SCAPE | June 2022 | Education & Innovation | Vol. 81

JUNE 2022

EDUCATION + INNOVATION

/ FEATURE /

MOVABLE WALLS A

IN PLACES OF LEARNING

coustic treatment of flexible spaces is by no means a new topic, however many can agree that it is all too often that we enter an immaculately designed and constructed space, only to be overwhelmed by a muddied hum of reverberated noise. Depending on the use case of the building, this can result in uncomfortable or even unusable spaces. In many instances places of learning such as schools and universities perform poorly when their acoustics are considered. The persistent chatter of students, clicking of writing instruments and the tapping on laptop keyboards form the ambient noise in classrooms. Add to this the reverberated voice of a teacher and it becomes all but impossible for learners beyond the second row to clearly make out what is being communicated by the lecturer. This is but one example of how poor acoustic treatment of spaces can have detrimental effects on the users.

A new kind of school architecture with differentiated learning landscapes instead of rigid corridors and classrooms is becoming more common. A multifunctional community area can serve as the school’s center, with the ability to divide flexibly into foyers, auditoriums, events, and communication areas. The classrooms can be divided for differentiated learning groups or connected for common use. They can also be opened out to include the corridor if necessary. Intelligently designed partition systems are ideally suited to meet these room technology requirements in a flexible way.

These partition systems are ideal for multifunctional rooms where good sound insulation is essential as well as modern transparency. With a sound insulation value of up to Rw 52 dB with glass and Rw 59 dB with opaque elements, they efficiently prevent disruptive noise from travelling from one room area to another. Reverberation times can also be effectively reduced with optional integrated acoustic panels.

High-quality surfaces made of a variety of materials offer functional solutions for everyday school life. Writable and magnetic surfaces as well as acoustic surfaces can thus be optionally integrated into the partition wall.

State-of-the-art partition elements making use of innovative materials and refined internal mechanisms take up very little space and their low weight per unit area makes them easier to handle than ever before. The trend is now moving from semi-automatic operation and even fully automatic control at the touch of a button for greater user convenience.

As well as having the function of visually subdividing areas, movable partition walls have the role in many applications of filtering acoustic signals to prevent noise disturbing the users of the other rooms. Room partitioning with reliable acoustic insulation properties is a must, particularly when events run concurrently. The DORMA Hüppe partitioning systems ensure unsurpassed sound insulation without compromising ease of use.

As freely oscillating elements, the clip-on fascia boards reduce the transmission of structure-borne noise, thus ensuring extremely high acoustic performance.

Special acoustic panels can also be specified to increase sound absorption and reduce reverberation. These advantages, coupled with the high-quality standards and visual impact of partitioning systems, greatly enhance user comfort and offer incomparable benefits for areas where people come together to communicate. dormakaba is one of the leading providers of high-quality partition systems for hotels, convention centres, office buildings, showrooms, banks, trade fairs and shopping centres. We provide our customers around the world with intelligent solutions for efficient room management and we look forward to working with you to achieve your aesthetic and functional design requirements.

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/ LEADER /

WELCOME HOME! Welcome to the June Issue of SCAPE Magazine Education and Innovation are the order of the day in an issue that spotlights universities, campus, student accommodation, and school builds.

We’ll look at future-forward innovations and engagements in design and build, as well as new and exciting concepts around designing vibrant and workable spaces for students, both young and old, to maximise their experience within these facilities!

We are also incredibly passionate about this issue, and its launch, as it is always done so in line with youth month!

We’ve got a star-studded cast of projects from brand new schools like Curro Durbanville and new nodes on St John’s College, through to the North-West University's Vaal ‘triangle building’ and the new pavement lab, onsite Stellenbosch University. When it comes to student living, we explore 'Proper Living' in Observatory, a student space for the University of Cape Town. Cotton On Foundation powers an exciting and rewarding project in Durban with eThekwini Primary School to offer a very unique perspective to play spaces. Features include 'a landscape architect's guide to creating celebrated educational grounds,' 'schools of the future and future-forward design' and a brilliantly dreamy article about a ‘designer wonderland’ for children to grow Independently and freely as an international perspective.

SCAPE SA The Trade Show is bursting onto the scene on the 21st October 2022- Check it out inside this issue (pg 10-11). Join us for a full day of CPD accredited seminars and keynote seminars at the CTICC as we look at future-forward concepts for the design, build and maintenance industries of SA. If you are a developer, architect, urban planner, interior designer, landscape architect and contractor, you would be square not to be there!

Editorial Editor-in-Chief & Director Chanel Besson Commissioning Editor Amy Aries

Advertising Key Account Manager Justine Coleman Media Sales Executive Basheerah De Villiers Media Sales Executive Kieran Hedges

Design Zoey&I - Sarah Gregg-Macdonald

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/ CONTENTS /

48 Creating Curro

by BPAS Architects and cndv landscape architects

56 Ready, Pitch, Go!

by Turftech

CONTENTS

59 Proper Living

23

5 Movable Walls in Places of Learning

Curro Durbanville High School Hard Courts

by dormakaba

by Trompie Group

25

10

by TwoFiveFive Architects

64 Stellenbosch: New Pavement Lab

by KMH Architects

Save the Date

Thinking Ahead...

Schools of the Future and Future-Forward Design

70

12

by Sarvin Naidoo, Director, GAPP architects and urban designers

by Mathews + Associates Architects

SCAPE: The Trade Show

A Landscape Architect’s Guide to Creating Celebrated Educational Grounds

34 Reimagining eThekwini Primary. By The Cotton On Foundation

by Timothy Snyders, Landscape architect, Truform Landscape Architects, a subsidiary of BPAS Architects

by Fieldworks Design Group

17

40

Dreamy Designer Children’s Wonderland

St John’s College Preparatory School

by Anji Connell, Interior architect, ACID+ Design

by PENCHARC

9

The Administration Station

21 OCT 2022

/ FEATURE /

Rethink. Reshape.

Reimagine. Reignite.

These ideas of shifting to adapt to our environment, of growing to support change, reimagining a new normal and looking ahead to the buildings and landscapes of the future... These are at the core of our professional endeavour and innately make us who we are… The build industry professionals of South Africa.

SCAPE: The Trade Show is all about looking ahead, imagining, and reimagining the future of the build industry. Harnessing her many nuances, moving boldly towards a new horizon… Together.

We are here to create identity and to recreate it too. We are here to build spaces that support and connect to a diverse set of voices, ones that are future conscious and ones that grow out of challenges. We are here to ignite the voice of artisans, architects, developers, landscape traders, design minds and build industry professionals.

To be able to borrow from each other and to share this experience is an exciting and necessary moment for the industry.

You’re invited to attend a full day of future-forward themed seminars, hosted by local and international industry icons and to browse the latest products and innovations available to the industry!

CPD points will be awarded to SAPOA, SAIA, UDISA, IID, ILASA and SALI members for seminars attended and (wait there is more) our seminar package is free for any other association accredited professional to arrive and engage with on the day! As simple as that.

Let's look ahead... Together!

Welcome to SCAPE: The Trade Show

11

A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT’S GUIDE TO CREATING CELEBRATED EDUCATIONAL GROUNDS 12

/ FEATURE /

E

ducation is continually evolving both technologically and academically as are the expected teaching techniques and learning outcomes. However, the physical environment in which this educational development is taking place is stagnating and conforming to a set formula of designing the landscape as mere paved spaces with some planted areas between the buildings. One could argue that the lack of new and exciting landscapes within a school environment is due to funding and availability of space as land is becoming a premium, especially for large scale land use.

This should not be seen as an excuse for basic landscapes but rather an opportunity for innovative design.

