Nelson Mandela launched the Sheppard Robson and John Cooper Architecture (JCA) competition-winning design for a new specialist children’s hospital in Johannesburg on 31 July.
To be known as the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, the modern paediatric tertiary facility on the Wits education campus in Parktown, Johannesberg, will be developed by the two UK-based practices in conjunction with local architects Gapp and Ruben Reddy (RRA). Speaking at the launch, Nelson Mandela said the hospital was badly needed on a continent where millions do not live to see their fifth birthday, adding: “This is not a luxury, but a vital necessity that can no longer be delayed”. The 200-bed, eight-theatre facility will incorporate state-of-the-art diagnostics, with future plans for expansion to 300 beds. The shallow floor plan will enable much of the building to be naturally lit and ventilated, while a high priority will be placed on using local labour and materials. Construction of the R1 billion ($800 m) hospital will begin in late 2010 and should be completed in 18 months.
