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10 June 2021 | Story Dr Cindé Greyling | Photo Supplied

A brand-new modular space for students was recently completed on the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus. The Modular Lecturing Space and Assessment Centre is a bold step to engage with the changing academic environment. It is an example of how collaboration between UFS faculties, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, ICT Services, and University Estates can create cutting-edge and innovative learning and teaching environments.

One space, many functions

The centre, which took 22 months to complete, consists of innovative multi-functional spaces that can be used for large- and small-scale lectures or group work. The biggest venue, which can accommodate up to 980 students, can also be converted into five acoustically separate venues with a variety of table configurations depending on the educational needs. 

In line with the newly adopted blended learning approach, the digital infrastructure in the centre allows for the seamless integration of technology, as all the spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. The computer laboratory and assessment centre, which can accommodate 800 students, can be used for examination or teaching and can be divided into two separate areas if needed. 

Functional study stops 

The centre offers an area where students can pause and study in groups around tables with a laptop-friendly study ledge that runs along the length of the space. Sufficient power points allow students to recharge their devices in an aesthetically pleasing space that promotes optimal engagement with learning. 

The design brief for this multifunctional space was a collaborative effort between professionals and UFS departments to ensure the most efficient use of space and purpose. The overall focus was on effectiveness and efficiency, which is part of University Estates’ strategy to maximise the use of space.

More to this than meets the eye

The building integrates into its environment with waterwise gardens and numerous indigenous trees planted around the permanent outdoor seating, which can also be used as informal learning spaces. The landscaping is seamlessly accessible with ramps and tactile paving. 

Modern, fully inclusive ablution facilities can accommodate high volumes of traffic, and rainwater is collected in 44 tanks with a capacity of 79 000 litres for watering the landscape, as well as emergency water supply to flush water closets. Heat pump air-conditioning systems with individual control for each room are connected to the campus building management system for effective energy control. 

Further expansion

Phase 2 of the project will entail a 24/7 study space that will accommodate 250 students. The venue will also provide a small recreation area. Completion is scheduled for December 2021.

Although the project team was faced with COVID-19 restrictions during construction, they managed to complete the building within the agreed budget and quality measures. The team is looking forward to creating more functional spaces on the UFS campuses. 

Take a tour of the new Modular Lecturing Space and Assessment Centre Building:

News Archive

Wayde one of the Adidas faces for Rio 2016
2015-11-20

Wayde van Niekerk has not only been nominated for two awards at the SA Sports Awards. He will also be one of the Adidas world ambassadors for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Photo: Johan Roux

Wayde van Niekerk’s face may already adorn billboards at Pellies Park on the Bloemfontein Campus and other places around the University of the Free State, but it will now also be used for marketing campaigns worldwide.

The Kovsie athlete will be one of the Adidas world ambassadors for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Adidas is sponsoring him.

According to a modest Van Niekerk, he has been with the clothing sponsor since 2010, and it is a great honour to be an ambassador for the Olympics in Rio

Other awards

After a dream year, being an Adidas ambassador is the latest honour to come his way.

He was also nominated for two awards in the SA Sports Awards, which will be held in the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Bloemfontein on Sunday 22 November 2015. He was nominated as Sportsman of the Year and in the People’s Choice category.

On 21 October 2015, Van Niekerk was named KovsieSport’s Sportsman of the Year for a third consecutive year.

He was recently also honoured at the Free State Schools Athletics Association’s Gold Medal event.

A world superstar

Van Niekerk says it’s good to be part of the legacy Adidas is building as a company.

“It is exciting for me, knowing that I am selected among such great athletes (being an Adidas ambassador), and not just South African athletes, but world athletes,” he says.

“It is the likes of the top Adidas athletes that are going to represent the company and be ambassadors for the company.”

“It is something I am looking forward to – being on posters and seeing my face on billboards and advertisements.”

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