COROBRIK STUDENT ARCHITECTURE AWARDS CROWNS ITS 36TH WINNER
Describing it as “ such a moment ”, Luzuko Funda from Nelson Mandela University was declared winner of the 2022 Corobrik Student Architecture Awards . The Awards was held at a special in-person ceremony at Langhams in Johannesburg on 16 May and also livestreamed .
Funda won a R70,000 grand prize and joins a prestigious list of Awards alumni . “ I am deeply honoured by the recognition , as I am striving to make architecture accessible to all . I feel like I am already an inspiration for the next generation ,” he said .
Ané Meyer from the University of the Free State received a Special Commendation and a R20 000 prize . “ This year the judges felt it was such a close competition that they wanted to commend a student who delivered outstanding work ,” commented Corobrik Chairman Peter du Trevou .
The finalists were selected from the eight major universities , based on architectural Master ’ s theses from the class of 2022 . Each received a R10 000 prize and a chance to be in the running for the coveted top spot . For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic , this year ’ s adjudication process was held in-person .
The judges were Wandile Mntambo from GASS Architecture Studios , Jodi Davids-Harber from TJA Architects , and Henry Pretorius from Typology Architects . The judges commended the eight finalists for the high quality of the work produced , which they said bodes well for the next generation of architects in South Africa .
Funda ’ s project , ‘ The Design of Buildings for the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Fort Hare in East London ’, aims to revitalise the city surrounding the campus . It creates an ‘ edge building ’ that interacts with the public realm while lightly touching the natural landscape . It adapts the existing Old Miriam Makeba building on the site and uses modular systems to create a sustainable structure that fits the context .
Meyer ’ s project , ‘ Ephemeral Skin : Towards a Reparational , Relational , and Respectful Engagement with the Temporal Environment ’, involved the design of an algae research and manufacturing institute at Hartbeespoort Dam . The building will partly disappear over time , leaving a public
park after the threat posed by hazardous algae blooms and the subsequent need for algae research is no longer dominant .
Speaking at the Awards ceremony , Corobrik CEO Nick Booth said the leading clay brick and paving manufacturer remains “ steadfast and stalwart ” in its support of the Corobrik Student Architecture Awards . Highlighting the dearth of awards and bursaries in the building and construction industry in general , Booth said “ the lack of recognition of students and the excellent work they are doing is actually to the detriment of the built environment and the architectural profession .”
He added : “ There is no doubt that the present economic environment in South Africa has had a deleterious effect on the building industry , which has not helped investment in future generations . Funding has also become a major driver for academia . That is why we need to continue to have events like this to recognise excellence . Corobrik remains committed to the Awards and to the architectural profession .”
“ It is our pleasure to have hosted this event for the past 36 years to not only promote excellence , but to sustain the level of excellence that South Africa needs in industry and business today ,” said du Trevou . “ We need bright young people who are prepared to work hard and give back to South Africa .”
MC Farai Mubaiwa , a Strategy Manager at Accenture , said the fact that 70 % of Africa ’ s population is under 30 means the continent “ finds itself at the
Luzuko Funda from NMU and
Corobrik chairman Peter du Trevou
intersection of an opportunity and a crisis . How do we transform Africa ’ s youth boom into an economic opportunity rather than an economic burden ?” she questioned .
Mubaiwa said the highest-growth sectors in Africa , from construction to energy , water , and manufacturing , all linked back to architecture . “ Architects play such an incredible role in how we shape an Africa that is inclusive and full of growth . Even more importantly , architects are part of the narrative of achieving this in a sustainable manner .”
Booth concluded : “ Once again next year , in conjunction with all the major universities , we will host the 37th Corobrik Student Architecture awards .”
To view the projects of all eight finalists , visit : www . studentawards . corobrik . co . za
Ané Meyer
News Watch 11