toshiko mori’s ecological cultural center in senegal set to open

new york-based studio toshiko mori has designed the ecological thread cultural center for the village of sinthian in senegal. serving also as an artist residency, the architecture practice has collaborated with the non-profit organizations sinthian medical center and AFLK in both design and construction. keeping everything local, from the masons, workers and materials, the building is comprised of bamboo, brick and thatch – all of which are sourced from the area. toshiko mori has combined the villagers’ and masons’ understanding of the materials to come up with an innovative method for the fabrication of the distinctive, thatch roof.
all images courtesy of thread: artist residency and cultural center

the geometric roof is the focal point of the cultural center, with a steep, sloping angle that allows for a water harvesting system. rainwater would flow off and be diverted into nearby basins providing residents with an accessible water supply, and reducing the risk of contamination. the flexibility in its design is applied in the organization of the spaces, with studios on each side of the complex and a communal area in between. open air, yet shielded from the rain and intense summer heat, this space would potentially be used for local market, performances and community meetings.

the center under construction
construction site of the center

flexible space to be used for markets, meetings etc
open air communal area

slope of the roof will allow rainwater diversion
the roof nearing completion
local sinthian workers help with construction
the cultural center from afar

diagram of the roof and water system used to direct rain water to adjacent drainage