WITS FLOWER HALL SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD

The Wits Flower Hall Examination and Test Centre on Wits Campus West has been recognised for its transformation and sustainable design. The building has been shortlisted in the Creative Re-Use category at the World Architecture Festival which takes place in Singapore in November.

Originally part of the Rand Easter Show grounds, the hall has undergone a significant redevelopment by Savage + Dodd Architects, turning the uncomfortable exam venue into a modern and energy-efficient space. It has retained its historical value while serving contemporary needs, and the renovation has doubled the building’s seating capacity with the addition of two new floors. The upgrade also introduced energy saving systems such as a chilled beam system and HVAC, to enhance environmental sustainability.

First built in 1969 to house flower shows for the Wits Agricultural Society, the re-purposed hall now serves the university’s growing need for testing and examination spaces. The project has been lauded for preserving the building’s historical elements while enhancing its functionality, and this reuse is crucial for sustainability. It minimises the carbon footprint of construction by using existing structures, and Wits has an excellent track record of repurposing buildings, as seen with the Wits Science Stadium.

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