UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND
RICHARDS BAY CAMPUS
Such education is, however, largely dependent on the provision of necessary infrastructure.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Zululand, located at KwaDlangezwa outside Empangeni, is an educational institution intent on developing new infrastructure as it looks to expand its reach within the Zululand region. The university has set out to introduce an all-new, world-class campus at Richards Bay geared to meeting the needs of career-focused students and adult learners requiring practical courses.
The university’s Richards Bay Campus was conceptualised in 2008 and was regarded as an ideal means to improve student access to this rural-based institution of higher learning, while effectively growing its presence in the very heart of the area’s industrial and commercial hub.
Effective tertiary education is a critical success factor in providing relevant and appropriate skills in a range of fields which will ensure South Africa’s future growth and the development of its peoples.
The new campus, being developed in several phases, is situated within Richards Bay’s central business district, in close proximity to the Richards Bay Civic Centre and the popular Boardwalk shopping mall, and provides for both ease of access and security, as well as being close to existing transport networks. These benefits are set to enhance the appeal and status of the new campus amongst students.
Leading Built Environment Consultancy Group, LDM, was appointed as lead consultants of the consortium responsible for the construction of the campus, and facilitated the rapid construction of phase one of the campus development last year.
The R100 million first phase, built in record time (11 Months), is a 6,000 square metre, three-storey building with a central covered atrium of 700 square metres. The provision of bulk services for the second phase was also incorporated into the construction project in an effort to contain costs and reduce disruption on campus when the next phase is implemented. The building, which incorporates an atrium and covered internal walkways, comprises lecture halls, a library, conference centres, administrative offices and both dining and kitchen facilities.
Phase two of the campus project is set to provide a R300 million facility for the provision of science, technology, engineering and instrumentation programmes.
The campus design was influenced by the rectangular orientation of the site.
The use of simple, geometric shapes with clear linear lines will assist in ensuring that the campus building’s façade remain timeless, thereby negating the need for premature refurbishment undertakings.
Energy efficiencies were also incorporated into the overall design. The height of the building was scaled so as to be proportional to its length and width, reducing reliance on energy-hungry lifts and encouraging the use of stairs. In addition, a number of sun control measures have been integrated into the façade aesthetics effectively reducing heat transfer into the building’s interior.
The covered, though naturally-ventilated atrium, is an ideal space for social interaction and accordingly offers protection from the harsh heat prevalent in the Richards Bay region. High and low-level windows in the atrium provide natural cross-ventilation, reducing the need for air-conditioner usage. The windows themselves are fitted with heat-reflective glazing, so providing an effective further reduction in glare and heat transfer.
The use of natural light was also regarded as a major design consideration and the depth of the building has successfully allowed for the natural lighting and ventilation of rooms, ensuring reduced electricity costs.
Lastly, the design and incorporation of landscaping around the buildings further assists in limiting heat transfer to the interiors.
Spatial relationships within the building were imperative in the design. The project team set out to ensure the articulation of room spaces within a structural grid designed for unobstructed views into the lecture and conference facilities. All windows were modulated in line with the desired aesthetics of the façade and the structural grid.
In essence, the University of Zululand’s new and evolving Richards Bay Campus is set to position the educational institution for the provision of the career-focused education programmes required by locally-based industry, local government and surrounding rural communities, affording it the ability to play a critical and central role in contributing to the advancement of people in South and Southern Africa in terms of skills development and as meaningful contributors to the local, provincial and national economies.
Lead Consultant |
LDM Consulting |
Construction Project Manager |
Focus Project Management & |
Quantity Surveyor |
LDM Quantity Surveyors & BTKM Quantity Surveyors |
Structural & Civil Engineer |
Map Africa Consulting Engineers |
Mechanical, Fire and Wet Services Engineer |
LSG International |
Electrical and Electronic Engineer |
IBUYA Consulting Engineers |
