The Gate

GN Headquarters mixed use Tower / Accra, Ghana

2016

Invited Architectural Competition

Surface : 29.000 sqm

Multi use programme: retail, offices, hotel, conference and entertainment facilities.

We wanted to give the Tower a clear identity and to differentiate it by connecting it to the traditions of Ghana. Carving the sides of the ‘programmatic’, square-in-shape, tower, we created an inverted pyramid giving more area to the upper floors where views are better. Addressing programmatic issues, we double the volume and create a Gate, a spacious internal atrium that penetrates all office floors and connects visually the whole internal organization.

A system of external wooden vertical poles, interweaved in geometrical patterns originating in traditional Ghanaian design, create a sun protective system.

CREDITS

Architects: SPARCH SAKELLARIDOU / PAPANIKOLAOU ARCHITECTS, APOSTOLAKOS ARCHITECTS

Partner in Charge: Rena Sakellaridou

Architectural Design: Rena Sakellaridou, Yanna Pavlidou-Apostolakou, Morpho Papanikolaou

Collaborators: N. Apergis, A. Georgiadis, N. Tsompikou, S. Cherouvim. A. Verteouri, G. Papanikolaou, K. Moustakas, G. Liakou, M. Karavasili, M.N. Pantou, Ch. Siaravas, F. Nevrokopli

Students: L. Giannakopoulos, Z. Kokogia

Structural Engineers: PCKK. Polychronopoulos

Electromechanical Engineers: LDKD. Kirimlidis

Energy & Sustainability: LDKD. Kirimlidis

Traffic Engineers: Consulting DROMOSG. Demagos

Owner: Nduom Group GN

Project Management: Micheletti & Co Ltd