jewel-like façade of 4,000 double curve components enclose orange côte d’ivoire HQ

jet contractors and dassault systemes collaborate for unique façade design

a jewel-like façade encircles koffi and diabaté architectes’ new project in abidjan, the economic capital of ivory coast. the orange côte d’ivoire headquarters, part of the french telecom operator, will rise up seven stories, totalling over 160,000 square feet (15,000 sqm) of floor space. a 43,000 sqm (4,000 sqm) intricate, art-like frame wraps around the exterior comprising 4,000 unique double curved parts. this personalized sophisticated surface weave was digitally developed in collaboration between jet contractors and dassault systemes, industry leader in 3D design and engineering software.

delve into the project and explore the possibilities of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in designboom’s exclusive interview, below.

all images courtesy of dassault systemes

30 years serving innovation, jet contractors is a fully integrated group that operates in morocco and elsewhere on the african continent, combining leading expertise in engineering, procurement, manufacturing and construction historical knowledge and innovative tools shape complex creative architectural designs spanning the fields of public infrastructure, residential, industrial and service-oriented programs, even metal-dominated works of art. recent projects include the kenitra high-speed train station by omar kobbité architectes and silvio d’ascia architecture, casablanca finance city tower by morphosis, and the soon-to-be-completed grand theatre of rabat by zaha hadid architects.

‘we are a very modern, fully integrated industrial group,’ begins mohamed enhili, head of BIM & digital transformation at jet contractors. ‘jet contractors started as an aluminum fabricator but now we encompass and enhance all possibilities of engineering, fabrication and construction in our work. our goal is to complete projects autonomously. clients understand we are able to completely realize projects of great complexity.’

orange côte d’ivoire headquarters under construction

jewel-like façade for koffi and diabaté architectes

jet contractors’ new project comprises the design development, fabrication and construction of the jewel-like façade that will adorn the koffi and diabaté architectes-designed orange côte d’ivoire headquarters in abidjan. the feature’s inspiration references the site location, which is sandwiched between a lush oasis of water and a golf course. the form and indentations of the sport balls have been translated into the design. the continuous curve of the building made the elements of the façade even more complex to create. 4,000 unique double curved parts needed to weave together a uniform wraparound casing.

jewel-like façade for koffi and diabaté architectes

‘for this project, our mission was to design, engineer, fabricate and install the façade. the architecture specified the location and inspiration, where we needed to use the pattern of the golf ball across the façade. our model needed special inputs, but in the end, we developed and designed a very special feature that covers 4,000 m2 [43,000 sqf],’ adds mohamed.

façade model on dassaut systemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform

mastering complexities using dassault systemes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform

the complexities of the curving, golf ball-inspired façade was a challenge for mohamed and his team. it called for a closer relationship with technological experts – and their tools – in digital transformation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. in came dassault systemes, who elevated jet contractors’ toolset to transition to the more personalized nature of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

‘as our architectural works increased in complexity, I knew jet contractors needed to evolve in terms of software,’ states mohamed. ‘we had been in touch with dassault systemes for a few years, exploring possibilities to develop specific solutions for projects, but timings had never been right. we reconnected at the beginning of 2020 and decided to work together on the orange cote d’ivoire project. this is where my relationship with nuri miller began.’

bracket model on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform

‘at the start of our collaboration, we had lots of sessions with jet contractors to aid their transition to the new software. we supported their shift from  a design to order approach to a generative personalized practice using 3DEXPERIENCE and CATIA generative design. dassault systemes were able to help jet contractors understand and realize their end goal,’ clarifies nuri miller, WW online industry business consultant at dassault systemes, who trained and worked as a license architect to develop various building technologies for firms like gehry partners.

unique double curved parts of the façade

the 3DEXPEREINCE platform enabled jet contractors to design the façade. this started with the geometry, as each of the 4,000 parts needed to be unique to encase the double curved architecture but unite to a uniform pattern. CATIA and its xGenerative design tools formalized the computation design, meaning bespoke elements could be created using shared reference geometries and parameters to generate a whole assembly. this aided the design for manufacturing & assembly, reducing the risks whilst increasing both the productivity and quality. the developers could understand how their design decisions performed in virtual twin experiences, enabling a history of modifications, automation processes up to production, and lifecycle management.

manufacturing and assembly of double curved parts of the façade

‘the transition to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform meant new practices needed to be learnt. with the support of dassault systemes, we quickly realized the infinite possibilities within CATIA and xGenerative design, specifically for the façade design. it enabled us to make as well as fabricate and construct a very modern design,’ explains mohamed enhili, head of BIM & digital transformation at jet contractors.

3D model of the mold

the 3DEXPERIENCE platform operates on the cloud, meaning collaborators can join from any location and any device with internet. this is especially ideal with projects underway during times when travel is difficult. the online platform also enriches the support available. the community engages other professionals within the architecture, engineering and construction industry and further afield to share knowledge. dassault systemes’ team of architects and engineers, including nuri in this instance, are also on hand to assist. they collaborate to tailor tools to find the perfect solution for each project.

part fabrication using five axis CNC machine and specific mold

‘when working with contractors, it means dassault systemes is developing software constantly. xGenerative design is a fairly new tool so we had many sessions with mohamed and the R&D team to adapt and improve solutions for the needs of this project. it is important to have that interaction between software developers and users,’ concludes nuri miller, WW online industry business consultant at dassault systemes.

for more information on dassault systemes’ solutions, visit here.

project info:

title: orange côte d’ivoire headquarters

client: orange

architects: koffi and diabaté architectes

contractor: jet contractors

collaborator: dassault systemes

location: abidjan, ivory coast