KAIRO TOWER _ HIGH-RISE BUILDING

Addis Ababa Science and technology university

Project idea

The High-Rise Building Integrated Design Project for the Ministry of Science and Technology Corporate Office in Shaggar City, Ethiopia, is a forward-thinking initiative designed to address the challenges of rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable, innovative spaces. Inspired by the growing demand for infrastructure that harmonizes with the environment, this project envisions a corporate hub that not only meets functional requirements but also integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The design emphasizes a selfless entity—a building that prioritizes the landscape and community over its own imposing presence. By incorporating elements such as passive ventilation, double-skin facades, and energy-efficient systems, the project aims to minimize environmental impact while enhancing indoor air quality and energy efficiency. The building’s layout fosters community engagement, creating dynamic spaces that encourage interaction and connectivity, both within the structure and with the surrounding neighborhood.

The project’s goals extend beyond functionality, aiming to set a new standard for corporate architecture in Ethiopia. The design seeks to preserve the natural beauty of the site, ensuring that the building complements rather than disrupts the landscape. Advanced technologies and sustainable practices are integrated to promote energy efficiency and environmental harmony. Accessibility and safety are also prioritized, with features such as refuge rooms, fire exits, and efficient service flows. Ultimately, this high-rise building is envisioned as a symbol of progress and innovation, reflecting the Ministry of Science and Technology’s commitment to fostering collaboration, sustainability, and a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.

Project description

This project encompasses a comprehensive design solution that integrates functional, environmental, and aesthetic elements to create a modern, sustainable corporate hub for the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Corporate Tower serves as the centerpiece, housing office spaces, meeting rooms, and administrative facilities designed to foster collaboration and efficiency. The tower features a double-skin facade to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality, while its strategic placement ensures minimal disruption to the natural landscape. Surrounding the tower, the podium level includes public amenities such as an amphitheatre and entertainment spaces, designed to encourage community engagement and provide a welcoming environment for visitors and employees. The podium acts as a transitional space, seamlessly blending the building with its surroundings. Accessibility is a key focus, with clearly defined pedestrian walkways, vehicle entrances, and taxi stops, ensuring easy navigation and connectivity throughout the site. The design promotes interaction between people and their environment, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Sustainability is at the core of the project, with features such as passive ventilation systems, sunpath and wind analysis to optimize natural light and airflow, and energy-efficient water supply systems. These elements aim to reduce the building’s environmental footprint while enhancing user comfort. The project also incorporates advanced service flow systems, integrating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within the building’s core for efficient maintenance and operation. Safety is prioritized through the inclusion of fire exits, refuge rooms, and stairwell pressurization systems, ensuring the well-being of occupants. The building’s design emphasizes transparency and curiosity, with exposed structural elements that create dynamic spaces inviting exploration and connectivity. By harmonizing aesthetic appeal with functional requirements, the project sets a new standard for corporate architecture, balancing innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

Technical information

The construction of the building is made of reinforced concrete for the primary structural framework, ensuring durability and stability. The facade incorporates a double-skin glass system, designed to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency. The exterior is engineered to withstand harsh sunlight and wind conditions, with the building's orientation optimized based on sunpath and wind analysis. The double-skin facade is equipped with a passive ventilation system, featuring an outer layer of high-performance glass and an inner layer of insulated panels. This system promotes natural airflow, reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation and improving indoor air quality. Additionally, the building integrates advanced Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, including energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical distribution systems, and water supply systems designed with water-saving fixtures and rainwater harvesting capabilities to support sustainability.

The building prioritizes safety and accessibility, featuring fire exits, refuge rooms, and a stairwell pressurization system to ensure occupant safety during emergencies. The fire safety system includes smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers strategically placed throughout the structure. Accessibility is further enhanced through pedestrian walkways, vehicle entrances, taxi stops, elevators, and ramps, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Sustainability is a core focus, with the building utilizing passive ventilation and natural lighting strategies to minimize energy consumption. The double-skin facade and sunpath analysis help regulate indoor temperatures, while water-efficient systems and rainwater harvesting contribute to sustainable water management. These technical specifications collectively ensure the building is functional, safe, and environmentally responsible.