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The Faya Largeau Cultural Center becomes a community living space

Afrostudio

Culture  /  Future
Afrostudio

the creation of the faya largeau cultural center will allow the northern region of Chad to have its first cultural facility. the project idea is carried out on an initial rectangular volume from which the central space is extracted to form a patio. This volume serves as a rampart against the desert climate of the region, and the patio becomes a community living space, as can be seen in traditional architecture. New volumes are created on a modular basis in order to accommodate the entire functional program of a media library. Several accesses and openings to the exterior facilitate accessibility to the building while allowing better ventilation of internal spaces.

The Faya-Largeau cultural center and media library project is part of an urban landscape on a plot of 60 x 50m or 3000 m². Located in the heart of the city, this cultural facility brings together on the same roof a library, media library, auditorium, exhibition hall and a cafeteria. Like an oasis, the patio is a lush and mineral garden which characterizes this internal courtyard. in order to respect the urban context, the cultural center remains a one-story building just like its neighborhood.

To make the building completely autonomous from an energy point of view, the roof is used with the creation of a solar farm made up of several photovoltaic panels. The choice of materials focused on austerity and the promotion of vernacular architecture. the double masonry with a ventilated air chamber is implemented for excellent thermal efficiency and better insulation of the building given the heat peaks found in the region.

The project design is both innovative and rooted in local architectural traditions, making it a standout initiative in the area. The project cleverly merges traditional architectural principles with modern functionality. By incorporating a central patio, inspired by local vernacular architecture, the center not only pays homage to cultural heritage but also creates a communal space that encourages interaction and community engagement. The use of a central courtyard not only serves as a gathering space but also enhances natural ventilation, crucial for maintaining comfort in hot climates. it's a climate responsive design characteracterise by the choice of materials, such as double masonry with ventilated air chambers, ensures excellent thermal efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption for cooling. the cultural center encompasses a diverse range of functions, this multifunctional approach ensures that the center caters to a wide array of cultural, educational, and community needs. the center is also designed with multiple accesses and openings that facilitate easy accessibility for the community. This design not only enhances the building's usability but also encourages public interaction and participation in cultural activities. A standout feature of the project is its commitment to sustainability. This forward-thinking approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also sets a precedent for future sustainable development in the region.

Chad is seeking to improve its performance in terms of education and access to culture for its population. For the time being, the rate of investment in public education and culture represents only 2.2% of GDP. Structures such as the cultural centre of Faya-largeau should allow in the medium and long term the development of the cultural and associative life of the community, a better literacy of the populations concerned and consequently a reduction of poverty in the region.

Credits

 Faya Largeau
 Ciad
 Ministero della Cultura del Ciad
 centro cultural mediateca
 01/2025
 1522 m2
 Confidential
 Mbogo manga francois
 and partners

Curriculum

Afrostudio is a professional structure created in 2015 founded by architect Mbogo that works for the integration of contemporary architecture in the historical, traditional, and cultural context of sub-Saharan Africa and more specifically in Chad, all while respecting the environment. The challenge is all the greater if we consider the urban realities and lack of infrastructure that characterize this part of the world. In an innovative architectural approach that considers all aspects of the project we seek to create sustainable built spaces that reflect our ambition as an African urban space. Our activity and know-how have led us to surround ourselves with multiple skills adapted to the projects according to their specificities. Our collective ambition is to share our experience with diversified project owners, public and private.

https://www.afrostudioarchi.co...

Tag

#Finalist #Calcestruzzo  #Centro culturale  #Biblioteca  #Mattoni  #Schermatura in alluminio  #Ciad  #Afrostudio  #laterocemento 

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