Foster + Partners designs vast aerotropolis for Angola
British studio Foster + Partners has revealed its first project in Angola, a masterplan to transform 13,480 hectares of land surrounding an airport near Luanda.
Named Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis, the vast development will encircle the recently completed Dr Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport, 40 kilometres to the southeast of the capital city.
According to Foster + Partners, the aerotropolis is hoped to "reinforce Angola's global presence" and bring business to Luanda.
"We are delighted to present our designs for the practice's first project in Angola," said head of studio Gerard Evenden.
"The new airport acts as a catalyst for the future city, which will be a thriving new hub for business, education, and hospitality that plugs into Luanda's incredible landscape," he continued.
"Our masterplan is holistically designed to bring business to the capital, create opportunities for local people, and attract new visitors from around the world.”
An aerotropolis is a city or subregion designed around an airport.
According to Foster + Partners, Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis will comprise three districts, positioned to the north, west, and south of the airport, united by "a verdant green loop".
This loop will measure 42 kilometres and house a transport network with public buses, trams, and cycle paths.
There will also be green spaces landscaped to channel rainwater towards the Kwanza River and finished with native plants and areas for visitors to relax and exercise.
Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis's north district will be dedicated to business and culture, connecting to Luanda's existing city centre. Planned as the first phase of the project, it is expected to contain high-rise buildings.
To the west will be a low-lying research and innovation district, while the zone to the south will be a "hospitality-driven" area adjacent to Quisama National Park.
This southern district will be complete with hotels, villas and sports facilities, and is hoped to become a "luxury destination" for Angola.
Foster + Partners plans for the development to be powered by green energy, utilising three square-kilometres of photovoltaic panels positioned alongside the airport.
The masterplan will be organised to maximise prevailing wind, ensuring cool and comfortable temperatures across the development.
Foster + Partners is the architecture studio founded by British architect Norman Foster in 1967.
Elsewhere, it is currently developing its first-ever pub project and designing a sculpture garden beside the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
The visuals are courtesy of Foster + Partners.
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