International Works

THE MAHATMA GANDHI CONVENTION CENTRE, GABON, AFRICA Site area: 1,00,000 sq m Built up: 16,515 sq m Year: 2018

African countries are investing immensely to be the next destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, also known in MICE tourism. State- ofthe- art convention centers are rising out of the African soil and existing ones are being expanded and refurbished — to become attractive for international investment. The establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre is a landmark to celebrate the India- Africa friendship as well as a symbol of India’s firm commitment towards Africa.

Archohm won the competition to design the MGCC convention center at Gabon that is designed to hold business conventions, where individuals and groups gather to promote and share common interests. Conceptually planned like a city, MGCC comprises of various elements that can be used independently as well as a whole to ensure versatility of its usage. The site is strategically located and its elevation allows a view to the airport and the runway. The cultural and material elements of both countries have been incorporated in the design. Extensive use of Terracotta ( referring to India) and ‘ wood’, the prime product of Gabon, have been employed in the project. The facility includes a 3000- capcity convention centre, a 1000- seater auditorium, board rooms, offices, cafeteria, restaurant and kitchen, exhibition spaces, banquet gardens and an interpretation centre on

Mahatma Gandhi as well as parking spaces.