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High Tech Tower
Luanda, Angola | 2018
Architects: Carlos Zapata Studio
Client: Quantum Global
Photographer: Courtesy of the Architects
The High Tech Towers in Luanda, Angola have the potential to become the new symbol for the city of Luanda and the country and to represent the aspirations of a new generation. Its architecture is strong and geometric, but at the same time irregular: an assembly of uneven parts in perfect balance. Its architecture derives from the merger between technology and nature. It speaks of the nature (geography, fauna, flora) of Angola and how it shapes the character of its future technological output. The architecture of the HTT is an abstraction of the geometric irregularity and texture found in nature. Technology contributes to its abstraction and adaptation to its proposed use.
The inspiring landmark is the Black Stones of Pungo Adongo in Malanje, Angola.
In the same way that the towers are inspired by native elements, the podium finds its inspiration in the dynamic Welwitschia plant. This plant, unique to Angola, has a powerful blossoming center, and parallelveined elongated and embracing leaves. It also enjoys unparalleled longevity. Therefore, the podium of the HTT complex is organized around a central gathering space.
The podium is accessed from its two side streets. Pedestrians are welcomed by two dynamic open entries to the public plaza. There are no doors, no gates, no barriers, simply a flow of energy and people represented by two rising arms embracing the courtyard.
Both towers are organized around a private way (street) that restricts access to the occupants and visitors of the towers. The private access way brings you to: 1. the hotel lobby. The hotel lobby has a direct but controlled entry to the convention center. The main entrance to the convention Center faces Comandante Gika Avenue, next to one of the two access points to the public courtyard. The convention facility is located under the courtyard level.
Also linked to the hotel lobby (in the opposite direction) through a common lounge and accessed through the private way is the office lobby.
Next to the office lobby, but separated, intimate, private and secure, is the residential lobby. The private residences are located on top of the office block. Underground service and parking facilities: Residents, office patrons, visitors and hotel guests share a private entrance to the underground parking facilities. Access to service is separate, secure and scheduled. Access to public parking is provided by two public perimeter entrances and exits that facilitate drop off and pick up of public visitors to the HTT public court and entrance to convention center.
The hotel block sits on 5 levels of public podium. The hotel program is organized in: 1 level of underground areas dedicated to back of house and convention facilities (3,600 M2 of Gross Area), 22 levels of hotel rooms arranged in two sub-blocks (13 and 9 stories; 20,000M2) separated by three partial levels of amenities and sky bridge areas that link to the office and residential tower.
Office and residents have separate lobbies and a separate bank of elevators. They share the fire stairs.
The office block sits over 3 levels of public podium. It consists of 23 levels of offices arranged in two sub- blocks (15 and 8 stories) separated by a sky bridge that links the offices to the hotel amenities: pool, open sun deck, gym, spa running track and open air meeting areas. Total Gross area of offices: 24,000M2.
The residential block consists of 7 stories of private apartments, the first 4 levels are divided into two apartments per level (approximate area 400 to 460M2), with private elevator access into the units. The top 3 levels consist of one apartment per level (approximately 900M2 per level) with private elevator access.
