Amarcord

  • Date: September 2017.
  • Typology: Competition entry for Kaira Looro.
  • Dimension: 300 m².
  • Location: Casamance, Senegal.

We decided to tackle the religious issue by trying to suppress any spatial difference between the different liturgical habits present in the village. First and foremost we interpreted the religious act as a way to connect human beings despite their specific beliefs. The spatial solution that has been proposed tries to go beyond the limitations imposed by preconceived symbolisms. We chose neutrality as a tool to enhance the spiritual connection and to provide the flexibility needed by the space to be able to change function in order to cope with emergency situations. We wanted this architecture to be a gathering tool rather than a dividing one, despite all the specific differences of each cult. As a life is a journey through Earth, this building is a path that leads the users through different atmospheres and experiences.

n. 1 – Function and Meditation.

The space is metaphorically divided from the village by few steps that finites the access onto a different and spiritual ground. From here it starts a physical ascension to the effective sacred enclosure and a metaphysical ascension to a different level of consciousness.The form is pure: a squared extrusion suspended on palm trunks, carved by a circular roof realized with the same design used in local architecture. The slope allow us to canalize the water and to collect in a pond creating a meditative ambience. The sun falls down to the lower and mazy ground floor enlightening the whole structure.

n. 2- Context and connectivity.
n. 3 – GF and FF Plans.

In a tight connection between religion and nature, the core void hosts a tree, symbol of the ascension of each living beings, that despite the adversities that it could face during its destiny, keeps intact its will to exist and to reach something greater. As a filter between earthly and divine, the ground floor represents a shared place and a shelter for Tanaf’s community. The first floor alternates different kinds of atmospheres where open spaces join more intimate alcoves, conceived like slices that could work as a shelter in case of emergency.

n. 4 – Section.
n. 5- Ground floor View.
n. 6 – Diagrams.

The sunlight penetrates through the fissures on the walls and creates an ever-changing environment. Different cults could be performed at the same time in a collective, to enhance the dialogue between the inhabitants, in small groups, or individually as a moment of personal spiritual research.