PLACES OF MEMORY│SPACES OF IMAGINATION
OUR PHILOSOPHY
At ROODT*ARCHITECTS we are interested in the principles that underpin great architecture – ancient, classical and modern. Our architecture and urban design seek to reflect our African heritage. We respect the architectural traditions of South Africa, both imported and indigenous. Heritage work requires a deep respect for history, but we also embrace the possibilities of contemporary thinking and technology in our new projects.
We have a people-centered approach to architecture, and we know that the client is the most important ally in realising the project. The architecture should encourage people to attach meaning to their spaces. Our wish is that they would inhabit the architecture with delight and be able to freely exercise choice in doing so.
Architecture has a responsibility to the city, the landscape and the earth. We thoroughly consider the site and its context. We want our buildings to be good neighbours and well-behaved in the open countryside. Sometimes, though, buildings need to be boisterous.
We are convinced that architecture is not only the reserve of rare and special buildings but serves the everyday and everyman equally. Therefore, architecture must offer value and be affordable. In our practice we lavish the same attention on small projects as on large commissions.
ROODT* ARCHITECTS has extensive experience of a wide range of projects and constantly strives to offer services of distinction and architecture that delivers on our promise.
A SHORT HISTORY
ROODT* ARCHITECTS was established on the 2nd of May 1952 by Leon Roodt (1924 -1995) PhD, who was also the head of the Department of Architecture at the University of the Free State from 1970 to 1985. He was an architect and a town planner and studied at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Anton Roodt became managing principal in 1995, and Madelane Gerber a partner in 2009. Leon-Pierre Roodt joined the firm in 2020 as a third-generation professional architect.
Leon Roodt served in the Allied Forces as an aircraft mechanic in Italy during WWII and became interested in Italian architecture. His interest in architectural history evolved over the years and today heritage consulting services is a mainstay of the firm’s commissions.
The practice maintains strong ties with the Department of Architecture at the University of the Free State (UFS). Anton Roodt and other staff members of the practice, from time to time, act as external examiners for various subjects in the department. In 2012 ROODT*Architects established a draughtmanship course at the Qualitas Career Academy in Bloemfontein after identifying a need in this region of South Africa. Students are prepared to qualify as architectural technologists. At least three of the students who completed the Qualitas drafting course were subsequently selected for and completed master’s degrees in architecture at the UFS.
Urban Planning is an integral part of our activities. Environmental management, with a focus on heritage, is also part of the firm’s portfolio of services. Anton Roodt is registered as an Accredited Professional at the Green Building Council of South Africa. More than 30 years ago, Anton Roodt investigated the integration of alternative energy hardware in building design as part of his undergraduate thesis in architecture.
Since the Covid pandemic, the practice maintains a core office in the city with drafting and administrative staff, supervised by Madelane Gerber. Anton Roodt and four professional architects work remotely.
Our work has been published locally and internationally in different magazines, newspapers and books. The work of the firm has also been featured on television. Although a growing number of awards from the South African Institute of Architects have been awarded to the firm since 2000, we ultimately set greater store by what our clients say.
OUR PEOPLE
The company directors, Anton Roodt and Madelane Gerber, have extensive design and technical experience in a wide variety of building types, and scales of urban design and planning.
Investing our time and energy in developing the skills of our staff is part of our people-centered approach to architecture. Three young, talented professional architects add flair and variety to the work of the practice. A steady stream of architectural students passes through the office every year and their enthusiasm and creativity are inspiring. The backbone of the office is the team of five dedicated technologists who provide the required technical support.