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11 May 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo iFlair Photography
Modular Lecture Building
The Modular Lecture Building on the UFS’s Bloemfontein Campus.

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Modular Lecture Building on its Bloemfontein Campus recently received a National Merit Award from the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). The awards were announced at the 2021/2022 Corobrik SAIA Awards of Merit and Awards for Excellence ceremony in Johannesburg.

The multi-functional Modular Lecture Building, considered a hub for innovative learning, was designed by Roodt Architects in partnership with GXY Architects.

The adjudication panel received a total of 42 architectural projects from around the country, including infrastructure developments in the public and private sector. The SAIA Awards programme is structured over a two-year period and is conducted in two stages. In stage one regional awards for architecture are presented by the nine regional institutes affiliated to SAIA. In stage two the winning regional projects that are consequently entered into the national awards receive either a Commendation, an Award of Merit, and/or an Award for Excellence, which recognises exceptional achievement in the field of architecture.

In their citation the adjudicators noted that the Modular Lecture Building sets a benchmark for rational planning and technical efficiency and helps complete the campus urban framework through its placing and material choices.

Multi-functional spaces for students

Nico Janse van Rensburg, Senior Director at UFS University Estates, said the recognition is a testament to the UFS’s aspirations to renew, rejuvenate, regenerate, and revisit facilities and infrastructure.

“This award proves that excellence can be achieved with a reasonable set budget,” Janse van Rensburg said. “Energy efficiency and green building principles can be achieved by careful planning and teamwork.”

The Modular Lecture Building offers a variety of much-needed flexible teaching and learning spaces. “I have been using the facilities in this building for two years now, and I can say the building is much more spacious and conducive to studying,” said Hymne Spies, a third-year BSc student majoring in biochemistry and genetics. “The many plugs make it more efficient for studying, as one can plug in his or her laptop. There is also a nice computer lab for us to make use of.”

The UFS is proud that the construction of this facility forms part of a bigger endeavour – to create a cohesive campus identity that improves core business and to further extend its innovation and excellence as per its Vision 130.

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

News Archive

Kovsie Xtravaganza 2006 with Jak de Priester and Dewald Louw
2006-08-29

Kovsie Xtravaganza, the showcase of Kovsie student arts and culture achievers, will take place on Wednesday, 20 September 2006 at 20:00 in the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The audience can once again expect an array of sound, movement and colour in true Kovsie style.

This years’ production will be unique in the sense that a “10 man live band” will provide the sound.  The well known artist, Jak de Priester, will act as your host and guest artist. The newly crowned kykNET Idol and Kovsie student, Dewald Louw will all make a guest appearance!

The annual residence culture winners will also be announced at the event. Wayne Flemming is the director of the show, whilst John Smit will act as musical director.

 The audience can once again expect some familiar hit songs, presented in true Kovsie fashion! Apart from well-known artists like Thabo Hlongwane, Hanno van Heerden, Caroline Haasbroek, Elmarie Potgieter and Bea van der Vyver, some new talent will also be presented on stage. The winning serenade groups, Veritas and Sonnedou, as well as choirs and dance groups, will be part of the production.

Tickets for this extravaganza will be available from all PACOFS outlets at R30-00 a ticket and bookings can be done at 051-447 7772.

 For any other enquiries, please contact Kovsie Culture (Louis Botha) at 051-401 2819.

 

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