University of Cape Town Avenue Road Student Residence With design perspective from Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers and cndv landscape architects

By Paulo Teti, Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers

U C T AV E N U E R OA D S T U D E N T R E S I D E N C E T H E A R C H I T E C T ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E

Technology and Architecture

One of the biggest driving factors in the evolution of architecture came as a result of the Industrial Revolution in England around 1760. This period was characterised by radical changes on many different levels. The architecture field was especially affected by the growth of heavy manufacturing industries. The expanding output allowed for the mass production of various new ranges of affordable materials. Iron, steel and glass were suddenly produced at an accessible and continuous rate, a conveyer belt of materials waiting to be devoured by the booming construction industry.

With new materials came new options, ideas and unlimited possibilities. Architects and engineers could reinvent themselves with a new world of form, scale and function to explore. Factories adapted and evolved to meet the growing demand for new expressive forms and altered uses, which transformed technology into what we see on our streets today.

Almost three centuries later and we are reliving and experiencing a similar revolutionary moment, fuelled by contemporary materials and modern ways of construction; 3D printing, metamaterials, virtual and augmented reality. Architecture, like many industries, is facing a new rupture, one which only the societies of the future will be able to judge and experience in its full, unabridged form.

Tools and technologies have evolved at an exponential rate to help us reach our ever-growing objectives. Changes in technology convey changes in social structure and in the way humanity contributes to society.

We have an incredible opportunity in our hands to incorporate technology in favour of a more inclusive world. One great example of such technologies is used in the new UCT Avenue Road Student Residence, my current project at Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers, where we are incorporating hearing loops (also called audio induction loops) in some of the student meeting rooms. This is a special type of sound system that uses magnetic wireless signals to improve hearing for people with hearing aid devices. The hearing loop consists of a microphone that picks up spoken words; an amplifier which processes the signal and sends it through the final piece; a loop cable. This wire is placed around the perimeter of the room and acts as an antenna to radiate the magnetic signal to the hearing aid, ultimately improving the hearing accessibility of the space.

Not only can new technologies help create more inclusive spaces, but they can help us better understand our spaces during the design process and post-occupancy. Digital technology is allowing us, now more than ever, to create a virtuous cycle of constant improvement aligned with current, continuous feedback from users. Computational design opens a world where architects can push new boundaries; where architecture can be created by using software algorithms; and where interactive physical technologies can be built to relate with their environment, adapting, expanding and evolving as necessary.

The use of new technology in our practice provides easier access to explore our creativity as designers, but it also shows us that the industry business model can go far beyond the traditional way of dealing with projects and construction.

An example of this is the use of virtual reality equipment which allows clients and the professional team to experience and explore their projects during its concept and design phase. The use of such tools allows clients a viewpoint far beyond a printed 2D drawing. It gives them the opportunity to be fully immersed in the project and to get a feel for the product and vision they are paying for. Virtual reality walkthroughs will most likely become the new industry norm in the very near future. The countless technological improvements we are experiencing in a record period of time have led to large scale automation across industries. Work originally developed and carried out through human labour is now completed across various fields through the use of technology.

Technology is an amalgamation of tools we use in different ways to increase efficacy and efficiency. Even though technology has replaced and eliminated the need for some jobs, it has also sparked the creation of new ones. New positions require new skillsets completely

different from what was required previously, even seemingly stagnant positions need enhanced skillsets to answer the demand. Access to information is at an all-time peak, as is the importance of staying up to date with the latest technological resources available.

Science fiction has created references to a futuristic world where mundane jobs are carried out by technology, allowing humankind time to spend on more meaningful activities. Is it possible that we are racing towards this objective? I don’t believe that a machine will ever be a better designer than a human, but being able to use technology certainly turns a human into a better designer.

The main focus of new technologies such as computational design is not only to improve design quality; these technologies have enabled us to unlock broader design options with faster results. Technology has a tremendous influence on the architecture industry, from the office environment, to design and construction, and we must take advantage of that.

The way we interact with machines goes far beyond a simple algorithm and the speed of the design process. As architects, we must be capable of recognising and incorporating all the new technology available to us, while always exploring and improving our knowledge and lives. After all, technology and humans have never – and will never – stop evolving.

MEET THE TEAM

Developer

Eris Property Group

Landscape architecture

cndv landscape architects

Architecture

Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers

Project management

Focus

Quantity surveying

Malta QS

Structural and civil engineering

Nadeson Consulting Services

Mechanical engineering and sustainability

WSP Consulting Engineers

Electrical engineer

Ingplan

Town planning

Jono Trust

Heritage consultant

Claire Abrahamse

Main contractor

CSV Construction

By Herman de Lange, director at cndv landscape architects

Students are pioneers, with day to day student life defined by two core aspects namely academia as a stepping-stone towards self-realisation, self-actualisation and adulthood, and juxtaposed to that, a certain newfound youthful freedom.

The primary aim with the detailed design development, by Herman de Lange from cndv landscape architects, of the communal outdoor spaces for the University of Cape Town’s new student residence building and dining hall, situated on the lower slopes of Table Mountain off Avenue Road, is to assist in shaping and encouraging both of these core aspects by creating spaces with a community feel for active and passive enjoyment, promoting interaction and critical thinking, but also encouraging introspection and contemplation.

