Nina Maritz is principal and founder of Nina Maritz Architects in
Windhoek, Namibia. A graduate of the University of Cape Town School of
Architecture in 1991, she established her firm seven years later with a focus
on environmental sustainability and community projects. She recently sat
down with Afritecture and gave this interview.
A
member of Namibia Institute of Architects, Nina is an author of
numerous papers on energy efficiency and sustainability within
developing countries, as well as a frequent lecturer on sustainable
architecture.
Using an approach that is deferential to both the setting and its people,
Nina’s work draws not only from her familiarity with environmental
and social factors, but also from an ability to delve into the detailed
particulars of each place by simultaneously being both vernacular
scholar and environmental designer. Utilizing an honest expression
of materials and structure, her firm’s growing portfolio elicits a sensitive approach to
place and climate, rooted in a deep appreciation of Namibia’s unique history, culture,
and ecology.
What drew you to architecture?
As both my parents were architects,
teaching it at university, and frequently
hosting visiting architects, I was
surrounded by architectural discussion. I
tagged along on architectural sightseeing
tours for the visitors all over town and
used to wander around the intriguing Art
Deco era buildings in Port Elizabeth. My
parents gave me Maurice Sendak’s “A Little
House all of your Own”, with beautiful
illustrations.
Maybe this led to one of the two favourite
games my best friend and I indulged in
– performing ‘plays’ and building houses
with whatever came to hand – cardboard
boxes, blankets over the washing line, and
a memorable one using flat stones on steel
rods as a roof, which promptly collapsed
West facade of Oshakati Regional Study & Resource Centre, Oshana Region,
Namibia. Photograph by Dennis Mc Donald
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