First-ever international exhibition earns TUT national recognition at Architecture Awards

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) received national recognition at the 2025 Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) Awards

Looking outwards from the stand, the stark contrast between the inside and outside becomes evident. Receiving a Commendation in the Small Projects Architecture category for its 2025 exhibition at the international SaloneSatellite in Milan, Italy.

SaloneSatellite, now in its 26^th year, is hosted annually as part of Salone del Mobile and focuses on young designers under 35. In 2025, the event ran from 8–13 April, attracting approximately 303 000 attendees from 160 countries.

As the first South African university to exhibit at SaloneSatellite, TUT's participation marks a milestone for the institution and the nation's design community, positioning South Africa as a key player in the global design landscape and demonstrating its potential for innovation and creativity.

TUT's 2025 SaloneSatellite team, from left to right, are Prof Jacques Laubscher, Stephan Engelbrecht, Jason du Plessis, Ms Oratilwe Dineo Mogane, Navarre Ebersohn, Ms Marinda Bolt and Dr Tariené Gaum. TUT's exhibition, titled Interstitiality, explored how traditional South African craftsmanship can be reinterpreted through new industrial technologies. It reflects TUT's engagement with contemporary architectural discourse, integrating South African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), cultural knowledge, sustainable design, craft traditions, as well as modern tools and manufacturing techniques. This exhibition highlights the University's commitment to decolonising design education, fostering critical inquiry into materiality and innovation and promoting a more inclusive, globally aware approach to architecture and industrial design.

The project involved collaboration among TUT staff, students and industry partners, including architectural practices Studio Jacques Laubscher and Bolt Architects. This partnership demonstrates TUT's creative design approach and role in driving innovation in architectural studies and practice.

The team included Faculty members, Prof Jacques Laubscher, Ms Marinda Bolt, Navarre Ebersohn, and Dr Tariené Gaum, who worked alongside students Jason du Plessis, Stephan Engelbrecht, and Ms Oratilwe Dineo Mogane to realise the vision.

Marva Griffen, the founder and curator of the Salone Satellite (now in its 26th year), is third from the right with the TUT team. Support by TUT's Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, the Office of the DVC: Research, Innovation, and Engagement and the National Research Foundation (NRF) via Grant No. CSUR 23042195938 contributed to and ensured the success of the project.

TUT's Architecture programme is widely regarded as one of South Africa's strongest, blending design innovation, practical studio work, research-led learning and emphasis on hands-on professional readiness. It produces highly sought-after graduates equipped to address social, environmental and technological challenges in the built environment. The University consistently ranks among the top institutions for architectural training in the country.

This PIA recognition emphasises TUT's dedication to academic excellence, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge education and creative excellence.

The 1:20 scale model of the exhibition by Jason du Plessis and Stephan Engelbrecht.