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The Awards for Excellence programme is the highest accolade by which the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) recognises the achievements of its members.
Towards the end of 2010 the Corobrik-SAIA Awards of Merit and Excellence were announced as part of the South Africa’s first mega-architectural event, the AZA 2010.
Some 36 projects were submitted for the Awards of Merit and all of these were considered for the Award for Excellence. The award acknowledges the achievements of SAIA members in the “design and delivery of projects that are exemplary of the art and science in the practice of the discipline of architecture”.
The criteria for a merit award included consideration of a South African contextual sustainability, giving prominence to the process of making architecture and regional relevance. Entries needed to make a contribution to their immediate society, environment and the profession.
The 12 Awards of Merit went to the following architects:
- Dr Ora Joubert for her book 10+ Years 100+ Buildings, subtitled "Architecture in a Democratic South Africa" for Bell-Roberts Publishers.
- Earthworld Architects for the Centenary Building at the University of Pretoria for the University of Pretoria.
- Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects for Hatfield 109: Architects’ Studios, Accommodation and Shop for SAOTA, OKHA and AA.
- Mashabane Rose Architects for Liliesleaf Legacy Project for the Liliesleaf Trust.
- Kate Otten Architects for new shops in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, for Fourth Avenue Investments.
- Noero Wolff Architects with Ilze Wolff for House Wolff for Heinrich and Ilze Wolff.
- The Matrix…cc for Restoration of 22 Landsdowne Place: Architects Studio for The Matrix…cc.
- Bannie Britz Architects and Urban Planner for Selosesha Library for Free State Provincial Government.
- East Coast Architects for Seven Fountains Primary School for Mpilonhle.
- Typology Architects for Taxi Terminus for the University of the Free State.
- Daffonchio and Associates for the Energy Works for Sarah and Rupert McKerron.
- Smale and Partners for Tricirlce Pavilion for DT Hudson Christian Ecovillage Trust.
Dr Ora Joubert, East Coast Architects, Typology Architects and Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects were also recognised for their contributions with Awards of Excellence.
The adjudication panel included ex-SAIA president Al Stratford, retired Justice Albie Sachs, architects Amira Osman and Malcolm Campbell, and Corobrik marketing director Peter Kidger.
The special Afrisam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture went to Koop Design for the Dalton Private Game Reserve in rural KwaZulu-Natal.