A plot of land in the central part of Tripoli was allocated for the construction of a new branch of the bank, "burdened" with two rather deep pits, which the architects did not fill up, but, on the contrary, involved in their project. Strictly speaking, it was these “hollows” that prompted them to the decision, which brought the Danish bureau a victory in the competition.
Henning Larsen Architects are transforming the larger pit into a recessed pedestrian square, around which numerous public functions “work” not only for the bank, but also for the city. This is a hotel, a restaurant, an educational center and the actual customer service area of the bank, as well as ample parking. The second pit is being transformed into the entrance area of cash collection vehicles.
Above the plaza, the architects are erecting a mid-rise building, which will house the bank's administrative premises. Initially almost square in terms of volume, they give a more complex shape due to deep undulating notches on each of the facades. The facades themselves are planned to be faced with horizontal slats, which will provide all rooms with protection from direct sunlight. And the heart of the building will be a large atrium along its entire height, thanks to which the offices will receive a sufficient amount of daylight.
As conceived by the architects, the "fluid" forms of the building and the same outlines of the "shaded oasis" of the pedestrian square will symbolize the sustainable development of the Libyan economy and the country's aspiration for a prosperous future.
