Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University has opened three state-of-the-art lecture theatres – including a plush circular 250-seater auditorium for science students.
The first and second floor include two new laboratories, equipped with the latest microscopes and audio-visual equipment, seating 60 and 180 students, respectively.In the three venues sit a total of 420 students, which make up the ground floor of NMMU’s new R56m Science Building on South Campus.
The design of the science building and the many green features it includes was inspired by science buildings at universities in the United Kingdom and the United States. The auditorium, a high-ceiling, fully-enclosed circular structure, which is the focal structure of the building has comfortable seats and fold-down desks. It is fully equipped with leading-edge audio-visual equipment, including visualisers (the modern-day equivalent of overhead projectors), and a hearing loop to accommodate students with hearing disabilities.
While most of the building is cooled through natural ventilation, the lecture venues and labs have tempered air-conditioning on timers. Motion sensor lights in the bathrooms, corridors and other open areas ensure a responsible use of electricity. While natural light floods through the massive glass doors and window connect the building with its environment.
The entire back wall of the building, facing west and looking into the on-campus nature reserve, is “fritted glass”. These include large panes dotted with ceramic paint (in a unique pattern, resembling a science molecule), which reflects heat. Like the lecture venues, each laboratory is also fitted with a visualiser as well as several large screens, to enable all students to see the samples being presented by the lecturer at the main front desk.
Most of the small storage cupboards in the laboratories are on wheels, so they can be moved away from the desk areas to accommodate additional students, if needs be. Next to the top-floor laboratory, there is a 20-seater computer lab along with an additional 20-seater “write-up” space on the opposite side, where students can plug in their laptops.On the second floor, there is unique oval function area – half inside and half on a verandah outside, connected by large glass double-doors.
The conference room on the same floor includes a large television for Skype meetings or video conference calls. The molecular theme from the fritted glass continues in the design of the built-in desk of the dean’s secretary. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
