haduwa arts + culture institute in ghana protected by dynamic bamboo canopy

offering a rich opportunity to incorporate the surrounding urbanity of the fishing town of apam in ghana, the ‘haduwa arts & culture institute’ has been designed by a team from the [applied] foreign affairs, institute of architecture of the university of applied arts vienna. the project provides a space for individuals and collectives from diverse cultural backgrounds to unfold their creativity and artistic production in the field of theatrical, spatial, and sound performance. using architecture as the tool to bring local communities together.

the pavilion sits by the atlantic ocean
image © chrili car | main image © baerbel mueller

sitting adjacent to the atlantic ocean, the exposed structure serves as an open-air auditorium and an inviting space, while adapting to the site’s topography. featuring a bamboo roof canopy, the construction utilizes this natural material and concrete bases supply the support from underneath. the stage itself is spacious enough to host markets, exhibitions, performances and structurally, 41 membrane covered arches provide protection from wind and sun exposure.

41 bamboo arches were used to create the curved roof canopy
image © baerbel mueller

the use of bamboo is a significant element within the project. couple with its sustainability, durability and low costs, the appeal provides a profitable income for the locals. this ecological component creates jobs, thus promoting responsibility to preserve nature.

the central stage is entirely covered and protected from the sun
image © daniel aschwanden

the rising and descending structure invites passers-by to enter and explore the new form of open space
image © martin hess

the roof provides protection from the wind as well as sun exposure
image © baerbel mueller

the skill of using bamboo will generate jobs for the local hands-craftsmen
image © baerbel mueller

bamboo structure
image © baerbel mueller

the performance space expands to create sequences of alternative stages
image © daniel aschwanden

the overall aim of the project is to achieve an ecological environment through architecture
image © baerbel mueller

the auditorium demonstrates the benefits of using bamboo as a main building material
image © baerbel mueller

image © chrili car

the stage offers an opportunity to incorporate the surroundings and become a landmark for local communities
image © daniel aschwanden

the design and construction team
image © daniel aschwanden

project info:

project: haduwa arts & culture institute
program: cultural institution
location: apam, central region, ghana
concept and architecture: [applied] foreign affairs, institute of architecture,
university of applied arts vienna
project team (design and realization): christian car, joseph hofmarcher, ilias klis, joana lazarova, ewa lenart,
ioana petkova, philipp reinsberg, with antonella amesberger , andrea sachse and jürgen strohmayer
project head: baerbel mueller
bamboo construction consultant: jörg stamm
structural engineering: klaus bollinger, bollinger-grohman-schneider consulting
construction consultant: franz sam