david adjaye plans martyrs memorial for niamey, niger

adjaye associates, the firm led by sir david adjaye, has revealed its design for a memorial in niamey — the capital and largest city of niger. le mémorial des martyrs, or the ‘martyrs memorial’, is a commemoration to all those lost in the fight against terrorism along the country’s southern and western borders. the architects explain that it has been conceived as a monument to those who lost their lives, a tangible documentation of the continuous fight against extremist entities and the soldiers who have fallen in the process.

all images courtesy of adjaye associates

located at the heart of niamey, the monument also serves as an urban plaza and a multi-use civic gathering space. positioned on a raised triangular plot, adjaye associates’ design seeks to serve as an oasis that provides respite from other activity in the city. approaching the memorial, visitors are greeted with a labyrinth of pillars that soar to a total height of 20 meters (66 ft).

‘each pillar symbolizes the individuals lost, extending towards the niamey sky while grounded and situated in its urban context,’ says adjaye associates. ‘at night, beams of light projecting from the pillars become part of the urban skyline, acting as both a beacon of remembrance and a visual guide toward the civic heart of niamey.’ providing respite from the region’s intense heat, the sheltered ground level has been designed to accommodate a variety of events. geometric perforations bring a play of light and shadow into this space.

the project’s materials have been chosen to contribute to the memorial’s sensory effect, as well as practical reasons. concrete, the primary material, and accent materials such as bronze colored frames and perforated steel panels, require little maintenance and add to both the endurance and durability of the structure. see other recently featured projects by adjaye associates on designboom here, including another memorial planned for london.

project info:

name: le mémorial des martyrs
location: niamey, niger
architecture/landscape/interiors: adjaye associates
sustainability & lighting design: steensen varming
area: 4,000 sqm / 43,056 sqf