- Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
- Architects: SAOTA
- Developer: Inaugure Hospitality
- Operator: Mangalis Hotel Group
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photography: Adam Letch
Rising above the vibrant Plateau district in Abidjan, the Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau redefines luxury hospitality in West Africa. Designed by the acclaimed South African architecture firm SAOTA, the 22-story tower is a contemporary reinterpretation of Abidjan’s modernist legacy, blending global luxury standards with a profound connection to local culture.
Context and Design Vision
Abidjan, known as the “Paris of West Africa,” boasts a rich architectural history rooted in post-independence modernism. The city’s skyline is a canvas of bold forms that celebrate progress and identity. The Noom Hotel pays homage to this tradition, extending it with a design that merges modernism’s clean lines with locally inspired craftsmanship.
The project was commissioned by Teyliom Hospitality, part of the Mangalis Hotel Group, with the aim of creating a world-class hotel that reflects both Abidjan’s dynamism and its rich cultural tapestry. For SAOTA, this collaboration marked a pivotal opportunity to push the boundaries of urban hospitality design.
Architectural Approach
The hotel’s design balances the tension between global sophistication and regional identity. The tower’s façade, with its asymmetric arrangement of windows and textured finishes, draws inspiration from West African textiles and artisanal crafts. These elements are seamlessly integrated into a modern architectural language, creating a façade that is both contemporary and contextually rooted.
On the 7th floor, the hotel’s social heart unfolds, offering panoramic views of the Ébrié Lagoon. This level hosts a pool, terrace, dining areas, and entertainment spaces, providing a sanctuary from the bustling city below. The verticality of the building is accentuated by a triple-volume entryway, leading to a mixed-use podium that houses conference facilities and other amenities.
Climate-Responsive Design
The design responds to Abidjan’s tropical climate with practical solutions. The building’s aluminium rain-screen façade reduces heat gain, while insulation minimizes energy consumption, creating a more sustainable and comfortable environment for guests. The interplay of light and shadow on the façade enhances its aesthetic appeal while serving functional purposes.
Interiors and Materiality
Inside, the hotel combines elegance with a sense of place. The interiors are designed to reflect a balance between openness and intimacy, using a curated palette of materials that emphasize texture and depth. The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces reinforces the connection to the surrounding landscape and the lagoon’s calming presence.
Cultural and Urban Integration
The Noom Hotel is more than a luxury destination—it’s a statement of Abidjan’s evolving identity. Situated in the Plateau district, a dense and dynamic part of the city, the hotel engages in a dialogue with its urban context. Its design translates the expansive feel of Noom’s low-rise properties into a vertical format, maintaining a sense of openness and connection.
Conclusion
The Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau stands as a symbol of modern Abidjan—a beacon of architectural innovation that honors the city’s past while looking toward its future. SAOTA’s thoughtful design captures the spirit of a city in transformation, creating a space that is both timeless and forward-looking.
Through its seamless blend of modernist principles, cultural sensitivity, and climate-responsive strategies, the Noom Hotel positions itself as a landmark not just for Abidjan, but for West African hospitality at large.
