The Peter Louis Award, established in 2004 by the Architectural Heritage Committee of the South African Institute of Architects – KwaZulu Natal, celebrates contributions to conserving the built environment. Named in honor of Peter Louis, a professional Quantity Surveyor, the award recognises individuals or organisations that represent the cultural and physical diversity of KwaZulu-Natal.
In 2024, the award was presented to the Durban Art Deco Society (DADS) in recognition of their 25-year commitment to preserving Durban's architectural heritage. The award ceremony took place on 14 November 2024 at the SAIA-KZN offices in Glenwood, Durban, with a hand-written Scroll of Honour created by calligrapher Ingrid Lotter Smith.
Founded in 1999 by Jean Powell and Denis Claude, with Helen Labuschagne joining soon after, DADS has been instrumental in protecting and promoting Art Deco buildings in Durban. The society's constitution emphasises encouraging the preservation of Art Deco buildings by providing design guidelines for owners, developers, and designers.
Over the past 25 years, DADS has made significant contributions:
- Providing consultancy services to building owners, helping them understand and preserve the heritage value of their properties
- Successfully intervening in potential heritage preservation challenges, such as the case of Berea Court
- Awarding Certificates of Merit to well-preserved Art Deco buildings like Berea Court and Escombe Court
- Collaborating with owners to ensure appropriate renovations and restorations
Berea Court (Alison Chadwick)...
