Kalesinterflex Used at the United Nations House in Senegal

Designed by Wilmotte & Associés, the United Nations House in Diamniadio, the new ministerial district near Dakar, Senegal, occupies a 14-hectare site. The facade of the 60,000-square-metre building uses 16,000 square metres of Kalesinterflex porcelain ceramic slabs.

Initiated by the Senegalese government, the project brings together 34 United Nations agencies previously dispersed across Dakar in one new, monumental building. Comprising seven wings radiating from a circle, it aims to set an example in energy efficiency, accessibility, security and safety during both construction and use.

Conference facilities and a reception area for official events occupy the centre of the circle. An outer ring provides shared information and advice centres, meeting points and relaxation areas. The seven wings adjoining this circle of official and shared spaces accommodate 34 separate United Nations agencies with a total of 1,814 office units.