Student wins prestige architecture award

ARCHITECTURE has the profound ability to capture a particular moment in history, reflecting the various interests, beliefs and unique character of a place in time through form and material. The design of such legacy-defining structures is perfectly represented at this year’s Corobrik regional architecture award.

This year, Siyabonga Khuzwayo from University of KwaZulu-Natal was the regional winner of this sought-after award. Commenting on the Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award, Musa Shangase, Corobrik commercial director, said: “As an organisation, we believe that ‘better starts here,’ and this is particularly true for this award. These up-and-coming young architects are already designing iconic structures that would imprint their legacy on the country’s built environment. It is truly an honour to witness history being made.”

For the Corobrik Regional Architecture Award, Siyabonga Khuzwayo received R10 000, with Kreshen Chetty taking home the second-prize of R8 000, and Mthoko Sibisi receiving R6 000 for third place. A further R6 000 was awarded to Mbuso Msipho for the innovative use of clay masonry in the building design.

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In addition to the cash prize, the regional competition winners are through to the finals of the National Architectural Student of the year Award – set to be announced in Johannesburg on 6 May next year.

Siyabonga’s dissertation is entitled ‘Exploring the influence of traditional healing practice to space and form: A design towards a traditional healing centre in KZN.’

This thesis focuses on deciphering the notion of traditional healing, to ascertain how architectural design can become a medium to promote the traditional healing entity. This will change the negative connotation associated with traditional healing, African indigenous values, cultures and beliefs. The aim of the study is to design a building typology that will provide a platform for traditional healers to network, transfer skills, and engage with the general public.

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