DUT Architectural Technology Department's refurbishment

The DUT Department of Architectural Technology is looking to revamp its department as well as the entire S block, and it has assigned the third year architectural technology class to pitch a design to be implemented for this new look. 

Shedding light on how the concept of the refurbishment came about Senior Lecturer Paulo Luis Cereja Da Costa said: “This assignment came up after going through yearly reports on our department and realising that the concern is that the building lacks identity as an architecture department and also that the studios are bland and sterile." 

Allocated into groups, students were asked to create a design with a look and feel that identifies with a department of architecture while contributing to the university's GO GREEN@DUT campaign. 

The pitching designs need to reflect the students' knowledge on design, landscaping, sustainability and studio work which are learning areas for the third year class. Additionally, the designs must include a library, workshop for students, sample room as well as a storage.

The first few groups who presented their designs to the Department's lecturers early this week were very confident about their work. 

“I’m glad that we have presented and our work looked very good, something we are proud of. Working in groups is always a challenge but we pulled through,” said Boniswa Duma.

We were able to utilise the university's GO GREEN campaign, buy adding solar panels, green roofs and using wind turbines, we would love to see our design getting the top mark and being  implemented,” added Duma's fellow group member Sboniso Ntombela. 

The remaining groups will present next week. 

-Nongcebo Khumalo

Caption: Third-year Architectural Technology students with their Lecturer Tseliso Moahloli (left) and Senior Lecturer Paulo Luis Cereja Da Costa.