Words and Photography: Foster and 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. 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 kilometers inland of downtown Luanda – the new aerotropolis will surround the Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport.
Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to present our designs for the practice’s first project in Angola. The new airport acts as a catalyst for the future city, which will be a thriving hub for business, education, and hospitality, integrating with Luanda’s incredible landscape. Our masterplan is holistically designed to bring business to the capital, create opportunities for local people, and attract new visitors from around the world.”
Three vibrant new districts – to the north, west, and south of the airport – are joined together 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 center, while a low-rise research and innovation quarter to the west joins up with an existing residential neighborhood. On the south side of the site, a hospitality-driven district offers an array of new resorts, hotels, villas, and sports facilities overlooking the adjacent Quisama National Park. This luxury destination allows visitors to immediately immerse themselves in the country’s spectacular natural landscape, without having to take a connecting flight from the city’s new airport.
This luxury destination allows visitors to immediately immerse themselves in the country’s spectacular natural landscape, without having to take a connecting flight from the city’s new airport.
The 42-kilometre 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 socialize 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, channeling 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 three square-kilometres 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 enhanced across the public realm, creating a cool, 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.
