SHoP Architects reveals Botswana Innovation Hub nearing completion in Gaborone
New York based studio SHoP Architects and local studio Nutall Smith recently released photos of their ultra modern innovation hub and HIV research laboratory in Gaborone, Botswana which is nearing completion.



The building is divided into three long blocks which are connected by arms that create a series of courtyard spaces.
The tallest block is the central, and it will contain the majority of the innovation hub’s shared amenities, including a 250-seat auditorium and bar. The block reaches four storeys and is stepped down to two. The northern block which is two-storey building will contain laboratory space for the government and start-up businesses. The two-storey southern block will contain offices and a business school.
Local weather was a factor in the hub’s design as it was designed to function within the desert's demanding heat. Its roof will have large overhangs to passively shade the building, and these overhangs are repeated in the facade's deep articulation to maximise shading on the building's lower levels.
The roof will contain a combination of vegetated areas designed in collaboration with GREENinc, which are planted with local and drought-tolerant species so should need no watering, photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
According to the studio, these systems will offset around half of the building's operational energy costs.
The innovation centre is the first stage of the development of a 57-hectare business park near the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport that will include offices, industrial units and hotels.
- date publishedJuly 31, 2020
- categoryArchitecture
- original sourceDezeen↗