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PROJECT

In this high-traffic pedestrian environment, hardscaping takes precedence over soft landscaping. To balance this, the design maximises every green opportunity. A
greening strategy, anchored by a central, linear park, breaks up the expansive hardscaping and strategic tree plazas provide essential natural shade.

Due to the site’s exceptionally high with rainwater substitution and includes down to a comfortable human scale.
clay content, characterised by extreme the necessary infrastructure for a future Strategic tree plazas provide essen-
summer dryness and winter waterlogging, borehole connection, enhancing the site’s tial natural shading, creating cool micro-
comprehensive soil preparation was critical, long-term water security. climates that offer relief from the summer
particularly for planters integrated into sun and protection from prevailing winds.
paved areas and swales. For all planting Pedestrian-centric campus These vibrant, soft-scaped zones serve a
zones within paving, whether at grade or Contemporary student life thrives in dual purpose, functioning as both high
raised, 500 mm of in-situ soil was excavated environments that prioritise social performance stormwater management
and replaced with a 50:50 mix of high quality connectivity and physical wellbeing, which systems and inviting social sanctuaries. Ul-
topsoil and compost to establish a healthy is why this flagship campus is designed timately, this cohesive integration of nature
growth profile. In the swales and general with a strictly pedestrian-centric heart. and infrastructure ensures that the campus
planting areas, a 100mm layer of the same By eliminating traditional curbs and remains an accessible, vibrant destination
mixture was imported and tilled 300 mm vehicular barriers, the landscape creates a that supports the dynamic rhythm of the
into the existing soil to ensure long-term seamless, safe realm where students can modern student experience.
plant health and proper drainage. naturally transition between academic
To ensure resource efficiency, the campus and recreational spaces. A lush greening Information supplied by Timothy Snyders
uses a fully automated irrigation system, strategy, anchored by a central linear park, of Truform Landscape Architects and Deon
tailored to specific watering requirements. breaks up the expansive hardscaping to Dry of Turftech Cape Town. Photos by
The system integrates municipal water successfully bring the modern architecture Timothy Snyders. n

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