This is the first time a congress of this magnitude has been held in Sub-Saharan Africa, constituting the largest gathering of architectural, design and environmental professionals in the country.

The Union of International Architects (UIA) organises a world congress every three years and this is its silver jubilee. This year’s theme (Architecture OTHERWHERE) celebrated diversity by exploring other communities, regions, disciplines and ways of thinking about, practicing and teaching architecture.

Days were spent engaging with students and professionals from around the world – in conversation, debates, lectures and tributes, or simply over a craft beer or delicious curry. Not only was the weather in Durban perfect and the venues exciting, international delegates gave the congress an exotic flair.

A whopping 350 sessions took place in 38 venues over 5 days, kicking off with the spectacular Corobrik-South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) gala dinner, of which all award-winning projects (barring five) were featured in VISI over the last two years. Proud moment!

Apart from events in the main venue, like Japan Forum: Beyond Disaster, through solidarity, towards sustainability: Toyo Ito, the fringe kept the delegates running not to miss out. Highlights included: 

·       The Informal Studio: Marlboro South exhibition

·       The Rivertown Precinct project, which includes the refurbishment of the classic Beer Hall building

·       Faith47 at work in the Warwick Triangle. (Watch this teaser!)

·       The Durban International Film Festival

·       Architect Africa Film Festival

·       The UFS Department of Architecture’s Sophia Gray exhibition (the first female Architect in South Africa)

·       A well-stocked Book Lounge, of course!

For more information about UIA 2014 Durban: Architecture OTHERWHERE, visit uia2014durban.org.

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We featured Phase 2 of the UNISA Cape Town campus in the latest issue of VISI.

On 1 August 2014, the winners of the 2013/2014 Corobrik-South African Institute for Architects (SAIA) Awards were announced – and this design by architect Michele Sandilands (of Michele Sandiands Architects) won a coveted Award of Excellence.

Read the full story in Issue 73 of VISI.

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As it’s Women’s Month this August, we thought it important to mention that four women were recognised for their outstanding achievements in architecture this year:

• Johannesburg-based Anne Graupner of 26’10 south Architects won an Award of Merit for her role as lead architect on a studio home in Brixton.
• Michele Sandilands of Cape Town’s Michele Sandilands Architects (MSa) received an Award of Excellence for her work on Phase 2 of UNISA’s Parow campus.
• Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicole Irving of Charlotte Chamberlain Architects, also based in Cape Town, won an Award of Excellence for their work on Springfield Convent School’s new pre-school and Art buildings.

Former vice president of SAIA, Nina Saunders, says “This is a notable achievement in an industry where women are only recently coming to the fore.”

Awards of Excellence also went to:

• Chris Fick and Johan Malherbe (Malherbe Rust Architects) for their work on Babylonstoren’s historic buildings.
• Office of Collaborative Architects (GAPP Architects/Urban Designers, Mashabane Rose Associates and MMA Architects for the //hapo_Freedom Park Museum.
• Cape Town-based Noero Wolff Architects and Noero Architects for the new addition to St Cyprian’s Girls’ School.
• Designworkshop:sa Architects for the Dunkirk All Suites at the Dunkirk Estate in KZN.
• House Kleynhans in Marble Hall, designed by TG Architects + Interiors (namely Thomas and Sureen Gouws).
• Johan Wentzel of W Design Architecture Studio CC for House Snyders in Blair Athol, Johannesburg.

saia.org.za

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