Page 35 - Thetha Issue 6

INFRASTRUCTURE

The project brief called
for the creation of a new
entrance building and
visual identity for the
Ocean Sciences Campus,
while also providing
different spaces within
the specialised research
environment. Images:
SVA International

the hyperbaric chamber, research three-storey vertical green wall.
equipment storage, and equipment Elana Storm from the University’s
maintenance. horticulture department is assisting
A commons and conference area, with indigenous plants to populate
comprising a 100-seater seminar the wall, which will have low water
be transformed into contemporary room, three smaller boardrooms and requirements.
architecture, and serve their a coffee shop area, were completed A three-dimensional sun-screen
purpose on an appealing, multi- in B block at the beginning of layer further defining the main
use transdisciplinary postgraduate this year. building façade was designed by the
campus,” says Gouws. The E and C block extensions and OSC architects, SVA International.
All tenders are done according to renovations are currently underway “The system reduces heat gain
a supply chain management process and are scheduled to be completed and gives visual identity to the
and contracts have a 30% value by the end of July this year. The campus,” says SVA International’s
allocated to local SMMEs. work includes multipurpose spaces Tony Danev, who graduated
Work started in 2016 with utilised by postgraduates and visiting cum laude from Nelson Mandela
the construction of the gateway academics, labs, research offices, hot University with a Master’s in
entrance and the reconfiguration of offices, boardroom spaces, and an Architecture in 2007.
A block. E and H blocks were then 8-metre-deep diver training tank. The sun-screen layer also
modified and modernised to house provides a unique aesthetic inside
postgraduate labs, offices, a growth It’s all in the details the buildings, with ever-changing
chamber, technical workshops There are connecting bridges shadow patterns throughout the day,
and a large open-plan area for between E and C, flanked by a creating an animated internal space.

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