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MARIO CUCINELLA: ACCRA, THE FIRST STONE OF THE PROJECT THAT WILL CHANGE 'THE IMAGE OF THE GHANA'S CAPITAL'

date added: 16.07.2011

Mario Cucinella Architects just sent us a press release concerning the new building projected by Italian Architect Mario Cucinella in ACCRA (Ghana).

One Airport Square

Location: Accra, Ghana
Year: 2010- 2011
Investor: ACTIS
Project Developer: LAURUS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Surface Gross area: 21.000 sqm

Project: Mario Cucinella Architects
Team: Mario Cucinella, David Hirsch, Hyun Seok Kim, Luca Bertacchi
Structural & Constructional Design: Politecnica Ingegneria e Architettura, Modena
Associate Local Structural & Constructional Engineers: Twum Boafo & Partners, Accra
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Design: BDSP Partnership, London
Associate Local MEP Engineers: Impact Technologies Limited, Accra
Local Architect: Deweger Gruter Brown, Accra

On Thursday, September 8, 2011 in Accra (Ghana) will be placed the foundation stone of the project One Airport Square designed by the architect Mario Cucinella.

The project’s name recalls one of the central nerve of the Ghanaian capital, in the commercial district of Airport City.

The project involves the construction of offices and commercial spaces as well as a place that allows the sociability of Ghanaians in the same style as in a public square in Europe with its coffee shops and gathering places.

The project fully harmonizes with the standards of sustainable and environmental construction according to the will of Accra Metropolitan Assembly, which aims to maximize the land use of the Ghanaian capital.

Accra is in fact becoming a real "business hub" of the West Africa region through a booming economy and the presence of several multinational investment.

Mario Cucinella’s project covers an area of 21,000 square meters and provides the presence of shops and offices.

The project aims to create a public place on the north side of the area by concentrating the building mass on the opposite side.

Currently, the surrounding area of Cucinella’s project is in a really poor condition and this justifies the idea of a public or semi-public place that will be used mostly by employees with the prospect of making that place a mall square.

The main entrance to the offices and the retail trade is expected to be on a higher level. The presence of the block of shops, restaurants, self-services areas offers the opportunity of a habitable environment during both day and night.

The main facades of the building are oriented to the north and south. The east and west facades-that are most problematic in terms of solar control have been reduced.

It was also chosen the use of cantilevered terraces to protect the facade from direct sunlight with a focus on existing vegetation that can help to create a microclimate.

The efficiency of natural ventilation is increased by the presence of an internal courtyard.

A reinforced concrete structure will support the outside terraces and will create a decorative pattern that will invoke typical images of Africa.

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