Bamiyan museum and cultural center
2015
The building is located close to the archaeological ruins of Bamiyan, in northern Afghanistan, in an area of great cultural significance, considered a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is a rural, rugged valley, framed by the mountains that surround the landscape, strongly linked to the gigantic statues of Buddha, which until 2001 existed on its slopes.
The building smoothes the topographical difference between the two levels of the land, connecting them, from the inside and from the outside. Entrance is on both levels, clearly organizing the program, which is divided into two distinct areas: the spaces for education and research – on the lower floor – and the exhibition room – on the upper floor, benefiting of wide and high spaces. A central courtyard draws a green oasis, which is key to the articulation of the different floors of the building. There is no visual separation between the spaces, connected by the patio, but also by the circulations and atriums.
In order to protect the cultural and social heritage of this place, as well as the community itself, local materials and construction systems are used, implying less energy expenditure in its production and transport, promoting the local economy.
[international competition; with Pedro Silva Architects]