MALABO
The Congress Centre appears as a composition divided into different bodies, hierarchically subordinate to the central body where there is the congress hall.
Congress Centre, Malabo
The refurbishment and extension of the Bata Congress Centre, the second most important city in Equatorial Guinea, was completed in 2003. The project concerns the total transformation of the existing building, completed in the late seventies, into a complex suited to the contemporary needs of modern conference venues.
The extension allowed the existing building to reach a considerable surface area of 3900 square metres, corresponding to a volume of over 24,000 cubic metres. Within the large plot of 32,000 square metres, the Congress Centre appears as a composition divided into different bodies, hierarchically subordinate to the central body where there is the congress hall. Around this central body, connected by a portico, there are four two-storey buildings hosting the entrances, lobbies, stairs and offices.
In addition to its volumetric composition, the existing building has been expanded and completely rearranged inside. Now a double-height main hall welcomes visitors and leads to the two side foyers that allow access to the congress hall and the presidential halls. The hall is arranged as a large covered square, surrounded by two orders of loggias, and containing the monumental staircase that leads directly to the congress hall. The presidential halls on two floors are on the opposite side of the hall.
The congress hall is in the central body. Its internal height is 12 metres and is divided into two sectors, one flat and one with steps, which can accommodate up to 800 people. The perimeter of the room is defined by a double order of loggias that allow managing the flow of people. A movable wall allows dividing the room into two parts which can thus be run independently.