Foster + Partners, in collaboration with Angola’s Ministry of Transport, has released designs for the Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis, a 13,480‑hectare development located about 40 kilometres inland from downtown Luanda. Surrounding the newly completed Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport, the masterplan aims to create a regional hub for Central and South Africa, reinforcing Angola’s global presence while reflecting the nation’s heritage and ecological landscape.
The scheme comprises three distinct districts linked by a 42‑kilometre green loop. To the north, a high‑rise business and cultural district will connect with Luanda’s city centre. To the west, a low‑rise research and innovation quarter will integrate with an existing residential neighbourhood. To the south, a hospitality‑driven district will feature resorts, hotels, villas and sports facilities overlooking Quisama National Park, allowing visitors immediate access to Angola’s natural scenery without a connecting flight. The green loop serves as a recreational spine, providing safe, sustainable travel with public buses, trams and cycle paths, while also channeling rainwater to the Kwanza River as part of a holistic drainage strategy.
Sustainability is central to the design. The development will be powered by green energy, including three square‑kilometres of photovoltaic panels alongside the airport’s runways. By aligning the urban grid with the runways and prevailing wind direction, natural ventilation will be enhanced, creating a cool, comfortable public realm. A phased implementation will start with the business and cultural district on the north side.
“We are delighted to present our designs for the practice’s first project in Angola. The new airport acts as a catalyst for the future city, which will be a thriving new hub for business, education, and hospitality that plugs into Luanda’s incredible landscape. Our masterplan is holistically designed to bring business to the capital, create opportunities for local people, and attract new visitors from around the world,” said Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.
Image Courtesy: Dezeen
