4 CASE STUDIES 4.2 GOETHE-INSTITUT DAKAR

Location

The project’s site is a reflection of the diverse, multi-layered and historic cultural fabric of Dakar and the enormous baobab tree that surrounds the structure has great symbolic significance for the Senegalese. [1]

[1] https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kere-architecture-goethe-institute-dakar-senegal-groundbreaking-02-22-2022/

Architecture

The architecture calls for a diverse community to come together and gather in this enclosed space. [2] In order to avoid the site’s existing trees and provide a central courtyard-like area, the building’s L-shaped form was devised mimicking the contour of the trees. [1] This form also provides soundproofing between the interior and the exterior traffic protecting occupants and visitors from noise. [2]

The walls offers privacy to users while also providing views through the peroforations, made from locallyproduced BTC and laterite bricks. BTC stands for Brique de Terre Comprimée, i.e. air-dried rammed earth bricks, which are also used for load-bearing walls and are intended to give them a light appearance while regulating the indoor climate naturally. [3]

The design as a whole is follows a sustainable strategy that guarantees that this addition leaves minimal footprint. [2]

[2] https://www.german-architects.com/de/architecture-news/meldungen/goethe-institut-dakar-von-francis-kere

[3] https://www.kerearchitecture.com/work/building/goethe-institut-dakar