Andre van Graan, a senior architectural CPUT lecturer has recently been elected as the Vice-President of the Cape Institute for Architecture.
The institute is the largest of its kind representing architecture professionals in the country and boasts a membership of more than 700. It is also one of the oldest organisations in South Africa and dates back to the 1800’s.
Van Graan, who will serve a two year term said, “This is a voluntary association, which promotes and encourages the development of excellence amongst architectural professionals.”
The organisation’s main tasks are to promote continuing professional development and establish links between the industry and higher education institutions. “The intention is that ultimately institutions, like CPUT, will offer continuing professional development courses,” he said.
Van Graan said this will assist in bridging the gap between education and the industry.
“There is a need for us to have a very strong link with industry. Whatever we do, it is ultimately linked to practicing architecture. So it is critical for us to understand the changing needs in the profession,” he said.
The organisation also offers various business support services to architects who run their own practices.
They are also the “watchdogs” of policies that impact on heritage issues in the Western Cape and regularly provide comment to local and provincial government on development projects in sensitive areas.
However, Van Graan said there are various challenges he plans to address during his two-year term. These include transformation of the industry and raising awareness around the various training options for architectural technologist.
Van Graan said through the organisation, he plans to raise awareness around the important role university of technologies in South African play in educating architectural technologist.
By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department
Photograph: Andre van Graan, senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture
Written by CPUT News
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