Change your perspective I would argue that using funding and space as an excuse underplays the benefit of external spaces within schools and educational environments. Numerous studies have proven that the mere visual connection with nature improves your wellbeing and coming into contact with it is significantly beneficial to your mental and physical health. So, the question is ‘why is this not taken into account in schools when the purpose of an educational facility is to develop learners and students mentally?’ This need for green should not result in a tree within a sea of paving, but looking at the sensory and environmental benefits of a variety of planting such as organic scents and colour and their ability to cool the spaces and buildings around them. As landscape architects we should take those opportunities further and look at creating a space out of the planting and not just beds within a walkway.

Work closely with the designers A solution could be to work closely with the architects in integrating the landscape with the building. Making it an extension of the building and not a separate entity. A shift in perspective is needed. They should be seen as multipurpose spaces, ones that are green, social and event spaces. Used before, during and after school for breaks or physical education and outdoor classrooms.

A tarred pedestrian corridor with no soft landscaping or shading, can be transformed through applying these principals. It has become not only a corridor but a destination, a gathering space for students in which they get shade and come into direct contact with nature. It becomes an extension of the classroom which can be used as an outdoor learning space with its terraced and shaded seating areas.

Landscapes can be designed as an outdoor learning space, with informal seating directing the learners towards the teacher. With the ability to be used as a plaza during sports events where spectators and sponsors can establish marquees for the day, gives it a second use. With a third use of the space being a general play area during breaks and after school, where learners can sit under the trees, encounter planting and use the landscape informally.

13 Multipurpose Plaza.

Mixed-used space.

/ FEATURE /

Rethink established expectations Probably the largest area of single use within a school is the parking lot. Even though schools and educational facilities are places where pedestrians are the primary user, these areas which are within the precinct are still designed to give the vehicle priority. Parking lots should give pedestrians priority, forcing the vehicle to make way for the pedestrian, not make the pedestrian have to wait and navigate traffic to get to their destination and mode of transport. Rethinking the priority of the vehicle does not allow the pedestrian to have free reign of the space, but they should be given priority. Leading to the question, why is this vast area not given a secondary use for the other 70% of the day when learners and students aren’t being dropped off or collected? Once again there is no fixed answer and there shouldn’t be, just as there isn’t and shouldn’t be one design solution. Each facility needs to be looked at independently and a solution formulated from their opportunities and constraints.

The figure below is an illustration of the transformation of a dead end within a basement parking area into a contemporary playground. Using all the surface planes to its benefits, either by suspending ropes and play equipment from the roof, to cladding the walls with sensory elements such as artificial turf. Opening up and extending into the adjacent courtyard.

The opportunities become almost limitless with just a slight shift in perspective. By changing one’s mind set as to what a landscape and open space can be within an educational environment, and not just seeing it as a paved area with a tree. If we look at playgrounds as a multipurpose spaces which are continually utilised adding value to the learners by enhancing their wellbeing, and in doing so their ability to be conducive to learning, we have an opportunity to bring innovative designs back into schools in an exciting way. We can further challenge the established norms in exciting ways, which ultimately benefits all stakeholders involved and (most importantly) our learners.

Urban Playground Interior.

14

TIMOTHY SNYDERS Landscape architect Truform Landscape Architects, a subsidiary of BPAS Architects www.bpas.co.za @truform_landarch @bpas_architects

/ FEATURE /

Outdoor Classroom Extension.

15 Outdoor Classroom Extension.

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DREAMY DESIGNER CH ILDR E N ’ S WO N D E R L AN D

LI XIANG CURATES A DREAMY DESIGNER WONDERLAND FOR CHILDREN TO GROW INDEPENDENTLY AND FREELY 17

/ FEATURE /

X+Living's fairytale kindergarten set amongst the clouds in Huzhou, China, comes replete with exploratory rooms of play and learning in a fantasy setting that allows children's imaginations to run wild.

The Shanghai-based design company X+Living's architectural design team, work at the cutting edge of art, fashion and business. Exploring interior design, the architect and founding CEO, Li Xiang, has created many commercial, cultural, retail, and hotel projects that have received international recognition through top international awards for distinctive, inventive, experiential, and utterly memorable projects.

Having created several landmark ‘parent-child’ spaces within her career in China, Xiang has incorporated her experience into the Huzhou kindergarten project that spans 12 800m2.

Xiang has carefully considered and researched the key elements, namely safety and interest, resulting in a highquality, unconventional, and instructive kindergarten. The Zi Ling Changxing Kindergarten is a fulltime private kindergarten under the auspices of the Zi Ling Education Group. They uphold the idea of returning education to its essence and strive to build spaces for children to grow independently and freely.

Preschool education is when children begin to perceive the world and develop a way of thinking that affects their whole lives. Kindergartens, therefore, should be full of exploration and positive guidance, free and borderless, so that children can fulfil their growth potential. Kindergartens should spark and direct a child's curiosity, trigger the imagination, develop a natural love of learning and expand children's ability to understand and comprehend the world, organise information and solve problems, increasing feelings of self-worth and self-confidence.

Kindergarten teaches cooperation: the ability to work, learn and get along with or take turns, share, and listen to others. It develops all the social and emotional learning skills that they will use through their school years and beyond.

Xiang has created such a place—a mini-city for children to enjoy and experience through simulated supermarkets, hospitals, and a kitchen. Classrooms are dynamically designed venues like art galleries, cultural centres, and science and technology museums that inspire the cognitive understanding of different disciplines through playbased, hands-on learning activities. There is a sports room, piano room, art room, and an experiential games room—a place for playful adventure, where psychological processes combine with physical activity and social cooperation through tasks that allow the realisation that we need to rely on other people from time to time and collaborate.

X+Living has taken the design concepts of ‘moving the universe into the kindergarten’ and ‘knowing by seeing,' bringing ‘the sanctity of education to life in a dreamy space.’

"Preschool education is when children begin to perceive the world and develop a way of thinking that affects their lives."

18

/ FEATURE /

19

/ FEATURE /

‘Knowing by seeing’ takes genesis in the lobby, where a macroscopic universe with a customised galaxy light strip surrounding six starlike sphere lamps, engulfs the children in the mysteries of astronomy created to allow the students to grasp the vastness of the universe and to awaken and nurture their curiosity.

The space is fun, tactile, fantastical and joyous. The white classroom with soft ‘macaron’ colours, has a sleeping area at the side of the classroom, with a whimsical jigsaw puzzle divide. The ceiling and floors resemble soft, puffy clouds, while the skirtings, also cloud-shaped, form soft seating for parents and children. Xiang has designed the classrooms as art galleries, cultural centres, and a science and technology museum to inspire different disciplines of cognitive understanding.

The walls of the corridor connecting the classrooms and functional areas are left white, providing a space for the children's work to be displayed; therefore, it is not only the main route for daily life and study in the kindergarten but also an art museum for children. The colour-coded auditorium has lines of gradient pastel seats, shaped much alike half-opened macarons, cocooned in a cloud of white, with a soaring spherical ceiling.

The skirting lines are like ruffles of clouds that double up as soft seating for parents and children. The reading room has different heights and divisions, offering varied reading experiences. The sports room energises end users with a sunny yellow hue. The cabinets and steps are covered with soft artificial leather to prevent injuries during exercise and daily activity.

The cosier attic room features a camera to capture the children's playful, magical moments. The giant lens doubles as a passageway, and the high ceiling introduces a play area for climbing. Xiang has introduced enlivening colour for the art room, adorning the space with jewel-hued lockers and display shelves. The LEGO-style classroom encourages building and playing. The swimming pool offers a unique illusion of swimming in clouds. The walls in their undulating form, the ups and downs of the ceiling arc, and the edge of the swimming pool all echo clouds. Soft, pale pink light permeates the scene, protecting children's eyesight and strengthening the atmosphere.

It's pretty magical! The auditorium narrates a fairytale vibe with its spherical ceiling and seats, with glowing gradient colours.

Li Xiang has created a gently wrapped school full of love and learning. The kindergarten is not simply an aesthetic project; it benefits educational purpose while offering an imperceptible influence on the children.

