Peace Pavilion

In memory of the innocent victims of war in Africa

Ethnocentrism fueled by extreme poverty left decolonized countries in Africa tangled in armed conflicts.

The lives lost to the continuous cycle of violence merit to be revered and remembered.

Our proposal for a peace pavilion stems firstly from the idea that absolute peace is only attainable in utopia. Hence the indecipherable shape of the pavilion. A shape that blurs preconceived notions and polarized narratives about the other. Moreover, it incubates the process of self-generated change through spaces that incite reflection, guidance and contemplation.

The architectural form is organic in shape and takes cues from traditional African utilitarian art and construction techniques. An outer shell made from braidlike material encloses the different functions. 

And a Load-bearing structure sourced from local timber elevates the construction from ground level. 

The project is laid out diagonally across the terrain establishing thus stronger connections with its surrounding elements, it opens up equally to city and river and reconciles opposing components in both.

Land and water, mundane and spiritual, noise and calmness, earthly activities and stillness, littered plastic and natural material all intertwine in the mesh of the outer shell. All the opposites, all the coexisting dichotomies help finally weave a pavilion for peace and conciliation.

The second constituting element of the project is the wooden structure on which rests the shell. 

It is laid out in a regular grid that allows maximum flexibility in shaping the project without having to introduce structural reinforcement. Using joinery techniques, every four small-diameter lumber pieces are put together to form a pole that sits on a single point on the grid.  Horizontal structures are then added where necessary on two different levels; one below the shell for support and one above for tensioning.

The grid spreads out on the entirety of the terrain creating sensorial experiences with the changing light, wind and tide. It is intended to be an animated public space that fosters reactionary attitudes and dialogue, provokes emotions and incubates diversity.

The pavilion houses three different but complimentary functions. An exhibition space for temporary expositions, a prayer and contemplation room and a multipurpose hall for seminars and permanent displays. Every function occupies a distinct space under the shell, giving the volume its three-dome shape.

A spiral ramp at the core of the project gives access to and connects the different spaces. It allows for maximum fluidity in vertical and horizontal movement. 

Project status | COMPETITION ENTRY

Project team:

Tofy Semaan, Raji ghannam and Aline Raad.