Botswana Training Authority Office Complex
An organisation responsible for a task of this magnitude should reflect on its exterior as is manifest in its relocation from BIFM building to its new premises in Block 7, Gaborone, on plot 66450. Construction works on this outstanding building commenced on 3rd September 2007 with an anticipated seventeen months construction period. This comes after the government allocated around P36 million (US$ 5 million) towards its construction. The new building has a capacity to house ninety employees. It incorporates office space, cafeteria, gymnasium, library and basement parking for approximately sixty (60) vehicles.
Design Philosophy
The building is designed to be functional. The concept adopted is of a central corridor which has office spaces on either side with the services being located centrally allowing easy access. It is U-shaped to form a courtyard which can serve as a function area. This also forms secondary access to a secondary rear parking.
The building was kept at three stories so as not to hinder the residential community which surrounds the site.
The Botswana Training Authority (BOTA) was inaugurated in October 2000 under the mandate iof the "Vocational training Act - 1998". Its overall task is to monitor and regulate Vocational Education and Training (VET) within Botswana. BOTA became operational in January 2000 with the appointment of the members of the Board of Directors.
Material and Finishes
Glass is used both at the atrium skylight and as curtain wall windows to allow natural light to penetrate into the heart of the structure. The walls are finished with gamma-zenith wall coating. External works are designed to ensure high level service with low maintenance costs.
Remarkable Features
The buildings overall design radiates solidity and performance on the outside. The reflective glass also gives the building a modern appearance which also shows that that BOTA is a progressive organisation which keeps up with world trends.
CONTRACTOR: HITECON (PTY) LTD
PROJECT MANAGER: PEGO PROJECTS (PTY) LTD
ARCHITECTS: DESIGN INSIGHT ARCHITECTS (PTY) LTD
QUANTITY SURVEYORS: LT & ASSOCIATES
CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: PINAGARE ENGINEERS
