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
GAPP CPT is delighted to welcome three new colleagues to our Cape Town team!
Sahlah Davids, an Urban Designer, combines fine art and conceptual thinking to create nuanced urban spaces. Her creative, empathetic, and strategic approach explores the complexities of place-making within the South African context, strengthening the connection between people and spaces.
Christiaan is passionate about seeing projects evolve from ideas into reality. With extensive experience across Africa, he takes a practical, functional, and holistic approach from design through construction.
Julian, an Architectural Technologist, brings precision and technical expertise to transform designs into built form. His meticulous attention to detail ensures high-quality outcomes from material selection to documentation. Julian’s interest in film photography further enriches his appreciation for composition and storytelling.
Welcome aboard!
GAPP CTN hiring / Architect
Are you passionate about precision, problem-solving, and bringing design concepts to life? Do you thrive on translating vision into technical excellence?
GAPP Architects is looking for a talented Architect to join our team!
Submit your CV and portfolio to office@ctn.gapp.net with the subject line: Architect: March 2025
Or
Follow the LinekIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4169464246 link, we’d love to hear from you!
Welcome to GAPP, Faiyad Rylands!
We are excited to welcome Faiyad Rylands to our Cape Town team as a Senior Architectural Technologist! With a strong focus on technical design and detailing, Faiyad brings a forward-thinking approach, a problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, consistent work.
As a skilled Revit Technician, he is passionate about continuous learning and development in the architectural field. We look forward to his expertise contributing to GAPP’s innovative and dynamic projects!
#WelcomeToGAPP #ArchitecturalExcellence #TechnicalDesign #RevitSpecialist
Congratulations to Mosa and Manase on successfully completing their PPE. We are proud of their dedication and look forward to all they will achieve in the promising future ahead.
Congratulations to Jishen who not only graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal but is also one of the regional winners of the 2024 Corobrik Student Architecture Awards!
Jishen recently completed his Master’s degree in architecture and is now proudly contributing his skills and passion as an architect at GAPP. His award-winning submission highlights the pressing challenges of water scarcity in South Africa, particularly in urban centers like Durban, where climate change, poor planning, and aging infrastructure have created significant barriers to water access.
Jishen’s research tackles a critical problem: With urban water consumption projected to exceed supply by 2030, the need for alternative water sources is more urgent than ever. His project explores innovative solutions to address rising water demand while also tackling public misconceptions and negative perceptions around alternative water resources.
We are incredibly proud of Jishen’s achievement and excited to see his talent and dedication shaping the future of sustainable architecture at GAPP.
Ashley Botha / Senior Architectural Technologist
We are delighted to welcome Ashley Botha a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist, to the GAPP Architects and Urban Designers team!
Ashley is known for her dedication to detail, creative problem-solving, and passion for crafting thoughtful and innovative designs. She has a collaborative spirit and a forward-thinking approach that aligns perfectly with GAPP`s vision for shaping meaningful and sustainable spaces.
We look forward to seeing the impact of Ashley’s expertise as we continue to create meaningful, sustainable, and inspiring spaces together. Welcome aboard, Ashley!
GAPP JHB Welcomes Manase Sello - Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist
We are thrilled to welcome Manase Sello to our team! A passionate and dedicated architectural technologist, Manase brings a strong foundation in design, technical expertise, and project management. With an Honours Degree in Architecture from the University of the Free State, he has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the built environment.
As a proud Sotho individual, Manase was raised in a culture that values community, respect, and harmony with nature. Growing up in a traditional Sotho village, he was inspired by the intricate designs and layouts of ancestral homes, which seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.
The Sotho principles of Ubuntu (humanity towards others) and Botho (humanity towards all living things) instilled in Manase a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, culture, and the built environment. These values motivated him to pursue architecture as a means to combine design, culture, and community, creating spaces that foster social cohesion, sustainability, and beauty.
"I`m excited to be part of GAPP Architects and Urban Designers and to contribute my skills, experience, and passion for architecture to delivering exceptional projects that exceed our clients` expectations."