Graceland Architects

Abidjan-Lagos Corridor: A Catalyst for Regional Growth    The African Development Bank and partners are driving the transformation of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway into a potent economic and industrial hub by 2030. The Africa Investment Forum, the largest investment platform in Africa championed by the African Development Bank and eight other partners, has been providing significant impetus to the project. At the time of its “boardrooms” in 2021, $15.6 billion in potential investment had been pledged by various private and institutional actors for this emblematic project, which is one of ECOWAS' key priorities. Key highlights:  ✅ A 1,028 km coastal highway linking Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. ✅ 206 transformative investments, including energy, agri-industry, ICT, and logistics. ✅ $6.8B investment potential, largely private-sector led. ✅ 70,000 jobs during construction. ✅ Enhanced connections to ports and urban centers across West Africa. ECOWAS Commission’s vision: Regional integration through infrastructure, connecting 173M urban residents by 2050. The Abidjan-Lagos highway is a cornerstone for Africa’s sustainable industrialization and economic integration: https://bit.ly/4fXWUqK #IntegrateAfrica #InfrastructureDevelopment #AIF2024

Mediclinic Midstream: Combining Patient Care and Sustainable Design   Mediclinic Midstream, situated in Pretoria’s Midstream Estate, represents a combination of patient-centred care and innovative sustainable design. With 176 beds, this modern multidisciplinary hospital creates a healing environment where nature and technology work together to enhance recovery. Expansive windows in every patient room ensure exposure to natural light and provide views of the surrounding greenery, proven to aid faster recovery and reduce hospital stays.   The hospital’s layout prioritises both patient comfort and efficiency, with critical and specialised care units conveniently located on the ground floor for easy access to advanced facilities like the Hybrid Theatre, Electrophysiology Lab, Cath Lab and Endoscopy Unit. Recent expansions have added an enlarged neonatal unit and five new adult CCU beds, demonstrating the hospital’s ability to adapt to growing healthcare demands - all without increasing its physical footprint.   Sustainability lies at the heart of Mediclinic Midstream’s design. The hospital features a greywater reuse system that recycles water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and cooling, significantly reducing the hospital’s environmental impact and operational costs. Energy-efficient building systems and spatially optimized planning underscore its commitment to environmental responsibility while ensuring top-tier operational effectiveness.   As a centrally located healthcare hub for patients across the Centurion and Ekurhuleni areas, Mediclinic Midstream blends exceptional patient care with forward-thinking, sustainable practises. #Sustainability #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCare #SustainableDesign #ModernHealthcare #GreenBuilding #HospitalDesign #SmartHealthcare #EcoFriendlyHealthcare #SustainablePractices #HealingEnvironments #Pretoria #MidstreamEstate #Ekurhuleni #Centurion #SouthAfricaHealthcare #SustainableHealthcare #EnvironmentalResponsibility #CarbonFootprintReduction #WaterRecycling #EnergyEfficiency #GreenHospitals

It is expected that by 2030, the global health workforce will face a shortfall of nearly 10 million. The World Bank published a blog on four ways to bridge this gap, "To achieve the World Bank’s goal to reach 1.5 billion people with quality health services by 2030, it will be key to address health worker shortages through targeted funding, expertise, and partnerships." Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eQMukrhF

We are proud to have partnered with the Joburg Oncology Group at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre to expand their radiation oncology facility. This project involved incorporating a second linear accelerator bunker, a control room, and a modern patient waiting area. Our team expertly managed the complex contract instruction process, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.   In our latest article, we delve into the contract instruction process, including how we communicate with clients, manage instructions effectively, and outline the step-by-step procedure. The article also offers insights for potential clients on how this process works and how we can bring their vision to life. Follow the link to learn more: https://lnkd.in/da8_bH-k   #GracelandArchitects #Oncology #HealthcareArchitecture #WitsDonaldGordonMedicalCentre #JoburgOncologyGroup #HealthcareDesign #ContractManagement #ImpactfulProjects

Meet the team: Shaun Norman Professional Draughtsman, Graceland Architects Born in Pretoria in 1994, Shaun Norman has become a dynamic presence in architecture, known for his attention to detail and vision. A top graduate from Inscape Design College, Shaun now works as a Professional Architectural Draughtsman and is on a path toward Professional Architect status through SACAP’s RPL process. Beyond architecture, Shaun’s creativity extends to music and gaming. He’s a pianist and composer with pieces on YouTube, and a passionate gamer who enjoys immersive computer and PlayStation experiences. For Shaun, architecture, music, and gaming seamlessly express his dedication to creativity and innovation.

