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The way in which Africans come together to enjoy cultural celebrations traditionally centres on community and public spaces. Fireside storytelling and dancing always seem to take place in the centre of a circle. Art is sold in public and is useful to the community.
But art and performance spaces in Africa are too often imported European structures – white cubes and formal theatres.
Now Europe seems to be looking for African inspiration. The Haduwa Arts and Culture Institute in Ghana is a magnificent bamboo canopy created to function as a meeting space for artists and cultural producers. It was designed by the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna in collaboration with young Ghanaians.
Students from the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana provided input on what kind of stage they wanted to work on.
The design that ensued in Apam in Ghana is a grand arching roof and open workspace set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Made of bamboo, the cultural space is a beautiful example of affordable, durable and sustainable materials in simple design that can create an epic new landmark.
The three arches of the structure face different directions, which is both visually stunning and easy to access. The space is versatile enough to house performances, exhibitions and craft markets.
While it protects visitors and artists from the elements, it is also designed to benefit from natural sunlight and cooling breezes.
