An architecture graduate who attained a master’s degree from the University of the Free State (UFS), is among the shortlisted eight finalists for the 2022 Corobrik Student Architecture Awards. Ané Meyer was named the regional winner and by virtue of this, she qualifies as a national finalist.
The eight finalists, five women and three men, were announced yesterday – Wednesday (12/04) – from eight South African universities. The selection was based on the students’ architectural master’s thesis from the class of 2022.
“It actually still does not feel real,” says Meyer, reacting after she was announced as the regional winner.
“I am extremely excited for the journey ahead, and look forward to meeting so many great upcoming architects,” says Meyer. She believes architecture provides a deeper understanding of how design can create innovative solutions that impact communities and the environment.
Meyer’s thesis is entitled “Ephemeral Skin: Towards a Reparational, Relational, and Respectful Engagement with the Temporal Environment”.
Her thesis details the design of an algae research and manufacturing institute at Hartbeespoort Dam that focuses on permanence and temporality in nature and the built form, growing and decaying with the landscape. The building will partly disappear over time, leaving a public park after the threat posed by hazardous algae blooms and the subsequent need for algae research is no longer dominant.
Meyer’s creative work will be judged against other candidates, with the overall winner guaranteed R70 000 in prize money. Each finalist receives R10 000. The overall winner is set to be announced on 16 May.
