Construction World April 2018

MARKETPLACE

AFRICAN CITIES need new design approach

More than ever, urban environments in Africa require a new development approach. This is evident from the pervasive poverty, inadequate infrastructure, growth in slums, weak urban- rural linkages, the marginal role played by local governments, and climate change.

About NEW URBAN NEW URBAN is the result of 80 years of combined experience and a new, integrated design approach. Our team of talented, young designers and experienced mentors combine the latest technology and thinking with a legacy of responsible and responsive design projects. The Holm Jordaan Group has a history of being at the forefront of environmental thinking in South Africa, thanks to its founding members Dieter and Albrecht Holm, who had founded the firm Holm and Holm Architects in 1962, winning numerous competitions and awards over the years. During 2018, the practice GWA Studio established by Gary White in 2003, merged with the Holm Jordaan Group. GWA Studio has a history of being at the forefront of ‘new- urbanist’ thinking in Africa, for which they have won numerous international accolades.

T he United Nations (UN) ‘Report on the State of World Cities’ predicted that, by 2050, Africa will have an urbanised population of 1,2 billion, representing nearly 25% of the world’s Urban population. According to the ‘New and Emerging Challenges in Africa Summary Report’ by the Economic Commission for Africa, cities have, despite the many challenges, played a pivotal role in sustaining economic growth in recent years, generating about 55% of the Continent’s total gross domestic product (GDP). “Cities that are not properly planned and managed are a burden on the natural resources, impacting negatively on the environment and the living conditions of its inhabitants,” says Gerrit Jordaan, Director of Holm Jordaan Architects & Urban Designers.

“That being said,” Jordaan continues, “Through strategic urban planning, well-planned and well-managed cities can minimise environmental losses and generate creative solutions to enhance the quality of the environment and mitigate, or Cities that are not properly planned and managed are a burden on the natural resources, impacting negatively on the environment and the living conditions of its inhabitants.

Logan joined GIBB in 2011 and since then, has operated in the roles of Divisional Head, Director and Acting General Manager for the company’s Dams, Hydropower and Underground Works sector and the authorised representative for many joint venture partnerships at the company. He has been Project Manager and Project Director on several projects, both locally and internationally. Group Business Development Executive, Muzi Siyaya, says “Logan has the experience and strategic insight in handling the GIBB Capital portfolio. With his specialist knowledge and experience in project economics and planning of multi-disciplinary engineering projects, we believe that he will leave an indelible mark through his work in this new role. Further to this, Logan has been tasked with developing the GIBB Capital model to align with the rapidly changing trends in infrastructure development.” Commenting on his appointment, Logan says, “I am grateful for division that provides bespoke specialist services aimed at unlocking the financing and implementation of projects. Logan is a Civil Engineer with 17 years of experience in the planning, design and construction monitoring of water transfer schemes and power projects. NewManaging Principal GIBB Engineering and Architecture is excited to announce the appointment of Colin Logan as Managing Principal of GIBB Capital, its project preparation and advisory

Colin Logan, Managing Principal of GIBB Capital.

the confidence my colleagues have in me to take on this role. There will be challenges along the way, but I am prepared to face them, grow the business, and ultimately affect positive change.” Logan graduated with BSc Engineering Degree from the University of Cape Town in 2001, is a registered Professional Engineer, and is currently completing his Executive Masters in Energy Management, which he is doing through the BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo and in partnership with the IFP School in Paris. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2018