Stainless Steel Awards 2008

Winner - Student Category

Winner: Boipuso Isaac
Project : Design of Gallery using recycled Stainless Steel

Boipuso Isaac, a third year architecture student from the University of Port Elizabeth, has scooped this year’s Student Award at the Stainless Steel Awards. Isaac’s entry, a design for a portable exhibition space using recycled stainless steel, demonstrates innovative thinking and the usefulness of the metal.

Disused stainless steel water tanks form the basis of Isaac’s design. The water tanks are cut in half, vertically, and the interior is used as an exhibition space. “I like the aesthetic of stainless steel. I am attracted to the way it looks,” explains Isaac. The structure can be easily constructed on site. The idea is that the gallery can be quickly disassembled and moved to another site if need be.

The structure uses recycled stainless steel together with a portal frame structure. Portal frame construction is a method of building typically used in warehouses and barns. It is cost effective, strong and durable.

“It took me about two weeks to come up with the design,” says Isaac. The design can be applied in a variety of situations that require a temporary yet sturdy structure. I am very happy to be nominated for the award,” Isaac says. “My main goal right now is to qualify to do my Masters next year.”