A terminal that runs along the runway like a creature of the desert: rhythmic shells, light and water at the gateway to N'Djamena.
A Gateway to the Sahel
Pavillon Toumaï is the new welcome pavilion of N'Djamena Airport. It takes its name from the celebrated hominid fossil found in Chad — a symbol of origins that becomes a sign of openness toward the future. The architecture studio Rail 55 designed its form and structure; Abita Decò defined its interiors, bringing top-tier Italian decorative materials to Central Africa.
The Form
The roof is a succession of arches and vaults chasing one another, modelled like the vertebrae of a skeleton. Each module casts shade onto the glazed facade and shields it from solar radiation, while the rhythmic sequence draws the eye from the entrance to the tower.
The structure is born for the climate: mass, shade and ventilation work together even before the mechanical systems come into play.
The Ensemble
The complex unites the horizontal pavilion (with its ribbed shells) with the control tower and office blocks. The two natures, light and massive, converse around an axis that organises arrivals, departures and ground services.
The plan is conceived to grow: the roof modules can repeat and accompany the airport's future expansion.
Gallery
Interior Design · Abita Decò
Within the shell designed by Rail 55, every space of the Pavillon Toumaï is conceived, designed and curated by Abita Decò: from the arrivals hall to the lounges, from the walkways to the waiting areas. Drawing on more than thirty years in interior design and the production of top-tier Italian wallcoverings and decorative panels, Abita Decò translates material into atmosphere, giving the airport a recognisable, lasting identity.
The Hall
The full-height hall is organised around the helical staircase enclosed within the glazed cylinder: a scenographic element that connects the levels and welcomes the passenger the moment they step inside.
Marble floors, custom-designed rugs, material-finish columns and leather seating compose a warm, representative space, calibrated by Abita Decò down to the last detail.
Material & Finish
Walls, surfaces and details are treated with top-quality wallcoverings and decorative panels of Italian production, selected and designed by Abita Decò for every function: welcome, waiting, services.
The helical staircase within the glazed cylinder becomes the signature of this language, where light, reflection and material work together.
The Experience
Beneath the vaults, the internal gallery accompanies the passenger with a steady rhythm of arches and light filtered through the glazing. Abita Decò's interiors modulate material and finish to orient, slow and welcome.
The result is an airport that is not merely infrastructure, but a recognisable place: identity, comfort and construction quality in service of Chad.
The Lounges · Abita Decò
The atmospheric language that inspires the lounge design: enveloping comfort, colour and material quality.
"From humanity's oldest fossil, a terminal that looks ahead."
Pavillon Toumaï · Rail 55 × Abita Decò
Delivery
Pavillon Toumaï is born from the meeting of two complementary Italian competencies: large-scale infrastructure architecture and interior design excellence.
Architecture · Lead Partner
Rail 55
Architecture and design studio active for over 30 years in large-scale infrastructure. Signs the form, structure and general layout of the pavilion.
Interiors · Decorative Materials
Abita Decò
For over 30 years in interior design and the production of top-tier Italian decorative materials, wallcoverings and superior-quality decorative panels. Curates the entire interior spatial experience.
From the desert,
a gateway.
An architecture that shields from the climate, welcomes with water, and tells the story of Chad to those who arrive.
The project and its partners