ANJI CONNELL Interior architect ACID+ Design anjiconnellinteriordesign.com @anjiconnell_acidplus

21

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/ FEATURE /

CURRO DURBANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

HARD COURTS

T

rompie Sport was tasked with the design and construction of a high-performance tennis and multi-sport facility at Curro Durbanville. Taking into consideration the needs of the end user, such as the renowned GKR Tennis Academy, which is run

by Grant and Karen Frye, a high-performance design was formulated

by Trompie Sport.

GKR Tennis Academy, with several exceptionally talented students, is constantly preparing for ATP level international tours. The academy required internationally certified surfaces for preparation of their ATP athletes. Karen Frye, with grand slam experience; including The Australian Open, US Open, Indian Wells and Miami Open, was pleased to hear that Trompie Sport had set up a fantastic partnership with US-based brand, Nova Sport, an ITF classified surface she has great experience with.

Nova sport playing surface Since 1984 Nova Sports USA has been manufacturing the highest quality sports surfaces in the world. As a previous US Open surface supplier, Nova offers an ultrapremium tennis surface providing resilience, flexibility and ultra-violet resistance.

For this project, Nova Sports combination surface was installed by Trompie Sport.

Classified as medium pace by the ITF (International Tennis Federation), the system brings a level of elegance, longevity and toughness.

“The new Nova courts at Curro Durbanville are amazing. It feels as if you are playing on one of the US Open practice courts. It plays as well as it looks."

Why Trompie?

When it comes to quality court construction, Curro consistently turns to Trompie Sport. With a track record of over 2000 courts constructed countrywide, more than 15 million m² of natural pitches and over 100 artificial sport fields for hockey and soccer, their resumé speaks for itself.

Over the past 30 years, Trompie has perfected their product and specifications with regard to court construction and they supply and install an impressive list of world-renowned ITF manufacturers like Laykold and Nova Sport, all current and previous Grand Slam surfaces. Trompie Sport has also developed their own high-performance court acrylic system, manufactured locally and the go-to playing surface for Curro, mulpitle universities, clubs and schools countrywide.

Fencing system In addition to the excellent playing surface and aesthetic appeal of the final surface, the fencing system had to be on par with the highest international standards. The uniquely designed fencing system of Trompie Sport is fully galvanized, PVC coated and completely modular with no welding required. The system is bolted together on site, ensuring no weak spots upon installation and ensuring rust resistance.

Lighting system The high mast lighting system, designed and installed by Trompie Sport had the following specifications : TROMPIE GROUP

018 292 1202 trompie@trompiegroup.co.za trompiesport.co.za @trompiegroup

• • •

The Lux Levels achieved were 350 Lux, which complies with ITF Class 2 requirements The masts were designed with only 6 masts per court and 12 x LED 276W sport luminaires This design offers the school a professional lighting solution whilst keeping their electricity bills low

Trompie Sport continuously strives for perfection and aims to stay abreast of all modern trends in the industry making sure their clients benefit from the latest and the best technology. Their turnkey services in the construction of sports facilities is unmatched!

23

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THINKING AHEAD...

SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE AND FUTURE-FORWARD DESIGN

25 The new student residence at the University of Mpumalanga is designed to respond to the subtropical climate.

/ FEATURE /

My team has been working with clients to create sustainable campus buildings for more than ten years, and what we have come to realise is that our work with sustainability in mind is no longer just about implementing ‘green’ principles. Our automatic response to every new project is to design buildings that are energy efficient, that strive to reduce reliance on and the consumption of artificial heating and cooling, and generate their own energy where possible. What we have come to realise is this is simply not enough.

Education institutions are under a lot of pressure to create economically sustainable, self-supporting campuses, so our focus now is to assist our clients with developing an integrated network of self-supporting sustainable practices. Exploring the possibilities of innovation technologies can support long-term economic growth, without negatively impacting the social, environmental and cultural aspects of the campus community. The future-forward campus building not only needs to reduce carbon emissions and be economically sustainable, but also needs to be designed to create engaging learning environments where students can focus on learning.

Wherever possible, we use these principles to design robust, sustainable campus buildings: Climate responsive architecture Orientation, thermal massing, natural ventilation, shading and screening, as well as passive stack ventilation are encouraged to reduce the building’s reliance on energy to control internal comfort.

Water Rain and grey water is collected to be reused and/or fed into a filtration system to irrigate the landscape, and supply water for the fire system.

SARVIN NAIDOO

Director GAPP architects and urban designers

Waste Recycling is to be encouraged by locating small recycling collection points within the campus.

Electricity Buildings should be fitted with solar collectors. Sustainable technology, such as wind or solar powered streetlights, can be designed into the public realm of the campus. Long term urban energy efficiency principles should be incorporated into the overall network, with an emphasis on walkability, connectivity, and densification.

Walk-and-ride-ability Walking and bicycle riding as a means of moving around campus is to be encouraged, discouraging the reliance on cars. The spatial quality of the campus is also enhanced if vast parking lots can be avoided.

Densification Infill sites and spaces between existing building should be developed to intensify uses and activities around activity nodes, ensuring diverse and mixed uses as well as maximising spatial efficiency.

Reuse Repurposing existing buildings to cater for new activities and learning venues is more economically viable, and reduces carbon emissions.

"What have we learned from this research and how does it help us improve learning spaces for the future?"

Materials Locally sourced materials should be used wherever possible, prioritise renewable materials, and reduce carbonintensive materials to reduce the carbon emissions during construction and during the operational lifetime of the building.

Healthy buildings create healthy lives The indoor built environment plays a critical role in our overall wellbeing. We spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, and buildings have a unique ability to positively or negatively influence our health. Air quality, daylighting, thermal comfort, noise management and accessibility are key to creating healthy environments.

26

www.gapp.net @gapp_

Shading is vital when designing for the sub-tropical Mpumalanga climate. Screens and deep overhangs shield the residence building at the University of Mpumalanga from direct sunlight.

27 Mbombela campus student residence, University of Mpumalanga.

Gensler included booths for focussed individual work at the AT&T Foundry Innovation Centre, Palo Alto, California.

28 Gensler included interactive spaces between classrooms at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California.

/ FEATURE /

The future campus

The Gensler Research Institute and Steelcase have been studying the changes in teaching and learning environments for many years, and the pandemic gave them the opportunity to expand their research to also capture student and educator experiences with remote and hybrid learning models.

The results were surprising: less than a quarter of students were happy with the remote learning model. One student said, ‘I would prefer a hybrid format… Online interactions can’t substitute real, physical interactions.’

Steelcase concluded from their research: ‘The result — a broadening recognition that a blended learning approach can provide the opportunities and flexibility necessary for the future of education. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, blended learning was a choice. Now, it’s a necessity.’ The pandemic has highlighted that no one optimal learning experience is for all students, and equity among students of different means becomes even more important in virtual learning environments.

The research from Steelcase made Indiana University realise that there was a disconnect between the spaces they provided and what their students and lecturers actually needed. ‘What will bring students back to campus?’ was forefront in designing spaces for post-pandemic use. In response to post-covid feedback from their students, they have upgraded their campus facilities to include innovation hubs, video production facilities and redesigned their formal teaching venues.

Using psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan’s ‘three cornerstones of personal motivation’ that are required to fully engage: autonomy, a feeling of competence, meaningful relationships and interactions with others, the Gensler Research Institute developed three markers to create effective learning environments – choice in space type, adaptability and connectivity with others.

We have found that this correlates with the spaces we have designed for various higher education campuses.

The most successful spaces we have designed are those that balance technology with low-tech solutions, and offer separate places for team-based learning and for individual focus. We have also found that technology can no longer be the focus of these learning environments. We need to bring the ‘human’ back to create spaces that are safe, comfortable and enable learning and engagement. What we all need now is a sense of belonging; control; comfort; safety and a place to be productive. Creating a safe environment builds trust. Trust creates connection.

"The Gensler Research Institute developed three markers to create effective learning environments – choice in space type, adaptability and connectivity with others."

