Future Architects Explore Their Future Campus

In May, students enrolled in the Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice from the School of Engineering and Architecture were offered a rare and enriching opportunity, a guided tour of the new STADIO campus currently under construction in Durbanville.

For many aspiring architects, visiting an active construction site is a milestone in their academic journey. For these students, however, the experience was even more unique,  few can say they have witnessed the making of the very campus where they will soon continue their studies.

The site visit was led by the project team from BPAS Architects, the firm responsible for the design and execution of the new campus. The BPAS team shared their expertise and provided an overview of the project, including the conceptual approach, design rationale, and vision driving technology, services, and sustainability integration. Students were also introduced to the landscaping vision and how these would interact with and complement the built structures.

An equally important component of the visit was the opportunity to understand the design intent for the campus interiors. These spaces will one day house lecture venues and shared student areas. Through this experience, students could visualise how spatial and architectural decisions shape user experience and promote a sense of community within an educational institution.

For many students, this was their first visit to a live construction site. Seeing the drawings, models and theoretical discussions from class come to life offered a powerful sense of validation. It was a moment when learning moved beyond the studio and into the world, affirming the value and relevance of each module they study, from construction detailing and drawing conventions to sustainable design, spatial theory and professional practice.

This visit forms part of our ongoing efforts to enrich the learning experience through industry engagement and site-based learning. It exemplifies how theory and practice can be meaningfully intertwined and how exposure to real-world architectural processes can inspire students to think critically and creatively about the role of architecture in shaping spaces and communities.

We are grateful to the BPAS team for making this visit possible and for their continued commitment to architectural education. Their guidance and generosity made the experience memorable and deeply educational.