BENIN'S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
BY KÉRÉ ARCHITECTURE
The project takes inspiration from the palaver tree, the age-old West African tradition of meeting under a tree to make consensual decisions in the interest of a community.
The palaver tree is a timeless symbol, having borne witness to previous generations and inspiring respect for the majestic forces of nature.
The ceiling created by the dynamic reach of the structure, generated a crown. Set back from the deep façade, it filters the strong sunlight.
On the top floor, a roof terrace offers sweeping views over the city and the lagoon in the distance.
A spiral staircase in its centre connects the assembly hall on the ground floor to the offices above.
The trunk is hollow, creating a central courtyard that allows circulation spaces to be naturally ventilated and indirect light to penetrate the plan.
The assembly hall is located on the ground floor, its spectacular ceiling created by the dynamic reach of the structure, which supports the functions above.
LOBBY OF ASSEMBLY HALL
WORDS BY KERE'S PRITZKER AWARD FOR 2022
I am hoping to change the paradigm, push people to dream and undergo risk. It is not because you are rich that you should waste materials. It is not because you are poor that you should not try to create quality
"Everyone deserves quality ,everyone deserves luxury and everyone deserves comfort .we are interlinked and concerns in climate ,democracy and scarcity are concerns for us all."