacques Malan from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is the Eastern Cape regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards.
His entry is entitled ‘An examination of the role of architecture in dealing with death, through the design of a promatorium and ecological funerary complex in central Port Elizabeth.’
Malan says, “Today owing to the high death rate, rapid urban expansion and lack of open space, the traditional form of burial has become problematic. Cemeteries in cities are rapidly filling and are posing serious health hazards, such as the contamination of underground water reserves. There is currently a world-wide concern towards the environment and architecture can play a decisive role to help provide solutions to some of the environmental concerns.”
“The typical crematorium provides an opportunity to respond constructively through a design response, which takes into consideration the function of the funeral, psychological needs of the bereaved as well as the ever-growing concern for the environment.”
“My design communicates a message through architecture, by clarifying the thinking behind the design of funerary architecture to hopefully promote the use of more environmentally friendly methods of bodily disposition.”
Jacques Malan from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is the Eastern Cape regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards.
His entry is entitled ‘An examination of the role of architecture in dealing with death, through the design of a promatorium and ecological funerary complex in central Port Elizabeth.’
Malan says, “Today owing to the high death rate, rapid urban expansion and lack of open space, the traditional form of burial has become problematic. Cemeteries in cities are rapidly filling and are posing serious health hazards, such as the contamination of underground water reserves. There is currently a world-wide concern towards the environment and architecture can play a decisive role to help provide solutions to some of the environmental concerns.”
“The typical crematorium provides an opportunity to respond constructively through a design response, which takes into consideration the function of the funeral, psychological needs of the bereaved as well as the ever-growing concern for the environment.”
“My design communicates a message through architecture, by clarifying the thinking behind the design of funerary architecture to hopefully promote the use of more environmentally friendly methods of bodily disposition.”
Jacques Malan has scooped the regional finals for the Eastern Cape and will represent the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University at the 2009 Corobrik architectural student of the year. He is pictured with Rod Taylor of Corobrik.
Tshwane University of Technology
Neels Bezuidenhout from the Tshwane University of Technology has emerged as the regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards.
He received the top accolade for his entry entitled, Aquacultural hub: an environmental research, information and support centre at Hartbeespoort dam.
Bezuidenhout says, “water is one of the most precious and vital resources on earth, yet the contamination and impairment of our natural resources continue despite the visible repercussions. The Hartbeespoort dam and surrounding area is one of many examples of a water resource contaminated and polluted owing to human disregard and ignorance.”
“The proposed research, information and support centre (aquacultural hub) will aid in establishing an eco-sustainable environment and will become a platform for environmental conservation and remediation. The facility will convey information regarding sustainable water management and awareness and will assist in the cultivation of algae and hyacinths as a resource.”
“The aquaculture hub is designed to narrate the intrinsic natural features of the landscape, become a link between the marginal territory of land and water, form a multi-layered and mutually beneficial hybrid complex, and become a mediator for environmental remediation and sustainability.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Jonathan Prior at Corobrik, said, “yet again it is wonderful to see the standard of work, presented at these award’s, being consistently high, comprehensively addressing the real issues surrounding the respective thesis projects. Corobrik is proud through its sponsorship of these awards, to be able to play an important role in identifying and nurturing new talent in the South African architectural profession. Based on the quality of the work represented, I think we have every reason to be excited about the role and the positive impact these students will have, in developing and shaping South Africa’s built environment of the future.”
Neels Bezuidenhout from the Tshwane University of Technology has emerged as the regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards.
He received the top accolade for his entry entitled, Aquacultural hub: an environmental research, information and support centre at Hartbeespoort dam.
Bezuidenhout says, “water is one of the most precious and vital resources on earth, yet the contamination and impairment of our natural resources continue despite the visible repercussions. The Hartbeespoort dam and surrounding area is one of many examples of a water resource contaminated and polluted owing to human disregard and ignorance.”
“The proposed research, information and support centre (aquacultural hub) will aid in establishing an eco-sustainable environment and will become a platform for environmental conservation and remediation. The facility will convey information regarding sustainable water management and awareness and will assist in the cultivation of algae and hyacinths as a resource.”
