Burkina Faso National Assembly
Concept
2015 -
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
25,000 sqm
The proposal for a new National Assembly of Burkina Faso was put forward by Kéré Architecture in the aftermath of the 2014 Burkinabè uprising, which had resulted in the burning down of the former facility. The popular uprising saw the end of President Blaise Compaoré’s rule, which had continued since the assassination of Thomas Sankara in 1987, and marked a turning point in the political history of Burkina Faso. Kéré Architecture aimed to capture the spirit of this history in its design.
The main landmark of the project is a monumental stepped pyramidal structure, the outer shell of which offers a unique public gathering space in the heart of the capital Ouagadougou. This gives visitors far-reaching views across the city and landscape beyond, providing an unprecedented new outlook, both literally and metaphorically. Arranged below this are the main assembly hall and associated auxiliary functions, as well as a large shaded space, sheltered by the lattice structure and open steps of the pyramid, which will serve as an open civic forum.
The new building is part of an ambitious masterplan that encompasses the wider area surrounding the former National Assembly and which aims to be accessible and inclusive to citizens. A large portion of the site will be planted with native tree species and equipped with seating to provide a shaded recreational space. The scheme also includes commercial storefronts, exhibition spaces and shaded bicycle and car parking, becoming a locus of public amenities for the inhabitants of Ouagadougou.
The proposal for a new National Assembly of Burkina Faso was put forward by Kéré Architecture in the aftermath of the 2014 Burkinabè uprising, which had resulted in the burning down of the former facility. The popular uprising saw the end of President Blaise Compaoré’s rule, which had continued since the assassination of Thomas Sankara in 1987, and marked a turning point in the political history of Burkina Faso. Kéré Architecture aimed to capture the spirit of this history in its design.
The main landmark of the project is a monumental stepped pyramidal structure, the outer shell of which offers a unique public gathering space in the heart of the capital Ouagadougou. This gives visitors far-reaching views across the city and landscape beyond, providing an unprecedented new outlook, both literally and metaphorically. Arranged below this are the main assembly hall and associated auxiliary functions, as well as a large shaded space, sheltered by the lattice structure and open steps of the pyramid, which will serve as an open civic forum.
The new building is part of an ambitious masterplan that encompasses the wider area surrounding the former National Assembly and which aims to be accessible and inclusive to citizens. A large portion of the site will be planted with native tree species and equipped with seating to provide a shaded recreational space. The scheme also includes commercial storefronts, exhibition spaces and shaded bicycle and car parking, becoming a locus of public amenities for the inhabitants of Ouagadougou.
