Timber iQ August - September 2019 // Issue:45 | Page 43

PERSONALITY PROFILE
Despite these and many other
challenges, Huiskens believes it is
possible to create beautiful buildings
on a tight budget with clever material
selection and following the
architectural plan. “The way that you
shape the building doesn’t
necessarily add to the cost. Just the
thinking behind the relationship
between spaces and the sequence of
the building as you move through it.
The physical and spatial setup of the
building doesn’t necessarily have to
break the bank,” says Huiskens.
THE ARCHITECTURE
INDUSTRY IN SOUTH
AFRICA
The architecture of buildings varies
across different cities in South Africa.
From a cultural aspect, Huiskens feels
it is important for a person to visit an
area and experience a strong identity
Riaan Huiskens with his model which won him the Corobrik Architectural Student of
and sense of that particular area. He
the Year Award for 2019.
adds that when designing buildings
for South Africa, it is important not to
borrow too much from western ideas. He uses the example
Elizabeth, Huiskens’ design explores how architecture is
of glass buildings, saying there are similarities between
moving towards a paradigm shift with the development
many of them in different countries. “Every place has got
and incorporation of digital fabrication technology. This is
that issue when you are globalised,” mentions Huiskens.
extended into the discussion of recycling existing
In essence, Huiskens stresses the importance of designing
infrastructure and ties together both the heritage and
buildings that tell more South African stories. Such buildings
are ones that have an African quality which hasn’t been
ecological discourse and recognises the significance of
replicated anywhere else. For Huiskens, the Business School
historical urban elements and the finite quality of heritage
Building at NMU is designed with an African quality. The
resources within the city.
building’s mass, deep recesses and off-centre courtyard are
Speaking of the future, there is still a lot that Huiskens
some of the elements that make it unique.
would like to achieve going forward – including traveling
abroad. “I would like to go overseas and explore there,” he
AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECT
explains. In addition, he would also like to make a
Although his career is
meaningful contribution to
developing, Huiskens already has
current dialogue regarding
an accolade to his name. He
architecture in South African.
explains that the entire
“I would say, become an
experience was fun and that
observer.” That’s the advice
everyone got along well. “It
Huiskens has for anyone who is
didn’t feel like a competition. All
interested in pursuing a career
the other students were very
in architecture. He emphasises
good competitors," he says
that most of the time, architects
modestly. He adds that the
are observers of how people
judges made everyone feel
move around in space. “If you
comfortable, which was helpful
become an observer and try to
for participants when they presented their designs.
feel your environment, then you can start commenting and
Speaking about his award-winning design, Huiskens
start drawing and composing space – with an informed and
explains that it was inspired by the future. He believes that
conscious mind.”
solutions to many of the current problems lie in the future.
Having completed his studies at NMU, Huiskens is
“We solve things in the future; we come across things and
grateful
for the education that the institution provided –
then tomorrow we do better. The future of architecture is in
not forgetting the lecturers whom Huiskens says were
digital fabrication. It has only recently begun to be explored
always eager to avail themselves to assist students. “I
and it’s opening up a world of opportunities.” Though digital
would like to thank Corobrik for this prestigious
fabrication is still in its developmental and conceptual
experience, and not just because I won. They expose
stages, it is offering new possibilities for creating better
architecture to the public,” he adds. He concludes by
space and buildings that are eco-friendly, thanks to
explaining the value of architects in the public domain.
engineered material. “We are moving towards a much more
“We plan public space. We make buildings that make
intelligent architecture,” says Huiskens.
Titled The design of a 3D printing facility in central Port
space.”
We solve things in
the future; we come
across things and then
tomorrow we do better."
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// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019
41