linkages between Chemistry Mall and University Avenue , thus maximising the intensity of use . The relationship between the courtyard and ground floor of the building is intensified by the doublevolume vertical connection to the library . The existing desks from the old lecture theatre were re-purposed and used as timber cladding to the food kiosks on the ground floor .
The second design objective was to create a new front of house entrance to Chemistry Mall , thus uplifting and contributing positively to UCT ’ s Science Precinct . Entry from Chemistry Mall into a new foyer and New Science Learning Centre creates a new front door to the Science Faculty . The Dean of Sciences ’ office is housed on the top level . The existing roof trusses , once removed , were adapted and re-used in the new building design . Exposing the roof trusses and allowing light to penetrate the roof , a deceivingly simple operation of pushing and pulling , revealed the layers of spatial potential within a rather ordinary building configuration . Throughout , there is an expressed intention to juxtapose such new insertions against the old , never losing touch with the building ’ s past .
The renovation strategy was to demolish the floors of the existing building , while primarily retaining the east entrance façade and the north façade . The interior had the intact lecture theatre , with its memorable revolving floor . The staircases on either side of the entrance portico were retained along with the windows and façade elements .
Construction of a new basement , which houses the new lecture theatre , required underpinning of the existing structure . Subsequently , new floors where constructed to mediate the interface between the retained staircases along University Avenue and Chemistry Mall . University Plaster was applied in keeping with the language of the larger campus context . This was contrasted with new , compatible and contemporary materials such as aluminium windows , doors and screens as well as Rheinzink roofing material .
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Chris Hani Lecture Theatre 39