Under the Dome

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NMU Science Centre by SVA International

From the digital planetarium to exhibition spaces and offices, the Nelson Mandela University Science Centre is a new sphere of possibilities. Designed to precision by SVA International, this integral part of the university campus is an exceptional step towards championing open science in educational environments.

In designing the NMU Science Centre, the space had to be transformed to accommodate a new 140-seater digital planetarium installation. From the onset, the decision was to use the opportunity to broaden not only the educational setting but also the social one. The team at SVA International found the solution in setting the building back from the main arterial movement route on the eastern edge, in doing so creating a public plaza and open gathering space fit for the student community. The building’s eastern edge along the plaza was further extended as a part of the landscape onto the public realm, creating a ‘living edge’ which welcomes visitors to circulate both vertically and horizontally within a multi-levelled terrace.

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A 3D experience
That is the crux of the building concept — a multi-layered pavillion that facilitates maximum spatial flexibility while capturing the notion of science in academia. The key spatial components include the planetarium dome which stands as the main focal and formal element within the composition. The dome is placed off-axis on plan as a datum within the double-volume foyer, which in turn invites students, staff, and visitors alike on a journey before entering the dome, further allowing them to experience the building in a three-dimensional manner. To bring it all together, the lecture venue and auxiliary spaces are designed to complement the main exhibition area.

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Contemporary and considered
The dome structure itself is a composite layer of steel and concrete with a specialised digital installation within. Choice of materiality was by both a contemporary aesthetic and consideration for maintenance (due to proximity to the ocean), as well as general public use. Careful consideration for landscaping also forms an integral part of the eastern ‘living’ edge. It creates the soft, layered environment that invites users and visitors to engage with the building and the adjacent public space.

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The perfect position
The main challenge was around the conceptualising, detailing, and erection of the dome, which is positioned both at an angle (14 degrees) and off-axis to the main building. Furthermore, careful coordination was required with the specialist system installers of the digital planetarium installation, all done by international sub-contractors. Tolerances were minimal and an intricate understanding of the system operations was essential to ensure all provisions were catered for within the dome structure and auxiliary spaces.

The luminous new building claims its space with pride on a campus that offers infinite opportunities. As it channels a modern academic and research environment, the NMU Science Centre showcases the University’s aspiration and evolution towards the advancement of open accessibility to science for the youth of today and tomorrow.

MEET THE TEAM
Lead Architects: Tony Danev, Stephanie Janse van Vuuren, Judy Du Preez | Photographers: Ray Truter Photography, Jamie Thom, SVA International

This article is an extract from the June Issue. Read the full issue here.

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