Ever wondered how a former architectural feat became a hub for diverse minds? I’m about to tell you the story of the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus. This campus is also known as APK. It stands as the largest and most populated of the four campuses of the University of Johannesburg.
APK wasn’t always the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus. It was once the Rand Afrikaans University. The campus technically resides in Rossmore. It is just outside Auckland Park by one street.
Interestingly the main building’s layout is unconventional. The entire campus is essentially one building. This earned RAU an award from the South African Institute of Architects in 1975. Dr. Nicolaas Diederichs was the first chancellor and State President. He opened the campus.
Some architects praise its circular shape and use of concrete and steel. Others jokingly call it “Archi-torture”. Despite varying opinions on its aesthetics the campus’s practicality is a success. You can walk to any faculty, venue or laboratory within eight minutes. The building can even convert into a hospital within 48 hours.
The University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus building has four rings A, B, C and D. Each ring has a LES or Lesingslokaal behind it. LES is Afrikaans for Lesson Venue. There is also a LAB behind each LES. The building’s parts are seven stories high. The E Ring houses the Sanlam Auditorium. You’ll also find Student Media offices there like UJFM and The UJ Observer. Campus Health Services and university societies are also in the E Ring. Near D LAB Kelder is the UJ Aquarium.
In 2011 Kingsway Campus enrolled 27 151 students. 21 259 were undergraduates. 5892 were postgraduates.
RAU was the first to have an on-campus shopping mall the “S.S.” This stands for Studente Sentrum. It is Afrikaans for Student Center. RAU also created Campus Square a shopping center for Melville and students living off campus. Campus Square has a student vibe especially in the evenings.
The University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus has added several buildings since the merger. These include the UJ Arts Center with a gallery theatre and dance studios. There’s also the B LAB extension for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. The UJ Law Clinic is in the former RAU art gallery.
The campus boasts 66 lecture halls with 7787 seats. Students have 24-hour access to microlaboratories. These can accommodate over 1000 students.
The Sanlam Auditorium hosts concerts congresses and meetings. Graduation ceremonies occur here annually. The Arts Centre opened in 2005. It features an Art Gallery showcasing South African contemporary artists. The Arts Centre also has a 435-seater theatre.
The University of Johannesburg provides a shuttle service between campuses. These include Doornfontein Soweto Kingsway and Bunting Road Campuses. Rea Vaya a bus rapid transit system also serves these campuses.
Kingsway Campus has the most student residences. Unique to this campus is the day house policy. Day-only students can choose between two fraternities and two sororities. This builds camaraderie and provides a space for students to relax. The fraternities are Kanniedood and Voorendag. The sororities are Annierand and Alomdraai.
The University of Johannesburg Auckland Park Campus is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a vibrant hub for education arts and community. It’s a place where students connect and grow. It’s a testament to South Africa’s commitment to higher learning.