Ben Enwonwu African Museum of Design, Lagos, Nigeria

University of Ilorin, Ilorin

Project idea

There is hardly any history of Africa without the mention of slavery, it is an
integral part of our story as a people which is why we have chosen our design
concept to tell this story as a form of historical preservation. The form of the proposed African Museum of design draws its inspiration from a handcuff in the form of two shackles one locked and the other open to express captivity and freedom connected with a chain which represents the journey through both stages.

After touring the building, one would have absorbed the African story in a contemporary way while serving its purpose as it would be a place of encounter and interdisciplinary conversations.

Project description

The locked shackle is seen resting on all sides in a manner that represents that
it has succumbed to defeat, it is on this part the entrance which is not elaborate lies to mourn one’s entry into captivity. The other part of the cuff is connected through a hexagonal walkway constructed with recycled plastic which represents the chain and overlooks the outdoor exhibition and workshops to encourage experiential learning, it is through this path one connects to the
shackle that represents freedom- its form stands gallantly on one side to express victory and its façade is enveloped with photovoltaic panels to trap solar energy
for the building’s use which are arranged in a parallel zigzag like pattern which translates to the fact that nothing in life is straightforward and a chequerboard
black and white triangles which represents the separation of bondage from freedom.

Technical information

On the inside, the envelope of the closed shackle casts shadows to mimic that of palm fronds to give a dramatic effect and to include a sense of the environment
into the space. Also, the floors are connected with a number of steps positioned at intervals to curb the stress effect and to allow users spend time digesting each piece on display. The open shackle incorporates a courtyard cladded with mirrors to improve the illumination of the surrounding spaces and furthermore invoke a feeling of openness.