Daimler
Contemporary
Daimler Award for South African Culture 2007
die nominierten Architekten
archilab (pty) ltd
(Michael Borgström, Marco Bezzoli, Ishmaiel Meyer; Capetown)archilab (pty) ltd is a practice partnership in Cape Town with Michael Borgström (*1970), Marco Bezzoli (*1968) and Ishmaiel Meyer (*1972). All three partners studied in SA and gained several years of professional experience in small and medium-sized architectural practices in SA. The partners lecture at several universities in SA and are active in the relevant institutions of the South African architectural scene.
archilab positions the practice in the field of villa architecture and high-price apartment blocks. The projects are presented professionally, with sketches, floor plans and cut-away views drawn by hand and photos of models, creating an an architectural language which is by all means logical. References to international architecture are included, it is a conscious decision not to reveal a style that would be typical of the country. Generously large floor plans, refined materials, high-grade details are characteristic elements of their work
Thorsten Deckler
(*1970 Lüderitz, Namibia, lives in Johannesburg)A special mention was given to finalist Thorsten Deckler of 26'10 South Architects in Johannesburg for his ability to make architecture and spatial practice evident. The jury panel said, "He imparts knowledge that is important for the future development of South Africa."
He was employed at OMA Rem Kolhaas in the Netherlands and completed his studies in Johannesburg. 2005 Foundation of JOZI NETWORK GROUP, engaged in the development of the city of Johannesburg, and of 26'10 south architects with Antje Graupner. Foundation of the sharpCITY project and of the kWA Urban Design partnership, launch of Friday Sessions, a discussion circle, in 2005, in his office, ad thus implementing the openness to an urban public as conceptual part of his practice.
The main work focus of Deckler is on private homes, public building projects, urban development and continous discussions of strategies and concepts geard towards an forward-looking social and ecological urban planning. sharpCITY is an association of young architects, which has been engaged in the concept development and realization of different international exhibitions, competitions, books and lectures about Johannesburg. The main focus is on the development of the city of Johannesburg in response to the changing political, social and economic influences.
http://www.sharpcity.co.za/
Heather Dodd
(*1968 in Harara, Zimbabwe, lives in Johannesburg)Heather Dodd studied in Cape Town and Johannesburg and has worked in a practice partnership with Colin Savage (Savage & Dodd architects) since 1996. She is founding member of an association named SHIFT (Social Housing Focus Trust) which is active in the field of social housing, supporting clients in planning, construction and design. These housing projects focus either on questions of redeveloping housing blocks, that still date back to the time of Apartheid for new usage, or of developing typologies for new construction projects with the aim of organizing life and work in one building, and of providing housing for families of different sizes at the same time. Via SHIFT Dodd has participated in several conferences on the subject of social housing and construction for the poor around the worldt. This is the point of departure, namely to create well-functioning building and block structures aimed at integrating an entire social stratum. Overly conspicuous design aspects can therefore be completely dispensed with.
Andrew Horn
(*1969 in Isle of White, GB,lives in Capetown)Andrew Horn founded Eco Design practice in 1998. Horn's work focuses on ecological architecture, combined with traditional African construction methods, his vision is an ecologically conscious architectural practice as substantial part of a new South African society. Horn has summarized his Eco Design practice under the heading of MANIFESTO, covering six broad principles of ecological design. Socio Economic: Construction for society, upgrading of living spaces and living conditions. Land: Respectful approach to nature and local customs. Water: Protection of existing water reserves, alternative methods of water recovery. Energy: Generation of energy from alternative sources. Health: Environmental protection through the use of ecologically sound construction materials. Holism: Reuse of (raw) materials. During the construction process, different workshops are organized at the construction site with the aim of demonstrating to all involved how buildings can be completed with extremely simple means, local construction materials and the tools readily available. New technologies (solar energy) are combined with traditional building methods (clay structures, thatched roofs, locally made bricks).
http://www.ecodesignarchitects.co.za/
Ndabo Langa
(*1973 Durban, Kwazulu/Natal, lives in Durban)Ndabo Langa studied at the University of Natal, Durban, and is a founding member of the Diverse Group of Independent Thinkers, a firm of design consultants.