Construction Project Development – Understanding the Path from Brief to Open Doors – Part 2 In Part 2 of our series, we dive into the development of the feasibility study and financial model, crucial steps in building a robust business case to attract funding and secure financial close. Moving beyond the basics introduced in Part 1, this article explores how thorough data analysis and financial modeling work together to validate a project’s viability. Discover how an expertly developed financial model can forecast profitability timelines and ensure alignment with the exacting standards of DFIs and equity investors. https://lnkd.in/dQa8geFM

New reports from The World Bank reveal troubling trends across low-income countries and lower middle-income countries, exposing serious risks to the necessary growth of public investments in health. For many countries, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for health targets is increasingly out of reach, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action to address mounting financing challenges.  https://lnkd.in/dSVchDFi

🌍🏢 Empowering the Green Transition: Webinar Recap on Leveraging GRIP for Real Estate Decarbonization 🏢🌍 👏Thank you to everyone who joined us on October 9, 2024, for an insightful discussion on Greening Real Estate Investment Portfolios (GRIP). The webinar brought together experts to share how real estate owners can effectively define, implement, and finance their green transitions, with practical strategies and real-world examples. For those who missed it, here’s a brief recap of what we covered: GRIP Overview Led by Linshuo Hao, we explored how GRIP supports the decarbonization of large real estate portfolios by offering an integrated approach, from strategy development to financing the green transition. GRIP helps property owners across sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, and industrial to baseline their portfolios, set ambitious climate goals, and access green financing. Technical Decarbonization Strategies Alok Singh shared valuable insights on practical solutions for real estate decarbonization, including retrofits, energy efficiency measures, and resilient design principles that can reduce emissions and utility costs. Interactive Q&A and Closing Remarks We wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session, where Michelle Farrell addressed key questions and shared closing thoughts on driving the climate revolution in real estate. The real estate sector, responsible for ~38% of global energy-related emissions, is undergoing a transformation driven by regulatory changes, investor commitments, and tenant demands. With $24.7 trillion in green building investment opportunities in emerging markets by 2030, it’s time to act. ⏯️Missed the webinar? Don’t worry, you can catch the recording here: https://ow.ly/reNj50TTztF Let’s continue to lead the way toward a sustainable future. 🌱🏡 #RealEstate #Sustainability #Decarbonization #ClimateAction #GRIP #IFC #GreenBuilding #NetZero #WebinarRecap

Introducing Mediclinic Brits: A New Standard in Healthcare for North West Province   A newly completed healthcare facility in the heart of Brits, North West Province, South Africa. Designed to enhance bed capacity and deliver top-quality medical care, this hospital serves both local and surrounding communities with a focus on healing, sustainability, and functionality.   Mediclinic Brits integrates cutting-edge medical technology with patient-centered design principles, setting a benchmark for future healthcare projects in the region. The hospital creates a comforting and efficient environment for patients, families, and healthcare professionals by incorporating key elements such as:   Healing Environment: A layout that promotes recovery through natural light, green spaces, and soothing interior finishes. Patient-Centered Care: Private and semi-private rooms, family-friendly waiting areas, and clear wayfinding to enhance the patient experience. Energy Efficiency: High-performance glazing, LED lighting, solar tube collectors, and an energy-efficient HVAC system work together to minimize energy consumption.   The design team faced significant challenges, including optimizing space use while designing around existing buildings and within the urban context of Brits. Seamless integration of advanced medical technologies and ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance were also key priorities. Additionally, managing project phasing and construction while the hospital remained operational was no small feat. Despite these complexities, the professional team and on-site contractors successfully maintained the comfort and safety of patients throughout the process.   MEDICLINIC BRITS now stands as a premier healthcare facility, delivering exceptional medical services in a modern, sustainable, and patient-focused environment. This project sets a new standard for healthcare design and construction in the region and serves as a model for future developments. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjP79MSz   #HealthcareInnovation #MediclinicBrits #PatientCare #SustainableDesign #HealingSpaces #EnergyEfficiency #HealthcareConstruction #ProjectManagement

Introducing Mediclinic Brits: A New Standard in Healthcare for North West Province   A newly completed healthcare facility in the heart of Brits, North West Province, South Africa. Designed to enhance bed capacity and deliver top-quality medical care, this hospital serves both local and surrounding communities with a focus on healing, sustainability, and functionality.   Mediclinic Brits integrates cutting-edge medical technology with patient-centered design principles, setting a benchmark for future healthcare projects in the region. The hospital creates a comforting and efficient environment for patients, families, and healthcare professionals by incorporating key elements such as:   Healing Environment: A layout that promotes recovery through natural light, green spaces, and soothing interior finishes. Patient-Centered Care: Private and semi-private rooms, family-friendly waiting areas, and clear wayfinding to enhance the patient experience. Energy Efficiency: High-performance glazing, LED lighting, solar tube collectors, and an energy-efficient HVAC system work together to minimize energy consumption.   The design team faced significant challenges, including optimizing space use while designing around existing buildings and within the urban context of Brits. Seamless integration of advanced medical technologies and ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance were also key priorities. Additionally, managing project phasing and construction while the hospital remained operational was no small feat. Despite these complexities, the professional team and on-site contractors successfully maintained the comfort and safety of patients throughout the process.   MEDICLINIC BRITS now stands as a premier healthcare facility, delivering exceptional medical services in a modern, sustainable, and patient-focused environment. This project sets a new standard for healthcare design and construction in the region and serves as a model for future developments. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjP79MSz   #HealthcareInnovation #MediclinicBrits #PatientCare #SustainableDesign #HealingSpaces #EnergyEfficiency #HealthcareConstruction #ProjectManagement