2019/2020 Corobrik Student Architecture Awards winners announced

2019 winner: GP Greyvenstein, Nelson Mandela University

2019 winner: GP Greyvenstein, Nelson Mandela University

The 2019 winner, awarded a R70,000 prize, was GP Greyvenstein from Nelson Mandela University for his thesis entitled, The design of a Merino wool processing facility in Barkly East, Eastern Cape. The subject was sparked by the concerning state of the rural Eastern Cape, where high-impact programmes are needed to boost agrarian reform to revive dying small towns.

“This project was so very close to my heart as I am from that specific town. Architecture gives us a framework to actually do something. Maybe the government can invest in these small eco projects as it is not only about buildings, but leaving a legacy,” Greyvenstein said upon receiving his award.

A Special Merit Award for Contribution to the Built Environment, and a R25,000 prize, was awarded to Senzo Mamba from the University of Johannesburg. Mamba’s thesis, entitled Bricolage: The architecture of waste, proposes to turn vacant buildings into recycling factories as an alternative way to deal with waste issues within our cities. Processing materials on-site will reduce energy consumption, transportation and the carbon footprint.

2020 winner: Blake Smit, Nelson Mandela University

2020 winner: Blake Smit, Nelson Mandela University

The 2020 winner, who also received a R70,000 prize, was Blake Smit, again from Nelson Mandela University. Smit sought to create a dignified place for waste pickers to recycle waste within the harsh landscape of the Arlington landfill in Port Elizabeth. Waste building material and building rubble were incorporated in the form of reclaimed brick and clay products, used in unique ways within the design process.

“I just want to say thank you to my family and to Corobrik. When you get involved in such projects, it really grips you and it comes from the heart,” said Smit upon receiving his award.

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Corobrik chairman Peter du Trevou highlighted that the Corobrik Student Architecture Awards is well-recognised as the premier award for architectural students in South Africa. “I was involved with the inaugural awards 34 years ago, and it has been gratifying to see how the awards have evolved over the years.”

Click here to view the projects and presentations of the winners as well as the rest of the 2019 and 2020 finalists. View the gallery here.