(Photos: Francois Xavier-Gbré)
Edited by Ron Bernthal
Through an architectural approach anchored in sustainability, the architectural firm Koffi & Diabaté, based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, chose to design an imposing building with a futuristic style on seven levels in the form of rings of 68 diameter meters. With a double skin holding both thermal and aesthetic functions, the new Orange Côte d’Ivoire headquarters is innovative in its shape, resembling a golf ball, a subtle reminder of Abidjan’s well-known Riviera Golf Course. The building opened in 2022.
In the continuity of the neighboring vegetation, the building opens up on the lagoon’s edge with an architectural flair that aims to materialize the group’s dynamics, while enhancing the local construction methods.
Going beyond the concept of the classic workplace, the challenge for Koffi & Diabaté was to create a building designed as a place of exchange and creativity, reflecting the philosophy of the group. Indeed, the ambition of this project was to assert the leadership position of Orange through an innovative and timeless building, one that would translate the Orange’s presence and reach in West Africa.
From the entrance, the atrium opens onto the central patio, which serves as an instant landmark for visitors and provides natural light to the entire building.
The garden level houses the conference center, shared meeting and training rooms, local support functions, restaurant and sports hall.
On the upper floors, work spaces are divided between individual offices, small meeting rooms, and large co-working spaces (with areas for isolation in small groups or individual cubicles).
From Level 4, each floor is equipped with outdoor spaces that allow employees to enjoy the view while working or relaxing in the open air. The top floor of the headquarters, with a breathtaking view of the lagoon shore, houses the executive offices.
The quality of the concrete walls led the architects to directly expose the rough-cast concrete structure. The use of concrete in its materiality brings a minimalist touch, highlighting the duality of the building’s language, a subtle discourse between authenticity and hyper-connectivity.
The building, completed in 2022, offers 350 parking spaces, and 150,000 square-feet of office space.
Côte d’Ivoire is a West African country with beach resorts, rainforests and a French-colonial legacy. Abidjan, on the Atlantic coast, is the country’s major urban center. Its modern landmarks include the concrete La Pyramide and St. Paul’s Cathedral, a swooping structure tethered to a massive cross. North of the central business district, Banco National Park is a rainforest preserve with hiking trails.
