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2019 RAIC International Prize: Shortlist | Artists’ Residence and Cultural Center of Sinthian, Senegal
Sinthian, Senegal
Located in a remote community seven hours from Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and near the border of Mali, Thread: Artists’ Residence and Cultural Center serves as a cultural and social hub for a network of isolated villages. In addition to housing an artists’ residency for local a… Read More
Located in a remote community seven hours from Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and near the border of Mali, Thread: Artists’ Residence and Cultural Center serves as a cultural and social hub for a network of isolated villages designed by Toshiko Mori Architect.
In addition to housing an artists’ r… Read More
Toshiko Mori Architect's design inverts the traditional pitched roof, creating shaded studio areas around the perimeter of a courtyard. The inversion of the roof allows for the collection and storage of rainwater in cisterns, providing a viable water reserve during the region’s eight-month dry seaso… Read More
The evolving functions of Thread’s building have allowed it to quickly become a part of community life and help villagers improve their lives. For example, dance festivals have fostered cultural exchange among the region’s many ethnic groups.
Photo by Iwan Baan
The jurors of the RAIC International Prize stated, “The jury appreciated the simplicity of the material palette and the honesty of the detailing and architectural language. . . .The flowing curves of the thatch and bamboo are a celebration of local technology and craft, and provide a tangible symbol… Read More
“Thread has become a true centre of the community, an inspiring example of what a close-knit community can do with a modest budget, an imaginative design team and many hands and minds working together.”
Photo by Iwan Baan
The inversion of the roof allows for the collection and storage of rainwater in cisterns, providing a viable water reserve during the region’s eight-month dry season.
Inspired by local building techniques, the design used only local materials, including bamboo and compressed earth blocks made on… Read More
The Thread: Artists’ Residence and Cultural Center designed by Toshiko Mori Architect features a library for community members to connect.
Photo by Iwan Baan
In addition to housing an artists’ residency for local and visiting artists, the centre serves the community as a gathering space, performance centre, public library, tree nursery, water source, and base for agricultural training and economic development.
Photo by Iwan Baan
