Three third-year Architecture students, Ms Fathima Bibi Mula, Mr Navan Padayachee and Mr Oudish Appadoo, dominated in the PG Bison 1.618 Education Initiative in which students across the country were tasked with devising a plan to redevelop the historic Johannesburg Gas Works building.
The students formed part of 10 finalists out of over 110 submissions from 28 local architecture and interior design schools in the country.
Padayachee scooped first place, winning a trip to Milan, Italy, for his design that incorporated the new thinking behind a modern city and converting it into a beacon that encourages community interaction, historic architectural preservation, environmental awareness and healthy living. He is thrilled to have won; earning him his first trip overseas. ‘The initiative gives students more recognition for the good work that they produce. This is a big boost. Not only do students get excited about this competition, they push themselves further when it comes to these projects,’ he said.