kéré architecture breaks ground on its goethe institut dakar in senegal

a space for cultural exchange in senegal

the team at kéré architecture breaks ground on its goethe institut, a new school and community space in dakar, capital of senegal. the project marks a new milestone for the german cultural exchange center goethe institut e.V., who had for the first time in its history commissioned the architects with the design of a purpose-built space all the way from concept to construction. while the location is among its main hubs in west africa, the team notes that ‘the collaboration expresses the goethe institut dakar’s wish to set an example of what cultural exchange looks like in the 21st century.’

today’s groundbreaking ceremony, pictured below, was attended by studio founder francis kéré along with german federal president frank-walter steinmeier.

entrance to the goethe institute senegal | render by kéré architecture

groundbreaking at the goethe institut dakar

with its goethe institut dakar, kéré architecture (see more here) will create a place for visitors and employees alike which celebrates the layered and storied culture of the senegal capital. now broken ground, the project will be at once welcoming and versatile, and will express the vast and complex history of cultural encounters. the project asks a diverse gathered community to to define an inclusive and sustainable future.

exterior view of the goethe institute senegal | render by kéré architecture

a design informed by the baobab trees

kéré architecture sites its goethe institut dakar within a residential area and lush garden. the project maintains respect for its neighbors — including the léopold sédar senghor museum — and the natural environment at once. functions range from exhibitions and language courses, to concerts and informal gatherings, all within a compact two-story building shaped to mirror the canopy of the baobab trees which have long occupied the site.

the structure itself serves as a shield that simultaneously protects the surrounding occupants from any potential noise and its own visitors from traffic sounds. a second translucent skin made from the same locally sourced bricks as the structural walls ensures a light appearance.

classroom at the goethe institute senegal | render by kéré architecture

the functions of the institute

most of the public activities are located on the ground floor, including an auditorium, a cafeteria and the library, while administrative offices and classrooms are on the first floor. the rooftop is accessible, offering further space for interaction and echoing the garden below by way of tree-shaped pillars that hold up the roof covering the area. the architecture as a whole is committed to a sustainable approach that ensures that this newest addition to the cityscape leaves little footprints, besides the actual space it occupies.

goethe institute senegal at night | render by kéré architecture
groundbreaking ceremony | francis kéré, abdoulaye saydou sow, frank-walter steinmeier
groundbreaking ceremony | federal president of germany frank-walter steinmeier
groundbreaking ceremony | francis kéré, baaba maal, abdoulaye saydou sow, frank-walter steinmeier
francis kere, philip küppers (goethe institute dakar director), federal president of germany frank-walter steinmeier