Co-Creating to get it Done

As a company whose aim is to generate revenue to secure the long-term financial sustainability of Nelson Mandela University, we believe that students can play an important role in co-creating some of our biggest projects.

In 2020, we gave fourth year School of Architecture students an opportunity work on one of our first envisaged projects as architectural interns under the supervision of SVA International architects. The project was a proposed lifestyle estate development located in the seaside suburban neighbourhood of Summerstrand, Gqeberha. Consisting of a hotel, life rights complex and upmarket housing, it offered students a chance to stretch their creative abilities, imagining how the three distinct components could be brought together in a coherent and viable design.  The competition formed part of the curriculum and was a unique opportunity for them to apply their acquired skills while gaining valuable experience on a real-life project under the guidance of practising professionals.

Following a rigorous judging process, the top prize went to The Valley Estate team of six young aspiring architects. Their design responded best to the brief, featuring a modern environmentally friendly configuration, innovate use of materials and seamless integration of the three development components.

Partnering with students in this way proved a great success, so much so that we hope to do more of it in the future as we seek innovative solutions in our business pursuits and get the impossible done.