Discover GAPP Architects & Urban Designers’ innovative approach to educational design in the latest @scape_magazine magazine feature!

Rooted in flexible spatial frameworks and adaptive architecture, GAPP transforms university campuses and public schools into inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive spaces. From the @my_nwu to the @uwconline , our urban design fosters community connection and learning. Our masterplans reimagines sprawling campuses with walkable cores and vibrant gathering spaces, while enhancing academic interaction.

Read the full article in @scape_magazine to explore our commitment to educational excellence!

Join our Johannesburg urban design team at GAPP Architects & Urban Designers

Are you a passionate urban designer with a keen eye for crafting vibrant and sustainable urban environments?

We`re seeking a talented Urban Designer (mid-level, 5+ years of experience) to join our dynamic team at GAPP, an architecture and urban design firm dedicated to shaping communities of the future.

As an integral part of our collaborative environment, you`ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects that range from revitalizing city centers to designing innovative public spaces.

If you`re someone who thrives on creativity, innovation, and making a positive impact in the built environment, we`d love to hear from you. Join us in creating spaces that inspire and elevate the way we live, work, and interact in our urban environments.

Qualifications & Registrations
Master`s of Urban Design or post-matric qualification in Urban Design or Architecture.
Registration with UDISA and /or any other professional body will be advantageous.

Employment type
Permanent or contract

Salary
Negotiable

Please submit your resume and a portfolio that clarifies roles on various projects with contactable references to recruitment@jhb.gapp.net using the subject line "Urban Designer"

or visit the Linkedin job post: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4244672363

A Warm Welcome to Rajhan and Avish Mistry at GAPP!

We’re delighted to welcome two exceptional talents to GAPP Architects & Urban Designers!

Avish Mistry joins us with over 25 years of expertise, having led transformative projects that include the Yetta Nathan Community Centre and Growthpoint Business Park Refurbishment (Unit 1A) in 2023. A Wits graduate (B.Arch., 1998) and SACAP member, Avish’s diligent and disciplined nature, paired with a discerning aesthetic sense, ensures meticulous designs. His kind demeanour fosters collaboration, and his academic experience as a sessional lecturer at Wits enhances our team’s vision.

Rajhan returns to GAPP after 16 years as a seasoned Senior Architectural Technologist. With a Bachelor’s degree from the then-ML Sultan Campus in Durban (early 2000s), Rajhan bridges traditional and modern design. His experience from the drawing board era infuses projects with old-school architectural flares, while he excels in CAD, presentations, and construction, serving as a key anchor in fast-paced projects. Known for his thorough approach to building design and documentation, Rajhan’s creativity shines in woodworking and metalworking, bringing immense value with his mature outlook on architecture.

Together, Rajhan and Avish will elevate GAPP’s innovative projects. Join us in celebrating their arrival!

Drawings That Tell a Story: Restoration of The Old Granary – Now Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation House

Using a “building-as-document” approach, we preserved its historical layers while adding minimal modern touches. Our design, with restored walkways, courtyards, and museum spaces, reflects the Foundation’s mission of peace and justice.

Our floor plans feature a ‘figure of eight’ circulation route, linking two courtyards to blend the historic core with new additions. Transparent elements and consistent design create an inspiring workspace. These beautiful hand drawings by Reginald Rickers show how we balanced heritage and functionality with a ‘loose fit’ fit-out.

Project Team
GAPP Architects & Urban Designers
Engineers / @royal_haskoningdhv
Landscape / Megan Anderson Landscape Architects
Quantity Surveyor / @ldm_group_sa
Heritage / GAPP Architects (Kobus van Wyk)
Main Contractor / Edel Construction
Art & Restoration Specialist / Bettina Elton
Photographer / @markusjordaan
Drawings / Reginald Rickers

Exciting Future for @northwesternu

We`re thrilled to share the NWU Campus Frameworks that set a bold vision for our Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark, and Potchefstroom campuses!

A Flexible Framework: Our plan creates vibrant, walkable campuses with clear movement networks and a central gathering space—think lush central gardens fostering connection and NWU pride. It’s a blueprint for inclusive, dynamic learning environments.

Sustainability & Resilience: From energy-efficient designs to green infrastructure, we’re building campuses that thrive long-term while aligning with HEMIS norms for national funding.

Hybrid Learning Ready: Blending physical and digital spaces, we’re embracing hybrid learning to keep NWU competitive globally, ensuring our campuses reflect our unique identity and vision.

