textures and surfaces to not only assist users with wayfinding within the building , giving each floor an identity , but to also create contemporary spaces that stimulate innovative teaching and learning experiences .
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The building is universally accessible , allowing for Differently Abled persons to adequately access all spaces within the building in addition to accommodating their bathroom needs on every floor and the requisite ( fire regulation ) places of refuge . The building ’ s modern-day principles also accommodate male , female and gender-neutral toilets for students and users .
Jakupa believes that materials should relate to the human condition . They are not there only for visual pleasure , but for a tactile connection to the spaces . The interior design approach made use of a careful selection of colours ,
Structural Overview Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers ( K & T ) were appointed by UCT to undertake the structural and civil engineering on this project , as well as the initial geotechnical investigation . This discreetly complex structural redevelopment involved a myriad of structural engineering techniques .
During demolition , excavation , and construction , the existing heritage-graded reinforced concrete ( RC ) façade and front-of-house needed to be preserved with minimal disruption to the extremely limited space available for construction work . K & T made efficient use of the existing building ’ s in-place heritage-graded structural steel roof elements to keep existing façades propped , thus reducing time and cost , and allowing construction efficiencies .
The new double-volume height basement lecture theatre was excavated from below the foot of an existing imposing reinforced concrete retaining wall , which was efficiently converted into a permanent lateral support wall , working together with the lateral support to be installed below . This resulted in a towering vertical excavation face of some 14m below ground level on the western elevation . Furthermore , lateral support piles and
40 Chris Hani Lecture Theatre