PLANNING was commissioned to liaise with and take over from the international award winning architect, the late Henning Larsen, who was appointed by Industrial Promotion Services to produce the building’s Concept and its Outline Design.

The Client commissioned Henning Larsen to design a landmark building that would establish the visual identity and commercial presence of the Nation Media Group within Nairobi’s Central Business District. The project sought to create a distinctive headquarters that reflected the organization’s prominence while meeting its operational requirements.

One of the principal challenges was responding to the rapidly evolving technologies within the printing and graphics industries. A key consideration was whether these specialized functions should be incorporated into the city-centre development or relocated elsewhere. Following the completion and client approval of the concept design by the late Henning Larsen, it was ultimately decided that the printing facilities would be accommodated in a separate building outside the Central Business District.

PLANNING was tasked with developing the approved concept into a practical and buildable solution. This involved rationalizing the structural system to support the architectural vision while integrating the building’s extensive and sophisticated services within the constraints of the twin cylindrical towers. Additional challenges included resolving complex site conditions and providing sufficient basement parking to satisfy the Client’s requirements.

Constructing the building on a highly constrained and busy city-centre site demanded close coordination between the consultants and contractor. Despite these challenges, the project was successfully completed on schedule and within the approved budget.