In the vibrant Plateau district of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where modernist traditions meet contemporary ambitions, the Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau redefines urban luxury. Designed by the renowned architectural firm SAOTA, this 22-story tower encapsulates a dialogue between local craftsmanship and global design principles. The hotel is not merely a statement of architectural sophistication but a tribute to Abidjan’s rich modernist heritage and cultural identity.
A Legacy of Modernism in Abidjan
Abidjan, often called the “Paris of West Africa,” boasts a storied architectural history. Following Côte d’Ivoire’s independence, the city became a stage for expressive modernist forms symbolizing progress and optimism. The Noom Hotel continues this tradition with a contemporary twist, embodying the clean lines and rationality of mid-20th-century modernism while addressing the complexities of the present.
The hotel’s design reflects SAOTA’s deep understanding of Abidjan’s cultural and urban fabric. Tasked by Teyliom Hospitality, managed by Mangalis Hotel Group, SAOTA created a design that seamlessly integrates luxury, functionality, and African identity.
Architectural Vision and Design Challenges
The Noom Hotel presented a unique set of challenges. Located in the dense and dynamic Plateau district, the site demanded a vertical solution. Balancing luxury and functionality on a constrained urban footprint required ingenuity. SAOTA’s design rises to the occasion with a vertical composition that harmonizes public and private spaces.
The 7th floor serves as the social heart of the hotel, offering dining and entertainment spaces that open to sweeping views of the Ébrié Lagoon. This elevated platform also houses a terrace and pool, creating an oasis above the bustling city. The entryway, a dramatic triple-volume space, sets the tone for the guest experience, seamlessly connecting the hotel’s mixed-use facilities.
Materiality and Craftsmanship
The façade of the Noom Hotel is a visual tapestry of local and global influences. Its asymmetrical window patterns and layered finishes are inspired by West African textiles, ceramics, and artisanal crafts. These elements are carefully integrated into a modernist architectural language, blending heritage with innovation.
The tower’s aluminum rain-screen cladding is both an aesthetic and practical choice, reducing heat gain and enhancing energy efficiency. This approach demonstrates SAOTA’s commitment to sustainability, a critical consideration in Côte d’Ivoire’s tropical climate.
A Beacon of Cultural and Urban Identity
The Noom Hotel exemplifies the intersection of local culture and global aspirations. It not only reflects Abidjan’s architectural legacy but also redefines what a modern hotel can be in West Africa.
By concentrating social spaces in an elevated format and embracing sustainable materials, SAOTA has created a space that feels expansive despite its verticality. The design honors the city’s urban density while providing guests with moments of serenity and connection to the lagoon’s beauty.
Project Contributions
The Noom Hotel’s realization required collaboration across disciplines. SAOTA’s team, led by Philip Olmesdahl and Bobby Hugill, worked alongside developers Teyliom Hospitality and Mangalis Hotel Group, project managers HSIP, and a network of engineering firms. Their combined expertise ensured the hotel not only met but exceeded international standards of luxury and sustainability.
A Modernist Future for Abidjan
SAOTA’s Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau stands as a testament to architecture’s transformative power. It bridges the past and present, weaving Côte d’Ivoire’s rich cultural narrative into a contemporary context.
As Abidjan grows as a global city, the Noom Hotel offers more than accommodation—it is a symbol of progress and identity. Its striking design serves as a modernist beacon, celebrating the Plateau’s architectural history while pointing toward a vibrant, sustainable future for the region.
Project Details
- Name: Noom Hotel Abidjan Plateau
- Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Design Architects: SAOTA
- Developer: Inaugure Hospitality
- Operator: Mangalis Hotel Group
- Photography: Adam Letch
All images © by SAOTA and Adam Letch. For more, feel free to browse WE AND THE COLOR’s Architecture and Interior Design categories.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