“The aquaculture hub is designed to narrate the intrinsic natural features of the landscape, become a link between the marginal territory of land and water, form a multi-layered and mutually beneficial hybrid complex, and become a mediator for environmental remediation and sustainability.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Jonathan Prior at Corobrik, said, “yet again it is wonderful to see the standard of work, presented at these award’s, being consistently high, comprehensively addressing the real issues surrounding the respective thesis projects. Corobrik is proud through its sponsorship of these awards, to be able to play an important role in identifying and nurturing new talent in the South African architectural profession. Based on the quality of the work represented, I think we have every reason to be excited about the role and the positive impact these students will have, in developing and shaping South Africa’s built environment of the future.”
Neels Bezuidenhout is this year’s regional finalist from the Tshwane University of Technology. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Jonathan Prior of Corobrik.
University of the Witwatersrand
Guy Ailion from the University of the Witwatersrand has emerged as the regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award, held at the university on 13 November 2009.
He received this award for his project, 'Everywhere is here - Architecture and a Developing Information Society' which is an Open Information Campus in Kliptown, Soweto.
Ailion says, “Bit by bit our society is moving through an information age characterized by a global shift towards an increased need for information. In an instantaneous age of digital information, the ability to access the world’s knowledge from anywhere and by anyone is a new reality, but one not yet true for communities on the other side of a digital divide. While architecture has always imbued a relationship with technology; when designing architecture for developing an information society an understanding of context and cultures becomes paramount to achieve spaces that encourage participation and buildings that break the stigma of information technology. The new information platform is given an opportunity to rethink the traditional spaces of knowledge previously limited to the archetypal library.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Alan Mabin, Head of the Wits School of Architecture, noted that the external examiners had made special note of the progressive improvement in the standards of the final year projects and theses submitted.
Guy Ailion from the University of the Witwatersrand has emerged as the regional winner of the 2009 Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award, held at the university on 13 November 2009.
He received this award for his project, 'Everywhere is here - Architecture and a Developing Information Society' which is an Open Information Campus in Kliptown, Soweto.
Ailion says, “Bit by bit our society is moving through an information age characterized by a global shift towards an increased need for information. In an instantaneous age of digital information, the ability to access the world’s knowledge from anywhere and by anyone is a new reality, but one not yet true for communities on the other side of a digital divide. While architecture has always imbued a relationship with technology; when designing architecture for developing an information society an understanding of context and cultures becomes paramount to achieve spaces that encourage participation and buildings that break the stigma of information technology. The new information platform is given an opportunity to rethink the traditional spaces of knowledge previously limited to the archetypal library.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Alan Mabin, Head of the Wits School of Architecture, noted that the external examiners had made special note of the progressive improvement in the standards of the final year projects and theses submitted.
Guy Ailion is this year’s regional finalist from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Chris Dickinson of Corobrik.
University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The dissertation focuses on the design of a theatre building that directly relates to its surroundings, namely Durban’s urban waterfront as well as to the larger theatrical community already established within Kwa-Zulu Natal. The urban waterfront of Durban, where the building is situated, lacks integration with the city’s Central Business District mainly due to the fact that it has been interrupted by the existing railway lines and so becomes an island separated from the whole. It exists as a reminder of what we are preoccupied with in today’s society; leisure pursuits, such as yachting, coupled with commercial skyscrapers and overpriced ocean view apartments within the inner city all verify our focus as a community and speak of elitist individualism. The proposed facility changes this focus to include cultural activities such as theatre as a means of pure expression. With the gradual move of people back to the city due to economic hardships, there is a chance for the city to look at ways to unite the people together by appreciating cultural diversity through the arts. Due to the civic nature of a theatre, linking a variety of people from different walks of life through a common means of expression, an opportunity presents itself in creating an area that contributes to the both the city and its community and infuses a ‘deadened’ edge with renewed spirit. Together with the city’s proposal for this area, this facility aspires to be a catalyst for rejuvenation of the city centre as a whole.
