Architect and Builder Nov 2021 | Page 36

Architectural Brief The architectural brief was to create a public student building situated in this dynamic and densely populated student zone . This brief provided an opportunity to transform a sterile vehicle-oriented space into a vibrant urban precinct that successfully accommodates vehicular , pedestrian , and functional service requirements with appropriate architectural intervention .
The specific requirements of lecture rooms and auditoria facilitating large groups of up to 350 students necessitated vast unobstructed venues with associated structural implications .
High volume venues with large teaching walls that allow for audio-visual projection ( in a predetermined ratio ) impacted the overall height of the facility , which had to be mitigated in a heritage sensitive area .
Site The building is located on the convergence of the main Central Campus mid-block circulation route and North-South pedestrian link across campus .
Given the building ’ s role it was essential to identify a central and easily accessible site . The chosen site is adjacent to the Langenhoven
36 Jan Mouton