Francis Kéré designed Biblioteca dos Saberes presented in Rio de Janeiro
Kéré Architecture is pleased to share the Biblioteca dos Saberes, a new public library and cultural center commissioned by the Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro for the Cidade Nova neighborhood. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the samba school GRES Estacio de Sa, where Francis Kere was welcomed as an honorary resident of Rio in the presence of Mayor Eduardo Paes and the Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.
The project forms part of a wider urban initiative of Praça Onze Maravilha aimed at strengthening the cultural and civic life of this historic district, located near Valongo Wharf, Little Africa and the former Praca Onze, birthplace of the first samba school.
At the center of the library stands a tall vertical structure inspired by the native trees of Rio and by the gathering trees of Francis Kere’s hometown in Burkina Faso. This element acts as an organisational spine for the building, connecting reading rooms, workshops, exhibition areas, an auditorium, open air terraces and a rooftop garden. Landscaped courtyards and shaded outdoor spaces support learning, performance and community activities.
The design draws on the rich heritage of the area, celebrating Afro Brazilian culture, indigenous knowledge and the traditions that have shaped Rio’s identity. The Biblioteca dos Saberes is conceived as an open, inclusive public place that invites residents and visitors to engage with knowledge, culture and one another.
Kéré Architecture looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the City of Rio de Janeiro as the project moves into its next phases.
Kéré Architecture is pleased to share the Biblioteca dos Saberes, a new public library and cultural center commissioned by the Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro for the Cidade Nova neighborhood. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the samba school GRES Estacio de Sa, where Francis Kere was welcomed as an honorary resident of Rio in the presence of Mayor Eduardo Paes and the Deputy Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.
The project forms part of a wider urban initiative of Praça Onze Maravilha aimed at strengthening the cultural and civic life of this historic district, located near Valongo Wharf, Little Africa and the former Praca Onze, birthplace of the first samba school.
At the center of the library stands a tall vertical structure inspired by the native trees of Rio and by the gathering trees of Francis Kere’s hometown in Burkina Faso. This element acts as an organisational spine for the building, connecting reading rooms, workshops, exhibition areas, an auditorium, open air terraces and a rooftop garden. Landscaped courtyards and shaded outdoor spaces support learning, performance and community activities.
The design draws on the rich heritage of the area, celebrating Afro Brazilian culture, indigenous knowledge and the traditions that have shaped Rio’s identity. The Biblioteca dos Saberes is conceived as an open, inclusive public place that invites residents and visitors to engage with knowledge, culture and one another.
Kéré Architecture looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the City of Rio de Janeiro as the project moves into its next phases.
