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Conversations on Architecture : Fermin Vazquez of b720 Architects in Barcelona, Spain -
Conversations on Architecture : Javier Artadi from Lima, Peru, international speaker at Conversation on Architecture in Joburg and Cape Town -
Conversations on Architecture : Mariana Simas, architect from Studio mk27 in Sao Paulo, Brazil -
Conversations on Architecture : Morne Pienaar of Holm Jordaan, a local speaker at COA Joburg -
Conversations on Architecture : Rendering of new laboratories for the SABS — Groenkloof Pretoria by Morne Pienaar/Holm Jordan Architects & Urban Designer -
Conversations on Architecture : This Studio mk27 project is the first Brazilian nursery developed from a program specially directed for children aged 0 to 3 years, based on an exclusive educational concept. Photograph: Nelson Kon -
Conversations on Architecture : Veles Events Building for the America’s Cup by Fermon Vazquez/b720 Architects, Barcelona
The 2011 Conversations on Architecture (COA), held on the opening days of Decorex in both Joburg and Cape Town, plan to probe the zeitgeist of our era and the lean towards trend-thinking over lasting design.
The premise of the talks will focus on the fact that design and architecture need to go beyond the trends, the fads and fashions of the day. Debates will offer new directions and challenge trend-thinking.
A diverse line-up of industry players from South Africa and abroad will probe contemporary issues in their fields.
Perhaps the most exciting of these speakers is Peruvian architect Javier Artadi, internationally renowned for his modern architecture that echoes his homeland, the desert coast of Peru. His presentation at COA, entitled “The Cube in the Dessert”, looks at modern architecture inside the context of this singular natural landscape.
Artadi, who graduated from the Ricardo Palma University Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism in Lima, Peru, opened his private practice in architecture in 1986. He has been responsible for numerous multi-award winning projects, from urban master plans, public infrastructure, civic and cultural buildings, offices and workplaces to private houses and product design.
A professor for Architectural Design Studio in the Faculty of Architecture at the Peruvian University for Applied Sciences (UPC), Artadi travels across the world to present and display his work at architecture events.
Other speakers at the Cape Town COA are architect Hugh Fraser who will facilitate the talks in both cities; Mokena Makeka, architect, artist, designer and all-round creative; Loyiso Qaqane from the University of Johannesburg; Brazilian architect Mariana Simas of mk27; Stefan Antoni of Stefan Antoni Olmesdhl Truen Architects and architect Andre Moerdyk.
Joburg will see Javier Artadi, Spanish architect Fermin Vazquez of b720 Architects, Karlien Thomashoff of Thomashoff + Partner Architects, Morne Pienaar of the Holm Jordaan Group, and celebrated academic and architect Ruann van der Westhuizen.
The South African Institute of Architects is in the process of assessing and validating the conference for between 0.5 and 1 CPD credit but we think it will be an enlightening event for all those with an interest in architecture regardless.
COA Joburg will be held on 5 August, from 9am–4pm at the Gallagher Convention Centre and in Cape Town 11 August, 9am–4pm at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Tickets cost R969 per person.
More information: www.decorex.co.za
