The Faculty of Informatics and Design has found a new home for the departments of Interior Design, Architectural Technology, and Town and Regional Planning.
These departments, which were previously based on various CPUT campuses, are now housed in the recently opened Foreshore Campus, also known as the Thomas Pattullo Campus.
The official campus opening on 17 November 2008 coincided with the week-long Faculty of Informatics and Design exhibition of students’ work. The opening ceremony itself was preceded by an awards ceremony that acknowledged the sterling works of students within the three departments housed in the Thomas Pattullo Building.
In celebrating the opening and exhibition, guest speaker Malcolm Campbell, President of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, said the building was historic and appropriate as it previously housed the offices of the Industrial Council for Building. He said its function is aligned with the original function of the building.
Campbell noted that it was unique for three related departments to be put together. “We need to celebrate that,” he said.
Campbell said, “There is no skills shortage in architecture, but people have not been trained adequately or have not upgraded their skills. The challenge of this institution (CPUT) is to play a role.” He said retraining will be easy with the location of this building in the CBD, next to all transport modes.
Prof Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design, commented on the appropriateness of housing the three departments at the same venue. He noted,""Cross-fertilisation is taking place here with students getting interested in what is being done at other floors.""
“We promised students last year that there’ll be an amalgamation and difficulties. In spite of that they are still producing the best work,” he said.
By Thami Nkwanyane
Written by CPUT News
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