CROSS WORKS - Baobab Kinshasa

The Baobab Complex, Kinshasa, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). Cross Works was commissioned to design this mixed-use complex from Pre-Concept through to Schematic Design; all delivered in BIM, and detailed alongside an on-site executive architect with local knowledge and experience, to ensure constructability and viability within the relatively limited supply chain of the DRC.

Rising out of the centre of the capital city, the complex consists of 915,000 sq./ft (85,000 sq./m) of retail, offices and residential floor space. Set to be a 'first-of-a-kind' destination for the capital, the objective was to create a safe, secure, shaded and truly mixed use destination, which integrates the stunning landscapes of the country, all whilst using locally sourced materials as much as possible.

The complex centred around the 're-introduction of the Baobab tree' (specifically the Adansonia Digitata) which is native to the region and has been lost as a consequence of the rapid growth of the city (along with much of its natural greenery), which also led to the branding of the whole development along the same lines; Baobab Mall, Baobab Workspaces, and Baobab Residences.

The project was fully executed in a BIM environment, integrating architecture, structural, MEP and landscape design into one integrated model, to allow the Client full visibility of the design, construction approach, and critically the ability to manage costs during design development.

Big thanks to the Cross Works team (present and past) who worked on the project, and a shout out to Alexander Saunders who development the landscape design, and ModarchIndia our on-site architectural partners, and ATCHAIN for visualisation support.