A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 05 March 1959.

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the Mr. F.J. Wepener was appointed as architect to design the first men’s residences in Lynnwood street. His design would serve as a prototype for the subsequent 3 male residences.

College © UP Archives

After College was completed in 1914 the University relied on the churches to provide housing for the men. This changed in the 1950s when the university council decided to launch a building project to erect 4 male residences between 1959 to 1962. The aim was to built one residence per year, each housing 258 students. The area earmarked for these buildings was still part of the Experimental farm grounds which the Transvaal University College purchased from F.E.B. Struben in 1921. The aim was to built the buildings from South to North between Lynnwood and Boundry roads- thus providing easy access for the students to the main campus in Brooklyn.

Maroela © UP Archives

The first building was completed in 1959 and inaugurated in 1960. Building material of a very high standard was used, including a dining hall floor made from Japanese oak. Despite the expensive material that was used the economical design resulted in the buildings being 58% cheaper than previous residence. The university estimated that once all the residences were completed there will be housing for 1534 male students in 1963. For more information on UP’s  residences please follow this link Residences to choose from | Article | University of Pretoria (up.ac.za).

The UPA preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have an extensive photo collection and earlier copies of the senate, council and faculty minutes. The volumes of the University’s history captured in Ad Destinatium i-v, as featured here, also forms part of our collection. Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or access our collection virtually.