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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)
A major milestone was the publication of their book, "Durban Art Deco – Heritage of a Sub-tropical African City," launched in October 2021. The book was the result of extensive research by Boaz Chaves, Arthur Gammage, and many contributors, documenting the rich Art Deco architectural landscape of Durban.
Book Cover
The society has also been proactive in education, working with Durban University of Technology's architectural and interior design departments since 2008. Their goal is to encourage younger generations to recognise and appreciate the historical significance of Art Deco buildings.
DADS is a member of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS), which helps promote Durban's Art Deco buildings globally. Notably, April 2025 will mark the centenary of the Paris Exhibition of Decorative and Industrial Art, the event that catalysed the popularity of the Art Deco style.
Surrey Mansions (Kathy Munro)
In her acceptance speech, DADS chairperson Carol Allan acknowledged the support of previous Peter Louis Award laureates, the Architectural Heritage Committee, and the society's dedicated committee members. She highlighted the organisation's journey and commitment to preserving Durban's architectural heritage.
The Scroll of Honour was presented by previous laureate Susan Burrows and accepted by Carol Allan, symbolising the continuation of the conservation legacy initiated by the Peter Louis Award.
Handing over the Scroll of Honour
The award highlights the importance of preserving architectural heritage and the crucial role organisations like the Durban Art Deco Society play in maintaining the cultural and historical fabric of our cities.
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