Marketing Management students had the opportunity to examine two excellent examples of physical evidence, one of the so called 7 Ps of marketing, on the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus. The evidence was found in none other than buildings on the campus.

The students learnt that the Plant Science Building, with its vertical rock garden on the eastern and western walls, gives an indication of the activities inside the building without any signage. From the vegetation it is evident that this building hosts a service relating to plants. The shielded, recessed windows and termite hive design and propelling turbines for hot air ventilation, are some of the other green design principles incorporated into the Plant Science Building. Students were able to identify and distinguish the different roles physical evidence can play by examining the physical attributes of this building.

On the opposite side of the campus, the new Engineering 1 Building is another case in point of physical evidence. Designed as an open machine which the engineers could appreciate, the rainwater harvesting system addressed the need for water control at about a fifth of the price of other possible solutions. An international first of its kind, this system also feeds water into the botanical gardens of the University of Pretoria.

The sustainable green design principles incorporated into these two buildings furthermore contribute to the University of Pretoria’s 2025 vision. All in all they are excellent examples of marketing in an ever-changing environment, broadening the perspective of students from different faculties and ultimately, resulting in well-rounded graduates.