UWC Life Sciences Building

The University of the Western Cape Life Sciences building is a cutting-edge institutional research laboratory designed as an iconic embodiment of social and environmental scientific research in Africa. The project brings together several science departments and research institutes formerly located in several old buildings into a single development including two floors of instruction, anatomy and specialised labs and an additional four floors of research and development labs including a Bioinformatics Institute, the Dean’s office and faculty teaching facilities.

The design comprises two distinctly different buildings which are joined by a multi-volume glazed entry lobby. The lobby leads into a gathering space beyond which is shaded by trees and over sailed by a dynamic shading canopy that is supported on tree like columns.

The laboratory building is constructed out of conventional reinforced concrete which contrasts to the curved plan and irregular column grid of the learning centre. An innovative system of shading structures was designed for the north east and east facades.

• Client University of the Western Cape
• Location Cape Town, South Africa
• Year 2010
• Area 28 000 m²
• Status Built
• Green Rating Green Initiatives
• Awards CIA, SAIA, SAPOA
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