University of Joburg extensions
Along the ‘Golden Mile’, a strip that leads to a number of venues to be used during the 2010 World Cup, is the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Soweto Campus. Originally built as Vista University Campus in Dlamini in 1983, the campus was relocated to this current site on Chris Hani Street in proximity to Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital and opposite the defunct Orlando Ekhaya cooling towers.
Vista University was incorporated into Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) in 2004, shortly thereafter in 2005, RAU merged with Technikon of the Witwatersrand to become UJ.
Currently, UJ’s Soweto Campus makes up one of five campuses belonging to the institution, the others being Auckland Park Kingsway Campus; Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus; Doornfontein Campus and the East Rand Campus.
According to campus director, Dr. Joe Manyaka, the most important factor in the upgrade of the facilities is ensuring that Soweto’s campus is on par with other campuses.
Soweto is constantly growing. From new hospitals, retail centres and infrastructural upgrades, investment in the vibrant township is positioning the ‘city within a city’ on a par with other major nodes in the country. The current upgrades to the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus will provide a huge boost to the area’s academic offering.
“The fact that not all UJ campuses are on the same level has been a problematic factor. The buildings differ in terms of ageing and maintenance and the standard and quality of the facilities being offered to students. The revamp is also increasing the amount of students we will be able to accommodate,” says Dr. Manyaka.
The southern edge of the campus is bordered by Sontonga Hill, the heritage site where Enoch Sontonga was inspired to compose Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika in 1897, which would in 1994 become the South African national anthem.
Upon completion, the campus will be able to accommodate an additional 3000 students bringing the total complement to 7000 students.
UJ’s Soweto Campus is the first to receive a major upgrade since the merger in 2005. Forming part of a master plan for the entire development, the R400 million Phase 1 upgrade includes refurbishment of all existing buildings on site; construction of two academic blocks (referred to as Generic A & B) and a comprehensive sporting facility.
The refurbishments’ to most of the existing buildings comprises cosmetic improvements such as repainting of the interior and exterior walls. The remaining building will be modified to create new facilities and functions. Additionally, the library will receive a major extension to accommodate a new computer lab.
The academic blocks, Generic A & B, will provide 13000m2 of space on two levels and will be a combination of offices and academic space for students and faculty. The sport facilities comprise a bi-level 2500m2 block; a cricket oval; two soccer fields and an athletics pavilion with running track, soccer field and provisions for various field games. Both the school and the Sowetan community will have access to the modern new sports facilities.
The clients’ desire to have the entire development completed by the commencement of the World Cup in June 2010 was one of the challenges noted by Turner & Townsend and Group Five. In spite of the tight deadlines the project is on schedule for completion ahead of the May 2010 completion date.
Energy-efficiency was a major proponent in the design of this project according to Candace van Zantwijk of Turner & Townsend, who states that the client has leant towards energy efficiency rather than the installation of sophisticated ‘green’ systems. This energy-efficiency has been incorporated through building orientation; maximum use of natural ventilation and natural light; installation of energy-efficient lighting and the inclusion of cavity walls for insulation. Additionally, the air-conditioning system, a VRV (variable refrigerant volume) unit will be installed which is more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than conventional chillers.
Van Zantwijk states that the UJ wanted the Soweto Campus to be a flagship location where they could offer more academic options to the area. “The objective is for people who live in the area to send students to this campus rather than to other distant campuses.”
Recognising the importance education provides in the uplifting and improvement of society, the local community will greatly benefit from the campus’ upgrade and through the schools and community’s varied use of the new state-of-the-art sports facilities.
| Project Manager Quantity Surveyor |
Turner & Townsend |
Architect |
LVM Design Group |
Engineers |
PD Naidoo & Associates |
Main Contractor |
Group Five |
