Kéré designs sustainable Goethe-Institut in Dakar
The Goethe-Institut in Dakar is getting a new building designed by Francis Kéré. The project is characterised by locally sourced materials and sustainable architecture.
Dakar (d.de) – The Goethe-Institut in Senegal’s capital city Dakar is getting a new building. It was designed by the architect Francis Kéré who is well-known for sustainable construction methods using locally sourced materials.
Born in Burkina Faso and based in Berlin, the architect is considered one of the biggest names in innovative African architecture. Back in 2022, he was the first African to be awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Kéré’s most noteworthy achievements include a primary school in his hometown Gando, and the Opera Village Africa which he realised together with Christoph Schlingensief.
“I work with nature, not against it,” Francis Kéré describes his approach.
Among other materials, compressed earth blocks will be used for this project, as these are particularly climate-resistant. The building is designed to be operated with natural ventilation rather then a traditional air-conditioning system.
The new building is also associated with a new concept for the institute. Planning provides for an open-plan layout that promotes communication and exchange. Physical books, digital workstations and room for documenting oral culture will be combined in the newly designed library.
The Goethe-Institut in Dakar was established in 1978. The new building is designed to be a place for both learning and cultural encounters. It will be powered with solar energy, and the wastewater will undergo biological treatment before being used for watering plants.
