In Pursuit of a New Ouagadougou
Completed
2016
15th International Exhibition of Architecture, Venice, Italy
40 sqm
15th International Exhibition of Architecture, Venice, Italy
Spirit of Space, Royal Academy of Arts, London, Architekturmuseum der TU München, Gran Horizonte Media, Candida Richardson
BSI Architectural Foundation
In Pursuit of a New Ouagadougou was Kéré Architecture’s contribution to Reporting from the Front, the 15th International Architecture Exhibition curated by Alejandro Aravena for the Venice Biennale.
When a massive uprising in 2014 left Burkina Faso’s national assembly building in ruins, the nation took its first steps towards a democratic future after 31 years of dictatorial rule. The conflict is significant because it presented an opportunity to not only reflect on the turbulent historic events that led the nation to this crossroads, it also begs the question of its citizens: How do we move forward?
In Pursuit of a New Ouagadougou is a proposition that envisions the redesign and reconstruction of the Burkina Faso National Assembly as a catalyst for growth, education and economic development for the city as a whole. But how could it also improve the prospects for democracy and development for the people of Burkina Faso?
Traditionally, societal activities in rural communities in West Africa are discussed and governed by their elders. These discussions often take place in a tuguna – a central, shaded gathering area where community members are free to observe. Taking cues from this archetype, Kéré Architecture’s design for the new Burkina Faso National Assembly aims to scale up the dynamic of a tuguna while bolstering national identity. As a monumental landmark, built for and by the citizens, this new national assembly could shape a fresh perspective both literally and symbolically.
The exhibition featured a public viewing platform where visitors could rest and watch a film projection produced by Spirit of Space.
In Pursuit of a New Ouagadougou was Kéré Architecture’s contribution to Reporting from the Front, the 15th International Architecture Exhibition curated by Alejandro Aravena for the Venice Biennale.
When a massive uprising in 2014 left Burkina Faso’s national assembly building in ruins, the nation took its first steps towards a democratic future after 31 years of dictatorial rule. The conflict is significant because it presented an opportunity to not only reflect on the turbulent historic events that led the nation to this crossroads, it also begs the question of its citizens: How do we move forward?
In Pursuit of a New Ouagadougou is a proposition that envisions the redesign and reconstruction of the Burkina Faso National Assembly as a catalyst for growth, education and economic development for the city as a whole. But how could it also improve the prospects for democracy and development for the people of Burkina Faso?
Traditionally, societal activities in rural communities in West Africa are discussed and governed by their elders. These discussions often take place in a tuguna – a central, shaded gathering area where community members are free to observe. Taking cues from this archetype, Kéré Architecture’s design for the new Burkina Faso National Assembly aims to scale up the dynamic of a tuguna while bolstering national identity. As a monumental landmark, built for and by the citizens, this new national assembly could shape a fresh perspective both literally and symbolically.
The exhibition featured a public viewing platform where visitors could rest and watch a film projection produced by Spirit of Space.
