Contact Artefacts
please if you have any comments or more information regarding this record.
MenuHomeUpfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon | CHOROMANSKI, RodneyBorn: 1961 09 25Died: 2018 10 23 Architect | |
BArch 1990 (Kwa-Zulu Natal) Principal of RODNEY CHOROMANSKI ARCHITECTS Obituary Rod Choromanski established CHOROMANSKI ARCHITECTS in 1996. His experience within the built environment has been valuable in developing a team, skilled in innovative and dynamic design, which led to success of: projects, architectural competitions and awards. Their diverse portfolio has established recognition both locally and internationally. Rod has written for various publications, presented papers at conferences and served on urban and architecture design review panels, tutored and travelled to research which offered their practice a wealth of knowledge. Rod was a multiple award-winning architect. Recipient of the following awards
Tribute from the President KZN Region of South African Institute of Architects (SAIA KZN) It's been almost four and a half hours since Rodney Choromanski passed on...I remain shocked, angry, confused and deeply sad! How is it possible that a talent so free and energetic - a complete human being in all its forms, be removed from us so prematurely! Rodney and I were part of that unique group that began our careers as architects during the darkest days of repression- the early 80's. Ours was a special group of activists! Some louder than others. Rodney was firm but never loud. A soul who gave off everything he possessed to the advancement of culture, especially to those less fortunate. Music, art, sport, poetry and of course the built environment. We from KZN should feel honoured to have shared our profession with the first recipient of the Africa Architecture Award but also to be in the midst of one so calm, complete and authentic. Too soon my brother, just too soon. Ruben REDDY. (SAIA Newsflash 43/2018. Submitted by William MARTINSON) Statement on passing of Mr Choromanski Johannesburg, 29 October 2018. Award-winning architect, Rodney Choromanski, may have passed on but his vision, ideas and knowledge will continue to influence current and young architects. This is according to the industry body, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), which has joined thousands of professionals in the sector and ordinary South Africans in mourning Choromanski's life. The 57-year old Choromanski passed away last Wednesday and was laid to rest at his beloved and iconic Umkhumbane Cultural Museum this weekend. The design won him the Africa Architecture award in 2017. Speaking on behalf of the sector, SACAP President, Mrs Letsabisa Shongwe said: "The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), its staff and stakeholders are deeply saddened by the passing of award-winning architect, Rodney Choromanski, whose work and ideas have shaped our landscape. Choromanski was registered with SACAP on 01 September 1995 as a Professional Architect and he was also affiliated with the South African Institute for Architecture (SAIA), the Kwa-Zulu Natal Institute for Architecture (KZIA) and the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). He played an active role in all these structures, " Mrs Shongwe said. Choromanski was a dedicated Registered Person who completely adhered to the Council Professional Code of Conduct, Mrs Shongwe said. "He was a Registered Professional Architect from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Africa. Due to his expertise as an architect, he established Choromanski Architects in 1996. His proficiency within the built environment has been valuable in developing skilled, innovative and dynamic designs which led to the success of projects, architectural competitions and earned him awards and professional recognition. His diverse portfolio as a Registered Architect with SACAP has established his recognition both locally and internationally. The Council is proud to have been associated with Choromanski as a Registered Professional Architect. In this role as an architect he excelled and his knowledge and vision was invaluable in the architectural profession during his tenure," Mrs Shongwe added. Choromanski's legacy would live on in the City of Durban through his eye-catching designs of iconic structures, including the design of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Music School, the Durban University of Technology City Campus Restoration, Tourism KZN offices and the Princess Magogo Stadium. "We join the thousands of his friends, loved ones, and his family in mourning his passing. However, it is also vital that we celebrate the life of an exceptional architectural professional registered with SACAP. The highest tribute to his death is not grieve but be eternally grateful for the time he spent among us." SACAP President, Mrs Shongwe, said. (Wilson Muhlari, Tuesday, 30 October 2018. Submitted by William MARTINSON) At a SAIA ceremony on 2023 02 02 Rodney was officially awarded the SAIA SAIA Gold Medal for Architecture. Award Citation for Gold Medal for Architecture Rodney Choromanski was born in Durban on 25th September 1961 and attended Greenwood Park Primary and Parkhill High schools. He began studies in Architecture at ML Sultan Technikon (today DUT). During his in-service training at Ing Jackson de Ravel & Hartley, his potential and innate skills were recognised; however, without a Matric Exemption, university registration was not possible. But, with his Technikon results (T1 and T2 obtained in 1981) and, in particular, the support of practice partner Jean de Ravel, Rodney was admitted to the University of Natal (now UKZN) in 1983, from which institution he earned his B.Arch degree in 1989. Rod worked at MA Gafoor Architects during and after his studies and in 1990 with VARA Architects & Planners. He practiced as Choromanski Architects between 1991 and 1995. Following the advent of democracy, the National Department of Public Works compiled a Pilot Roster aimed at empowering black professionals who were previously excluded from state commissions. This lead to the formation in 1995 of CNN Architects, an acronym derived from the surnames of the three parties to the collaboration, fellow student Karuni Naidoo and their near contemporary Sharendra Naidu who, however, relocated to Ireland in 2002. CNN Architects achieved major success when in a collaborative effort in 2007, as Earthlab Architects, it won the design competition for the Pan-African Parliament building proposed for Midrand, unfortunately stillborn. Soon after, in 2008, Rodney re-established Choromanski Architects, together with Senior Architectural Technician Dhiren (Dean) Ramlal, while Karuni continues as CNN Architects. In 2017 Choromanski Architects was announced winner of the inaugural Grand Prix of the Africa Architecture Awards for uMkhumbane Museum. The commission resulted from the winning entry by CNN Architects for the 2003 national competition for the Cato Manor Interactive Cultural Centre. Totally unexpectedly, Rod succumbed to a fatal heart attack on Tuesday, 23rd October 2018. He is survived by his son Storm. Submitted by William Martinson. Watch the full ceremony HERE. | ||
 |