An architect of his own greatness

University of Johannesburg’s Kamal Ranchod won the first regional event of the 34th Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards in a virtual ceremony towards the end of last year.

He achieved this great success through his final-year thesis entitled Hyperreal Perspicuities: Multi-Narrative Reconstructions of Modern Egypt. The project investigates drawing as representation and develops prototypes in the form of drawings, instruments and immersive videos. “These prototypes develop modes of representation that subvert linear viewpoints and illustrate the multiplicity of narratives embedded within space,” he said.
Kamal explained it means a great deal to him to have won because of the opportunity to share the work and create awareness around the ideas of the different projects with so many different people.

These awards are said to be one of the most prestigious awards programmes of its kind in South Africa. The Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Awards selects regional winners from eight major universities, based on the students’ final theses. These regional winners then go through to the national round, where the top title is awarded, in addition to a R70 000 grand prize.

Kamal explained there is great significance in awards like this as Corobrik offers a platform for engagement, and this engagement is crucial in discussing and exploring ideas concerning design and practice, ‘while also fostering synergetic relationships between different building disciplines.

With a focus on modern Egypt between 1827 and 1952, the project uses drawing to construct, said to be the hidden hauntings of colonialism and modernisation across three main historical events, specifically the Battle of Navarino, the Bombardment of Alexandria and the 1952 Cairo Fire.

Kamal was inspired by Antoni Gaudi to study architecture, “I feel honoured and privileged, especially to be considered among so many other incredible projects,” he said.

Those close to him have all inspired him. From friends to students to lecturers, they have all inspired him to think in different ways, and have always been an incredible source of support. He said his dream for the future is, ‘to leave behind something that can be useful to others. When it comes to giving back to the local community, he will strive to be of service, to listen and to add value to the lives of local residents.