In order for education institutions to be supportive, connected communities, safety must come first. Safety is foundational to physical, cognitive and emotional health. Post-pandemic safety means that venues must be designed with these factors in mind. In order for students and staff to feel safe, supported and have a sense of belonging so learning can thrive, they need to be confident that administrators have done everything possible to create a safe environment – especially for those who may be at higher risk.

The introduction of the hybrid teaching model enables the design of venues to become more flexible and adaptable. Online lectures allow the time spent in the classroom to become a time for discussion and understanding rather than ‘teaching.'

29

/ FEATURE /

Technology facilitates the hybrid model, but the primary focus is on creating comfortable, ‘human’ venues.

Rethinking how spaces are designed using these new principles enables education institutions to create better learning experiences, delivering on what educators and students need now and in the future. Recognising that the diversity of voices on campus ignites innovation, expands learning for all, and allows each individual a sense of belonging to a community, which is the motivation for education institutions to improve their facilities on campus.

Sidebar: Steelcase have investigated the possibility of creating ‘neighbourhoods’ in the workplace to create connection and build trust. A hybrid neighbourhood caters for online and face to face interactions.

These hybrid neighbourhoods meet new ways of working and expectations when based on these key design objectives:

Equity Creating a more equitable and inclusive experience for all participants, with a design goal to eliminate the gap between co-located and remote students.

Engagement Design settings for a range of experiences that help people participate fully, focus deeply and stay in flow longer.

1

Buildings should equally support large groups, small groups and individuals.

2

Multi-modal spaces support multiple purposes and pedagogies.

3

Create more shielded 'me' and activate more open 'we' spaces.

4

Increase video use in 'me' and 'we' spaces.

Ease Design a variety of intuitive virtual and physical experiences that are easy to navigate and control.

The Perskor building - Putting it into practice Project vision The University of Johannesburg’s mission statement is to ‘inspire its community to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge.' This vision has embodied the institution’s philosophy since its foundation as an amalgamation of various tertiary educational establishments in 2005 and the regeneration and expansion of the Doornfontein Campus is the personification of these principles in built form.

In 2009, UJ initiated a consolidation project for the Faculties of Science, Health Sciences and Engineering, with the aim of streamlining existing facilities, adjusting to the needs of expanding faculties and aiding the regeneration and upliftment of the inner city. Part of the project involved the purchase of a 30 000 m², concrete frame 1960s print-works, to the south of the main campus, with the intention of refurbishing the building and triggering peripheral development in the process.

Design philosophy The building is predominantly inhabited by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, although lecture venues and computer laboratories provide for student’s campus-wide. With the main occupant in mind, the language of expressed structures and exposed services -as exhibited -was considered an important teaching tool for students.

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Retrofitted learning venues at the University of Johannesburg's Perskor building were designed to ensure students are comfortable to increase their learning and engagement.

/ FEATURE /

This conceptual idea also goes further to acknowledge the historical function of the building as a piece of industrial architecture. With four main atria running through the structure, an internal street was created with a series of interlinking steel bridges. The route connects students arriving via Metrorail in the south, directs them centrally through the building and across a twisting sky-bridge at Beit Street to the main campus in the north. The use of the internalised, naturally lit atria spaces for the circulation spine, enabled the maximisation of the existing floor to provide accommodation for workshops, laboratories, teaching venues and 3 auditoria and associated administrative support facilities for the faculty. The emphasis on regenerate, refurbish and recycle was also applied to the water usage system in the building, as groundwater is collected within the two basements and reused to supply fire water for sprinklers, the grey water system for ablution flushing and irrigation on the main campus. The building is capable of a providing a further 10 000 m² of internal expansion space and has the possibility of an additional two storeys in the future.

32 Columbia College Student Centre, Chicago.

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REIMAGINING ETHEKWINI PRIMARY P OW E R E D BY THE CO TTO N ON FOUN DATION

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/ PORTFOLIO /

SUP P L I E RS

Size: 13 981m² Location: eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

Completed: 2022 Cost: R 32 million

Brick: Corobrik - 011 871 8600

Site information and history for context The education of a child is one of the fundamental steps required to better the future of a country. An educational environment should allow for experiential learning and be conducive to new thought. Located in KwaMashu, eThekwini Primary School - one of the oldest primary schools in KwaMashu, stands proud on a hill in B Section and accommodates learners from the surrounding areas. Identified by The Cotton On Foundation as a strategic project, Fieldworks Design Group was tasked with the design and development of new infrastructure and educational spaces, as well as the refurbishment of existing buildings and the school terrain.

When inheriting the site, the school grounds, buildings and supporting infrastructure were severely dilapidated and in dire need of intervention to create a platform which facilitates meaningful educational engagements.

Since its transformation, eThekwini Primary School forms part of a plethora of Cotton On Foundation projects aimed at providing holistic education opportunities through the delivery of quality education from early childhood to further studies.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world’ – Nelson Mandela The brief After visiting the Fieldworks-designed Streetlight Schools Jeppe Park Primary, Tara Stretch, Cotton On Foundation Manager, contacted Fieldworks to discuss the Foundation’s vision for eThekwini Primary.

The Cotton On Foundation believes in a hands-on approach in partnering with communities to tear down the barriers to education. The primary objective is to break the cycle of poverty by keeping kids healthy and in school. Apart from the functional requirements in the form of a facilities list and the need to increase the school’s capacity to accommodate 1280 learners, the brief from the client allowed for much creative interpretation as long as the architectural response remained aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Anchored in the core value of the provision of quality education, the project is aimed at delivering: • Inspiring sustainable infrastructure and classrooms • Space for ongoing professional development of educators • Spaces that promote and prioritise physical, social and emotional student wellbeing • Safe spaces free from barriers that prevent children, especially girls, from participating in educational opportunities • Basic necessities through the provision of clean water, nutritious food and healthcare

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Trees and strategic planting: CJM Growers - 082 775 1224 Rainwater harvesting Tanks: JoJo Tanks - 011 695 8300 Paint: Plascon - 0860 20 40 60 Fencing: Betafence - 021 868 7300 Concrete benches: Smartstone - 010 442 0377 Artificial Grass: Multiturf - 083 262 9442

/ PORTFOLIO /

MEET T HE T EAM Main contractor: Verbaan Construction Photographer: Samora Chapman Mural artist: Khulekani Mkhize

Client: Cotton On Foundation & Ethewkini Primary School Development partner: The Cotton On Foundation Architects and landscape architects: Fieldworks Design Group

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/ PORTFOLIO /

How the brief was realised With sustainability as a key driver for the project, the Fieldworks team embarked on a conceptual design which integrated the site as a whole and envisaged education spaces beyond only the classroom. The design integrated systems and processes associated with water, food, waste and energy as key infrastructural components while creating learning opportunities for not only the individual or class, but the greater community.

The interior Assimilating items from the client brief as part of multifunctional spaces or programmatic integrations afforded the Fieldworks team the opportunity to develop a more compact and efficient layout. The new built component manifested as 5 buildings, housing 14 new classrooms, a multifunctional hall, administration facilities (reception, offices, staff room, staff bathrooms and sick bay) a kitchen, store rooms and multifunctional meeting spaces.

Existing buildings, housing fifteen classrooms and ablution blocks, were refurbished to ensure that all building skins, roofs, openings and services contribute to a safe and healthy learning environment, while reflecting the aesthetic established in the new build. Store rooms and additional ablution facilities were incorporated in strategic areas while the existing caretaker unit was expanded to incorporate a multifunctional learning space, surrounded by an edible garden that can operate independently from the school – now known as The Cotton On Foundation Nutrition Mission at eThekwini Primary School.

