TUT Architecture Students to Represent South Africa at Global Design Contest in France

TUT Architecture Students to Represent South Africa at Global Design Contest in France. Two outstanding final-year Bachelor of Architecture students from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Damian Ciaglia and Dineo Mogane, are set to showcase their architectural vision on the international stage. After clinching the top spot in the national Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest, the duo will represent South Africa in Nord-Isère, France, from 16 to 18 June 2025.

Re: Light – A Project Rooted in Culture and Sustainability

The award-winning project, titled Re:Light, stands out for its holistic approach to sustainable architecture and community development. Supervised by Senior Lecturer Petrus Greyvensteyn, with academic support from Nadia Lloyd-Lister and Navare Ebersohn, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can merge innovation with local heritage.

Re:Light proposes the development of a vibrant community hub near Les Grands Ateliers, paired with the revitalisation of an old school building in Chimilin. The site will serve as a multi-functional venue for local associations, social gatherings, and cultural organisations. The plan also includes new residential areas and the integration of light and timber elements, symbolising sustainability and natural connection.

Three Years of Excellence: TUT’s Ongoing Global Impact

This marks the third consecutive year that TUT students will represent South Africa at this globally respected competition, reaffirming the university’s status as a leader in architectural innovation and sustainability.

Each year, the Saint-Gobain contest challenges architecture students across the world to conceptualise spaces that address social, cultural, and ecological challenges in meaningful ways.

In the national round held in April, Damian and Dineo faced stiff competition from talented peers at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Despite the challenge, Re:Light stood out for its integration of cultural identity, environmental responsiveness, and functional planning.

Bridging Heritage and Innovation

According to Petrus Greyvensteyn, the design brief was split into two key segments. The first part required the renovation of a historic school building, transforming it into a multi-purpose community centre that also boosts tourism potential in the area. The second component called for new development in an adjacent village, centred around an academic campus.

“The vision includes new buildings that support construction innovation—laboratories, housing for visiting academics, and a prototype village designed for experimental building techniques,” explained Greyvensteyn. “The challenge was to ensure both sites reflected a shared architectural language, underpinned by cultural relevance and material sensitivity.”

Damian and Dineo’s use of locally sourced materials, and their deep understanding of cultural context, ensured their project met and exceeded the brief.

TUT Deep Commitment to Architectural Excellence

The Tshwane University of Technology has been actively participating in the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest since 2018.

Over the years, this competition has become a cornerstone in the academic calendar for fourth-year architecture students, often regarded as their first major design challenge of the year.

This year, 13 student teams from TUT’s Department of Architecture submitted entries. Two teams advanced to the national final, with another talented pair, Marubini Mundalamo and Divine Ngulube, claiming third place at the national level.

This consistent performance showcases TUT’s emphasis on practical education, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Saint-Gobain’s Role in Building Future Architects

Samukelisiwe Machi, Manager of the Saint-Gobain Solutions Academy, emphasised the competition’s role in shaping the future of African architecture:

“At Saint-Gobain Africa, we are proud to support emerging talent. The Architecture Student Contest bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. It’s about fostering innovation, sustainability, and global connections—empowering the youth to ‘Make it in Africa to Build Africa’.”

This initiative not only equips students with exposure to real-world architectural briefs, but also provides access to a global network of mentors, experts, and peers—all committed to transforming the built environment into a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Why This Matters for South African Architecture

With rising challenges in urbanisation, housing, and ecological degradation, South Africa needs a new generation of architects who are not only technically skilled but also socially conscious. TUT’s strong presence in international competitions like Saint-Gobain reaffirms its role in developing talent that can design for local relevance while performing on a global stage.

This platform allows young architects to push boundaries, explore new technologies, and experiment with concepts such as:

• Passive design principles
• Community-based design
• Eco-materials
• Cultural preservation through architecture

France and Beyond

As Damian Ciaglia and Dineo Mogane prepare to compete in France this June, they carry not just their own hopes, but those of a country eager to see South African design principles recognised globally.

Their journey is an inspiration to many young students, proving that with dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable development, South African architects can lead the way forward.

Conclusion

The success of TUT Architecture students in the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest 2025 is more than just an academic accolade—it’s a testimony to the power of education, mentorship, and visionary thinking in shaping a better future. With projects like Re:Light, South Africa is proudly contributing to the global conversation on sustainable architecture, one design at a time.