parabolic balconies sprout from sanjay puri's vertical 'forest' in central africa

Sanjay Puri Architects designs The Forest in central africa

The Forest, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects, takes shape as a vertical workplace situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa. Designed to adhere to local regulations dictating high-density construction, the project arises as a tower to maximize the built-up area within the allotted plot space. Drawing inspiration from the lush African forest, the building’s design mimics the density of a thick tree canopy. Parabolic balconies extend from the façade, resembling branches reaching outwards. The architects strategically arranged the balconies around the offices, maximizing views of the river and offering both double and single-height balcony spaces for each office unit.

all images by Sanjay Puri Architects

Cascading Balconies harmonize Privacy and Panoramas

Strategically positioned on the southern side of the site by the team at Sanjay Puri Architects (see more here), the vertical circulation core serves multiple purposes. Primarily, this helps mitigate heat gain and ensures privacy for neighboring 15-storey residential buildings. Offices within the tower are oriented towards the north and northwest, offering panoramic views of the Congo River while minimizing heat absorption through the incorporation of natural, indirect lighting. The integration of open and enclosed spaces is achieved through the building’s shape and projecting decks. The overlapping balconies on different floors create a distinctive aesthetic, forming a parametric envelope of cascading elements that define the tower’s unique identity.

The Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo