Centre for Earth Architecture
Completed
2010
Mopti, Mali
480 sqm
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Structural engineering: Pichler Ingenieure GmbH, Berlin
Construction management and supervision: Aga Khan Trust for Culture: Christophe Bouleau, Christian Belinga, Salif Koné
The construction of the Centre for Earth Architecture completes the programme carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in Mopti, Mali, including the restoration of a mosque and the construction of a new sewerage system. The building hosts exhibition spaces and educational facilities promoting the region’s heritage of traditional earth architecture, and is itself designed to be a showcase of clay construction techniques.
The site lies on the edge of a lake and has been backfilled to create a publicly accessible lakeside, with a promenade adjacent to the flood barrier. The building is aligned along the same axis as the nearby mosque and its height corresponds to the surrounding urban fabric so that the view of the mosque’s spectacular earth spires is not compromised. The design responds to the needs of Mopti’s district management and visitors to the area, as well as the local community, and is divided into three different buildings united under two roofs.
The walls and barrel vaults of the centre are made out of exposed compressed stabilised earth blocks (BTC), held together with clay mortar. These are very well suited to the regional climate, creating a natural temperature buffer between inside and outside. The overhanging roof keeps the walls cool and provides shaded outdoor spaces. The building is naturally ventilated through openings in the walls and vaults, massively reducing its energy consumption.
The construction of the Centre for Earth Architecture completes the programme carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in Mopti, Mali, including the restoration of a mosque and the construction of a new sewerage system. The building hosts exhibition spaces and educational facilities promoting the region’s heritage of traditional earth architecture, and is itself designed to be a showcase of clay construction techniques.
The site lies on the edge of a lake and has been backfilled to create a publicly accessible lakeside, with a promenade adjacent to the flood barrier. The building is aligned along the same axis as the nearby mosque and its height corresponds to the surrounding urban fabric so that the view of the mosque’s spectacular earth spires is not compromised. The design responds to the needs of Mopti’s district management and visitors to the area, as well as the local community, and is divided into three different buildings united under two roofs.
The walls and barrel vaults of the centre are made out of exposed compressed stabilised earth blocks (BTC), held together with clay mortar. These are very well suited to the regional climate, creating a natural temperature buffer between inside and outside. The overhanging roof keeps the walls cool and provides shaded outdoor spaces. The building is naturally ventilated through openings in the walls and vaults, massively reducing its energy consumption.
