Walls and Roofs in Africa - June 2016

Magazine Description

In this issue

From the Editor on the "beauty & language of architecture". I had the honour of attending an awards evening the other night and walked away very inspired! The speakers were two prominent and well respected architects in the industry: Peter Rich and Phill Mashabane. Both of the presenters spoke with such passion and beauty about the living organism that is architecture – how materials are alive and fluid and space is defined and revered. Phill spoke to the impor tance of architecture and the significant difference between the erecting of buildings and the celebration of the space. “Architecture for many years has been viewed as an art, but how it is one science that governs the lives of people. Other see it as a craft, but it is the technology, the techtronics that is a craft – not the building itself.” Architecture should not be about buildings – it should be about human habitation, about making the lives of people easier. Awards recognise these designs and showcase the lives of people, not necessarily in buildings, but in the spaces around them. This should be lauded and celebrated, recognised and respected in every project no matter it’s size. Peter Rich is a multiple award-winning, internationally renowned architect and has such a respect for the land and how the intervention sits in the context of the land, and it served as such a severe reminder to me that once the deadlines are passed, the budget has been stretched and the dust settled, there stands an edifice to mankind, an intervention for human beings to enjoy. Passion gives you goosebumps. Passion gives you respect for the land. Passion drives excellence and innovation and fortitude. Here’s to the artists, the science practitioners and the craft mongers amongst you – may you constantly push for beautiful, respectful spaces. Enjoy this magazine and let’s celebrate our local architecture!