The HPI d-school Building at the University of Cape Town
Situated at UCT’s Middle Campus, the building is home to the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika. The space is dedicated to the teaching and learning of design thinking where bright ideas for a better future are born – for you, for Afrika, for life.
Designed for design thinking
frame and
re-frame
By constantly adjusting your focus and perspective, you begin to see the problem space in a different light. This leads you to finding more holistic and sustainable solutions.
Purposefully designed to leverage the power of space in its architecture and interior design, the building was designed by KMH Architects using design thinking principles. This process itself was collaborative and inclusive, leveraging the discipline’s focus on co-creation.
As a result, the architects, students and faculty members were a part of the brief guiding the building’s design approach, thereby fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation from the outset of the project.
The building features radically flexible learning spaces where we can experiment and collaborate to both understand and allow for the emergence of what future learning spaces could look like, and become.
Engineered for maximum functionality through various sustainable measures within its design, the building has received a 6-star rating by the Green Building Council South Africa.
Awards and Certifications
11 September 2023
6-Star Design Certificate
The GBCSA Annual Awards
16 September 2023
September 2023
Innovation Award
Sustainability Award
Overall Award
7 September 2023
Technical Excellence Project of the Year (LEAF Structures)
19 October 2023
Best Western Cape Project Winner (KMH Architects)
Architecturally Exposed Steelwork Project Commendation (KMH Architects)
Integrated Design
External landscaping
Green wall
Atrium Roof Glass
Atrium roof structure
Energy Metering
Water Metering
Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) System
Thermally active building structure (TABS)
Operable Doors
Daylight
Internal lighting
Blinds & glare protection
External lighting
Rainwater capture and reuse
Low flow plumbing fittings
Waste & recycling
Indoor air quality
Atrium Clerestory Windows
Acoustic comfort
Roof insulation
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Formaldehyde Minimisation
Stairs
Cyclist facilities
Motorcycles and Scooters
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
External shading
Glazing
Generator emissions
Domestic hot water
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Concrete during construction
Steel
Thermal Metering
Carpooling and public transport
Embedded in every Afrikan home language is the use of the letter ‘k’ in the name Afrika.
We choose to recognise our continent with its original spelling, allowing it to remain true to its identity, history, and people.