FIELDWORKS DESIGN GROUP

www.fieldworksdesigngroup.com @fieldworksdesigngroup

Outdoor facilities A multi-functional sports field and a tree lined avenue greet learners, teachers and guests alike. The avenue leads visitors to an administration window housed in one of the towers of the admin block. Towering murals, painted by a local artist, celebrates the main internal entrance to the school, while strategic murals throughout the school foster identity and pride. Security is paramount and manifests in the form of internally fenced areas, while building façades create safe boundaries to the internal school grounds. Classrooms from the refurbished buildings spill out onto a central playscape to ensure passive surveillance of students during break time. Play areas and sport facilities function as platforms for outdoor instruction while promoting safe physical activity and healthy social interaction.

Systems design Situated in a high summer rainfall area with an average annual precipitation of 970mm, all buildings, walkways and hard surfaces are edged with planters which fulfill the function of bio-swales, housing subsurface drainage that efficiently distribute stormwater across the site to an onsite detention facility, which only discharges water back into the municipal grid upon flooding.

Forming part of the Indian Ocean coastal belt biome of South Africa, the area falls within the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt veld type – a veld type threatened by the practices of forestry, farming, cultivation and urban sprawl.

The planting palette for eThekwini Primary, aims to conserve species from this vegetation unit while including a selection of hardy, indigenous plants varying in height, texture and colour. As part of the ecosystem services rendered, the plants celebrate seasonal change and create landscape niches that attract beneficial insects and birds to the site.

More than 70 trees, of which most have edible qualities, are planted across the site and act as space making elements. Linked to healthy and nutritious food provision, fruit borne on these indigenous edible trees are enjoyed by learners and create an educational opportunity highlighting the value of our natural heritage and resources.

In a location where prolonged water outages are a reality, sustainable water supply is paramount and contributes significantly to a higher level of hygiene, health and sanitation for learners. Dedicated water tanks located on the central tower of the school act as an onsite reservoir for potable water supply, while rainwater harvesting tank banks located at all ablution blocks are responsible for the flushing of toilets and the irrigation of edible gardens and lawn areas. All classrooms are fully furnished with Fieldworks Design Group designed furniture and include strong rooms where chrome books are stored as part of digital learning. All new buildings aim to promote natural ventilation and natural light to conserve energy.

Clerestory windows, high ceilings and open trusses ensure ample provision of natural light, while brise-soleil elements control glare and heat radiated into the buildings from exterior hard surfaces.

Sourcing materials and other relevant information

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"Classrooms from the refurbished buildings spill out onto a central playscape to ensure passive sur veillance of students during break time."

Fieldworks endeavoured to work with local and robust materials as far possible, which translated to a material palette dominated by brick laid either in stack bond on building façades or used for screening and landscape elements. Once-muddied outdoor areas are transformed into play areas covered with artificial turf and pre-cast multi-blend paved walkways.

Timber and gumpole structures create overhead planes providing shade or covering functional areas for instruction. Strategically selected paint colours dot the school ground, either on murals, the container library or classroom doors and play equipment. The nature of the project provided opportunity for intensive community engagement and extended local employment. Apart from employing local labour, specific work packs were assembled and transferred to community contractors.

The topography of site, although fairly flat, drops steeply to the edges and the ground conditions are predominantly shale. Where possible, building pads were constructed to mitigate difficult soil and ground conditions, while suitable planting soil was imported to the terrain to accommodate high yielding vegetables, African Orphan Crops and the strategic planting palette as previously discussed. Overburden was used to create multi-layered playscapes and spread across seeded embankments for slope stabilisation.

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ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY 41

/ PORTFOLIO /

Size: 3350m² Completed: 2021 Location: Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

Site information and history for context The St John’s Preparatory campus is well known in Johannesburg, and hopefully also outside of its immediate location, as an educational landmark situated on the Houghton Ridge. The outcrop was identified by Sir Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming as the appropriate site for a new school, with the foundation stone being laid in January 1907. The ensuing incremental development has graced the suburbs with buildings of stature and beauty, enjoyed by all who are fortunate enough to attend the school or to teach there and by those who appreciate its architectural and cultural significance from public realm.

It is worth noting that the integration of the buildings, into ‘the koppie’ and its surrounds has been accomplished with a sensitivity of massing and use of materials that continue to impress today.

Needless to say, all major developments on the campus are scrutinised by the various heritage committees, having first been subject to an internal approvals process which is both collaborative and discursive.

The brief As the lead architect, Mark Pencharz of PENCHARC, was privileged to continue undertaking work amongst this canvas of historic and architecturally-rich group of structures. Being a member of the sitting building committee, Pencharz has been able to contribute and advise the school on their building strategy over an extended period.

This thorough knowledge of context covering not only architectural design and services, but also from the driving force of changing requirements in education and sport, allows PENCHARC to work closely with the school in formulating the brief.

Having recently completed the new Pre-Preparatory School for St John's, which used a classroom module size in excess of 80m², there was considerable pressure to find a way to create equitable teaching and learning spaces for the Prep housed in the old structures designed by Fleming. The 40m² classrooms, some of which included open fireplaces, had clearly served their best years of service.

The team needed to find space on a crowded campus for 18 new classrooms, a modern science laboratory and maker space, all preferably clustered in a central area easily accessible to the existing Prep and having its own identity within the overall college campus. Having waited quite a long while for their new classrooms, the facility had to deliver cutting edge design in terms of current trends in learning, and of course endeavour to be exemplary in terms of comfort and best practice in passive sustainability building science theory. From the outset, the guiding principle that was applied in evaluating the design was a direct comparison with the quality of the existing Fleming and Baker buildings and spaces.

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/ PORTFOLIO /

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/ PORTFOLIO /

"It is worth noting that the integration of the buildings, some of which are of considerable scale, into ‘the koppie’ and its surrounds has been accomplished with a sensitivity of massing and use of materials that continues to impress today."

How the brief was realised PENCHARC's history with new builds on the campus raised a red flag in not underestimating the possible complications and costs that would be associated in developing new ground. The underlying geological formation of the ridge had not disappointed in surprising and challenging the experienced geotechnical and structural engineers before, and this project was proved no exception to that precedent.

Demolition of the old house that had historically been used as the sanatorium (hospital) for the boarders, provided the space the team needed to squeeze the new school into what appeared to be the only space available, other than the compromised option of cannibalising much needed sporting fields.

The new build took on the form of an enclosing L-shape which provided the traditional internal quadrangle that characterises the best of the Baker structures. Seen from above, the campus could be interpreted as a series of beads on a necklace. The string being the axial line of the ridge, the beads being the buildings with their focal points as quadrangles.

The space available proved to be a ‘goldilocks’ solution, with the structures locking into the constrained area on all sides with less than a half-meter overall tolerance. The architects were not to be disappointed by the complexity of the foundations. Blasting and diamond cutting solid quartzite situated just below natural ground level on the southern portion, and sinking 30m deep friction piles only 15m to the north, necessitated innovative structural solutions that literally gave the geotechnical engineers sleepless nights. Although having initially undertaken as best a geotechnical survey possible with the existing structures limiting full access, we needed to contend with a dynamic design process as the bulk excavations uncovered new information that necessitated complete design reviews on the fly. The end result has been a structural solution that is radically prototypical and most likely will be the subject of a future geotechnical engineering theory paper.

PENCHARC were constantly reminded of the irony demonstrated by the old Baker and Fleming structures which had patently managed to sidestep the treacherous founding conditions with hardly a crack in their façade in sight.

Health and safety vigilance is always paramount when building in an operating environment. Keeping the boys from wandering onto the site proved easier than dealing with the noise and dust. Teaching through jackhammering of solid rock is not for the faint hearted. Looking up from time to time from our busy site to the classroom windows surrounding, we would often see groups of inquisitive, small faces squashed against the taped-up windows as the boys were treated to spectator seats in the construction arena. Somewhat unintentionally, this process of observation became part of a didactic teaching process. With some luck, some of the learners may well pursue a career in design and construction.

Construction of the foundations and buildings was undertaken under a separate main contract. The COVID-19 lockdown caught the team towards the end of the process, which while taking away some of the much -anticipated excitement in delivering the project, was well managed by all concerned.

