designed by turkish practice tabanlioglu architects, dakar’s international conference center has opened its doors in the west african country of senegal. completed in time for the 15th francophone assembly, the building’s form and unifying roof canopy pays homage to its geographic location and natural context, set amid senegal’s distinctive baobabs. the trees, which can grow to a total circumference of 25 meters (with a lifespan of over 1,000 years), have played a huge role in the country’s history: cited as important loci of battles, or used to delineate borders between states.
the scheme’s unifying roof canopy pays homage to its geographic location
all images by emre dörter
like being sheltered beneath an ancient monumental tree, the singular roof encloses the design’s individual volumes, and protects against direct sunlight and strong winds. surrounding the base of the structure, a reflective pool refers to the value and significance of water, while simultaneously offering cooling breezes for those entering inside. in this way, the complex becomes a natural harbor for the site’s various meetings – ensuring a serene and secure atmosphere.
a reflective pool refers to the value and significance of water
rectangular blocks are nested within semi-transparent metal envelopes that are linked via bridges that provide both physical and metaphoric connections. various mesh shading applications are employed across the scheme’s inner glass walls in order improve building’s energy efficiency. through the placement of panels at different levels and angles, the façade is perceived as an assortment of playful geometries that echo the colors and tones of the senegalese sky.
the feature simultaneously offers cooling breezes for those entering inside
floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer sweeping views
the form of the famous baobab is continued internally
congress room for international meetings and assemblies
the building is set amid senegal’s distinctive baobabs
the façade is perceived as an assortment of playful geometries that echo the colors of the sky
project info:
name: dakar congress center, senegal
client: SUMMA construction (for république du sénégal)
architectural team: melkan gürsel & murat tabanlıoğlu, salih yılgörür, sertaç tümer, ali çalışkan, utkan yönter, enes yücepur, firat güneş balcı, sema türker, zeynep dündar, esra can, merve babalı, i̇smail ulukaya, gözde çalışkan, melike özkan, gonca atasayan, aliriza saçan, zeynep eker yılgörür , ayşe yalçın i̇çyer
structural: meinhardt
mechanical: okutan
electrical: yurdakul
fire: prof. dr. abdurrahman kılıç
acoustics: talayman acoustics / prosistem
architectural lighting: ZKLD studio
landscape: zeynep akgoze LD
general coordinator: envar şayan
project manager: erdal özdilek
main contractor: SUMMA
site area: 77,446 sqm
usable area: 16,270 sqm
ARCHITECTURE IN SENEGAL (9)
Sep 02, 2020
Jul 19, 2020
Apr 30, 2020
Jul 11, 2018
Jun 25, 2017TABANLIOGLU ARCHITECTS (6)
Apr 15, 2017
Jul 25, 2016
Jun 03, 2016
Oct 15, 2011
Oct 14, 2011PRODUCT LIBRARY
Dec 03, 2020
Dec 02, 2020
Dec 02, 2020
Dec 02, 2020
Great architecture and building. but – is that a right facility for Dakar Senegal, with temperature at 25-35 degree Celsius and little rainfall? It will cost quite a bit just to maintain the water feature and cool the full height glazed facility.
Stunning building and stunning photography as well.
stunning