The new Flower Hall Examination and Test Centre, on the University of the Witwatersrand's (Wits') Campus West, has been shortlisted in the Creative Reuse category for the World Architecture Festival, which will be held in Singapore from November 6 to 8.

The building was shortlisted for its transformation from its original design as part of the Rand Easter Show showgrounds to an examination centre with more than 1 000 seats, and for its sustainable design.

The renovation, led by Savage + Dodd Architects, doubled the building’s seating capacity for tests and exams to more than 1 000 seats through the addition of two new floors.

The extension of a building’s life through adaptation and reuse is crucial for sustainability. It minimises the carbon footprint of construction by using existing structures, the university says.

The upgrade also introduced innovative energy-saving systems, such as a chilled beam system and heating, ventilation and cooling, to enhance environmental sustainability. The aim was to create a comfortable space for students, in line with the building's original purpose as an exam hall.

"The significant redevelopment turned the ageing, uncomfortable exam venue into a modern, energy-efficient space that retains its historical significance while supporting contemporary needs," Wits says.

The building, completed in 1969, was originally designed to house the Wits Agricultural Society's flower displays during the Rand Easter Show. Today, the Flower Hall has been repurposed to serve the university’s growing need for testing and examination spaces, the university says.

"The project has been lauded for preserving the building’s historical elements while enhancing its functionality. Savage + Dodd Architects designed the renovation with flexibility in mind, thereby ensuring the building could later be transformed into a shared-service laboratory facility.

Wits plans to further transform the building into a multi-laboratory facility while maintaining its architectural integrity. The university has an excellent record of repurposing buildings, as seen with the Wits Science Stadium, it notes.