This is an extract from an article by Ludwig Hansen in the Education Supplement, Independent Thinking (April 2016). Ludwig Hansen is the Architect and Urban Designer of the New Universities’ Project Management Team.
The development of the new South African universities (the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and the Sol Plaatje University (SPU - in Kimberley) offers an opportunity to showcase best practice in environmentally sustainable architecture and infrastructure development.
In order to realise healthy and comfortable buildings and strategies founded in response to local conditions are a necessity.
Information on local climate, wind, sun exposure and temperatures for the two respective areas were fundamental to the design of buildings, infrastructure and outdoor environments.
The universities have been developed on the basis of a comprehensive environmental strategy encompassing transport, health, energy, water and waste to bolster their ambitious socio-economic target.
Sustainability Charter
The design philosophy is captured in a Sustainability Charter establishing their stance on environmental performance through mandating the ideals of the Sustainable Master Plan.
The development of both the overall campuses and their buildings eliminates negative environmental impact by adopting a sensitive design approach.
eGain
A focus on rainwater harvesting, grey water application, renewable energy, air purification, environmental remediation, energy conversation, eGain forecasting and the integration of proven building and infrastructure design, are all principles employed to improve the living and natural environment.
Deliberate placement, form and orientation of buildings with respect to local conditions provides for favourable micro-climates in all spaces.
Bioclimatology
The latest research in bioclimatology was applied to the architecture, greatly reducing the need for heating and cooling in the buildings. Passive strategies, utilising locally attuned responses to the distinct environmental conditions found in Kimberly and Nelspruit, were key to creating self-sufficient and low-energy solutions.
The same sensitivity was fundamental during the design of the landscaping and public spaces. Here the focus was on designs where only indigenous trees are planted, water runoffs are contained and reused, and local materials applied attuned to attractive public spaces.
