RÉHABILITATION OF THE THÉÂTRE POPULAIRE DÉSIRÉ BONOGO

Gdańsk Technical University (Politechnika Gdańska), Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk

Project idea

Is it important to feel the authenticity of the area? And is it valuable to remember traditions? The idea of ​​the project is to introduce something new into an existing old. Authentic - means real, genuine. Authenticity is reflected in local ornaments, materials, landscape, food, and of course in the people themselves. People and their sensations will always come first, because architecture is for people. When making the project of the theater, we had a special place in mind - a place which would be the meeting point for people. A place, which would unite and develop. A place, which would inspire the spirit of tradition and pride, where people could become a part of the building and where, by common labor, at the end they could feel unite. Simple designs with local materials, perforation, a variety of ornaments and landscape -this is what will help to mirror the spirit of Burkina Faso.

Project description

To emphasize the traditions of Burkina Faso, only locally produced materials were used in this project: brick, wood, clay, as well as a metal coating on the roof. In addition to materials, details played an important role in the formation of new objects. We used blinds with a traditional pattern, openwork wooden elements, perforated walls. Climatic conditions are one of the most important factors in our project. The theater should function regardless of the weather and also benefit from the local climate. Water and greenery are vital components of our project. The rainy season is a characteristic phenomenon for this region. Therefore, in the concept we used many elements for retention of water.
With the help of terraces it is possible to protect the facade from the hot sun. Orchards located near the restaurant are an additional source of food, and planting new green spaces could become the basis for teaching children agriculture. An important resource is the sun. It could be a source of energy. The project assumes installation of solar panels on already existing facilities. It was important to organize the space in such a way that all objects could interact and function properly. The labo and work areas are located directly next to each other. Thus, we created a kind of patio between these zones. The entrance to the theater, with a ramp for people with reduced mobility, is organized from the patio. An additional entrance was provided on the west side of the building, as well as the possibility of delivering decorations. The existing stage was expanded to the required size, and behind it there’s a two-story building with all the necessary facilities for the proper functioning of the amphitheater. Near the theater there was a lab area - 3 objects under one roof. This structure promotes air circulation between buildings.
An analysis of the area revealed the main axis that connects the amphitheater to the existing CDC office. Along it, we placed objects of the Show zone. The restaurant with an open terrace is located near the additional entrance to the plot on the west side. Temporary tents can be accommodated along the pedestrian paths. On the east side there is a gallery with a place for a workshop. It also provides the required number of toilets in the area. They are divided into blocks, which helps to maintain all functional areas. Each unit has toilets for people with reduced mobility.
Technical information

Technical information

The buildings were designed to simplify working process and minimize costs of building using cheap and reliable local materials like brick, concrete, wood, metal and also clay as plaster and interior details. Also we considered hot climate of Burkina Faso, so it was very important to create sustainable architecture using low costs and natural resources. Roof with simple metal structure prevents overheating of buildings and also gives us a possibility to collect rain water, which is very scarce in this region. Water collecting is an efficient way for creating green spaces in hot climate. This solution will work as irrigation system for terrace gardens which are located near Labo and Show buildings. With perforated walls and windows with louvres instead glass we created architecture with comfortable climate inside. Air conditioning is represented by bowls with water, which are located under windows. They will help reduce high temperature of incoming air. Holes are also located under ceiling, for normal flowing of air from lowest point of the floor to the highest . Finish surfaces are represented by brick, wood and clay, which will make us feel being in authentic architecture with modern shapes.

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