The architectural brief required a facility that represents a national symbol and icon to Botswana’s prosperity. The architectural language should speak of a “symbolic” status that will be both aesthetically pleasing and technically competent in response to the local climate and security requirements.

The design concept for the Data Centre was derived with the thought to complement the Botswana Innovation Hub whilst conceptualizing a Data Centre with its own unique identity. The approach into creating the architecture was rooted in a term known as Biomorphic Architecture. Botanical, animal, anatomical or human forms directly influence how the architecture is orientated to create aesthetic and geometric harmony. The design concept for the Data Centre was therefore largely inspired by water, due to its symbolic meaning and significance to Botswana.

Just like the water of rain collects, the water of a river flows, the water of a delta branches, a Data Centre similarly controls the flow of data, stores information and transmits knowledge.

The three design derivatives were translated into architecture by doing the following:

• The organic movements of flowing water served as inspirations for the wave-like form of the skin that wraps around the building. The waves are abstracted and simplified to create a strong, unified and visually capturing image. The skin is placed using a shadow line, which makes it appear as if is a floating mass. The openings of the skin increase in porosity as it approaches the office spaces, whilst becoming more solid towards the Data Centre.

• Perforations resembling the shadows and shapes of raindrops were placed into the panels of the skin to create a unified texture, pattern, and play on shadow. This will enhance not only the aesthetics of the building but will enhance the sensory experience of the users.

• Lightning bolts were used as inspiration for illuminating the building at night. Lights will be strategically placed behind the skin to flood the building with light.