Type
Buildings
Local
Ghana
State
Finished
Year
2019-2020
Client
Contracta Construction UK
The project for the new Kumasi market consists of restructuring and renovating the existing market, a large commercial, business and services centre, currently the largest market in West Africa. The investment amounts to 250 million Euros and will initially accommodate about 8,500 shops, and a further 10,500 shops in a second phase; there are plans for a third phase of expansion. The location and order of the architectural volume are marked by the use of the symbols of the local 'Ashanti' culture applied to the roof, with a large 'wave' flowing along the longitudinal axis of the complex, thus respecting the culture, customs and traditions of the city of Kumasi.
The concept for this project is based on the integration between the exterior and the interior, with the proposal of a covered complex divided into two large commercial wings connected by a large and humanised gallery, which runs along the longitudinal axis of the entire building. The central area has a large square with wide ramps that make up the main circulation area for visitors, connecting the various levels. The underground floor will be entirely used for parking. Floor 0 will be essentially used as a fruit, meat and fish area, and there will be a partially open area for restaurants. Floors 1 and 2 will have smaller shops selling all kinds of products.
The complex has entrances designed to distribute the flow of cars and split the exits, avoiding cross flows and critical points in the road system. The market will also have social support areas, such as medical, safety, sanitary and educational facilities, among other crucial needs, which can be used by shopkeepers and visitors alike.
From a structural point of view, solutions will be adopted to speed up its construction, such as a metallic superstructure, flat slabs, and driven steel piles.
From the sustainability point of view, low energy consumption solutions will be adopted: the ventilation will be natural, taking advantage of the concept of a laterally open market (with lateral control to prevent the entry of rainwater due to rainfall normally associated with strong winds) and the preference for natural lighting over artificial lighting. The market will also have its own wastewater treatment plant. Project financed by United Kingdom Export Finance (UK EF).
Quadrante developed the BIM Projects, having provided services associated with Structures and Foundations, Geotechnics, Hydraulic Installations, Electrical Installations, Telecommunications, Safety, Gas, Road Network, Earthworks, as well as a Hydrological Study. The adoption of the BIM methodology in a project of this size was essential for the coordination of the various digital models. On the other hand, the accuracy of the quantities and cost estimate of the construction work was possible thanks to the information extracted from the models of each specialty.
