Bekendstelling • Introduction 

'Ora Joubert 

A new Student Centre 

and the pedestrianization of the 

University of the Free State campus 

R
egrettably, academic buildings in South Africa often suffer from a 
stigma of ideological nepotism - a social phenomenon that is 
seldom conducive to architectural excellence. The University of 

the Free State in Bloemfontein is no exception, and consequently any 
new design commission is followed with both interest and envy. 

The University of the Free State 

Unlike the 'instantaneous' campuses synonymous with apartheid educa­
tion, the University of the Free State has a long-standing academic tra­
dition. It was found in l 904 and is the third oldest in the country. 
Accordingly, the architecture reflects the design priorities of different 
eras. Coinciding with the prosperity of the golden years of the Afrikaner 
Nationalist Government, the majority of the buildings dates from the 
mid-half of the 20th century and provides thus a relatively cohesive inter­
pretation of the modern design idiom. With the exception of the Sasol 
Library - completed in 1983 and emulating the somewhat later brutal­
ist aesthetics - building activity ceased for close on three decades. 
Although this inactivity can be interpreted as a sign of academic 
decline, it has, from an architectural point of view, been advantageous 
since its distinct modernist ambience has remained pretty much intact. 

A democratic South Africa 

The democratic elections of 1994 necessitated that this university - as 
all tertiary institutions countrywide - address the pedagogic demands at 
hand. The university administration adopted a pro-active strategic vision 
(the so-called draai-strategie) for social, linguistic and financial transfor­
mation, whilst remaining committed to standards of academic excel­
lence. Concurring with this process of academic introspection, both the 
resources and the ad hoe 'campus sprawl' came under scrutiny. In l 999 
a team of urban designers was appointed to develop a master plan for 

Professor 'Ora Joubert is head of the Department of Archrtecture, University of the Free State. 

Student Centre architects: The Roodt Partnership. 

Campus pedestrianization archrtect: Bonnie Britz. 

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Figure l: A north-easterly perspective of the new Student Centre (architects: The Roodt Partnership) 

Figure 2: North elevation of the bridge bullding straddling DF Malherbe Avenue, five meters below 

(architects: The Roodt Partnership) 

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Acta Structilia 2002:9(2) 

Figure 3: Footprint of the new Student Centre straddling DF Malherbe Drive 
five meters below (architects: The Roodt Partnership) 

Figure 4: Proposed pedestrian campus route (architect: Bonnie Britz) and 
the new Student Centre (architects: The Roodt Partnership) 

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Joubert/New Student Centre, University of the Free State 

the campus. The ensuing structure plan identified certain shortcomings 
and provided a series of guidelines for future developments. 

In particular, the vehicular bias of the campus was criticised and a plea 
was made for a substantially improved, and user- friendly, pedestrian 
network. The urban designers also called for the development of "a new 
student service, support and administrative centre"'. It was suggested 
that this new facility should bridge the highway in the attempt of linking 
the western and eastern parts of the campus, and act as its 'new heart'. 
It was argued that a state of the art student centre would also assist in 
"the much needed marketing boost for the university"2, in keeping with 
similar facilities on various other university campuses. 

The concept of the new Student Centre 

As the centre has to cater for various student requirements, it resulted in a 
mixed-use building, which, by definition, is a complex - if not an elusive -
architectural prototype. Moreover, as financial viability plays a crucial role in 
developments of this nature, the priorities of the commercial tenants also 
had to be considered. Only after wide consultation with the various parties 
involved, could the findings be translated architecturally. 

The architects interpreted the urban design brief in a literal manner and 
developed a bridge building straddling DF Malherbe Avenue, five meters 
below. The new Student Centre thus establishes the necessary link 
between the eastern and western sections of the campus, with the posi­
tion of the Sasol Library and the newly developed pedestrianised routes 
also taken into account. The bridge itself serves as the main circulation 
route, with fast food outlets on ground floor, and student offices and 
support services upstairs. The two flanks on the eastern and western 
sides house respectively a media centre, cafeteria and a host of other 
commercial facilities. 

In conclusion 

Due to the complex nature of the project, and taking into account that 
it is the first building to be constructed on campus in many years, its via­
bility and success will be closely followed. It is too early to speculate 
whether this building will fully meet the expectations of either the finan­
ciers or its student clientele. Yet it would undoubtedly invigorate the 
campus and make a positive contribution to the architectural fabric as 
a whole. 

Extract fram the 'Structure Plan, University of the Free State', prepared by Markewicz & English, Urban 

Designers, Architects & Planners. October 1999. 

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