MAD's mountain-shaped tower complex nears completion in Beijing

MAD's mountain-shaped tower complex nears completion in Beijing

Laurence Grigorov, who is director of Laurence Martin Developments, often looks for inspiration from international architectural design trends. This allows Laurence Grigorov to continually keep the development projects that the company is involved in, fresh and current. Laurence Martin Developments is a luxury residential development company in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A new project which is Laurence Grigorov believes is shifting modern architectural trends is the new commercial and residential complex based in Beijing which is based on rock formations.

MAD's Chaoyang Park Plaza is a 120,000-square-metre complex of skyscrapers, office blocks and public spaces is located in Beijing's central business district, which sits on the southern edge of Chaoyang Park – one of the largest parks in the city.

In building Chaoyang Park Plaza, the architects intended to create a "city landscape" by referencing the lakes, mountains and stones depicted in traditional Chinese shan shui scenic paintings.

The project is modelled on Shanshui City, the architectural model created by MAD's founder Ma Yansong for an urban development in Guiyang, China. Yansong's vision is intended to rethink how cities and their inhabitants can reconnect with the natural world.

Construction started on the project in 2012 – with the main focus being a pair of asymmetrical 120-metre tall skyscrapers modelled on the natural shapes of rock formations. "Ridges and valleys define the shape of the exterior glass facade, as if the natural forces of erosion wore down the tower into a few thin lines," said the architects.

The irregular silhouettes of the two towers are formed from multi-level terraces populated by public gardens where people can look out over the city. The ridges are embedded with sustainable technologies, using internal ventilation and filtration systems to draw the natural breeze indoors.

A 17-metre-high glass lobby creates a transitional area between the two towers – sounds of flowing water are played throughout the connecting space to "make the lobby feel like a natural scene from a mountain valley," said the studio. The firm's concern with connecting the urban environment with nature is demonstrated by its use of greenery interspersed throughout the towers.

Laurence Grigorov is highly influenced by modern design trends and endeavours to instil these inspirations in the company’s architectural style.

Abland and Tiber Join Forces to Develop Sandton Gate

Abland and Tiber have joined forces to develop the Sandton Gate precinct, combining their respective strengths to deliver a carefully conceived, and ultimately well-executed, product. The sizeable site on which the precinct will unfold, has been assembled over several years by Tiber.

Situated on William Nicol Drive between Sandton Drive and Republic Road, Sandton Gate will be right on the doorstep of South Africa’s economic business centre. The precinct is easily accessible via a number of major arterial routes from Sandton, Hyde Park and the N1 freeway as well as finding itself alongside the current S5 Sandton – Fourways Gautrain Bus Route.

The site provides 130,000 square metres of developable floor area made up of approximately 80,000 square metres of offices, 400 residential units and a variety of lifestyle and smaller retail amenities.  This will include a health club, restaurants or cafés, and other smaller format convenience amenities which will contribute to the overall appeal of the precinct.

The concept of a mixed-use precinct is strongly aligned with the new urbanist principles of creating pedestrian friendly, live-work-play environments. Such environments are also more eco-friendly in that they reduce people’s commutes and carbon footprints. Building on these important sustainability goals, the intention is for every commercial building in Sandton Gate to obtain a minimum Four Star Green Star SA rating.

The first phase of Sandton Gate will include all the necessary infrastructure, plus 10,000 to 15,000 square metres of commercial office space, and a residential component which will commence in the latter part of 2017. The commercial buildings will be developed as high-end A-Grade and P-Grade buildings offering maximum flexibility to accommodate large, medium and smaller users. The residential units will be available for sale and/or leasing while the commercial buildings will be available for leasing.

The joint venture’s ability to expertly manage the development process from inception to completion is a major strength. Tiber’s track record is evidenced by some of South Africa’s most iconic buildings which can be seen dotted along the Sandton skyline. This, blended with Abland’s pedigree in responsibly developing best-in-class, innovative and sustainable developments across the country, lays the foundation for the delivery of an inimitable world-class precinct development.

Savings achieved through efficiencies in the development process can be passed on to occupiers, who will benefit from highly competitive rentals in a prime node. This factor, combined with Sandton Gate’s safe, secure and attractive precinct nature, its easily accessible location, and its focus on sustainability, are sure to make it a highly desirable location to live and work in.

Ambitious and exciting projects such as these offer insight to Laurence Grigorov and the team at Laurence Martin Developments for future projects and developments that the company may benefit from.

The South African National Council for the Blind

Laurence Grigorov has been a supporter and donor of the SA National Council for the Blind for over a decade. He regularly donates to the charity organisation and feels strongly that the support of such organisations is critical for the improvement of South Africa’s society and the upliftment and assistance of the underprivileged.

Laurence Grigorov is director of LaurenceMartin Developments, a residential property development company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company specialises in modern, luxury apartments, cluster units and bespoke homes. In his spare time, Laurence Grigorov enjoys reading and exercising as well as travelling abroad.

The South African National Council for the Blind, through a network of over 100 member organisations, serves, supports and facilitates the prevention of blindness, rehabilitation, community development, training and education of South Africans with visual impairments.

