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SA Institute for Medical Research
Johannesburg, Gauteng

BAKER and FLEMING: Architect

Date:1912
Type:Medical Research Facility
Status:Extant

 


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Coordinates:
26°11'32.62" S 28°02'32.47" E Alt: 1779m

SA Inst for Medical Research, additions 1924, 1936, 1938, 1940 (Fleming 1985).

(Cumming-George 1933)

THIS building is one of the most important centres for medical research and routine, and the preparation of sera and vaccines in the world. The original design is by Sir Herbert Baker, R.A., carried out by the partnership. Sir Herbert Baker and F. L. H. Fleming.

The materials generally are: Walls, brick with precast concrete dressings. Dome, concrete, all painted white externally. Floors, concrete and asphalte. Roofs, iron above concrete ceilings. Ceilings, plaster and concrete. Joinery, teak and Oregon pine. Windows, steel casements.

The spacious setting of the Institute in ample grounds, the broad lay-out, and the care bestowed upon garden and amenity greatly enhance the architectural values that have been sought after in the design of the actual buildings.

Transcription of Blue Plaque

JOHANNESBURG CITY HERITAGE

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE
FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

The National Health Laboratory Service, previously
known as The South African Institute for Medical Research,
was established in 1912 to research the prevention and
treatment of human disease. The building was designed by
Baker & Fleming in Renaissance style, with tall
windows, quadrangles and a landmark dome-capped
tower, and built by John Barrow & Co in 1913. The
Institute has made a substantial contribution to
the fight against pneumonia, malaria,
polio and cancer.

JOHANNESBURG
HERITAGE FOUNDATION

(Source: The Heritage Portal)

All truncated references not fully cited below are those of Joanna Walker's original text and cited in full in the 'Bibliography' entry of the Lexicon.


Books and articles that reference SA Institute for Medical Research

Baker, Herbert. 1944. Architecture & personalities. London: Country Life. pg 56, b&w photo of perspective dwg opp 57
Cumming-George, L. 1933. Architecture in South Africa - Volume One. Cape Town: The Speciality Press of S.A. Ltd.. pg 35
Greig, Doreen. 1971. A Guide to Architecture in South Africa. Cape Town: Howard Timmins. pg 139-140
Greig, Doreen. 1970. Herbert Baker in South Africa. Cape Town: PURNELL. pg 197-201
Potgieter, DJ (Editor-in-chief). 1972. Standard Encyclopaedia of South Africa [SESA] Volume 7 Lit-Mus. Cape Town: Nasou. pg 289
van der Waal, Gerhard-Mark. 1987. From Mining Camp to Metropolis - The buildings of Johannesburg 1886-1940. Pretoria: Human Sciences Research Council. pg 114 ill, 115