His work focuses on urban projects and investor architecture combined with the integration of traditional South African housing styles and architectural practices.An initial important commission was given to Lange with a shop concept in the context of Shaka Ocean World Durban, where he implemented elements of traditional Zulu architecture. Langa has conceived, without a preexisting fixed commission, an ice rink in Durban as well as the "Bicycle Project" as another urban project for Durban, consisting of a number of smaller outlets in the area of Durban Harbor, where bicycles can be rented. Langa is currently working on the Zulu Heritage Village project, a village of round huts based on those of indigenous Zulu people, which is expected to become a tourist attraction. Traditional customs and handicrafts will be presented here, and some of the latter will be on sale. Old styles of habitat are here combined with new materials and modern requirements. South African families live in a traditional ensemble of main and ancillary huts, surrounded by a high wall. Living quarters for tourists will also be available in the compound.
Henning Rasmuss (*1967 in Johannesburg, lives in Johannesburg)
He studied in Johannesburg, followed by numerous periods abroad throughout the world and employment by several architectural practices in Berlin, Johannesburg and Hong Kong. Since 1997 he has been working as Director at Paragon Architects, one of the main architectural practices of South Africa. Since then, he has been discussing and shaping contemporary South Africa architecture with numerous papers, lectures, workhops, exhibition concepts and publications, e.g. the book and exhibition project sharpCITY in cooperation with Thorsten Deckler.
The main focus of Rasmuss' work is on construction assignments in all areas, working mainly conceptually using sketches and drawings extensively. In cooperation with international architectural offices, he has made a name for himself designing large headquarters for international companies. In a partnership with the German office von Gerkan, Marg + Partner, Rasmuss and Paragon Architects are working on the new soccer stadium for Cape Town for the World Cup 2010.
www.paragon.co.za/Frames/Paragon%20Architects.html
Chris Wilkinson
(*1966 in Upington, Northern Cape, lives in Pretoria)
Since 1999 he has been collaborating with Henri Comrie on various projects, and they have been partners Partners of Comrie + Wilkinson Architects & Urban Designers since 2000. Wilkinson's work focuses on Villas and public construction projects. His projects are characterized by reduced forms and materials, partly under the influence of European modern architecture. They are convincing in terms of the right use of architectural means in each case, in keeping with the respective design assignment. Wilkinsson's clear architectural language allows the concentration on the interaction of light and space (Chapel of Light) and may include natural analogies (Ruimsig Entomological Centre). The villas are convincing due to their open, generously large floor plans, high-grade materials and elegant outside facilities.
Heinrich Wolff
(*1970 Roodeport, Gauteng, lives in Capetown)
Winner of the Daimler Award for South African Architecture 2007Heinrich Wolff (*1970 Roodeport, Gauteng, lives in Cape Town) studied in Pretoria and Cape Town, followed by numerous distinctions and periods abroad. He has been employed by several architectural practices in South Africa, since 1998 he has worked in a partnership with Jo Noero, "Noero Wolff Architects". Wolff has received national and international awards and is working as visiting professor at Cape Town University, He has published numerous articles and reviews in South African architecture journals.
The main focus of Heinrich Wolff's work shows the complete range, from detached houses and villas to public and office buildings. Wolff considers the fact that due to the many years of Apartheid, to be a kind of self-discovery process is currently underway in South Africa as a central impetus for his work. International architectural trends are now being adopted and connected to traditional South African architecture and lifestyle, thereby creating a very specific architectural language.
Wolffs buildings, be they villas or schools, are characterized by material-conscious, regionally adapted and carefully integrated architecture which meets the demands of the construction assignment and its location in each case - villas are elegant and generously large, factories have a decidedly technical and progressive appeal, schools are open and friendly.