The proposal for the new Cultural Centre of Sédhiou is designed to be context-sensitive and to link traditional elements with modern shapes.
Rainwater harvesting and purification with natural methods had a central role during the design process. The solution of the Venetian well was chosen because it uses sand and clay to naturally purify water, which are materials that can be found in Sédhiou. The well became a pivotal element of the building, which is constructed around it. Thus the building has a central courtyard which is characterized by both the presence of the impluvium and the well. The impluvium, which resemble the Pompeii Domus, has a dual purpose. When it is dry, the impluvium becomes an outdoor space where people can sit in the shade; when it rains, it is a tank where rainwater is collected and starts the purification process of underground filtering.
The perforated brick wall of the pavilions and the bamboo roof slightly raised above them guarantee two advantages. The first is the natural ventilation in the building and the second one is to protect visitors from direct sunlight. Therefore, the light inside the building is diffused and soft.
The orientation of the building and the position of the walls that surround it were designed taking into account the monsoon direction in that area.
A curved wall surrounds the building passing through the trees and contains the service area.
The construction materials reflect a strong relation with the local environment and aim at reducing costs and construction time. The use of concrete is limited to the basement, whereas walls are made of earth bricks covered in clay plaster and the roof is made of intersected bamboo.
The project is designed to have a great impact on the population of Sédhiou, but is respectful of its tradition. It is intended to be a new meeting point for the people of the town, with a strong modern attitude in its forms, but it respects the natural and cultural context in which is placed and the local construction techniques.
INTERVIEW TO THE TEAM
1) Can you introduce your team in a personal and professional way?
We are a group of four students of the University Iuav of Venice and we met during the first three years of study. At the moment Paolo and Nicola are attending their master’s degree in Venice, while Sergiu and Giacomo are going to start it in October. During our bachelor’s studies we had the possibility to work on different projects together, developing a strong affinity in taste and design choices. When the competition was announced we decided to take this interesting and complex challenge to test ourselves.
2) What was your feeling when you knew you were the winners of the competition?
When the results of the competition were announced we were enthusiastic. We had seen the high standard of the projects presented during the past competition and we tried to design a good and convincing proposal, but the 1st prize was a wonderful surprise. We are happy for the result and we are glad the jury has appreciated our project.
3) Can you briefly explain the concept of your project and which is the relationship between it and the cultural environment?
The starting point for the concept development was considering the sanitary conditions and the needs of the people of Sédhiou. The Venetian well was identified as a solution for the need of purifying water and it became the central point for the development of the pavilions and the offices. A bamboo roof, supported by a structure of the same material, covers the building creating shadow for the visitors and recollecting water to the well. The discontinuous wall around the building is designed taking into account the wind direction, and it creates a semi-private space in proximity of the building.
4) In your concept what was the path to interpreting the culture of Senegal and specifically that of Sedhiou? How the knowledge of culture of the place influence your project?
The study of the Senegelese culture and in particular of Sédhiou culture was crucial during the design process. We began doing researches about the history and the geography of Senegal, focusing on the area of Casamance. Then we researched about the architectures built in Senegal. The knowledge of the culture and the geography of the area, of the monsoons and of the local materials was the starting point of the design process.
5) Has your project been inspired by anything in particular or by some project in developing countries?
This project is our first attempt to design a building in a developing country, hence we spent a lot of time studying various projects realized in Africa, focusing on the region of Senegal. We were inspired by the works of Patrick Dujarric, Hassan Fathy and Diébédo Francis Kéré. We considered also other African buildings such as the cultural centre designed by Toshiko Mori and the school of Djinindjebougou designed by Studio Caravatti as well as various buildings realized in Asia and South America, finding inspiration for our project.
6) The competition was focused on a very complex issue in a delicate and disadvantaged area in which the population suffers many problems related to malnutrition, poverty and sanitation. How did these factors influence your project?
The complexity of the area and the difficulties related to it have played a central role in the design. We decided to focus on the issue of potable water, making it the centre of the concept and trying to suggest a solution. The idea of the venetian well arose because we noticed a similarity between the local materials and the ones used in the city of Venice.
7) According to you, which is the relationship between culture and tradition?
The relationship between tradition and culture is deep and complex. We identify tradition as one of the fundamental element of the culture of a population and we believe that the presence of a space where this knowledge is guarded and taught is crucial in the development of a community. According to this idea, we believe architecture has as a role of responsibility in guarding culture.
8) How did the material choice affect your design?
The choice of adopting mostly local materials was an element of the project since the beginning. We studied those materials looking to projects were they were used to understand how to use them to achieve the design we were looking for. The venetian well, centre of our project, is a consequence of the similarity between local materials and those used in the city of Venice.
9) What do you think is the responsibility of architects in dealing with complex issues such as emergencies or architectures in developing countries?
We believe that emergency architecture and architecture in developing countries are two of the major themes contemporary architecture has to address, taking into account the culture and the tradition of each population. There are virtuous examples for that, such as Diébédo Francis Kéré and Alejandro Aravena, who are sources of inspiration for us. We admire the collaborative design process which involves the population, crucial to identify the right questions to which architects have to answer. Moreover, we believe that new buildings should not be the sole answer to people’s needs. Architects should spread new knowledge and create capabilities in the communities. The aim of the competition was also to improve the research on the topics of sustainable architecture with natural and recycled materials.
10) How do you feel that contemporary architecture is approaching these topics?
Event though we studied those themes at the university, the competition was a great opportunity to learn more about those topics. Buildings such as the school library of Gando, by Diébédo Francis Kéré, or the Cultural Centre by Toshiko Mory are great examples of what can be realized using natural and recycled materials.
11) You know that the proceeds of the project have been devoted to a humanitarian organization Balouo Salo which helps people in disadvantage area of Casamance. Your fee was a donation to this organization. Knowing this, how it has affected the approach to the competition and to the project?
The fact that by taking part to this competition we were helping the organization Balouo Salo was one of the reason that convinced us to participate. We are happy and proud that we could contribute to the projects for the population of Tanaf Valley and we wish they will help them to improve their living conditions.
12) Your prize is also an internship in Kengo Kuma & Associates, one of the most prestigious architecture studios in the world. Can you express your feelings about it?
We are honoured to have the possibility to do an internship in Kengo Kuma & Associates. Since the beginning, the stakes for us was the internship, as it is an incredible opportunity which will help us grow in cultural and professional terms and we are looking forward to undertake this new experience together.
13) The aim of the competition is also to give professional opportunities to young architects, and we wish your team the best achievements for your career. How do you think you will be in next 10 years? According to you, how much will this award affect your future?
We are proud of the result we achieved and that we will do an internship in Kengo Kuma & Associates and we know it will be a huge step in our professional career. It is hard to say where we will be in ten years, we hope to keep on working together and to achieve more results like this one!
