Scientific Institute in Nigeria by Massimiliano Fuksas

This May, an international competition organized by the British RIBA took place for AIST (African Institute for Science and Technology) in Abuja, Nigeria. The contract for the massive complex (240,000 m², 360,000,000 USD) was ultimately awarded to the project by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The complex will serve two organizations (Nelson Mandela Institution for Knowledge Building and Advancement of Science and Technology) and will conduct research and education for scientists and engineers. Local wood, stone, and bricks will be used as construction materials, and environmentally friendly technologies (photovoltaic cells and methods for obtaining drinking water) will also be implemented. In addition to Mandela's philosophy, Fuksas was also inspired by local woven patterns and the reddish soil. The first of three construction phases will begin next year. Info> Info>