The project of the new Belgium Embassy in Kinshasa designed by BAEB, seeks to integrate symbolic architecture with the landscape. The project is located on the corner of Boulevard du 30 Juin and Avenue des Orangers in Kinshasa city.
The question that led to the design (of the project) was “how to create a building as symbolic as an embassy while blending in with the landscape and existing area ”. We propose an answer to that question dividing the constructive volume in three separated units, allowing the vegetation to intersect with the building. These three blocks link themselves with a glass hallway presenting interesting points of view and ambiance, surrounded by various trees and local plants.
Building volume
Relationship with the context
Landscape integration
Protocolar entry/ prestige court
Building mark point
Transversal link between buildings
Solar protection
Detention basin
This design materialize the wish to
Gather together the entire program of the Chancellery around the square of central communication and distribution to optimize the amount of natural light in the offices. To protect the building against the weather and floodings in particular, we’ve implanted the ground floor of the A and B blocks at 40 cm above the average level of the existing land.
The C block level is implanted 120 cm over the ground taking in consideration the level of the basement. We’ve designed a detention basin that joins function and aesthetics by being incorporated in the design of the garden.
Implanting Plan
Plan +0
Plan +1
Plan +2
Plan +3
Constructively speaking, the building is developped according to passive design strategies . Building materials are selected based on their environmental performance , their local origin and their low embodied energy. The building is covered with three flat roof properly insulated. These roofs receive the necessary technical equipment technology to manage the project in line with the objectives of the concept of sustainable development. The building envelope is created on base of a dialogue between the neutral tone of natural stone and the pattern of the architectural silk-screened concrete. This choice is not only the result of aesthetic expectations, but also an answer to the concern of environmental impact.
Front elevation
South east elevation
Entrance elevation
Section
Thinking about the necessity to protect the glass surfaces from overheating, the three wings are covered by an aluminium mesh installed as a hood on top of the building.
