African Design Magazine June 2016 | Page 70

Feature Awards Ulrich Pieterse,Tshwane University of Technology: The design of an institute for the documentation of fossil heritage in Nieu Bethesda, Karoo Click here to read about the project ABOUT THE AWARDS Dirk Meyer, Corobrik Managing Director, said that Corobrik’s commitment to recognising emerging talents of tomorrow through this important award hinged on the fact that the clay bricks produced in the company’s factories across the country also had an important role in both design and construction going forward. “The architecture of the future will see application drive design and the choice of building materials play a key role in ensuring sustainability. Emerging talents within the profession will be called on to embrace technological expertise and apply this through selecting building materials that meet specific needs,” he pointed out. Clay brick addresses sustainability, longevity and financial challenges. “It offers a myriad of benefits whilst adding distinctive aesthetic and textural appeal and the ability to meet design and construction challenges. Brick can accommodate virtually any shape or form. Yet, it is ultra practical in that it requires minimal maintenance and provides thermal efficiency which contributes to improved indoor comfort in all temperatures and lower energy costs throughout the life of a building,” he said.