Strategic Partnerships: Through public, private, and community collaborations, we’re enhancing resources, from cutting-edge academic facilities to vibrant student life amenities like sports and accommodation.

Smart Growth: Prioritising high-impact, budget-conscious projects, our masterplan repurposes existing spaces and leverages past planning to avoid duplication, with continuity from our trusted professional teams.
Watch this space as we shape campuses that are sustainable, connected, and ready for the future!

#NWUMasterplan #CampusFuture #GAPPArchitects #HigherEducation

Nairobi Gate Industrial Park: Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

East Africa’s first 41-hectare #SEZ on #Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass redefines #Kenya’s industrial landscape. Our urban design approach integrates a comprehensive development framework, including detailed public realm planning, landscaping, and a bespoke design code, alongside architectural services. The park offers seamless access to Thika Road, the Southern Bypass, and key hubs like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Inland Container Depot. The park hosts a fully integrated customs control area that streamlines logistics operations.

Sustainability drives the design—insulation, double-glazing, and Low-E glass reduce energy costs, while photovoltaic panels, solar geysers, and water management systems (greywater plants, attenuation ponds, rainwater harvesting) ensure resilience, targeting Kenya’s first Green Star rating.

Spanning 100,000 sqm, Nairobi Gate’s development progresses through strategic phases. Phase 1, completed in October 2020 across 100 acres, delivered essential infrastructure and two 5,000–10,000 sqm warehouses, introducing a ‘build to suit’ concept with grade-A flexible spaces for logistics and light industry. Phases 2 to 4, completed by late 2021, added a 4,000 sqm bespoke warehouse, mini-units all equipped with robust infrastructure and generous loading facilities.

Construction continues, with ongoing phases expanding the park’s offerings, including corporate offices and a dedicated Textile Park. GAPP’s collaboration with Impact North (Actis and Improvon) ensures each phase aligns with tenant needs, cementing Nairobi Gate as a leading industrial hub in East Africa.

Photo Credits: Improvon
Teams: @ourturnerandtownsend , @actismart , @weareimprovon

Rivonia Village Centre: A 1977 Vision Enduring in 2025

In the 1980s, the Schlapobersky Partnership, a precursor to GAPP Architects & Urban Designers, was tasked by the Town Council of Sandton to design the Rivonia Village Centre. This 15-hectare project, bounded by De La Rey Road, Rivonia Road, Third Avenue, and Edenglen Townships in Johannesburg, revitalised a business area while preserving its village charm. It addressed traffic with the Western Bypass, introduced mixed-use development (retail, offices, residences), and featured a supermarket, shops, and the Rivonia Sports Club to enhance accessibility and foster a cohesive community hub.

Design Principles

Connectivity: The Western Bypass and service roads eased traffic, enhancing access.

Human-Centered Design: Low-rise buildings (up to 4 storeys, 30% coverage) created pedestrian-friendly spaces.

Mixed-Use: Retail, offices, and amenities formed a vibrant center around Rivonia News and the Atrium.

Character Preservation: Environmental buffers maintained Rivonia’s rural feel.

Fast Forward a few decades, and its traffic solutions align with 2025’s sustainable mobility initiatives, like Cape Town’s MyCiTi. The human-centered design supports modern placemaking, while the mixed-use model aids housing and vitality. Environmental integration reflects today’s climate-resilient focus, inspiring GAPP’s ongoing work.

An Urban Design Framework to Revive Newtown: A Glimpse into Johannesburg`s Urban Renaissance

Step back to 1988 when GAPP Architects & Urban Designers envisioned a new future for Newtown, Johannesburg`s historic precinct. Our urban design proposals aimed to preserve the area`s unique character while integrating it with the Central Business District.

Explore these archival images that capture the essence of our design framework:

Turbine Square Sketches & Axonometric: A detailed view of the iconic Turbine Hall, showcasing its industrial heritage and potential for redevelopment.

Site Plan with Perspective Views: Illustrating how Newtown could be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, with carefully planned circulation and infrastructure.

The Evolving Pattern of the CBD: A map highlighting the strategic positioning of Newtown within Johannesburg`s urban landscape, emphasising its role in the city`s growth.

These plans were instrumental in shaping Newtown into the thriving district it is today, blending history with modernity. This project forms part of GAPP`s Archive Series, where we are digging through the archives and learning from the past. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of urban design, creating spaces that tell stories and connect communities.

#UrbanDesign #Heritage #Johannesburg #Newtown #GAPPArchitects/UrbanDesigners