Campus Future

SPATIAL LOGIC AND LAND USE

Schematic logic – Braamfontein Campus

Spatial logic – Braamfontein Campus

Spatial logic – Parktown Campus

The Spatial Development Framework re-establishes a consistent spatial logic which guides the structural and functional organization of the campuses.

The Braamfontein and Parktown Campuses have grown and evolved over time as Wits has inherited new land (such as the former Rand Easter Show Ground at Braamfontein) and/or new functions (such as the former College of Education at Parktown).

In terms of presence, both campuses are viewed as ‘bastides’:  free-standing settlements with clear, strongly made, edges to discourage sprawl and with a strong, legible, internal organization. The Spatial Development Framework (SDF)  endeavours to strengthen the inherent functional logic and gradation of space and accessibility - from the more public (such as administration functions) to the more private (academic functions) – with residences, sport and recreation generally towards the campus perimeters.
Providing guidance on future land usage, the SDF limits the possibility of ad hoc or opportunistic short-term development decisions such as the cannibalisation of sports grounds. At the same time, it advocates the relocation of some sports facilities, where these are currently in conflict with the goals of campus and city integration.

The diagrams illustrate the schematic gradation of space with academic functions generally at the core. This gradation is a little less clearly defined on the Parktown Campus because of the piecemeal development of its sub campuses (Management, Education and Health) across public roads.

On both campuses, a key goal is greater pedestrian integration across academic sub campuses and public roads, including the M1 motorway in Braamfontein. To achieve a strong pedestrian focus, internal roads and parking need to be confined as far as possible to the campus periphery.

Intrinsic to campus cohesion and the goal of a rounded “University experience” is a strong emphasis on shared public space.