The next Talking Timber webinar will take place on 31 October from 13:00 – 14:30.
As always, these webinars centre around promoting the use of timber in the built environment as well as educating architects, engineers, and anyone involved in this arena. The webinar has been accredited by the South African Institute of Architects and eligibe participants will earn CPD points. (Please note that to qualify for CPD points you need to attend for the full session.)
The topic for this session:
The Changing Face of the Built Environment
Speakers:
SHANNON GOVENDER is studying for a Master’s in Architecture degree at the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on how timber technology can be harmoniously integrated with various crafts, particularly within the South African craft perspective. Her research delves into the intrinsic value of craft within the architectural design process, examining how a craft mode approach can transform the creative process of architects. Her journey into this area stems from a profound appreciation for how traditional crafts have shaped our built environment over centuries and a desire to explore how these traditions can be preserved and evolved within contemporary architectural practice. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the field of architecture but also fosters collaboration between different fields, such as engineering, cultural studies, and environmental science.
NICOLA SMUTS is a motivated architectural technologist and designer with a strong focus on computational design and biomimetic architecture. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Architecture (Professional) at the University of Pretoria and has a rich background in both academic and industry settings, with experience in mass timber architecture, sustainable design, and architectural technology.
Nicola has worked on various interdisciplinary projects, including collaborative research in Japan funded by the MEXT scholarship and hands-on architectural design projects in South Africa. She has contributed to the design and execution of residential and commercial projects, including creating technical drawing sets, conceptual mass modelling, and producing client presentations. Nicola’s expertise is complemented by her knowledge of specialised software like Rhino, Grasshopper, and Revit and her proficiency in multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and basic Japanese.
LEON PIENAAR is a dedicated lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa. With over two decades of experience in architectural education, he specialises in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering a learning environment that prepares students for the evolving demands of the profession.
At TUT, Leon has been instrumental in promoting a unique pedagogical approach encapsulated by the formula TUT (arch grad) = d² + m², where d² = (design × develop) and m² = (model × make). This methodology encourages students to integrate design and development with hands-on modelling and making. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment established the m² LAB, inspired by MIT Fablab principles. The lab provides students access to state-of-the-art manufacturing tools, including industrial CNC routers and fibre-laser cutters, allowing them to experiment with plywood construction materials and complex design forms.
Leon actively supervises and co-supervises master’s thesis projects that address various innovative architectural and urban design topics. His recent supervision includes projects on urban integration in Mamelodi, essential community service centres in Pretoria, wildlife reintroduction facilities in Dinokeng Game Reserve, and renewable energy solutions at Kelvin Power Station. He advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and applying computational design and AI technologies in architectural processes.
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