The client brief called for the creation of a new ‘entrance’ building and identity for the Nelson Mandela University Ocean Sciences Campus, while also providing a series of dedicated academic spaces within a specialized research environment. The building is conceptualized as a large internal veranda space, articulated as a triple-volume, multi-layered foyer space which links the main circulation spine with the more private spaces within. The internal planning contains a number of dedicated research spaces, specialized laboratories, offices, and meeting areas as well as an eight-meter-deep diving tank used for training purposes, which also forms an integral part of the western façade articulation.