NMU OCEAN SCIENCES
OCEAN SCIENCES CAMPUS EXTENSION Nelson Mandela University
CLIENT Nelson Mandela University
ARCHITECT SVA International
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Chimora Group
CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS BVi Consulting Engineers
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS Bosch Projects
MAIN CONTRACTOR WBHO Construction
PHOTOGRAPHY Ray Truter Photography
In 2020 Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha undertook upgrades to their existing Ocean Sciences Campus as part of their vision for a modern , forwardthinking identity . Many of the existing buildings were built in the 1970 ’ s in a predominantly introverted spatial arrangement , with little interaction with the streetscape or general Campus . These structures required renovation but the main objective was to develop a new building that acted as a modern entrance , creating a striking entry point to the Ocean Sciences campus .
Designed by SVA International ( SVA ), the new building connects with the existing structures along a long , linear plane , which completes the urban block . Although working to accommodate existing structures and their unique scientific research requirements had its challenges it also provided a reference point from which to develop the design concept .
Working with guidelines provided by the University , SVA developed a concept that changed little from the very first sketches and renders presented and the design was retained from the initial ideas through to final completion .
58 NMU Ocean Sciences