Henning Larsen Architects has shared with us its new project, the Calabar Conference Center in the southeastern part of Nigeria, located in the scenic river delta of the Cross River State bordering Cameroun. The multi-functional and flexible building will also offer the citizens of Calabar a new cultural centre that will provide the setting for concerts, film festivals and exhibitions. Full project description and press release from the architect after the break.
The Calabar International Conference Centre consists of four adjoining, sculptural volumes. The building is situated on top of a hill and has a panoramic view from the foyer. On the one side, the location on the middle of the hill creates a natural amphitheatre with a room for several thousand people. On the other side, you have a spectacular view of the river delta.
The volumes are cast in concrete and appear as sharply cut. The main hall can be opened up towards the outdoor amphitheatre so the technical installations of the stage can also be used in connection with outdoor events. The flexible building design allows for several types of events to take place at the same time.
Project facts
Location: Calabar, Nigeria
Client: Cross River State
Gross floor area: 16,000 m2
Year of construction: 2011 – 2013
Type of assignment: Winner of invited international competition
Press Release (13 January 2011):
DANISH ARCHITECTS TO DESIGN PRESTIGE PROJECT IN NIGERIA
Henning Larsen Architects has won the international architectural competition for the new Calabar International Conference Center in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The Center will stand out as a spectacular building in the scenic river delta of the Cross River State bordering Cameroun. The competition was won over Mecanoo from the Netherlands and three other international architecture companies.
â€The Governor of the Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke, has grand visions for the future. The centre will make it possible for the Cross River State to host global events, which will benefit the local economy. We visited the city of Calabar between Christmas and New Year and we are really looking forward to establishing a close collaboration with local partners. It will be our job to carry out the project that will provide Calabar with an international profileâ€, says Architect and Associate Partner, Ulrik Raysse, Henning Larsen Architects. “As a consultant in Africa, you have a big responsibility for adapting your knowledge and design to the local conditions. Our approach to the project has been based on the local context. The project should support the desired development of the region in the best way possible.â€
Nigeria is the most populous country of Africa and one of the continent’s fastest growing economies. Calabar is already hosting numerous conferences and, with the completion of the new Conference Center, the city hopes to attract even more international meetings and tourists. The multi-functional and flexible building will also offer the citizens of Calabar a new cultural centre that will provide the setting for concerts, film festivals and exhibitions.
The Calabar International Conference Centre consists of four adjoining, sculptural volumes. The building is situated on top of a hill and has a panoramic view from the foyer. The location on the middle of the hill creates a natural amphitheatre with a room for several thousand people on the one side and a spectacular view of the river delta on the other side.
â€Nigeria is developing rapidly at the moment and, as an architect invited to contribute to this development, you have a special obligation to consider architecture as more than a question of geometry. Architecture also contributes to the development of societyâ€, says International Design Director and Partner, Louis Becker, Henning Larsen Architects. “When we work at an international scale, we take with us and architectural tradition where the design is based on dialogue and dedication. We do not hide at the company office in Copenhagen but go into the world to be inspired and contribute with our experience where it makes a difference.â€
Henning Larsen Architects has designed several cultural and conference centres and has also previously worked in Africa. In 1992, the Nation Center in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi was completed.