MEET T HE T EAM Fire consultants: BCC & Kuphele Sustainability consultants: PJC Consulting Surveyor: Wimberley & Associates Demolition and earthworks: Zero Azania Electrical contractors: Tesla Electrical Main Contractor: Gothic Construction Photographer: Michael Schmucker, studio88

Client: St John’s College Architect: PENCHARC Quantity surveyor: Schoombie Hartmann Civil and structural engineer: RMCE Geotechnical engineer: Geoid Geotechnical Engineers Electrical engineer: Aftek Consulting Engineers Wet services engineer: DSB Consulting Engineers

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/ PORTFOLIO /

SUP P L I ER S Aluminium doors, windows, shopfronts and façade: Alumac – 011 615 0340 PV solar system: NESA Power – 011 326 3903 Joinery: QP Shopfitters – 082 301 8870 Roofing: GM Roofing Solutions – 011 465 4075 Klip-Tite™ available at Global Roofing Solutions - 011 898 2900 Cladding: Rheinzink – 072 9980218 Rohde Roofing – 082 395 0095 Structural steel: SE Steel Fabricators – 011 953 4584 Glass balustrading: Steel Studio – 011 608 1963 Precast concrete: Specialised Precast Elements - 012 333 3788 Acoustic doors: Aluglass Bautech – 011 451 8400

Alumac Aluminium & Glass Specialists is a family owned and managed company which prides itself in consistently producing high quality glass and aluminium doors and windows for the private and commercial markets.

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info@alumac.co.za | www.alumac.co.za | Contact +2711 615 0340 | Mark +2783 226 4724 | Grant +2783 644 7912

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CREATING CURRO

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/ PORTFOLIO /

Completed: 2022 Size: 9 800 m² Location: Durbanville, Cape Town

Located to the north-east of Durbanville in the Western Cape, the site for Curro Durbanville School forms part of the larger urban plan for the Phesantekraal area. The site is accessed on the west side from two turning circles which had predetermined positions, providing the campus with main- and secondary access points. The campus borders the busy Okavango Road on the east side. Existing pylons with a 31m wide servitude cross the north end of the site, restricting development in this zone to parking and low-level planting. The site slopes down towards the south side where it borders a wetland area.

The brief called for a high-quality innovative school with a range of cultural and sports facilities. It was important that the design process was not isolated to a single author. The scheme came together through a collaborative engagement with learners, teachers, and other consultants. Learners were tasked with presenting their own ideas and initiatives for their ‘ideal’ new school. They expressed themselves through interactive drawing and model-building sessions, which presented our team with a unique client brief. Further inspiration was drawn from the surrounding landscape and the mountains in the distance, the colour of the canola fields and the materiality of existing structures located on and around the site. The design emits an exciting take on form, texture, and scale. The site was handed over to the main contractor at the beginning of November 2020, with completion of the school building approximately a year later at the end of 2021.

Design concept Theoretical approach: Learning achieved through interactions is the basis of how a child develops. This is the essence of 'The Third Teacher.' Its principles can be summarised as follows: firstly, interactions with the adults in their lives (parents and teachers), secondly with peers, and thirdly through interaction with their surrounding environment – the physical space in which learners mature becomes 'The Third Teacher'. The design aims to capture and promote the value of 'The Third Teacher' in its layout, spatial qualities and finishes to create a positive, stimulating educational environment.

Space planning Masterplanning of the campus: A series of layout configurations were assessed for the overall campus. During this process, determining factors such as site conditions and constraints, accommodation requirements (programme), orientation of sport fields together with potential shade-cast of structures, connectivity between respective facilities, as well as the internal road link between the access points were taken into consideration to find the most suitable layout.

Space planning of the school building: The U-shaped building footprint frames the southern corner of the site, which formulates a forecourt defined by the auditorium and hall on either side. It ‘embraces’ the learners and visitors as they enter, while also acting as a protective buffer from the elements. Direct visual connection to the main entrance makes wayfinding easier for users.

MEET T HE T EAM Acoustic engineering: Mackenzie-Hoy Audio visual consultant: PJK Interior design: B-Sense and ORC Electrical installations: Harris Electrical Main Contractor: MNK Projects

Architect: BPAS Architects Landscape architecture: cndv landscape architects Structural, civil and electrical engineering: KLS Consulting Engineers Mechanical and fire engineering: FMWE Consulting Engineers Quantity surveyor: Calcoli

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BPAS ARCHITECTS www.bpas.co.za @bpas_architects

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/ PORTFOLIO /

The building height was kept moderately low by spreading the accommodation over wider floor plates, thereby relating to the surrounding context of the existing- and planned urban skyline. The architecture is non-stylistic. It responds to site conditions such as climate, contours, accessibility, and connectivity, resulting in a site-specific design.

The conventional ‘school typology’ consisting of classrooms that are framed by four walls was challenged with the concept of constant interaction between spaces. The classes become permeable and adaptive with furniture, such as combinable tables, designed specifically for the hybrid and flexible use of each space. Diversity is emphasised through juxtaposed slanted columns and colours in this dynamic atrium learning space, embracing difference and uniqueness in a collective and safe environment.

Usually, the classroom is inclusive and private, hall and passages are semi-private, and the playground is the public space. Now, an art classroom opens into an atrium that can be turned into a gallery or exhibition area, also sharing space with the cafeteria. The cafeteria has a practical kitchen which is used for consumer studies by the hospitality learners. The consumer studies classroom is linked to the cafeteria as well. This type of design provides flexibility and hybrid use, essential for a school that will always be adapting to future needs.

The classrooms and laboratories are placed around an atrium and internal courtyard space respectively, allowing for daylight to filter into these spaces. Organically shaped walkways which host collaboration spaces, together with slanted columns and colourful interior elements create visual interest and a sense of playfulness and difference.

The school has been crafted through a learner-centric approach using collaborative and investigative processes.

As construction of the school building neared the finish line, the layering of finishes and furniture enhanced the concept of ‘The Third Teacher’ in the designed spaces. Overall, the school responds to the site through its sustainability considerations and non-stylised architecture. Ultimately, the building’s success will rely on the successful incorporation of its users, shifting from the conventional to flexible and interactive learning spaces.

Material used Architect Louis Khan once told his students: ‘If you are ever stuck for inspiration, ask your materials for advice.’

This philosophy was considered throughout the design process, resulting in a rich and robust material palette with innovative applications thereof. Patterned brick work acts as a wayfinding method at entrances while contributing to the aesthetics of the building. The auditorium is clad in sheet metal which forms a prominent node at the main entrance. Off-shutter concrete roofs link the programme components (auditorium, classroom spaces and hall). This finish is pulled through to the interiors and complimented with the warmth of natural wood elements.

SU P P L I ER S Bricks: Corobrik - 011 871 8600 Vinyl flooring: Polyflor - 011 609 3500 Sanware: Geberit - 011 444 5070 Aluminium shopfront, glass, skylights & sunscreens: Go Green - 021 945 1156 Flooring: Flowcrete - 021 551 7885 Tiling: RAKO available at Tiletoria - 021 511 3125

Sanware: Lecico - 021 531 9848 Cobra - 0861 21 21 21

Ceilings and partitions: Saint Gobain - 012 657 2800 Acoustic ceilings: OWA - 021 531 7511

Cafeteria and consumer science kitchen equipment: Catermarket - 021 949 7325 Oak veneer atrium seating: African Heartwood - 082 559 1029 OSB fire cabinets: Unique Kitchens – 021 981 9393

Pavers: C.E.L Paving Products - 021 905 5998 Waterproofing: GP Koning - 021 703 9544

Ironmongery: Dormakaba - 011 510 1500

Bathroom cubicles: Façade Projects - 021 905 4474

Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions 021 552 7622

Artificial turf, landscaping and sport fields: Turftech - 087 087 4168

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Sport, tennis courts, paving & landscaping: Trompie Group - 086 123 5296 Structural steel: Triomf Staalwerke - 021 862 1630 Shopfitting, data & security installations: GRIT Procurement Solutions - 012 741 3460 Thermal insulation: ISOboard - 021 983 1140 Roofing and cladding: Safintra Roofing - 011 323 6300 Safal South Africa - 031 782 5500 Saflok 700 Sheeting, ColorplusTM AZ200 TCT 0.53 in colour Raincloud

/ PORTFOLIO /

Roofing and cladding Steel trusses were used in the auditorium, hall, dance and drama studios to create freespan structures. A noteworthy feature on the 'tails' of the U-shaped building for the auditorium and hall is the SAFLOK 700 sheeting, used on roofs and wll cladding as an added rainscreen. The pre-painted steel substrate used by Safintra Roofing in the forming of the Saflok 700 sheeting was supplied by Safal Steel South Africa.

