Mandela Hall in Falmer House will reopen ready for the new academic year.

Last summer, RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) was found to have been used in the construction of the curved roof of Mandela Hall in Falmer House, which was then closed out of use as a safety precaution.  

The RAAC was surveyed and found to be in good condition, but the ceiling required some additional structural works before the hall could be reopened.  

Falmer House is a Grade I Listed building, meaning it is of exceptional architectural interest. Any structural work requires careful planning,so we worked in consultation with Brighton & Hove City Council and English Heritage when planning and implementing improvements.   

The ceiling works were carried out cautiously, with additional protection laid on Mandela Hall’s floor, and wooden ceiling panels were carefully removed and replaced in their original location.  

These works have been successfully completed allowing Mandela Hall to reopen for student use ahead of the new academic year.  

Day’s Rest, Day’s Work 

Whilst the repair works were underway, an original mural, Day’s Rest, Day’s Work, by acclaimed artist Ivon Hitchens, which forms part of Falmer House’s historic listing, was moved into storage. Displayed in Mandela Hall since the 1960s, the mural is currently undergoing restoration work and will return to Sussex next year. 

History of Mandela Hall 

When Falmer House opened in 1962, Mandela Hall was known as the Old Refectory – a space where students could meet for meals and drinks. In 1978, it was renamed to the current Mandela Hall, in honour of Nelson Mandela – the imprisoned leader of the African National Congress. 

In recognition of the architectural importance of Sir Basil Spence’s design, Falmer House gained its Grade I Listed status in 1993, which includes the building itself, the surrounding moats and the Ivon Hitchens artwork.  

Mandela Hall has hosted more than dinners in its rich history. From Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd in the 1960s, The Who and The Clash in the 1970s and Blur in the 1990s, many a band has filled this iconic space. Read Alumni memories of these music events.