Brazzaville, capital of Congo hosts the 2015 edition of the quadrennial Pan African Games. As part of preparations for the event, the Independent Architectural Diplomacy has unveiled a master plan for the games village, which comprises a complex of several fields and facilities.
Courtesy of Group IAD
Inspiration for the design is from the ever-meandering Congo River and IAD’s goal to emphasize the idea of reunion between host and participating country.
The sinuous meandering paths also delineate the complex into three areas whiles symbolising the values of strength and vitality. These same paths shape the stadiums, which have the feel of islands growing from and sitting in the mists of a wide expanse of meandering river water.
Courtesy of Group IAD
Their oblong shapes make reference to African textiles and fabric. The emptiness between the arenas is covered in patterned pavements, which bring out the unity of the complex.
hotel 02
The proposal features a stadium, an aquatic centre, a sports hall, residences for the athletes and a hotel.
Courtesy of IAD
Hassan Yakubu is an editor at Arch2O with a deep academic and professional background in architecture, planning, and urban infrastructure. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Cornell University, his editorial focus spans climate urbanism, sustainability transitions, and the intersection of infrastructure and STS. Hassan brings a sharp critical lens shaped by fieldwork in Accra and policy research across Africa. With prior experience leading pedagogical initiatives and contributing to architectural practices in Rabat and Accra, his writing brings clarity, academic depth, and a global perspective to contemporary urban issues and design thinking.