The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating a major achievement following the recognition of two of its flagship infrastructure projects – the Frik Scott Library and the Science Education Centre on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus – by the prestigious
South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) Awards of Merit.
Both projects have been further nominated for the National SAIA Awards, highlighting their architectural excellence and the university’s growing leadership in sustainable campus development.
According to
Nico Janse van Rensburg, Senior Director of
University Estates, the recognition represents a landmark achievement. “Receiving the SAIA Merit Awards is an exceptional milestone for University Estates and the University of the Free State,” he said. “It affirms that high-quality, contextually sensitive and sustainable architecture can be achieved even within tight budgets and operational constraints.”
He added that the accolades reflect a broader institutional shift. “For the UFS, the awards demonstrate that our campus development approach is maturing into one that is innovative, future-focused, and aligned with international best practice.”
Both projects earned praise for transforming ordinary academic environments into functional, elegant, and sustainable spaces. Janse van Rensburg highlighted the elements that set them apart: “A refined architectural language that responds sensitively to campus context, simplicity and restraint that translate into powerful design outcomes, and a clear focus on user experience, natural light and learning-centred spaces.”
Sustainability and contextual coherence played a central role in the design process. Passive cooling, daylight optimisation, energy-efficient lighting, and insulated façades were key strategies, alongside the use of durable materials and indigenous landscaping. The Frik Scott Library’s western solar wall provides a unique innovation – concealing service infrastructure while showcasing the university’s commitment to renewable energy.
Despite tight financial parameters, the team delivered high-quality outcomes through meticulous planning. “The strength of the design is not vested in the materials – it can speak for itself,” Janse van Rensburg noted, attributing success to a strong Estates planning team, a standardised technical manual, and extensive design refinement.
The award-winning buildings strongly align with UFS
Vision 130, particularly with regard to energy and resource efficiency. The facilities generate their own solar energy during daylight hours, incorporate water-wise systems, and optimise existing space rather than expanding the campus footprint. These projects, Janse van Rensburg said, set “a benchmark for how the UFS can grow responsibly while balancing cost, quality, and environmental impact.”
Looking ahead, he believes the awards will influence future infrastructure planning, as they reinforce the idea that innovation and sustainability need not be expensive. “Not all sustainability goals cost money. Some are just about thinking differently and relooking at materials used.”
Reflecting on the journey, he added: “We do not just build buildings – we build towards a sustainable future.”
* In October 2024, the Frik Scott Library won the Higher Education Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) Award for sustainability.