Flow of the building The overall layout is strategically arranged with the more public spaces on the main access side (parking, forecourt, hall with viewing deck towards the cricket oval, auditorium, and the administration component) and the private secure spaces on the south side (dance and drama studios, music rooms, cafeteria, laboratories, and classrooms). The dynamic plan layout enhances flow of users in- and through the building.

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Student

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Comfort and ergonomics are key in student motivation and higher engagement. Which is why it is important to offer comfortable functional seating that creates a unique learning environment.

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/ FEATURE /

READY, PITCH, GO! Turftech, a leader in both natural and synthetic turf technology were appointed to implement this amazing project for the brand new Curro Durbanville School, built in 2021 and debuted in January 2022.

Turftech are official Rhino-Turf partners.

The Rhino-Turf HF18 Sand Dressed Turf was installed on the brand new artificial turf hockey main and practise pitches, both being tested to FIH national standards.

Turftech also constructed the new artificial turf athletics track around the hockey facility where Rhino-Turf MT15F Sand Dressed Turf was installed. This is also one of the first of its kind in South Africa. Turftech was also responsible for the newly installed cricket oval with a 6 strip bulli cricket pitch as well as the high specification cricket net facility on this campus. Turftech implemented the sites grass planting , which had to be done on the campus combined with the inclusion of a high specification automated irrigation system. Having also installed artificial landscaping turf in some areas where shade and high traffic was foreseen in the long run with regard to robust maintenance.

BPAS Architects were responsible for the overall design of the campus with regard to the buildings and functionality of the site. cndv Landscape Architects were responsible for the landscape design. MNK Projects was appointed as the Main Contractor for all the Building Construction, roads, etc.

This site was a hive of activity for months with many pressing deadlines due to all the delays experienced during the rainy season. KLS Consulting Engineers (primary consulting engineers to Curro Holdings Ltd) provided an overall design for the sports fields and stormwater management to meet all the requirements.

TURFTECH

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PROPER LIVING

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Size: 3987m2 Cost: R49 000 000 Location: Observatory, Cape Town

The brief The site located in Observatory, Cape Town, is near numerous tertiary education institutions and is home to an ever-growing community of young professionals. Thus, the project brief was to design a building that caters to the needs of this demographic. The development was done under the 'Proper Living' brand, whose key principles are security, innovative design and community. With this we set out to create a building which would encourage engagement between residents to establish a sense of community.

The building is a nine-storey building consisting of 74 residential units with numerous communal spaces throughout. A variety of units ranging from studio units to four-bedroom co-living units were introduced to cater for students and young professionals. Communal spaces include a TV room, foosball table and other lounge areas, an outdoor gym and braai areas were also introduced on the terrace level.

Project description A key design consideration for this development was to harmoniously respond to the heritage rich suburb of Observatory which consists of relatively low-rise buildings. The bulk of the building is broken up into smaller sections to better respond to the residential scale of the immediate context.

The façade of the building’s base was designed to mimic a series of row houses as Observatory is famous for closely adjoining small residential properties. The introduction of balconies overlooking the street connects residents with the streetscape and adds to the ‘fractured’ nature of the building. The tower is setback to allow the development to better relate to its single and double level neighbours. The tower is split into four sections allowing natural light to flow into deeper spaces within the building. Finally additional setbacks of the tower top and the introduction of angled roofs aim to further reduce the perceived scale of the building.

Balconies on different floors are offset from each other to create a playful façade. This together with the use of different colours for different sections of the building adds to the concept of a 'fractured' building. The balustrades on some of the balconies were made from perforated steel, this provides a sense of safety while maintaining views through the balustrade.

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SUP P L I E RS Vinyl Flooring: Gerflor – 010 753 2332 Terrazzo Tiles: Mazista – 021 511 6640 Signage: Ultrasigns – 021 510 3200 Lighting: Eagle Lighting – 021 424 4071 Lights by Linea – 021 511 6116 Ironmongery: QS Products – 021 702-0905 Sanware: Geberit – 011 444 5070 Hansgrohe – 086 111 1941 Appliances: Bosch – 086 002 6724

/ PORTFOLIO /

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MEET T HE T EAM Electrical engineer: Frame Civil engineer: Engineering Advice & Services Quantity surveyor: Strong Consulting Main contractor: HFO Construction Photographer: Paris Brummer

Client: Proper Living, Heron Square Architect: TwoFiveFive Architects Structural engineer: MISC Engineering Fire consultant: De Villiers & Moore Mechanical engineer: De Villiers & Moore

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/ PORTFOLIO /

The planters on ground level soften the urban edge of the building at street level. Planters were also incorporated throughout the design to bring nature to the urban environment and some of the units have private garden areas. Planters on the terrace level provides privacy between balconies while allowing interaction between residents. These planters also mitigate the urban impact the building has on the context.

Timber elements and the use of lighting, both natural and artificial, creates a warm feeling throughout the building. The units in the tower of the building have great views of Table Mountain and Cape Town harbour, large windows were used to maximise these views. These windows together with light colours in the units creates a spacious feeling even in the smaller units.

Ultimately the development has been well received by students and young professionals alike and has become well recognised within the community.

"The introduction of balconies overlooking the street connects residents with the streetscape and adds to the ‘fractured’ nature of the building."

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NEW

PAVEM E

NT L A

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B

UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 65

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/ FEATURE /

Size: 2475 m² Completed: 2022 Cost: R45 000 000 Location: Stellenbosch, Cape Town

T

he New Pavement Laboratory (NPL) as it was known during the design and construction phase, is a new building for the University of Stellenbosch Engineering Department, specifically the Civil Engineering Faculty. It is now known as the PGRL (Pavement and Geotechnics Research Laboratory).

The building is positioned on the north-east corner of the site which was formerly a rather uninspiring student car parking lot and large delivery vehicle route. This side of the engineering campus not only has spectacular views of the Jonkershoek and Stellenbosch mountain ranges, but is also the side of the campus where most pedestrians from student housing enter the building complex and filter through to the rest of the Stellenbosch University campus.

With the requirement for heavy industrial type use in most parts of the building, the foundations and site preparation were of utmost importance. Stellenbosch sits on a mostly river stone substrate which had to be partially removed and filled to very strict client requirements meeting G7 and G5 compaction strengths.

The brief Our client was Stellenbosch University Facilities Management with the end user - who would be occupying and running the building on a day-to-day basis –being the Civil Engineering department. There were university standards and space norms to follow supplemented and fleshed out by extensive end user client meetings to tailor the brief for laboratory spaces to their needs.

The Civil Engineering department had previously occupied a space on the same campus in a building which had not seen major upgrades or maintenance for quite a few years. So, just imagining how their new space would work in a way that would improve operations, test results and enjoyment of the spaces was a process to get their and our heads around. Just because something had been done a certain way before didn’t necessarily mean it was the best or most efficient way to do it in the new building.

The siting of the building was based on a few very important factors - existing infrastructure, large delivery truck routes which had to be maintained, existing slope of the site for drainage, minimising loss of student parking and mature trees, the requirement for diffused and not direct light, plus a link on the first floor to the existing building. This all proved a challenge, but was ultimately overcome by applying rational design thinking which created a visual bookend to a large site and set the architectural character for future developments and renovations to existing buildings on site.

