Kigali convention centre is a convention center in Kigali, the capital and largest city in Rwanda, opened in 2009, located on Highway KN5, adjacent to the KG2 Roundabout, about 6 kilometers (4 mi) west of Kigali International Airport. This is about 7 kilometers (4 mi) east of the neighborhood of Kigali called Nyabugogo. The Kigali convention center has become a premium venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and events attract thousands of travelers coming to Rwanda for conference tourism. It is widely known as a first stop center for conferences hence the best MICE destination in Africa and the whole globe.
“With a net floor area of 32,200 square meters, the Convention Centre, can host more than 5,000 delegates at a time and contains facilities for business, leisure and events. The multifaceted design reflects a true Rwandan homestead,” reads a statement from Radisson Blu. Spanning over 80,000 sqm, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali features exclusive hospitality facilities with functional technology and clear reference to the culture and traditions of Africa.
Not only boosting MICE activities within the regions, but the conference center had also greatly boosted the country’s Rwanda’s economic potential through a strong boost on Rwanda’s tourism as many visitors who come for the conference end up with doing of to the tourism activities like gorilla tours, golden monkey trekking, volcano climbing and game viewing safaris in the national parks in the republic of Rwanda, since its opening in 2016. This has boosted on many travel agencies to open up in the country to meet the market demand.
The complex’s egg-shaped dome and ribbon-striped hotel are a familiar sight to Kigali residents and a point of pride for the city. Still, many don’t know what inspired the convention center’s unique shape and bright colors. Is one of the most attractive tourism sites in Kigali, looking so beautiful at night with wonderful colors of light.
Roland Dieterle, the complex’s principal architect, came up with the concept some 10 years ago. The resulting vision merges Rwanda’s traditional past with its focus on the future. Dieterle says the scope and complexity of the project carries an important message: “It says, ‘We are a modern country, we can deal with complexity, we can show the world that Africa is a continent and Rwanda is a country where modern life can take place,’” he says. Here are six of our favorite little-known facts about the Kigali Convention Center Complex, published Lauren Everitt, Editor-in-Chief of Mind Sky.
1. Kigali convention centre uses state of the art technology
The builders used 3-D design methods and a computerized manufacturing system to build the convention center dome. The dome’s frame is so complex that each steel piece had to be designed and manufactured separately — there are only two of each piece in the entire building. “Never before has a building of a similar size and complexity been built in the region,” Dieterle points out.
2. A king’s palace and traditional Rwandan homes inspired the shape
Dieterle traveled around the country and visited the King’s Palace in Nyanza during the planning phases. He was so inspired by the king’s beehive-shaped residence that he used it as the basis for the convention center dome. The spiral motif found in Rwandan baskets and other art, such as imigongo paintings, was also incorporated in the building’s structure. Viewers can see the spiral construction in the walkways that encircle the dome and by looking up at the dome’s ceiling from the inside. The Kigali Convention Center’s spiral dome was inspired by traditional Rwandan architecture and art.
3. It follows sustainable practices
Sustainability was a major consideration for the project designers. “We wanted whatever we did to be a role model for sustainable development,” Dieterle says. The dome uses window shades and a special coating to help regulate the inside temperature and to conserve energy use. The complex was also designed to use “gray water” (wastewater from homes or office buildings) for irrigation and toilet flushing. Even the dome’s bright lights are energy-efficient LEDs.
4. The hotel’s colorful ribbons represent Rwanda’s rich weaving tradition
The brightly colored metal ribbons that run down the length of the complexes Radisson Blu Hotel were inspired by the strips used to make Rwandan baskets, according to Dieterle. Rather than using the browns, grays, and whites of most new construction projects, Dieterle and his team opted for the vibrant colors of local fabrics. The result is a “fresh and friendly” look that sets the building apart from others in the region, he says.
5. Kigali convention centre has already won awards
While the convention center hasn’t officially opened, it’s already garnering praise for its novel design. In 2009, the International Property Awards recognized the center with its Architecture Award for Africa. In 2013, the complex received one of the internationally recognized Iconic Awards in the Concept category, and in 2014, it was a nominee for the German Design Awards.
6. It’s transparent for a reason
Dieterle says the convention center’s dome is purposefully transparent to show openness. The idea is that all Rwandans should be able to enjoy the building, whether watching the exterior lights or observing the hustle and bustle of big events inside. The design is also meant to speak to everyone. “It’s a building that doesn’t need much explanation… even people without much knowledge about art or culture would understand this design. It’s a building for them, not just for some elite people,” Dieterle says.
Overview of Kigali convention centre
In 2007, three Rwandan corporate investors pooled resources to build the real estate complex. They formed a company called Ultimate Concept Limited, to develop and own the centre. The centre has four major components:
1. A 5-star hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali, with 292 rooms on six floors
2. Conference center with seating capacity of 2,600
3. Kigali Information Technology Park, with 32,200 square meters (346,598 sq ft) of rentable office and retail space, and
4. A museum on the bottom floor of the IT office park.
Construction began in 2009 and was completed in 2016.
In case you’re planning a visit to Kigali, let this not miss out on your shopping list, as you can do it before you head for you gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, hiking safari or wildlife safari or even you can visit the place after your safari. You can reach to our reservation team; will work with you through your booking with us at info@beyondkigalitours.com and to see you visit the conference center.