Aertec at Decorex JHB – ‘Archi Talks’

Aertec SA had the privilege to sponsor the Decorex ‘Archi talks’ stand in Johannesburg.

Archi Talks was a 4-day talks program that covered the Future of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Topics such as sustainable design, technological advancements, urban planning, and innovations in construction and engineering were explored, as leading experts discussed and shaped the future of the built environment.

Speakers were are as follows: 

Greg Truen – SAOTA

‘Architectural Innovation: Redefining Design, Embracing Sustainability, and Embracing the Future’

Discover visionary architecture with Greg Truen, Principal Director of SAOTA, ARRCC & OKHA. Learn about their global approach, blending innovation, sustainability, and immersive experiences. Explore the future of design as they push boundaries and shape the architecture of tomorrow.

Enrico Daffonchio – DAFFONCHIO & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

‘Sustainable Design Strategies for the Future’

Exploring innovative approaches to sustainable design in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Tyrone Reardon – Metropole Architects

‘Concrete Expression’

A presentation on both the structural, and architectural form-making and finishing opportunities, including interior design, of reinforced concrete as a construction material. This will include elements such as cantilevers and off-shutter concrete etc., with photographs and videos of case studies to demonstrate the exciting possibilities that this material offers to designers.

Kate Otten – Kate Otten Architects

‘threads’
 
Reflections on the making of an architectural installation for the Venice Architectural Biennale 2023, titled “Laboratory of the Future” and curated by Professor Lesley Lokko.
 

 
Xavier Huyberechts – GLH and Associates Architects
‘Building with Earth, Witklipfontein, a case study.’
 
Witklipfontein lodge blends seamlessly into nature, combining traditional and modern architecture. It uses Thermal Mass for temperature regulation and boasts various sustainable features like recycled materials, solar energy, and natural pools. This innovative home rethinks lodges, respecting the environment with a modern touch.
 

Georg van Gass – Gass Architecture Studios

‘GASS - past, current & future - Human Centric Design’

At GASS Architecture Studio, our design approach is centered around human-centric design, focusing on creating spaces that meet the needs and desires of individuals. Join us on a visual journey as we explore our design philosophy and where it's taking us.
 

Vedhant Maharaj – Rebel Base Collective
‘Punching up, branching out.’

Challenging the old ways of the profession by using the older ways of getting your hands dirty and finding new ways to create meaningful everyday spaces.
 

Marc Sherratt – Marc Sherratt, Sustainability Architects
‘What is sustainable architecture?’
 
Understanding performance best practice of sustainable buildings and what it takes to implement them in African conditions, as we try to solve the polycrisis of climate change, ecological extinction and social unrest.
 

Lorraine Jenks – Global TEDx Speaker + Climate, Sustainability, Circularity & ESG Guide + Procurement & Green Supply Chain Specialist

‘Sustainable Interior Design and Décor’

Sustainable Interior Design and Decor is a vital aspect of today's world, gaining recognition for its significant impact on environmental and social well-being. Whereas green building is well established, reporting on ESG (environmental, social, governance) standards is increasingly required by stakeholders. Learn the fundamental principles of why and how to make better choices for less toxic indoor air quality, resource depletion, waste and environmental damage. The future is ours to choose.

Georgina Smit – Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA)
‘Behind the Plaque: the deep value of the green buildings’
 
A call to all designers to join us deliver on our Net Zero Carbon ambitions. We discuss the benefits of belonging to the green buildings community of praxis, share lessons from almost 1 000 green certified buildings, and connect designers to an active network of industry experts and a vibrant research community that supports the ambitious goals of green, net zero and ultimately restorative buildings.

Peter Rich – Peter Rich Architects
‘Peter Rich in conversation with Graham Wood’

Eugene Marais – Design Project Architect | 3DP Research

‘Advancing Architecture through 3D Printing’

An overview of current large-scale 3D Printing research at the University of Johannesburg and a discussion on the impact of construction in South Africa.

Graham Wood – VISI Magazine

‘The importance of architecture in shaping the built environment.’

Alison Groves – WSP Africa

‘Sustainability in design and construction’

Natalie Reyneke – MDA Law

‘Construction Law’

Thabang Byl – Digital Energy Lead at Schneider Electric

‘Buildings the Future: IoT and AI in Sustainable Construction’

The talk will delve into how advanced technologies like the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged in construction and engineering for improved building sustainability. Covering predictive maintenance, real-time energy use monitoring, smart building technologies, and how Schneider Electric is leading the way in these developments.

Mark Raymond – Graduate School of Architecture - University of Johannesburg

‘Transformative Practice’

At the Graduate School of Architecture we aim to equip all students with both a comprehensive appreciation of the power of their individual relevance and significance in relation to not only the social and economic conditions from which they emerge but to their role and creative capacity in contributing meaningfully to the advancement of society through architectural practice and production in the myriad and currently unforeseeable forms that this may take. We recognize that historically architectural knowledge has been erroneously perceived to reside elsewhere – for the most part Europe and the United States – and we aim to correct this fundamental misapprehension and redirect learning through more inclusive lenses, to generate design research and production that embraces African, diasporic as well as global concerns. We see this as a fundamentally transformative position reflected through our transformative pedagogy and one that will engender truly Transformative Practices.