Page 11 - Landscape-Issue131

PROJECT

UMP SCIENCE RESEARCH FACILITY

The University if Mpumalanga (UMP) is situated north of the Mbombela

(Nelspruit) CBD, and the Science Research Facility Complex is located on the
university’s main (previously known as ‘lower’) campus. The complex comprises
large, specialised laboratories, a number of post graduate laboratories, teaching
venues and staff offices.

Project Team
Client: University of Mpumalanga
Architects: Ludwig Hansen Architects and
Urban Designers
Landscape Architects: KWPCreate
Landscape Contractor: Likhutsa Projects
Main Contractor: Trencon Construction

he brief for the Science Research Facility aimed to challenge
the stereotypical learning practices of science within academic
Tinstitutions. The architects aimed to limit the impact on the
natural environment and permeated the building with a number of
exterior courtyard spaces, sensitively responding to the site and climatic
conditions.
An interesting network of buildings has been formed, allowing
for optimal interaction with the landscape. The natural landscape is
characterised by rocky outcrops, an undulating topography, and a
combination of lowveld forest and grassland biomes. The intention of
the landscape architects was to respond to and enhance the unique
character of the existing natural landscape, whilst providing ample
space for students, staff and visitors to spill out of the building into
various landscaped zones.

Project scope and design
KWPCreate contributed to the surrounding landscape ecology through
the planting selection, resulting in a number of indigenous gardens
inserted throughout the building complex.
Smaller courtyard spaces nestled between the various building blocks
were identified as lower light zones and carefully selected plant species
from the surrounding endemic forest biome were chosen for these
areas. The larger, main courtyard serves to guide students and staff to the
Pedestrian link submerged between shade plantings of Setaria megaphylla various building blocks, whilst providing public space for gathering and
and Plectranthus species resting. This area is more expansive and exposed to fuller sun conditions,
therefore guiding the planting design towards an indigenous grassland
zone. Within the grasses, one can find a multitude of aloes, bulbs and
perennials, mimicking a natural grassland habitat and adding seasonal
interest throughout the year.
Custom-designed stormwater channels were inserted into the
concrete paving to form part of a well-considered stormwater network,
designed to deal with a constant flow of groundwater throughout the
main courtyard. The presence of naturally occurring groundwater guided
much of the design, enabling the main courtyard to be ecologically
functional and socially inviting. A rain garden was introduced to collect
the groundwater and disperse it gradually back into the ground,
preventing erosive run-off during storms.
The seating benches were designed as an extension of the
architectural language, and drinking fountains were introduced to
ease the effects of the lowveld heat. A consistent material palette was
implemented to ensure a seamless conversation between building
and landscape. The material palette and street furniture selection
responded to the campus-wide urban design framework, ensuring
that each building and landscape project form a coherence with the
rest of the campus.

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