It is hoped that this building will activate the previously dead ‘rear end’ of the site whilst denoting it as a major gateway to the complex and broader pedestrian ground level thoroughfare.

MEET T HE T EAM Electrical engineer: GIBB Civil engineer: SMEC Fire engineer: STAC Consulting Engineers Data engineer: Transport Telematics Africa Photographer: Johann Lourens Photography

Client: Facilities Management Stellenbosch University Principal agent: Alywyn Laubscher & Associates Architect: KMH Architects Quantity surveyor: Ann Roese Quantity Surveyors Structural engineer: Edifice Consulting Engineers Mechanical and wet services engineer: BVI

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The building is industrial in look, construction and finish. It is designed to be hard-wearing, perfectly suited to its client requirements whilst maintaining an edge of refinement and detail which must always form part of a considered and thoughtful architectural intervention.

Realisation of the brief This new building forms part of a campus renewal over the next eight years, and is a space that operates as a laboratory, but with processes akin to a heavy-duty factory with a considered and detailed design approachboth soft and hard, rough and refined.

The design was made efficient by creative use of stock standard building methods and materials. The building is a two-storey structure with cavity brick exterior walls, supported on a concrete slab with pad footings to columns and perimeter strip foundations. The roof structure is an innovative imagining of a standard metal south light structure in the way that it slopes in two directions, effectively removing the need for complicated box gutters - which is always the waterproofing downfall of this sort of construction - whilst still providing an excess of ambient, soft, natural light prized in galleries and ideal for the laboratories.

Finishes are kept to a minimum - bagged brick, polished and off-shutter concrete, and metal cladding. These materials have been chosen to deal with the harsh interior environment of crushing, vibrating and large-scale concrete, bitumen, and asphalt testing. Whilst the materials are robust, they have been used in a way that elevates the space from what can be a sterile industrial aesthetic to a more artful and considered end-product.

A limited colour palette is in large format areas. Selected primary colours decorate the surface mounted service runs, thereby making something which is usually hidden within walls and ceiling voids into something celebrated and decorative - an inverted Pompidou centre.

The building will form part of the engineering faculty of Stellenbosch University both as a much-needed extension but also as a signature piece of statement architecture right at the entrance to the rest of the campus which should set the standard for engineering buildings and what they can be.

SUP P L I E RS Tiling: The Tile House - 021 506 3020 Polished concrete flooring and lab workbenches: World of Decorative Concrete 083 397 4141 Lighting: Regent Lighting Solutions - 021 552 7622 Sanware: Lixil Africa - 086 121 2121 Roof and vertical cladding: Safintra - 021 981 3130 Windows and Shopfronts: Westcoast Glassmen 021 552 4862 Masonry: Corobrik - 021 888 2300 Joinery: MNM Interiors - 021 418 3158 Signage: Kontra Signs - 021 946 1300 Fire Doors: Allandel - 021 531 3791 Cladding: Aluplan - 021 701 2002 Ceilings: OWA South Africa 021 531 7511

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THE ADMINISTRATION STATION

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY VAAL TRIANGLE CAMPUS

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A

new administration building for one of the three North-West University’s campuses, the NWU Vaal Campus, was designed by award-winning firm Mathews and Associates Architects. The campus had served as a satellite campus before, but with a growing student population the campus is expanding. Lead architect, Pieter Mathews, and his team, made some master plan suggestions which will be implemented in phases, the first being the new administration building.

SUP P L I E RS Bricks: Corobrik - 011 871 8600 Lighting: Bergstrom Lighting 011 918 4112

The new administration building is located at the entrance to the campus to serve as a landmark building, a first point of call for the visitors. Two tall branded towers, usher them closer.

Paint: Dulux - 0860 330 111

The client had a very pragmatic brief, dictated by the norms and standards as set out by the Department of Higher Education. The building serves many functions, all of which had to be well considered and designed for. As there are many different users including prospective students, visitors, people with financial queries, university students and staff as well as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, the complexity of access and use had to be well-choreographed. The different functions were grouped together in a hierarchy ranging from’ very public’ to ‘very private.'

Flooring: Leno flooring - 011 613 7311

Existing established university campuses are known for their symmetrical main buildings. Mathews and Associates Architects decided to contradict this notion by creating a definite asymmetrical building, thereby establishing a new aesthetic for the campus – looking towards the future. One of the two wings of the new administration building is dedicated to public interactions whilst the other is staff-oriented with office spaces and meeting rooms.

Vinyl flooring: Floorworx - 011 406 4100 Furniture: Cecil Nurse - 011 345 1500

The building is built on higher ground level, requiring the user to ascend to reach the entrance. This symbolises the academic notion of how hard work allows the student to reach their academic goal of higher learning. A generous staircase leading to the main entrance is defined by a diagonal wall which serves to lead the visitor to the entrance. The public entrance was designed with a spacious horizontal entrance to allow for students to queue when registering in a long line on the stramp; a combination of stairs and ramps.

The entrance to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office protrudes from a design focal point - a pixelated map of the Vaal River translated onto a façade canvas with a dark Black Brick Satin facebrick. This façade brick-artwork celebrates the ‘unique spirit of place.’ This includes a variety of textures and colours from the Corobrik facebrick collection, including Country Classic Travertine, Platinum Satin and Black Brick Satin, as well as Nutmeg and Ironstone pavers. The façade design prevents a monotonous appearance and adds interest to the exterior.

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MATHEWS + ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

www.maaa.co.za @maaarchitects_za

MEET T HE T EAM Mechanical engineers: E.G Africa Consulting Mechanical Engineers Electrical engineers: Lyon & Partners Main contractor: GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors Electronic, IT and fire: North-West University Vaal Campus Photographers: Pieter Mathews and Steven Jordaan

Client: North-West University Vaal Campus Architects: Mathews and Associates Architects Quantity surveyors: Havinga & Olivier Structural and civil engineers: Moedi Consulting Engineers

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Although form had to follow function, no stone, or rather brick, was left unturned to create a unique experience for the visitor and end user alike. Passages with curved shapes serve as a subtle wayfinding device, directing visitors by soothing circulation through heavy traffic areas. Courtyard space and breakaway spaces create ‘pause moments’ whilst ensuring that all boardrooms and offices get ample natural light. The glass elevator keeps the user visually connected with the interior while showcasing the mechanics as functional art.

The slit windows are used to open views of the landscape.

As the building needs to accommodate a substantial amount of traffic, the materials had to be robust and durable; brick, concrete and coated roof sheeting were ideal. The materials also help with natural heat retention whilst the white roof assists in maintaining a cooler building in the summer months.

The interior of the spaces offered a great opportunity and responsibility. To ensure the visitor has a memorable architectural experience, gallery curator, Amohelang Mohajane, together with Pieter Mathews and Professor Jaco Hoffman, curated many prominent artworks from the NWU Art Gallery collection in various spaces. In the corridor leading to the council chambers, a salon-style exhibition was curated with the assistance of students from the campus. The curation of art completes the interior and allows visitors to appreciate a beautiful collection which otherwise would have been locked away in their gallery archive.

The university’s corporate colours were incorporated into the interior’s design. Purple, the main colour, was used subtly as focal walls. Some of the artworks were curated specifically for certain spaces to pick up on the prominent purple of these focal walls.

The garden and landscaping were not part of the architect’s contract and was to be carried out by the client; MAAA however, offered their design expertise in order to ensure a complete, final and comprehensive design.

By working closely with the NWU’s botanists and facilities management, the design proposed to enhance the project and pick up on the corporate colours. Fields of purple agapanthus in full bloom complement the new vision for the North-West University Vaal Triangle and its new administration building.

Architecture, landscaping, art and interior design working in unison to achieve an end result that President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly mentioned in the unveiling of the new Corobrik Kwastina factory. The North-West Vaal Administration Building is a symbol of pride for all students and staff alike.

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