Engineering 4.0 , University of Pretoria
INNOVATIVE CATEGORY
Engineering 4.0 is the first phase in the masterplan to create an Engineering , Built Environment and IT ( EBIT ) focused precinct , as a learning facility and developmental , research and large scale testing laboratory . User clients include EBIT ( learning , office , reception , display , largescale laboratory spaces and infrastructure ), SANRAL ( training and reference laboratory ) and CSIR ( bitumen testing laboratory ).
The environment is respected in preserving the indigenous forest and grassland and enhancing biodiversity . The main longitudinal laboratory spine ( 210 x 30m ) is supported by movement corridors on either side being services or pedestrian movement . Ancillary reception and social interaction spaces , auditorium , teaching , office and reception areas link up to the main spine radially to the public side and storage , manufacturing and sublaboratories from the server side .
The architecture consists of large-scale concrete tilt up panels in combination with a steel structure and full height glazed façades to enhance the interaction with the natural surrounds . The design departs radically from a typical civil engineering surround and as the site boasts a mostly indigenous forest and significant Moot grassland , a plan to enhance the biodiversity was integrated . Foreign vegetation was eliminated and architecture introduced to vacated areas , allowing the environment to flow into the building through perforated shade screens and full height glass façades and tilt-up doors to open to the atrium learning space which is also enhanced with planters .
‘ Board and chalk ’ principles are replaced with interactive exposure learning opportunities , particularly necessary in the practical built environment . The introduction of the Strong Floor provides the opportunity for designing and building various elements in the laboratory and then put under pressure to breaking point and performance measured . This component is visually exposed and students can witness procedures behind safety glass . The 1.2m deep foundation to the Strong Floor has been opened to witness reinforcing , the sewer duct has a viewing panel and the server room has a glass façade . All ceilings are open to expose all services , all floors are scoured down to expose aggregates and a sun ingress diagram has been introduced to witness sun patterns . The architecture strives throughout to immerse the student in their study field in all aspects of the surrounds .
This type of operation and the appropriate architectural infrastructure satisfy the enquiring minds of students in a safe and innovative environment . The connectedness with the natural environment throughout , reinforces the contrast associated with heavy engineering .
The building is a trendsetting labyrinth of excellence that breathes innovation on a multitude of levels and provides the spine for further integrated growth both in the architectural and operational spheres .
Development Manager : University of Pretoria Architect : ARC Architects Project Manager : MDSA Project & Construction Management Quantity Surveyor : Gro2 Consulting Structural & Civil Engineer : Aurecon Electrical Engineer : Conscius Consulting Engineers Mechanical Engineer : Spoormaker & Partners Fire Consultant : CKR Consulting Engineers Acoustic Engineer : Linspace Acoustics Environmental Consultant : ARC Architects ( Coordination ) Heritage Consultant : HPA Landscaping : Insite Landscape Architects Main Contractor : WBHO
74 SAPOA Awards