2015 Corobrik
Architectural Student of the Year Awards
I
nnovation, while incorporating ever-improving
technology, is a standout quality that differentiates
design resolutions and helps define architecture
as special among one’s peers. Innovation, in sync
with context, provides the delight factor permitting
architectural design to compete comfortably on
the world stage. Technical skill, technological
understanding and the ability to create memorable
form that draws one in, while treading softly on
our planet, is what puts the finishing touches to
sustainable architecture.
The incorporation of advancements in technology,
which has greatly assisted architects, increases the
efficiency of building designs and revisions, allowing
them to meet the growing structural demands. South
African architecture continues to take positive strides
in this area, while demonstrating an extra creative
dimension unique in a country where the shaping of
the urban landscape requires an appreciation of the
complexities of creating an inclusive built environment.
Through innovative designs and ever-developing
architectural technology, the country is receiving
remarkable designs that benefit the increasing urban
population, as per government requirements.
This was said by Dirk Meyer, managing director
of Corobrik, ahead of the 29th Corobrik Architectural
Student of the Year Awards, which are held annually
to acknowledge and reward outstanding talent in
South Africa.
The theme of this year’s entries includes
environmental and revitalisation projects showing
the concern of architectural professionals.
The competition involves the country’s eight major
universities where the best architectural students are
identified based on their final theses and presented
with awards at regional events. The winners of each
of the regional competitions then go on to compete
for the national title at the 29th Corobrik Student
Architect of the Year Awards in Johannesburg on 11
May 2016.
NATIONAL WINNER - VEDHANT MAHARAJ
UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND
Yantra, Infrastructure of the Sacred and Profane
Vedhant Maharaj from The University of the
Witwatersrand became the 29th architectural student
to take first prize at the Corobrik Architectural Awards.
Maharaj’s winning dissertation, entitled Yantra,
Infrastructure of the Sacred and Profane, exhibited
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critical elements that had been picked out by
the judges – innovation and technical excellence
expressed with a keen understanding of the combined
social, economic and environmental context that is
changing the approach to the built environment today.
Located on the edge of the River Ganga in
Varanasi, India, Yantra proposes a water purification
infrastructure for an ecological life force which has
become hazardously polluted. The project responds
to the biomedical requirements of the treatment
infrastructure and designs it into the rich socio-cultural
fabric of one of India’s most sacred cities.
Student Awards