balouo salo uses earth-filled bags for multipurpose cultural center and museum in senegal

Cultural Center And Museum Of Traditions by Balouo Salo

The Multipurpose Cultural Center and Museum of Traditions in Tanaff, Senegal, designed by the humanitarian organization Balouo Salo, embodies a model of international solidarity and sustainable innovation. Located in the Sédhiou region, the center aims to preserve local traditions and support cultural and tourism development, providing new opportunities for the local community. The project is dedicated to conserving ancient objects at risk of disappearing, displayed in the museum space to promote cultural tourism and economic growth.

The center’s design and construction were driven by sustainability, utilizing the ‘Earthbags’ technique—employing locally sourced, earth-filled bags compacted and finished with natural materials like raw earth and straw. With 65-centimeter-thick walls, the structure offers excellent thermal insulation, keeping interiors cool in the sub-Saharan heat. The innovative roof design facilitates natural ventilation, creating an energy-efficient and comfortable environment. These techniques demonstrate how humanitarian efforts can incorporate advanced sustainable practices.

all images courtesy of Balouo Salo

Balouo Salo Empowers Communities through Collective Action

A key aspect of the project was the active involvement of the local community. Humanitarian organization Balouo Salo trained local residents—many of whom were former farmers and unemployed individuals—in sustainable construction techniques, creating a team that worked on the building for over eight months, led by engineer and activist Raoul Vecchio, president of Balouo Salo. This collaborative process transformed the construction site into an open-air training laboratory, empowering the community while fostering skills and self-reliance. More than 800 volunteers, including local students and women’s groups, participated in the project, making it a genuine example of collective participation.

The center not only serves as a museum but also as an educational space. It hosts seminars, training courses, and conferences, aiming to enhance cultural awareness, education, and entrepreneurship in the region. The museum features unique cultural artifacts, such as the ‘Bombolong Mancagne’ ritual instrument and the ‘Kankourang Mandinga’ traditional costume, both significant in local traditions and heritage. These artifacts, along with the museum’s emphasis on local culture, aim to attract tourism and stimulate the regional economy.

the Multipurpose Cultural Center in Tanaff embodies international solidarity and sustainable innovation

Supported by international fundraising efforts and partnerships, including the Kaira Looro competition, the project has garnered recognition for its sustainable, community-driven approach. Managed by a team of historians, educators, and anthropologists, the center will ensure the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage and the promotion of educational initiatives. Balouo Salo’s work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, turning local traditions into tools for empowerment and growth, offering a model for international solidarity and sustainable development.

the center by Balouo Salo aims to preserve traditions and promote cultural tourism in the Sédhiou region

the project fosters economic growth by promoting cultural tourism through artifact conservation

a roof designed for natural ventilation enhances the building’s energy efficiency

built with the ‘Earthbags’ technique, the center uses locally sourced materials like earth and straw

local residents, including former farmers, were trained in sustainable construction techniques

over 800 volunteers participated in building the center, making it a collective achievement

earth-filled bags compacted and finished with natural materials like raw earth and straw were employed

Balouo Salo’s work turns local traditions into tools for empowerment and growth

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ancient objects at risk of disappearing are displayed in the museum, highlighting local heritage

 

 

 

project info:

name: Multi-purpose Cultural Center And Museum Of Traditions
designer: Balouo Salo Humanitarian Organization | @balouosalo

architect: Raoul Vecchio

sponsors and donors: 5×1000, Kaira Looro, Private donors, Unifix, Pollination project, 8×1000 UCEBI, Africa Baches, Archimedes prints
local partners and collaborations: Tanaff Municipality, Culture Commission of Tanaff Municipality, Jamm Senegal, Associations des Femmes de Tanaff, Ecole Tanaff 1, Eau et Forex Tanaff, Tanaff naa Banko, SynergiePlus
collaboration and consulting: Simona Cirami, Fossar Soaune, Dario Distefano, Jali Diabate, Filippo Condorelli, Moustapha Kouyate
project management: Raoul Vecchio
construction team: Raoul Vecchio, Mamath Ndiaye, Malan Saminanko, Omar Faty, Ousmane Ballo, Aliou Korobong, Mamadou Kande, Amadou Kouyate, Moussa Kouyate (soudeur), Ismaile Biaye (minusiere), SynergiePlus, Tanaff Municipality

location: Tanaff, Senegal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom