Pioneering Architecture programme concludes
After six years, five cohorts and graduating 79 students, a pioneering Architecture programme, which was developed to transform the industry, has successfully concluded.
The Open Architecture – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (OA-CPUT) collaboration on the BTech: Architectural Technology course was a first of its kind in Africa, and is one of only six programmes worldwide (including the USA, Canada, Africa and Australia) to offer architectural design education online.
The innovative blended learning model enabled working students to do studio-based learning in an online environment with the support of office-based mentors, lecturers and student peers, with occasional scheduled on-campus block sessions.
Online critique sessions often continued despite the challenges of load shedding and venue challenges during the fees crisis.
Department of Architectural Technology & Interior Design Senior Lecturer Jolanda Morkel praised the dedication of the students and staff involved.
“This programme is a testimony of passion, dedication and perseverance of people. A group of people believed in making the impossible possible. This marks the culmination of a decade’s work from CPUT’s side,” said Morkel.
Open Architecture Programme Director, Prof Lone Poulsen, said the programme was trailblazing in that it attempted to transform the Architecture industry in a digitally savvy way that accommodated diverse student needs, and that it has helped shift the mindset that architectural learning can only happen in a physical studio.
CPUT is currently phasing out the BTech Architectural Technology degree in accordance with the new HEQSF structure. In 2020 this alternative model will become the norm, with the implementation of a new two-year blended Advanced Diploma, drawing on the lessons learnt. Contact Thandiswa Madadasana at madadasanat@cput.ac.za for more information on studying Architectural Technology.
South Africa hosts first SASUF international conference
The South Africa/Swedish University Forum (SASUF) is showing its muscles in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
R1 million for VC Prestigious Award
The Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achiever Award will be helping 10 academically gifted students to fund their post-graduate studies.
Valued at R1 million for the current cohort, the fund identifies students who have achieved excellent results throughout their academic studies and can make a contribution to society by completing their Masters and/or Doctoral studies.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo says the award is a way of grooming the next generation of professors and ensures that Dean and Vice-Chancellor medallists remain connected to CPUT and come back to complete their Masters and Doctorates with the institution.
In 2019 one student was selected for the honour but a year later the pool of recipients has increased to 10, with students studying a variety of course options including Food Technology, Public Relations and Mechanical Engineering.
The Mauerberger Foundation Fund, which is a key sponsor to the award, was represented at the certificate ceremony by Advocate Dianna Yach.
She complimented the institution on making a real-world difference to positively transform society through technology.
“The recipients have a real desire to solve local and African problems in emerging economies and to do so in a way which is scalable. This is where CPUT makes the difference,” she said.
Prof Nhlapo called the recipients the cream of the CPUT crop and encouraged them to keep up the good work.
“You have been chosen because you represent the best of what CPUT has to offer, you have displayed the graduate attributes of resilience, superior problem-solving abilities and most importantly ethical capabilities. You already have the recipe for success,” he said.
PR Masters student Sivenathi Jayiya, who lives in Delft, thanked the award panel for seeing the best in her and believing in her capabilities.
The award will cover her existing student debt and finance the logistical cost of completing her Masters like transport, interviews and editing.
“Thank you to the panel for listening to my story and seeing something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Thank you also to the VC for giving children from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to study in peace and without worry,” she said.
Call for action to end GBV in universities
Delegates attending the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Higher Education Dialogue called for action to tackle issues of GBV head-on.
Retail managers receive professional qualifications
True to its mandate to professionalise the Wholesale and Retail (W&R) sector, the CPUT-based Retail Leadership Academy recently awarded qualifications to hundreds of retail managers who completed its training programmes.
Eduroam available at 57 City libraries
CPUT students and staff members now have access to high-speed internet at 57 public libraries in the City of Cape Town.
World's largest Turbine Manufacturer partners with Saretec
The South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (Saretec) has just secured a lucrative three-year training agreement with the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer, Vestus.
