Save the Date!

Date Thursday 20 June 2024

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 ET (16:00 – 17:00 SAST)

Virtual Event: Registration Link

The Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria is immensely proud to announce that Dr Karen Botes, a distinguished lecturer within our ranks, has secured first place in the second annual Green Sustainability Trends competition. This prestigious event draws participants from the Mid-East, Africa, and Asia. It recognises innovative solutions in environmental engineering and organic architecture. Dr. Botes' project on modular living wall systems and African vegetables has set a new benchmark in sustainable urban design.

Join us to meet, hear, and congratulate our World Tech Partner honorees on the second annual Green Sustainability Trends, which focuses on seeking solutions, techniques, and concepts at every stage of innovation in environmental engineering and organic architecture. This World Tech Chat will feature Undergraduate, Graduate, Ph.D. and Post Doc researchers from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The Green Sustainability Trends competition fosters collaboration among researchers and practitioners who tackle pressing environmental challenges. This year's competition saw a diverse range of projects, each highlighting novel approaches to sustainability. Dr. Botes' winning project stood out for its comprehensive and practical approach to integrating edible plants into urban green infrastructure.

Dr. Botes' research proposes guidelines for implementing outdoor modular living wall systems specifically designed for urban environments. By incorporating African vegetables, these living walls serve dual purposes: enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of urban spaces while providing a sustainable source of nutrition. The benefits of these living wall systems extend beyond mere decoration; they contribute to air purification, temperature regulation, and community well-being.

Her project's emphasis on community involvement is particularly noteworthy. Dr Botes has highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate plant species, ensuring proper irrigation, and optimising structural design. By engaging local communities in maintaining and utilising these living walls, her project promotes a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Botes' achievement in this competition is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and innovative spirit. Her work addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban solutions. It bridges the gap between traditional agricultural practices and modern environmental engineering. This accolade inspires all of us within the Department of Architecture and beyond, encouraging further exploration of sustainable and community-focused design solutions.

Other notable projects recognised in the competition include Edwin Onoh from Addis Ababa University, who secured second place with his research on enhancing CO2 reduction efficiency using bimetallic and bimetallic-oxide catalysts. Through community participation, Chisomo Phiri from the University of Cape Town earned third place with a study on water-sensitive design in Hangberg, South Africa. Additionally, Chiwetalu Nenechi and Agharagwo Chinenye from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, were acknowledged for their work on integrating biophilic design for sustainable workspaces amidst toxic emissions in oil field installations.

The Green Sustainability Trends competition underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing global environmental challenges. The event provided a valuable platform for researchers to present innovative solutions, fostering partnerships that will undoubtedly drive future environmental engineering and organic architecture advancements.

As colleagues and members of the University of Pretoria's Department of Architecture, we celebrate Dr Karen Botes' remarkable achievement. Her innovative approach to sustainable urban design exemplifies the forward-thinking and impactful research that our department strives to support. Dr. Botes' success is a proud moment for our entire academic community. It highlights the transformative potential of integrating sustainable practices into urban landscapes.

Please visit the official website for more information about the competition and the winning projects. You can follow her work on the University of Pretoria Department of Architecture page to learn more about Dr Karen Botes and her groundbreaking research.

Congratulations, Dr. Botes, on this well-deserved recognition. Your work inspires and leads the way toward a more sustainable future.