Of key importance was the adherence to the university’s Landscape Draft Framework Plan and University Avenue Landscape Design Guidelines. The aim with the development

T H E L A N D S C A P E ARCHITECT'S PERSPECTIVE A Student’s Life: Creating Outdoor Spaces for Pioneers

SUPPLIERS

Custom pergolas, swing seats and bicycle racks

LRJ Steel – 021 556 1739

of the overall Landscape Master Plan was to seamlessly integrate the site with the greater overall university urban fabric, whilst still creating a unique landscape identity for the new student residence and dining hall. The landscape design also adheres to the stringent requirements, set for a Green Star 4-star rating, with regards to functional space design, environmental considerations, ongoing maintenance, and more.

The residence communal spaces consist of three courtyards within the building, as well as a large multi-functional landscaped terrace.

The design makes provision for the courtyards to be directly accessed from a main pedestrian spine within the building with visual links towards Table Mountain in the west and the landscaped terrace and beyond to the east. The courtyards are terraced, thereby assisting with creating unique three-dimensional sub-spaces or outdoor “rooms” which allow for a variety of passive uses within each courtyard.

Raised built planters along the periphery of each of the courtyards will create a definitive lush green edge to these spaces. The planting will be visible from within each of the ground floor dormitory rooms, thereby visually bringing nature into these rooms.

Custom steel planters

Afriwire & Steel Products – 021 945 1717

Outdoor gym

Gym Africa – 011 7944 1415

Floating concrete seat

Wilsonstone – 021 701 7655

Concrete seating cubes

Modern Concrete Works (MCW) – 021 007 0239

Paving, step and wall cappings

Revelstone – 021 761 9739 Wilsonstone – 021 701 7655

Irrigation

Controlled Irrigation – 021 551 0355

The landscaped terrace, in its design and integration into the surrounds, takes into account the development’s proximity to the historic Cadboll House and Avenue House with the shape of the terrace retaining walls allowing these grand old houses to 'breathe'. Lines of tree planting on the landscaped terrace will assist with balancing the visual scale difference between the historic buildings and the new residence building as well as act as screening between these buildings.

The various functions and activities that will be accommodated within the outdoor spaces include communal seating areas that will allow for group discussions as well as quiet shaded spaces for contemplation. Integrated amphitheatre style seating and a podium area within the courtyard containing the spill out space for the student communal lounge, will provide the platform for larger group gatherings and group discussions, as well as possible culturally driven activities. Built seating integrated into the courtyards’ periphery built planters will add additional

opportunities for relaxed conversations. Informal groupings of concrete cube seating will promote informal relaxed socialising within the courtyards as well as the landscape terrace. Low built walls were designed to be physical edges, to define spaces and also to provide formalised seating opportunities throughout the site.

A family of landscape furniture (pergolas, swing seats and bicycle racks) was custom designed to visually mimic and complement the terraced built shaping within the courtyards, thereby adding another subtle layer of interest within the landscape with regards to shape and form, as well as shadow patterning.

The large pergola with built seating on the landscaped terrace will serve as a shaded “landscape room” within the greater terrace space.

The bespoke swing seats will serve a functional purpose for small group discussions but also add an element of relaxed child-like fun within the courtyard spaces.

An outdoor gym area, contained within the landscaped terrace, will aid the students’ physical wellbeing with a sunny lawn area providing space for sun-basking and some possible ball sports.

Student and staff mobility will be catered for with the incorporation of bicycle racks in key areas. All landscape spaces will also be wheelchair accessible.

Integrated low level landscape lighting will allow for the use of these spaces at night without adding to light pollution.

Planting will consist of indigenous, hardy and low maintenance plant species with differing flowering times throughout the year. Trees have specifically been chosen and positions allocated on site to be a combination of evergreen and deciduous species, thereby encouraging students to experience seasonal changes within the landscape as an added layer.

The exterior colour palette for the building as well as the hard landscaping are toned down shades of blue-greys and greys to add a level of calmness to especially the three courtyard spaces.

All hard landscape materials have specifically been chosen to be hard-wearing, low maintenance and are all locally sourced.

Once complete, the new student residence and dining hall will hopefully assist in shaping the minds of the students as well as contribute to their health and continued wellbeing whist in their formative years at the University of Cape Town.

ABOUT cndv landscape architects

cndv landscape architects is a vibrant Cape Townbased firm committed to innovative design excellence in the fields of landscape architecture, industrial and product design. The original firm was formed in 1988 and has a 32-year track record in the industry. cndv landscape architects remains on South Africa’s foremost design firms and is considered a specialist in the field of landscape architecture, embracing a full range of expertise and boasting a team of highly competent professional, technical and administrative staff.

The firm has been involved in many projects in and around South Africa and abroad for both public and private clients. It enjoys working in a team and contributing to creating better environments for people.

ABOUT ERIS PROPERTY GROUP

Eris Property Group is a property development and services group, which provides a range of commercial property skills in the South African and sub-Saharan African markets. For over 20 years, businesses of all sizes and all industries have trusted Eris Property Group’s development team, to deliver intelligent and highly personalised commercial property solutions. From site selection, planning and design, to financing, construction management and leasing, our team of experienced associates delivers customised solutions that meet the needs of tenants and owners through every phase of the property development process. The full spectrum of property services include: Property development, student accommodation, property management, leasing and investment brokering, facilities management, asset management, fund management, retail services, corporate real estate solutions and property valuations.