Peter Rich (73) could have joined any commercial architecture company in SA or numerous ones abroad, but he’s been focused on a multidecade project — producing heritage architecture. He has also often documented the architecture of the places where he works, becoming something of a curator of African architecture. In his nearly 50-year career he has become known for his proficiency in architectural drawing and his ability to teach it. Rich’s skill has now taken him to Venice and the world’s most prestigious architecture exhibition. However, he almost did not make it. The doyen of vernacular architecture (the use of traditional forms and local materials) had been invited to the Venice Biennale of Architecture. The event is in its 16th iteration, having begun in 1980. Since 2000 it has taken place every second year. The equally famous Biennale of Art takes place in the alternate years. The architecture exhibition opens on May 26 and runs for six months. It consists of two parts, one f...

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