Cape Town architect is first South African woman to receive top international lifetime achievement award for architecture 

(Cape Town, 9 February 2012) The American Institute of Architects (AIA) this week announced that Cape Town architect Anya van der Merwe will receive one of its highest honours, a lifetime honorary fellowship and medal for lifetime achievement in architecture. 

Van der Merwe is the first South African woman and only the sixth South African ever to receive this prestigious international award, following in the footsteps of distinguished architects such as Gawie Fagan and Ivor Prinsloo.

The AIA, the largest professional organisation of architects in the world at 80 000 members, is honouring Van der Merwe for her significant contribution to architecture and society, based both on her professional body of work and contribution to academia.

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THE A-Z OF AFRICAN HOUSING  :  A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT COUNTRIES MADE HOUSING NEWS BETWEEN 2008-2011 & WHY ...

In Algeria a United Nations housing expert today called on the Algerian Government to democratize its housing policies, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported. This is a clear notification that open markets in the housing sector in Algeria are due to manifest some activity in 2012.

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Province Lighting/Automation/Switching is responsible for the highly efficient Building Management System (BMS) in operation at the refurbished Cape Town Station, the hub of the Metrorail Western Cape commuter rail network situated in the city's Central Business District (CBD). 

Established in 1987 in Cape Town, Province Lighting/Automation/Switching is a leading supplier of specialised SABS-approved, commercial, industrial and architectural lighting products and a diverse range of related devices and services that, when integrated, provide an intelligent solution.

Phase One of the Station's refurbishment was completed prior to World Cup 2010. This however was part of a longer-term revitalisation plan, and work for the second phase commenced after the international sports event. 

The revamp of Cape Town Station pre-World Cup comprised the refurbishment, alterations and additions to the station precinct, which is now a world-class transport hub. The first phase also entailed extensive renovations to the main concourse, and construction of a range of new shops along Strand Street.

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