GREEN AMPHITEATRE : REHABILITATION OF THE THEATRE POPULAIRE DESIRE BONOGO

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY - MAIN CAMPUS (INDANG)

Project idea

The Theatre Populaire Idea(l) is a first step of a bigger intention that is the real sustainable rehabilitation of the Theatre Populaire. This step might serve as the call to action, call for a political commitment necessary for the realisation. The visibility of the idea competition might work as a catalyst for change. The ambition is also to integrate open idea competitions to the common practice of private or public stakeholders, to offer national and international practitioners, researchers, creatives and others a framework of expression, and allow the mixing of different artistic disciplines.

Transregional inspiration in terms of quality of the reflexion – the CDC is an important institution, internationally recognized and respected and its followers are from all over the world, with the active online communication we hope to foster global exchange of new ideas
Attractivity - creating the discussion about the “smart and sustainable theatre” might attract the investments. It is a capacity and prosperity building, not only for the CDC but for the district of Samandin and for the whole cultural environment of Burkina Faso.

Changing the construction patterns – the idea competition wants to stimulate and inspire people in their own personal initiatives as well as in unconventional entrepreneurship actions.

Project description

Architecture sends a silent message to everyone walking into any place. It tells you what to expect and where the limits of behavior are. And at the very core of human nature is an instinct to gather together with one another and share our experiences and perspectives—to tell and hear stories. An amphitheater is not simply a space for watching a performance. A successful theatre supports the emotional exchange between the performer and the audience, and the exchange audience members create between one another. There is no ideal theatre that one-size-fits-all formula but in my view, there is a music in the body, music in the mind, and music in the heart. And when they are played together in harmony, the soul leaps up to act and dance whatever the setting they have.

The concept for the sustainable rehabilitation of this deserted green amphitheater known as “Theatre Populaire” is the brilliance of Biophilic Design infused with a Vernacular Vibe. One distinction to make about biophilic design is its architectural approach in reconnecting building users with nature. Biophilia is a design philosophy which literally means a love of living things that incorporates natural elements into the built form. The choice of a material also implies a suitable constructive technique in an appropriate architecture like the use of clay brick for the walls that are intended to echo the town’s existing brick and earth-based buildings. The warmth and texture of the brick surfaces is complemented by the timber that wraps across the aesthetic mantra of the whole development. These proposes a description of the vernacular construction. It is more than a cultural anchor that belongs to the community at large, it will be a vibrant center of spontaneous public gathering that promotes the community, supports local businesses, and nurtures art and culture.

An amphitheater in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and kinder to the environment. The sources of inspiration, the roots and concepts behind the style, and the environmental challenges to be met are themed to match the community in which it is located.

Technical information

The Masonic Amphitheatre is a cultural anchor that belongs to the community at large. It is a vibrant center of spontaneous public gathering that promotes community, supports local businesses, and nurtures the arts.

The use of clay brick for the walls are intended to echo the town's existing brick and sandstone buildings. The warmth and texture of the brick surfaces is complemented by the timber that wraps across the underside of the expansive roof.