Consider this: walls that have witnessed the education of 30000 future medical professionals. That is the Fisan Building. The Fisan Building stands at the Tygerberg Medical Campus. It is part of Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. For decades, the Fisan Building has been central to biomedical teaching, training, and research.
Built in the 1970s, the Fisan Building has been a hub of activity. Over the years, student numbers tripled. Biomedicine itself changed significantly. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences adapted. They acquired new technology and equipment. But the Fisan Building’s infrastructure lagged behind. It simply wasn’t fit for modern research purposes anymore.
In response, Stellenbosch University launched a major project. They began constructing the Biomedical Research Institute or BMRI. This R1 billion project involved renovating and adding to the existing Fisan Building. The Fisan Building has 5 levels above ground and a basement. A new BMRI building was constructed adjacent to the Fisan Building. The BMRI connects to the Fisan Building via an atrium. The new building includes 4 levels above ground and a basement.
The project occurred in three phases. This ensured ongoing research activities were uninterrupted. Protecting existing research income and grants was a top priority. The goal was to enable the university to use new technologies and equipment. They wanted to stay competitive and attract new funding.
The project embraced Building Information Modelling or BIM. BIM improved coordination and communication. It helped the team identify and resolve potential issues. They created a virtual digital representation of the project.
The renewed Fisan Building has impressive features. It has a fully automated storage system. This system stores biological samples at -80°C. It is for long-term bio banking. The system can store 3.5 million samples. It is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sustainability was key to the design. The Fisan Building uses energy and water systems efficiently. The design optimizes natural light, ventilation, and acoustics. Smart lighting detects natural light levels. It adjusts artificial lighting accordingly. This reduces electricity consumption. The Fisan Building connects to the campus’s greywater masterplan. Rainwater harvesting and borehole water are used. Toilets use non-potable water.
The Fisan Building also houses the Medical Morphology Museum. You will find it at the Tygerberg Medical Campus. The Fisan Building stands as a testament. It showcases the university’s commitment to progress. It embraces sustainability. It also fosters cutting-edge research.