Reddy elected as president of KZN Institute for Architecture

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Reddy paid tribute to outgoing president, Kevin Bingham, saying he had served his two-year term of office with distinction. His two-year presidency would be informed by the already accepted vision of 'city, town and village' and would focus on programmes that would contribute to the National Development Plan, in particular, job creation, equality and the eradication of poverty.

"This will drive the public debate on density, diversity, connectivity and promotion of public space as solutions to our crisis," he said. "None of these are personal but are led by Andrew Makin and George Elphick - both recipients of SAIA Awards of Excellence - and adopted by members of the KZNIA committee as a means to broaden membership and promote the relevance of the institute in our current context."

Strengthening links

Also central to his presidency will be the drive to strengthen links to the public authorities and universities. "The practice of architecture currently is at the mercy of various authorities and the training of architects is hugely under threat because of the lack of funding to Departments of Architecture. It is vital to reduce the distance between the practice of the profession, with those that judge our work and with those that are to follow us into practice life," Reddy said.

"This regional committee will not be scared to speak its mind. It will challenge authorities to be efficient in dealing with matters of our built form. It would re-engage on Issues of Heritage. It is this profession that is central to the current debate on symbols of heritage. We need to take the lead."

Reddy is a specialist in sports architecture, and is currently working on the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Durban's bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Ruben Reddy brings a unique energy to the institute and together with his revolutionary approach and ideas, is one of the best people to usher in our new focus of 'city, town and village'. A big effort will be made in strengthening relationships between the city, academic institutions and architectural practice over the next two years," said Lauren Haiden, KZNIA vice president.