A S P E C T Landscape Architecture
Creating sustainable & contemporary solutions, liveable spaces for people, healthy & resilient environments with sustained habitat for flora & fauna
Baxter Theatre Garden, Middle Campus
In the late 1960s Jack Barnett designed the College of Music on the greater Strubenholm site. This design extended across the lower reaches of Glenara Gardens. The Baxter Theatre was designed by Jack Barnett in the 1970’s to fit the 1977 campus strategy (Baumann, N and Winter, K. 2008).
The Theatre Complex was identified as having "cultural significance" with aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or technological value or significance. Under the National Heritage Resources Act, it carries a Grade II weighting, having special qualities of significance within the context of the province or region.
The garden was later designed by Garden Designer, Els Greshoff which formed part of the pastoral landscape setting in which the lower campus buildings were positioned. The design acknowledged existing mature trees with swathes of exotic and indigenous plant species.
The Baxter Theatre Complex has filled an enduring role as a major teaching facility for the performing arts in the 20th Century and is a good examples of Modern Architecture. The rare and distinctive cultural landscape comprised of historical tree alignments, specimen trees, water furrows and garden settings.
Heritage indicators were outlined to guide planning and decision making, such as the conservation and enhancement of significant landmark buildings such as the Baxter Theatre complex with respect for their “stand alone” quality and associated spaces in terms of massing, scale and views. Retaining the green framework of the precinct with its specimen trees and avenues of heritage significance with attention to edge treatments and water management as a structural element Baumann, N and Winter, K. 2008).
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In 2016, UCT was tasked with the provision of boundary fencing as security within this context.
In order to integrate the new infrastructure appropriately into the existing context, the background documentation was reviewed, hard and soft landscape infrastructure condition was audited and mapped. From there, potential use of the peripheral open space was considered and proposed in concept form, such as what may be seen above, together with new perimeter security alternatives.
The proposals were presented to the User Group and tabled at the University Building and Development Committee and the Physical Planning and Landscape Committee for approval. Design and details were finalised and submitted to the local authority and Heritage Western Cape & the first phase installed.
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
