dakar's international conference center by tabanlioglu architects

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

the 1,500-seat auditorium

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