Cross Works - Baobab Complex, Kinshasa, DRC

Presenting 'The Baobab Complex' in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Cross Works was commissioned to design this 915,000 sq/ft mixed-use complex from project inception & Pre-Concept Design through to Schematic Design. The project was 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 nearly a million sq/ft of retail, offices and residences. Set to be a 'first-of-a-kind' destination for the city, 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.
The design concept centred around the re-introduction of the Baobab tree (specifically Adansonia Digitata) which is native to the region and has been lost as a consequence of the rapid growth of the city, which also led to the branding of the whole development along the same lines, with 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 team full visibility of the design & construction approach & critically gave them the ability to manage costs during subsequent stages of design development.