Architects recognised at the 2019 Corobrik SAIA-EC Regional Awards

On Thursday, 19 September 2019, the South African Institute of Architects – Eastern Cape (SAIA-EC) held their biennial SAIA-EC Corobrik Regional Awards dinner for excellence in Architecture. The dinner was held at the Roof Garden Bar, in Central and was sponsored by Corobrik.

The dinner honoured the agenda of a group of architects who 119 years ago established an association to promote their profession and look after the interests of architects. Thanks to this group’s persistence an institute was born in the Cape with the Eastern Cape region as part of it.

Guests included SAIA-EC members as well representatives from Corobrik, NMBM, NMU, NMB Business Chamber and SAPOA.

The evening started off with a message from Nick Booth, Corobrik COO, in which he highlighted their relationship with the SAIA-EC and the benefits of using their products.

He was followed by the evening’s guest speaker, well renowned South African Artist, Duncan Stewart, with his topic: Educated out of Creativity – Educated into Creativity. The presentation addressed the importance of a holistic approach to creativity, the relationship between intelligence and creativity, creativity in education and the shortfalls of the current education system. 

The main proceedings kicked off with SAIA-EC President, Charles Louw, acknowledging the panel who were involved in adjudication process. Twenty projects were submitted and site visits were held over 3 days. The Adjudicators included Prof. Paul Kotze (retired lecturer from Wits and editor of the Journal of the South African Institute of Architects), Sindile Ngonyama (professional architect), Elwyn Harlech-Jones (professional architect), Prof. Mary Duker (NMU Department of Visual Arts) and Andrew Palframan (HOD NMU School of Architecture).

There are two Awards categories, namely Regional Commendations for Architecture and Regional Awards for Architecture.

The recipients of SAIA-EC Regional Commendations include:

• The 1054, Walmer by DMV Architecture
• House Paton, Walmer by Strukt Architects
• Kareedouw Public Library, Kareedouw by The Workplace Development Firm cc
• Environmental Upgrade of Singapi Street, New Brighton by The Workplace Development Firm cc

The recipients of SAIA-EC Regional Awards include:

• Langbos Childrens Shelter, Addo by Jason Erlank Architects
• New Masifunde Changemaker Academy, Gqebera by Ateljee Architects in association with Kevin Kimwelle
• Neethling Holiday Residence, Kenton-on-Sea by FDT Architects
• Project Testing Institute, Coega by Imbono FJA Architects
• Summer House, St Francis Bay by Jason Erlank Architects
• Additions and Alterations to the Aspen Pharmacare Campus, Port Elizabeth by Thembela Architects in association with Danie Bekker & Associates

The SAIA-EC Regional Award-winning projects will go-through for consideration in the SAIA national Awards held in 2020.