Dear Members
We have approached the end of January 2013 and 2012 has been confined to the history books. We trust that you had some rest over the Builders’ Closure and wish you well for the year ahead.
We sadly bade farewell to Alan Lipman a few days ago – Alan was a luminary in South African architecture and politics, and a conscience to all architects. I recall with fondness the days spent with him reviewing student thesis interim submissions on a hot Level 8 of Shepstone Building. His knack of getting to the heart of the matter was appreciated by many aspirant architects. Alan will be long remembered and appreciated.
At 160 Bulwer Road, 2012 ended on a high note with two functions held at our premises. Firstly we welcomed the UKZN Final Year Students and sponsors COROBRIK to the Corobrik Regional Student of the Year function. It was pleasing to see the good standard of work produced by those who exhibited on the day, as well as the passion of the Academic Staff in attendance. We congratulate the KZN regional winner, Dennis-Lee Stols, and wish him well for the national event.
The KZNIA 2012 Social close-out function was held after the December Regional Committee meeting of 6 December, and a full committee room of members was treated to an excellent presentation by George Elphick of EPA on their national award-winning Investec building in Umhlanga.
Your Promotions committee chaired by Lauren Haiden, is busy at work preparing a full calendar of events. There has been a big demand for the SANS 10400 XA Course, with the first 2 days selling out quickly; there is another planned in a few weeks.
Eugene Barnard will give an overview of the proposed amendments to the SAIA Constitution on Thursday 31 January – This is your opportunity to listen and have your say.
With the PPE examination set for March, Ken Howie will be presenting a day-long course for those preparing to sit the examination. Please check the calendar for dates and booking requirements. Ken will also be heading to Cape Town shortly to run the course at the Cape Institute. Should you have any ideas for future offerings, please send these through to your Committee (des@kznia.org.za)
The Practice portfolio, chaired by Melissa Wilkens, will continue with their engagement of the Local Authority and are also reviewing some issues raised regarding the NHBRC. Members are welcome to join Task Teams to address practice issues and can contact Melissa through: admin@kznia.org.za
UIA 2014 is fast approaching. I suggest that we use this opportunity to re-acquaint ourselves with old friends from our student days and use the Conference as a vehicle for re-creating past links by planning class reunions for that week. Invite your first friend today!
We congratulate Nina Saunders, Walter Peters and their Editorial Committee on the latest KZNIA Journal, ably compiled and guest edited by Kevin Lloyd.
The Schools of Architecture are due to begin their semesters shortly. Should you be interested in being a mentor to an architectural student please notify Rodney Harber and the Education Task team through: admin@kznia.org.za
Those managing practices will have noticed an increase in job applications over the past few weeks. Should you have a job opportunity available, please notify us through:des@kznia.org.za
While on university matters, the KZNIA does have limited funds set aside in the O’Brein-Brown trust for student assistance. Having dealt with a number of applications recently, we ask that you please note that such assistance is only considered for students who have successfully completed their first year of study, with preference being given for support of our local architecture schools.
‘Til next
Sincerely
Kevin Bingham
