BASEMENT GROUND FLOOR
The Chris Hani Building has been “ repurposed ” into a renewed cluster of contemporary learning spaces . The original architecture attempted to marry the Modernist style with the typical historical campus design typology . In accordance with heritage requirements , the recent architectural re-adaption acknowledges the University Avenue ’ s incremental layering over time and , in addition , the new architectural response includes a major reconfiguration of the internal spatial arrangement while retaining key heritage elements .
Renaming the building was part of UCT ’ s project to create a more inclusive and representative institution . To mark the 25th anniversary of his death on 25 April 2018 , UCT re-named the building after the late anti-apartheid struggle hero Chris Hani .
The renaming of buildings was just one part of a multifaceted transformation project committed to overcoming the legacy of apartheid and colonialism in the university system , and to make UCT a home to all . It is symbolic of a transformation not only on the UCT campus but more importantly of our contemporary society ’ s changing attitudes and values . UCT recognises that there is still a long way to go with the process of transformation , but one thing that is certain is that the renaming of each building symbolises an important milestone on the journey as a socially conscious university .
36 Chris Hani Lecture Theatre