Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

This feature is for industry professionals.  To unlock it, signup and then join or add your company. To unlock this feature,  signup and then submit your professional details.

Membership is Free.

LinkedIn Facebook Google
or
Already a Member? Sign in.
Add To Collection Add to Collection
New Science Centre - Nelson Mandela University (NMU) / SVA International  

New Science Centre - Nelson Mandela University (NMU) / SVA International

Gqeberha, South Africa

View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection

Other Projects by SVA International

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Kwena Square

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Olifantsfontein

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Maitama City Centre

Add To Collection Add to Collection

UNRA Headquarters

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Project Windsor

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Greenacres Shopping Centre

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Motherwell Retail Centre

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Maritime Motors CPO Extensions

Add To Collection Add to Collection

NMU OSC Extensions

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Courtyard House

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Diagnostic Treatment Centres

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Hilton Hotel

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Radisson Blu Abuja

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Tshwane Regional Mall

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Kyalami Corner

Add To Collection Add to Collection

MAN Truck Warehouse

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Grand Plaza Movenpick

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Peelo Place - Hilton Garden Inn

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Conference & Exhibition

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Vanderbijlpark Student Village

New Science Centre - Nelson Mandela University (NMU) / SVA International

Gqeberha, South Africa

Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2023
SIZE
1000 sqft - 3000 sqft
BUDGET
$50M - 100M
Client brief called for the design of a new Science Centre for Nelson Mandela University and accommodating a new 150-seater digital planetarium installation. At the onset – the decision was taken to set the building back from the main arterial movement route on the eastern edge, thereby creating a public plaza and gathering space. The building's eastern edge along this plaza is then further extended as a landscape onto the public realm, thus creating a ‘living edge,’ allowing visitors to circulate both vertically and horizontally within a multi-levelled terrace.

The building is conceptualized as a multi-layered pavilion, allowing for maximum spatial flexibility while capturing the notion of science in academia. The main spatial components include the planetarium Dome, which creates the main focal and formal element within the composition.

This is placed off-axis on the plan as a datum within the double-volume foyer, which invites visitors on a journey prior to entering the Dome and further allows them to experience the building in a 3-dimensional manner. Lecture venues and auxiliary spaces complement the main exhibition area. The dome structure itself is a composite layer of steel and concrete with a specialized digital installation within.

The choice of materiality was dictated by both a contemporary aesthetic in line with client requirements and consideration for maintenance due to proximity to the ocean and public use. Careful consideration for landscaping forms an integral part of the eastern ‘living’ edge in turn creating a soft, layered environment for users and visitors to engage with the building and adjacent public space. The building aims to create a modern academic and research environment while showcasing the University’s aspiration towards the advancement of open science.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Team

Articles