Innovative thinking is the mark of a fine architect and it will take innovation to meet the architectural challenges of the future.

Accompanying innovative thinking is the ever-advancing technology at architects’ disposal which, when fully utilised, can improve efficiency and further expand on individual designs.

However, it is creative flair that sets great architects above their peers as they strive to make exceptional and meaningful contributions to South Africa’s diverse and multi-cultural landscape.

This was evident in the run-up to the 29th Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards, according to Dirk Meyer, managing director of Corobrik.

The competition has been held annually for the past 28 years to reward and advance excellence in the profession nationwide.

It starts with regional rounds at eight major universities throughout South Africa. Then, the overall national winner from among the regional finalists is named and presented with a cheque for R50 000 at the 29^th Architectural Student of the Year Awards function in Johannesburg in May 2016.

Musa Shangase, Corobrik Commercial & Marketing Director presented prizes to architectural students of the University of Johannesburg.

Regional winners

The regional winner of R8 000 was Jaco Jonker, with Lance Ho Hip receiving the R6 500 second prize and three people sharing third place.

They are Kirsty Fick, Julian Almond and Lucille Jacobs.  Onthatile Magalemela received the prize of R4 500 for the best use of clay.

Jaco Jonker’s thesis is The Plug-In Plantation – Reforestation and industrialisation of the Nasrec Precinct through the implementation of a new timber mill industry.

Lance Ho Hip’s thesis is a weather station for Zanzibar.  It is entitled Square Kilometre Array and is a data collection laboratory on Changuu Island.

Onthatile Makgalemela incorporated clay bricks into his thesis entitled, Urban Catwalk which is a route along is a route along the beach promenade of Stone Town, Zanzibar. “

“Student architects over the decades have discovered that clay brick is a quality building product with a natural propensity to express the craft of architecture in beautiful and memorable ways as they begin a career that will enable them to enhance the built environment of South Africa into the future.”