Located 15 km southeast of Ouagadougou the capital of Burkina Faso, the Ville Nouvelle de Yennenga (New Town of Yennenga) is still under development, after the architectural firm Architecturestudio drew up its urban plan in 2016. Its streets, barely dotted with a few buildings, stretch over a 600 ha. plain. The city is named after a legendary Burkinabe warrior princess, whose history is lost in the mists of the 12th century. Well, as part of the city’s development stream, a local property developer selected Amusement Logic to undertake the conceptual design of a family entertainment centre, including a water park.
Conceptual design and engineering services
The future park, which will occupy an area of 23,535 m² (2.3 ha.), aims to create a mixed-use leisure space, both aquatic and dry, which appeals to both residents and tourists. This initial phase of the Yennenga Parc project covers the conceptual definition of the park’s architecture and engineering, with the ultimate goal of obtaining building permission from the local authorities, so that Amusement Logic can carry it out.
The company’s architects and engineers then work in liaison with local consultants and professionals appointed by the client, to ensure that plans and technical documentation comply with the country’s legal and technical, quality and safety regulations.
Key disciplines for the design of the water park and family entertainment centre
The design and construction of a park of the magnitude of Yennenga Parc requires a holistic approach combining several disciplines.
Architecture
Architecture defines the zoning and use of spaces and buildings, whether they are public or auxiliary access, utility or facility rooms. Coherence between the different spaces in the park and the integrated user experience, are two fundamental objectives for the architectural discipline. Within architecture, interior design determines in detail the finishes for the interior of buildings, such as floors, walls and ceilings.
Landscaping
Landscaping, on the other hand, is responsible for the design and urbanisation of outdoor spaces, with special emphasis on the choice of vegetation adapted to the local climate and the efficient use of water, a scarce resource in Burkina Faso. This speciality is also responsible for the selection of outdoor furniture, as well as shading and other unique elements. Due to the climatic conditions referred to, the local landscape consultant appointed by the developer oversees the landscaping project and the selection of plant species. In any case, this discipline ensures that the landscaping and relaxation areas are both attractive and sustainable.
Design and choice of attractions
On the other hand, experience is important when it comes not only to the design of the attractions – such as water slides, swimming pools and other elements – but also in deciding the ideal attractions in a context such as that of Burkina Faso and according to the objectives set by the promoter. For this purpose, Amusement Logic has its own Design Department and works closely with different suppliers. The ultimate idea is to integrate a sufficient variety of attractions into the project as a whole.
Civil and infrastructure engineering
Civil and infrastructure engineering covers the necessary works within the site. Actions such as earthworks, demolitions, perimeter fencing, ground improvement and/or compaction, service roads and connections to external supplies such as drinking water and electricity, and so on, form part of this double discipline.
The hydraulic design of the park, also within the engineering group, includes the supply of water attractions such as swimming pools, slides, etc., and water treatment. In Burkina Faso, the design of these infrastructures needs to focus on efficiency and minimisation of consumption.
Finally, this large group includes the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) disciplines , which include the design of the systems necessary for the operation of the park, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, drainage and water supply.
Theming
Theming is key to complete and make immersive the experience that Yennenga Parc must offer. This family entertainment and water park has a unifying theme related to the local culture and traditional decorative and architectural motifs of Burkina Faso. This unifying theme underlies the design, which runs through the architecture, decoration and signage from one end to the other.
Phased design of the water and family entertainment park
The development of the conceptual design of the park is carried out in phases, with an increasing degree of detail in each phase. This detailed organisation reduces technical risk, while ensuring that planning is in line with local regulations. Each phase of the project is adapted to the specific requirements of Burkina Faso, according to a methodology that Amusement Logic has perfected in the many projects it has carried out around the world over the years.
The Yennenga Parc is another example of Amusement Logic’s seriousness and commitment to the development of its leisure and tourism projects. But it is also a true reflection of the fact that the company places not only safety but also sustainable development at the heart of its work. The ultimate goal, whatever the case may be, is always aimed at creating a leisure space that brings value to users and the local community.
