Architectural talent is again to the fore at the Tshwane University of Technology’s prize giving for 2013 thesis students.

Allin Dangers, Corobrik Director of Sales, Inland Region speaking at the awards said, “It had become essential in quality architectural solutions today to combine creative design and specification that is in harmony with the natural environment, providing not only a practical solution in the context of the brief given, but an architecture that evokes a sense of inclusiveness amongst the broader South African community.” 

He was presenting prizes to architectural students from the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria. 
“The students who are receiving awards today are those who have demonstrated a remarkable grasp of the complexities facing architecture today and have shown exceptional flair and skill in incorporating this in their design work,” said Dangers.

First prize of R8000 was awarded to Marco du Plessis, second prize of R6000 went to Vidette McLellan, and a tie for third prize of R4000 each was won by Mathew Purdon and Manuel Pedro.
Marco du Plessis’ entry is the design of a healthcare and research facility for natural medicine in Hatfield, Pretoria.  Du Plessis says herbalism has been practiced by various cultures in countries around the world for thousands of years.   South Africa is home to a rich variety of medicinal plant species and our cultures have knowledge of traditional medicines and treatments which is part of our heritage.  He believes this heritage should be protected, studied, documented and further researched to ensure the safe and effective use of herbal remedies for future generations. 

He believes current issues faced in South Africa are the informality of traditional medicines and the concern that the industry is unregulated, misunderstood by many and that natural plant resources are under threat as a result of over exploitation.

The facility he proposes is intended to educate and bridge the gap between formal and informal medical fields and to formalize indigenous traditional medicine to arrive at a sustainable commodity. 

Vidette McLellan’s thesis is ‘The Design of a Centre for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Pretoria on the site of the Old Jewish Synagogue.’
She says, “The Old Synagogue on Paul Kruger Street facilitated some of the most pivotal events in apartheid history, namely, the Treason Trial of former president Nelson Mandela, and the Steve Biko inquest. For decades restoration proposals due to the costs and the impractical reuse of the building and surrounding site have prevented restoration.”
McLellan’s design proposal attempts to make the Synagogue accessible to the public by placing a Narrative Centre on the adjacent site. The Centre will create and archive narratives from indigenous cultures to slow westernization and the loss of authentic cultures.


In shared third place Mathew Purdon has designed a creative hub by remodelling Burlington Arcade in Central Pretoria.                                                                                                    

The dissertation responds to Pretoria’s current urban situation.  The design of a Creative Hub will rejuvenate Pretoria’s Burlington Arcade near Church Square. Pretoria’s arcades’ were once a popular spot for people to meet, but in recent times, they have become dangerous. The Creative Hub becomes an incubator space for the creative industry, as well as providing an incentive for the rejuvenation of the inner-city of Pretoria.

Manuel Pedro has designed an Artisan Skills Training Centre in Mamelodi. He believes that the shortage of skills in South Africa is one if the key factors preventing the achievement of targeted economic growth. 

Mamelodi has negative perceptions with crime a daily reality for many of its residents.  This was taken into account when the concept was determined and the core principle is to provide learners with a safe and healthy environment which will equip them with skills in a variety of artisan fields. Once artisans have skills they can obtain employment in adjoining Silverton and Waltloo.


“In the almost three decades that we have been sponsoring the awards there has been a growing focus on the need for greater energy efficiency in buildings leading to reduced environmental impacts,” Dangers said. “This dovetails with the pressing demand for affordable housing, bearing in mind that 14% of total monthly household incomes are spent on energy needs with domestic space heating being the biggest consumer of energy in South African households, after cooking and hot water provision.”

“The use of clay bricks, with their wonderful intrinsic qualities and inherent thermal mass, provide a uniquely cost-effective way of achieving lower heating and cooling energy usage in South Africa’s major climatic zones and often extreme temperature swings.”

“For all round performance, clay brick houses designed and specified with nature and the needs of disadvantaged communities in mind, are best equipped to support the three pillars of sustainable development â€" care for the environment, economic factors and the social dimension.”

Marco du Plessis will we representing the Tshwane University of Technology for the coveted Architectural student of the Year award in April pitting his talent against the top thesis students from the eight competing Universities.

Caption:  Marco du Plessis, Tshwane University of Technology winner of the Corobrik Architecture of the Year regional event.  Marco designed a healthcare and research facility for natural medicine.

Ends

Prepared and distributed on behalf of Corobrik (Pty) Ltd
For more information contact:
For additional information contact: Allin Dangers on 011 871 8600 or Peter Kidger on 031 5603111 or go www.corobrik.com.

The winner:  Marco du Plessis 076 658 3360