A R40 000 bursary donation to six Architecture students will not only have an immediate financial impact but also has long term transformation ambitions.

The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) made the donation and encouraged the Architectural Technology Department to distribute the funds as they saw fit.

Acting Head of the Architectural Technology and Interior Design Department Nikki Jinka says staff debated the most applicable way to split the money and in the end decided to divide it into two R10 000 and four R5 000 awards.

In order to be considered students wrote motivation letters describing their experience of being disadvantaged and were also assessed on their academic performance and financial need.

First year student Marileen Lamprecht, 23, scooped one of the coveted R10 000 prizes after explaining how she changed universities and courses then job shadowed for a year in a boutique Architectural firm near her home, all in her pursuit of being an architect one day.

Jinka says the ongoing transformation agenda of SACAP was the main consideration when assessing the students.

“It is critical that the industry reflects not only more architects of colour but also that more  females are brought on board,” he says.

The other winning students are Lusenathi Ntsabo; Nyiko Makhubela; Siphiwe Mabaso, Raabeah Floris and Jasmine Zwane. 

Written by Lauren Kansley

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A senior lecturer in the Architectural Technology and Interior Design Department has been selected as a jury panel member for the prestigious International BLT Built Design Awards.

Colleen Cocotos said she felt privileged to have been selected as a jury panel member for the awards, which recognise and celebrate the contributions of professionals in architecture, interior design, construction and landscape architecture on a global scale.

“The jury consists of practitioners from around the world and I am honoured to represent South Africa alongside Phill Mashabane, principal at Mashabane and Rose Architects. I look forward to the awards event, which will showcase exceptional work. I find it inspiring to review the dedication and effort that have gone into these projects.”

She joined CPUT in 2009 from Nikheel, a Middle Eastern property developer.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is challenging students to become their best selves as designers. I believe that we have the power to make a positive impact on society through good design and there is no greater privilege than being able to create happy, environmentally responsible and supportive environments.”

Cocotos said being a juror for the BLT Built Design Awards would give her the opportunity to review a wide range of projects, buildings, and infrastructure that tackle the challenges of urbanisation.

“I appreciate the chance to witness first-hand the exceptional and human-centred approach that goes into these projects. It is creatively stimulating to be part of an awards event that celebrates excellence and shares it globally, with a broad audience, allowing others to aspire to the same level of greatness.”

For more on the awards, click here.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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