In an audacious endeavor to embody democratic principles and recuperate its cultural distinctiveness, the Republic of Benin has assigned Kéré Architecture the responsibility of conceptualizing and crafting the new Benin National Assembly. The architects set out on a mission to create a symbol of national pride that embodies the people's spirit, drawing inspiration from West African tradition.
The Palaver Tree Inspiration
Benin's history is marked by colonial oppression, and the decision to erect a new national assembly building signifies a break from this dark chapter. At the heart of its design process, Kéré Architecture finds inspiration in the palaver tree—a symbol of unity and consensus in West African culture. Traditionally, communities gathered under the shade of this majestic tree to make decisions for the greater good.
Central to the architectural concept is the assembly hall on the ground floor. Here, the dynamic structural elements create a spectacular ceiling, symbolizing the nation's strength and unity. The offices and auxiliary functions, forming the crown of the building, are set back from the façade to filter the intense sunlight, ensuring a comfortable environment within.
Natural Ventilation and Central Courtyard
The building's trunk is hollow, housing a central courtyard that serves as a circulation space. Natural ventilation and indirect light penetrate the plan, creating a harmonious and sustainable environment. The spiral staircase in the very middle of the assembly hall operates as the core where people meet, and the binding element of all the levels around which relations between users can be naturally established.
Outside the enclosure of the building is a part of the land equal to a public park, thus confirming Benin's desire for green spaces and ecological responsibility. This green space demonstrates the country's plants and flowers and encourages residents to spend the day at Porto-Novo Park.
The park's integration reaches the foot of the tall tree as it provides shelter for people to congregate under the shade—an orchestration of formerly conducted meetings by community members in the olden days. This signifies the democratic nature of the assembly hall, whereby the nation's leaders and the people make decisions for the nation's overall benefit.
(Photo: Kéré Architecture)
Historic Declaration of Independence
A public square in the southeast corner of the building serves as a civic façade to indicate Benin's historic declaration of independence. It is right here that citizens can get together to share and experience their legacy and participate in the democratic process; thus, they create continuity between the past, the present, and the future reality.
Kéré Architecture aims to go beyond mere functionalism when designing a newly built Benin National Assembly and, in the process, create a symbol of both a national identity and democratic ideals. Through careful design and a tribute tuned to tradition, the building will become a symbol of the hope and unity of the people of Benin, influencing many generations to come.
