Google opened its Artificial Intelligence (AI) research laboratory in Accra, Ghana in 2019. The first of its kind on the African continent, the lab has been developing solutions in agriculture, education and health care.

When it was first launched Moustapha Cisse, the head of the centre, stated, “If AI is to improve lives and reduce inequalities, we must build expertise beyond the present-day centres of innovation… that will require widening of the locations where AI is done. The vast majority of experts are in North America, Europe and Asia. Africa, in particular, is barely represented.”

While for the most part, the Google AI Research Centre has been improving lives under the radar the laboratory just opened new red-gold-green office premises that have gotten Ghana Twitter chattering – well, tweeting.

Let's just say, the revamp finally feels like Google has finally settled in. The decor is authentically Ghanaian with mahogany panels, wax textile wall clocks and cane-woven room partitions highlighted by the colours of the Ghanaian flag. It's an exquisite blend of culture that meets contemporary.

The design was made by South African-based architects Boogertman & Partners and constructed by Ghanaian-based contractors KH3 Group Limited. Their rich construction photos in Ghana's Airport City enclave speak for themselves with other heavy brands such as Nestlé, Pernod Ricard and Norfund under their belt.

Credits:

Project Manager: Mace
Architect: Boogertman + Partners Architects
MEP Engineer: WSP
Sustainability Consultant: Urban Green
Contractor: KH3 Group Limited