Proposed Bahai Temple in DR Congo by cmDesign Atelier features a Distinct Folded Roof

Client
Bahá’í World Centre
Architect
cmDesign Atelier
Structural Engineers
Starkwood Associates

cmDesign Atelier were invited to take part in a closed competition to design the regional temple for the Bahai faith in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The project involved the master planning of the entire site in addition to all supporting buildings.

The design concept retains the typology required for a Bahai temple, but also draws inspiration from the Kabu people (also known as the Bakuba people) living in the south-eastern democratic republic of Congo between Kasai and Samkuru rivers. The Kuba people are known for their textiles featuring distinctive geometric patterns. Their textile patterns demonstrate a taste for interrupting the expected line; they compose through juxtapositions of sharply differing units and abrupt shifts of form.

Subscribe
Subscribe to stay updated on featured projects, design news and insights across Africa.

I have read and agree to the privacy policy

THE DESIGN LIST