The Gordon Insititute of Business Science approached Local Studio in 2019 to make substantial alterations to their library and main auditorium. We had previously been appointed to relook at the university’s masterplan which was originally designed by Henri Comrie in the early 2000’s. Our design approach for the library was to open up a new reading area to the main central spine of the university, making the space more public than it was previously. We worked closely with South African designers to create custom desks, lighting and soft seating in accordance with the GIBS brand guidelines.

Our alterations to the main auditorium dealt with a complete modernization of the space, equipping it for multiple language translations and distance learning. We also opened up the auditorium to the rear, creating two more seating tiers and connecting the space with a new garden outside. Both projects were managed simultaneously by Local Studio as principal agent. Apart from SANS guidelines, the projects also needed to adhere to the University of Pretoria’s stringent lighting guidelines for educational spaces.

Client: Gordon Institute of Business Science