18
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
Showcasing the latest projects from around the world – visit
www.architectsdatafi
le.co.uk for full information
Images © Foster + Partners
ICOLO E BENGO AEROTROPOLIS, SOUTH AFRICA FOSTER + PARTNERS
Working with Angola’s Ministry of Transport, Foster + Partners has developed designs for the Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis, which will serve as a regional hub in Central and South Africa, and “reinforce Angola’s global presence,” said the practice. The masterplan “aligns with Angola’s future aspirations and projected economic growth, while responding to the country’s heritage and unique ecological landscape.” Located on a 13,480-hectare site – approximately 40 km inland of downtown Luanda – the new “aerotropolis” will surround the recently completed Dr Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. Three vibrant new districts – to the north, west, and south of the airport – are joined by a verdant green loop, and activated by the masterplan’s surroundings. A high-rise business and cultural district to the north connects with Luanda’s city centre, while a low-rise research and innovation quarter to the west joins up with an existing residential neighbourhood. On the south side of the site, a hospitality driven district provides an array of new resorts, hotels, villas, and sports facilities, which overlook the adjacent Quisama National Park. This luxury destination “allows visitors to immediately immerse themselves in the country’s spectacular natural landscape.” The 42 km green loop is integral to the scheme – weaving Luanda’s rich ecology through all areas of the masterplan – and creating places for residents to relax, exercise, and socialise together. The loop provides a safe environment for sustainable travel with an integrated network of public buses, trams, and cycle paths. It is also an important part of the masterplan’s holistic service distribution and drainage strategy, channelling rainwater away from the development and towards the Kwanza River.
The masterplan “sets out a new way of living,” by providing sustainable energy sources and incorporating passive design strategies. The development is powered by green energy, with 3 km2
of photovoltaic panels alongside the airport’s runways. By aligning the urban grid with the runways and the direction of the prevailing wind, natural ventilation is increased across the public realm, creating a cool and comfortable environment throughout the day. Foster + Partners has set out a phased approach for the project, which will begin with the business and cultural district on the north side of the masterplan.
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF FEBRUARY 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