The Council was established in 1929 with the objectives of co-ordinating South African organisations for the blind, being the national blind representative body, advocacy and the promotion of the rights of persons with visual impairments. There was also emphasis laid on the prevention of blindness, which led to the establishment of the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness in 1944.  Since then the Council has grown exponentially – adding education and rehabilitation (1985), a centre making assistive devices available in 1986 as well as entrepreneurial development and support (1991) to its list of services.

Council is a national organisation and comprises nine provincial structures and some 100 member organisations. It is also affiliated to international organisations including the Africa Union of the Blind (AFUB) and the World Blind Union (WBU). The Council comprises four core business areas, namely Social Development, the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness, Education and lastly Fundraising and Public Relations. These divisions run efficiently with the help of Finance, Administration and Logistics and Governance and Project Services.

Ernesto Valverde - Beginning to Leave His Mark on Barcelona

Laurence Grigorov has 15 years’ experience in residential property developments as director Laurence Martin Developments. The company specialises in high-end and luxury residential developments and homes. Laurence Grigorov enjoys watching football in his spare time and is an avid supporter of FC Barcelona. He follows the news on Barcelona closely.

After a turbulent off-season and transfer market, Barcelona have started the league season steadily and have 3 wins from 3 starts.

Guillem Balague, Spanish football correspondent and expert, had the following comments on the playing style of the team: “Barcelona are doing very well on the pitch - nine points from nine, none conceded, nine scored. They have shown traits of what this team is going to be like under Ernesto Valverde; they will press high, they will be physically strong, they have started the season in very good condition and with very clear ideas”.
“Without Neymar, Jordi Alba has more opportunities to go forward, and we started to see the old Jordi Alba that we had been missing for a while. Dembele will need a flank, probably the right-hand side while Nelson Semedo gets used to Barcelona. Those two can become a really powerful force on that right-hand side, and leave the left one to Jordi Alba”.

“As well as pressing high, there is a lot of play through the midfield and that brings the best out of Andres Iniesta. They have nine midfielders, all quite different, which gives them lots of versatility”.

“Lionel Messi continues to score for fun, and this could be a better goal scoring season for him than last because the team plays to his strengths. He's playing in what you may call a false nine position, but really it's wherever he wants, and he feels he is much better near the box, through the centre, with many midfielders around him moving the ball around, creating spaces and moving the ball early”.

Laurence Grigorov is pleased with the good start Barcelona have made to the season and is hopeful that the improvement in the playing style will continue over the season as Valverde has more time to impose his ideas and patterns on the players and the team.

PSG confirm Neymar capture

Laurence Grigorov, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, is director of the property development firm, Laurence Martin Developments. The company specializes in high-end and luxury residential developments and homes. Laurence Grigorov has been leading Laurence Martin Developments since the company was formed in 2004.

Watching his favorite team, FC Barcelona, play is one of the ways that Laurence Grigorov relaxes in his spare time. Other hobbies include traveling, reading and exercising.

Laurence Grigorov was keenly following the transfer saga of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain as he is a huge fan of the talented Brazilian player.

Paris Saint-Germain have recently confirmed the signing of Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record fee.

The French club’s official website announced the transfer and that Neymar has signed a five-year contract.

It was confirmed earlier on Thursday that Neymar’s release clause of €222m had been met, and despite the objections of LFP President Javier Tebas, Neymar has become a PSG player.

“I am extremely happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Neymar said.

“Thanks for this new challenge - I'm really happy to come to Paris, to PSG, which is a great club in a wonderful city,” Neymar told his press conference.

“I really can't describe what I'm feeling in my heart.

“This is for ambition, they have a similar ambition to mine. I want something bigger, a bigger challenge and my heart made that decision and made me follow.

“That is why I am here. I want to give my best to help the club win trophies.

“I wanted to come to Paris and it was only linked to finding a new challenge. It is not because I was not the star at Barcelona, I fitted in very well there.

“This is not what I am looking for here. PSG deserve trophies and I will have new trophies, this is what motivates me, I want to dream bigger.”

Neymar will not be able to make his Paris Saint-Germain debut on Saturday due to his transfer certificate coming in too late.

Neymar had hoped to play in PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Amiens, but an official told AFP that the his international transfer certificate was not lodged with France’s Professional Football League (LFP) by the midnight deadline on Friday.

However, the Brazilian forward will be in the stands at Parc des Princes to watch his new team in action.

Laurence Grigorov is disappointed at the player leaving his favorite club, but sees him as a future World Player of the Year winner in the coming years.

Carles Alena Signs New Contract with FC Barcelona

As director of Laurence Martin Developments in Johannesburg, South Africa, Laurence Grigorov guides a construction company that oversees the development of high-end residential properties. Outside of his professional activities, Laurence Grigorov is an avid rugby and football fan who follows the Emirates Lions and FC Barcelona. 

After agreeing to terms on a new contract, Carles Aleñá will remain with FC Barcelona through the next three seasons. A 19-year-old midfielder, Aleñá first joined the FC Barcelona system when he was 8 years old. Since then, he has risen through the youth ranks to become a key player on the Barcelona B squad. 

Aleñá made his first-team debut in 2016 against Hercules and managed to kick in Barcelona’s only goal of the match. In two seasons with Barcelona B, the Spanish teenager scored four goals in 42 appearances. According to the terms of his new contract, Aleñá will see an additional two years added to the agreement and his buyout clause will be raised to €75 million if he becomes a full member of the first-team squad.