Zaria Court by NLÉ

Zaria Court is a bold adaptive-reuse project in Kigali’s emerging Sports City District, transforming a historically significant modernist building into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, hospitality, and community life. Anchored by a central public court and park, the design preserves the original concrete frame, while integrating local brick, wood, and exposed finishes.

Built as athlete housing beside Amahoro Stadium and BK Arena, the building has witnessed key moments in Rwanda’s history – from serving as the UN’s temporary HQ during the 1994 Genocide, to housing health authorities during COVID-19. The renewed complex features an 80-room boutique hotel, indoor amenities, sports facilities, playgrounds, lush landscaping, and a modular retail village made from stacked containers. Rooted in civic memory and material honesty, Zaria Court embodies a contemporary African architecture and a commitment to adaptive reuse.

Developed with Zaria Group, it champions youth empowerment and inclusive urban growth, offering a new model for resilient, future-focused African cities.