High Tech Tower

The High Tech Tower in Luanda, Angola has 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 podium of the HTT complex is organized around a central gathering space and 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 hotel features 22 levels of hotel rooms arranged in two sub-blocks (13 and 9 stories) separated by three partial levels of amenities and sky bridge areas that link to the office and residential tower.

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.

The residential block consists of 7 stories of private apartments, the first 4 levels are divided into two apartments per level with private elevator access into the units. The top 3 levels consist of one apartment per level with private elevator access.

This project is the winner of a 2016 Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award.