One Airport Square has been designed by Italian architect Mario Cucinella and spans 21,000 square metres. The project includes construction of offices, commercial areas and public areas. The new mixed-use complex will feature a public or a semi-public zone on the northern portion of the site with all the other areas consolidated on the southern side. The public area will mostly serve the employees and is expected to be transformed into a mall square in the future.
The offices as well as the retail area’s main entrance comprising shops, restaurants and self-service areas is likely to be placed on the higher level of the complex. The facility’s main facade will be directed to the north and south while the east and west facades will be reduced in a bid to manage solar control effectively.
Others plans undertaken for the new facility include construction of cantilevered terraces to prevent direct sunlight from entering into the facade. This move will also protect the present vegetation in the area which can allow creation of a microclimate. The new facility will also be adorned with an internal courtyard to enhance the effect of natural ventilation. In addition, there will be a reinforced concrete structure featuring African images to support the outside terraces while adding to the aesthetics of the place.
The project is expected to begin by 8 September 2011.
