UKZN architecture students nab coveted prize
UKZN masters students Mthokozisi Sibisi and Vahin Parmananda won the 14th International Saint-Gobain architecture competition for their project, 'Solar Creek Community'.
Vahin Parmananda chats about the teams experience at 14th International Saint-Gobain MultiComfort House Students Contest:
Not even a week has passed and KZN scoops yet another two awards!
Watch: UKZN graduate channels Naomi Campbell at graduation ceremony
Vahin Parmananda and Mthokozisi Sibisi, two architect masters students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, beat 68 other students to take the top prize at the 14th International Saint-Gobain MultiComfort House Students Contest in Johannesburg.
Created in 2004, the Saint-Gobain MultiComfort House Students Contest is an international competition dedicated to architecture and engineering students to encourage the design of comfortable and sustainable living spaces.
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This year's competition required participants to design a vision for a transcultural vibrant community development located in the perimeter of the cultural village of Dubai.
In an interview with IOL, the two pulled off this great feat in six weeks, while the other candidates had six months.
The brief was to design sustainable housing, keeping in mind the heat in Dubai. And we wanted to relate it to the traditional architecture of the area. That was our unique approach to it.
After we won nationals, we believed we had chance at the big prize but it was difficult because participants had strong projects in Dubai. We were confident in what we did but really had no idea where we stood.
Some of the elements in their project may potentially be used in the creation of actual buildings in Dubai.
We are well aware of the talent our awesome Province has, and it's always so great to be recognised.
Our fashion sector is also a place where the standard is of international levels. Just looking at what comes out of DUT every year is a testament to the magic, skill, and vision.