GNPC Head Quarters | Kofi Essel-Appiah

The “Petroleum Tower”

 Prominent and contemporary in style, the proposed GNPC New Corporate edifice, affectionately nicked named by us, as the “Petroleum Tower” proudly stands as a symbol of natural wealth, with a strong promise for the growth and aspiration of the people of Ghana.

This tower of “layers” takes its inspiration from the layers of life which are traversed before the precious black gold is found.

A silhouette of glass  behind these layers of concrete slabs in natural state, represent a vial of the precious liquid. The choice of natural and fair-faced concrete is in consonance with  the natural layers of sediments where oil is discovered. These slabs actively play a strong role of shielding the glass of the vial from the elements especially from the eastern and western strong sun rays of Accra.

GENERAL DESIGN OVERVIEW

THEME CAROTENE

Two layers of Design define the concept of this project, A Podium, the Tower/Main Frame incasing a glass vial. The first of these, the Podium, acts as a natural concert base punctured triangularly to reveal the glazing of the access points.

The second is the Glass Tower; a “glass vial” emerging from layers slashed from an oblong of 40m by 60m over a height of 75m  and seated on the Podium.

Employing an inspired use of generous overhangs to prevent direct solar ingress into the internal spaces through operable glass windows allow fresh air exchanges on all sides of the building.