June 2013 – Letter from the KZNIA President – Kevin Bingham

Dear Members

I have just returned from a week away in Pretoria on a CPD Course offering, hosted by the University of Pretoria and the CSIR, entitled “Architectural & Engineering Approaches to Airborne Infection Control”. The 5 day course was intensive and included a visit to the Modimolle (Nylstroom) TB Hospital, designed by Rudolf Roos and his Team at HDG Architects. I certainly learned a lot!

This Course brought to mind our requirements around CPD courses and the progress that has been made in the options available for those wishing to study further in their areas of interest. I also considered the costs involved for those attending, particularly those from outside Gauteng. While it was far from cheap, the educational benefit over 5 full days of classes, international speakers, teas, incredible lunches, 3 hour bus trip and an evening session with cocktails and eats, was well worth it.

I have been asked the question, “Why can we not have the course in Durban?” Of course the answer is, “We can!” We just need to arrange it. Pretoria University seems to have their finger on the pulse in regard short courses – there were 3 courses on the go during the week!

A good number of our members attended the EIA Triggers course held recently. I have heard good reports of its content and would welcome suggestions of other areas of possible study interest, for us to arrange other courses.

Talking Universities, the KZNIA hosted the UKZN students this past Friday evening with the opening of an exhibition of top student work over the various years of study. If you were not able to attend the opening, make sure to visit the KZNIA and wander through the rooms filled with excellent drawings – well worth the visit! I’m told by an external examiner that the work at portfolio at UKZN this June was of a very high standard. Well done to the UKZN Staff and students!

We must also thank Walter Peters and Sydney Baillon and the Awards of Merit Judging Panel for their effort in assessing the submissions recently. Again the standard of work was high and, I for one, am looking forward to the announcement of the winners.

I have sat in on a few UIA2014 planning sessions and am pleased to report that the enthusiasm of the Team will no doubt produce a magnificent conference next year. We have little over a year ’til the event and piece by piece the picture is falling into place. Take a look at the web site: http://www.uia2014durban.org.za 

Get involved – start planning your archi-class reunion at the Conference in August 2014 in Durban!

‘Til next

Sincerely

Kevin

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