This is the sixth edition of GIfA Connect, the newsletter of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture. It reports on the institute's activities across Gauteng, including a feature on Johannesburg's heritage and a report on the GIfA Golf Day.
GIfA Connect is the newsletter of the Gauteng Institute for Architecture, the professional body for architects in South Africa's Gauteng province. This sixth edition reports on the institute's activities across the region, from Pretoria and Ekurhuleni to the West Rand and the Vaal, focusing on building connections with professionals, students and communities.
A major article by Kathy Munro, an economic historian and heritage campaigner, reflects on Johannesburg's architectural heritage during Heritage Month. She discusses the city's transformation from a mining camp, the significance of buildings like Northwards and Chancellor House, and the work of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation and the Heritage Association of South Africa.
Munro argues that heritage value is not determined by age alone, citing the Herbert Prins Award and the need for adaptive reuse. She also highlights the role of archives, such as the Johannesburg Heritage Resource Centre, and the importance of activism in preserving the city's built environment for future generations.
The newsletter also covers the GIfA Golf Day held on 1 September at the Wanderers Golf Club. The event brought together architects, industry partners and companies like Clay Brick Association and Corobrik, with prizes awarded to winning teams. The report emphasizes the day's collaborative spirit and the connections made outside the office.