The dissertation focuses on the design of a theatre building that directly relates to its surroundings, namely Durban’s urban waterfront as well as to the larger theatrical community already established within Kwa-Zulu Natal. The urban waterfront of Durban, where the building is situated, lacks integration with the city’s Central Business District mainly due to the fact that it has been interrupted by the existing railway lines and so becomes an island separated from the whole. It exists as a reminder of what we are preoccupied with in today’s society; leisure pursuits, such as yachting, coupled with commercial skyscrapers and overpriced ocean view apartments within the inner city all verify our focus as a community and speak of elitist individualism. The proposed facility changes this focus to include cultural activities such as theatre as a means of pure expression. With the gradual move of people back to the city due to economic hardships, there is a chance for the city to look at ways to unite the people together by appreciating cultural diversity through the arts. Due to the civic nature of a theatre, linking a variety of people from different walks of life through a common means of expression, an opportunity presents itself in creating an area that contributes to the both the city and its community and infuses a ‘deadened’ edge with renewed spirit. Together with the city’s proposal for this area, this facility aspires to be a catalyst for rejuvenation of the city centre as a whole.
Lauren Haiden: University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The design of a centre of the performing arts: Catalyst for the rejuvenation of Durban’s Embankment.
University of Pretoria
As regional winner, Ruann van der Westhuizen from the University of Pretoria will be participating in the finals with his entry entitled: ‘A public bathhouse: investigating relevance and possibilities.’
The project proposes an investigation into why there’s an increase in public bathhouses within the South African urban context. It proposes a plan to address issues of mass urbanization and service delivery. This is achieved through questioning the conventional workings of the proposed norms and introducing this private programme into the public realm, striving for privacy without isolation. A shelter which is permeable yet robust is proposed – encompassing the human, intimate element combined with the structural needs.
The project is proposed between Marabastad, northwest of the Pretoria CBD, and the CBD itself. Marabastad is a fragmented and informal public transport interchange, with potential users being commuters and immigrants from rural and informal areas, as well as residents returning to Marabastad following the recent land claims settlement. The site on the existing channelized Steenhoven Spruit allows for use of existing elements: The natural, in the form of the spring and its surrounding green areas, the informal trade and its energy, the existing historic buildings and the newly introduced programme are encouraged to overlap within the new shelter.
To mesh with everyday life the architecture investigates that which is considered primary to making architecture. This is expressed through a manipulation of the proposed shelter to achieve spatial and formal manifestation of the bathhouse.
As regional winner, Ruann van der Westhuizen from the University of Pretoria will be participating in the finals with his entry entitled: ‘A public bathhouse: investigating relevance and possibilities.’
The project proposes an investigation into why there’s an increase in public bathhouses within the South African urban context. It proposes a plan to address issues of mass urbanization and service delivery. This is achieved through questioning the conventional workings of the proposed norms and introducing this private programme into the public realm, striving for privacy without isolation. A shelter which is permeable yet robust is proposed – encompassing the human, intimate element combined with the structural needs.
The project is proposed between Marabastad, northwest of the Pretoria CBD, and the CBD itself. Marabastad is a fragmented and informal public transport interchange, with potential users being commuters and immigrants from rural and informal areas, as well as residents returning to Marabastad following the recent land claims settlement. The site on the existing channelized Steenhoven Spruit allows for use of existing elements: The natural, in the form of the spring and its surrounding green areas, the informal trade and its energy, the existing historic buildings and the newly introduced programme are encouraged to overlap within the new shelter.
To mesh with everyday life the architecture investigates that which is considered primary to making architecture. This is expressed through a manipulation of the proposed shelter to achieve spatial and formal manifestation of the bathhouse.
Ruann van der Westhuizen is this year’s regional finalist from the University of Pretoria. He is pictured at the awards ceremony with Allin Dangers of Corobrik.
This year, has seen sustainability as a holistic concept, feature prominently throughout the 2009 projects, reflecting both the responsibility emerging architects have as custodians of tomorrows built and natural environments.
This year’s finalists are architects who will surely have a positive impact on our built environment in years to come and that it is important to recognise and nurture the talented individuals.
“There is a permanence about the architecture and with that in mind so much rests on the shoulders of architects al and its long term field that is rare to balance aesthetics, functionality and sustainability, and this year’s entries would indicate that the future of the built environment in South Africa is indeed bright” says Chris Dickinson.
This is the twenty-third year that Corobrik has sponsored this prestigious competition, which was initiated to promote quality design and to acknowledge talent among architectural students.
Thesis students from Universities and qualifying Institutes of Technology throughout South Africa are invited to submit entries for one of the seven regional competitions.
Each regional winner receives a prize of R6 000 and is entered into the national finals, where they will compete for top honours and a prize of R40 000 in March 2010.