ILASA Conference 2010 CASE STUDY: The Life Sciences Development At The University of The Western Cape Presented by: Penny Unsworth
Introduction Project commenced: November 2007 Works Completion Reached: February 2010 Some Key Project Consultants: - Landscape Architects: OvP Associates - Architects: dhk Architects - Civil Engineers: NNvS Civil Engineers - Electrical Engineers: Solution Station - Hydraulic Engineers: DSB - Structural Engineers: Henry Fagan/ Axis - Environmental: Ecosense - Client: UWC - Main Contractor: Group 5 - Landscape Subcontractor:Capescapes
City Context TABLE BAY SITE INFORMANTS CBD UCT UWC Harsh Environmental Conditions: - Poor, sandy soils - Gale-force winds - High water table - Increasing droughts FALSE BAY Other Informants: - Previously disadvantaged university - Bush Campus - Poor socio-economic surrounding areas - Sensitive endemic vegetation Image: CoCT Map of Nature Reserves,2008
Some Key Objectives: To create an iconic/ modern element for the University To place the University on the world map as a teaching and research entity - providing state of art the teaching facilities To employ flexible & adaptable Sustainable Solutions These Sustainable Solutions can be experienced & not limited too: Orientation & Shading, Water Resource Management, & Landscaping
Site Context FUTURE DAM
Site Context - Biodiversity ILASA Conference 2010 - Green Links - Rehabilitation - Soil re-use - Retaining of existing trees
Site Context - Views
Campus Context Connectivity & Continuity
Connectivity & Continuity
The Building Components 2 Major Components: 1. Laboratory Building: 2. The Learning Centre - cafeteria - auditorium Image: dhk Architects
6 Academic Departments: 1. Earth Sciences 2. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology 3. SA Bioinformatics Institute 4. Medical Biosciences 5. SA Herbal Science & Medicine Institute 6. Biotechnology Unit Top floor accommodates the Dean s office Image: dhk Architects
The Landscape Components 5 Major Precincts: 1. Entrance Plaza 2. Forest Plaza 3. Roof Gardens 4. Nature Area + Planted Embankments 5. Service Street 4 2 4 LAB BLOCK 3 1 5
1. Entrance Plaza Formal hard landscaped space Encouraging flow of pedestrians from all sides to entrance Mixed opportunities for seating Incorporation of existing trees Yellowwood & Milkwood immediate value - green mass, height & evergreen shade. Organic, green mass of Learning Centre contrasting to the imposing Lab Block
Landscape playing critical role for thermal insulation ROOF GARDENS Exhaust Earth Mass Radiant Heat Solar PLANTED EMANKMENTS Fresh air intake Image: dhk Architects
Planted Embankments Potential Green Facades Potential Green Facades
- Before - After
2. Forest Plaza
Convergence of pedestrian flow Juxtaposition of formal hard & organic soft landscape Gathering/ seating space Opportunities for contemplation Educational/ didactic gardens Use of natural materials
Forest of Columns Image: dhk Architects
Acacia xanthophloea, Fever Tree Soft merges with hard clear trunks - softens & compliments the architecture well-shaped, light-leafed canopies semi-deciduous - cool shade in summer, exposure to warmth in winter
Rock Garden Use of natural materials Informal seating Sound of water = restful Contemplation Place of interest seasonal
Water Feature Conceptual Sketch for Rock Pool Water Feature
Rock Garden Drinking Fountain Geological rock as interest to related studies Natural Form Sculptural element
Display Garden pond mound mound mound mound pond Sketch section through Display Garden
- Before
- After
3. Roof Gardens
Connectivity Roof Gardens Display gardens Integrated design experienced from all levels
ILASA Conference 2010
BENEFITS OF THE SUCCULENT-PLANT ROOF GARDEN: ILASA Conference 2010 Assists in moderating the building s impact on microclimate:- the gardens absorb suns heat energy, rather than reflecting it, + through evaporation, helps cool the air Acts as a temporary water-retention system during rainfall Low growing/ mat -forming habit of plants aids resistance to strong winds, while binding the topsoil Succulents are extremely drought resistant Only shallow soil required less structural requirements Diverse variety of species available Easily cultivated + multiplied
Construction process: Expanded polystyrene insulation Nukote waterproofing 1. Waterproofing + protection 2. Edging 3. Drainage layer
Construction process: 4. Separation Layers 5. Growing medium 6. Fencing
Construction process: 7. Drip irrigation 8. Planting 8. Planting
ILASA Conference 2010
ILASA Conference 2010
4. Nature Area & Planted Embankments Continuous green link between nature reserve & campus Soft buffer between road & built form Reduced visual impact of the built form Reduced traffic noise by earth banks + tree planting Series of informal detention ponds assist biodiversity, while also reducing impact of storm water run-off Planted Embankments Nature Area
- Before ILASA Conference 2010
- After ILASA Conference 2010
Green Retaining Walls
- Before ILASA Conference 2010
- After ILASA Conference 2010
Conclusion 4 months since completion value of Landscape is already enormous: Existing/ New large trees = immediate shade + cooling Noise pollution reduced Rehabilitated biodiversity Reduced visual impact of the built form Reduction in storm water run-off PRIDE GREEN STAR RATING POINTS HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT = HEALTHY BODY + MIND
Thank you!