The Bamiyan Cultural Centre

       The proposal is based on creating a building that will bring an innovation dose into the area but also an integrated and adapted solution related to the existing context. This design is thought to realize a strong link between the historical area, genius loci and the modern architecture, connecting the historic city and the new architecture.

       The innovative design is created through the transition from traditional old architecture to the new one (borrowing local architectural elements, proportions). The connection with the tradition is achieved through the use of courtyards (orientation, daylight, views – visitors); extrapolating, the court represent the heart of the cultural center and at a larger scale, the garden represent the heart of the community.

        The same connection is realized through the use of the local geometric principles, proportions, creating rhythms by repetition, the use of arcs, the niches, and the blind windows. Also the local architectural crafts, the musharabi, all these elements are transposed into a modern manner, in order to create an unique, authentic building that belong to  Bamiyan, ( past, present and future coexist).

       The main idea of this project is the creation of a new community meeting place, a space that revitalize the area and facilitate socialization, knowledge and free expression.

       Based on history, the strategic location of the city facilitated intense cultural and religious exchanges between east and west; it was a time of a great cultural change that significantly contributed to the enrichment of the cultural nationally and internationally cultural heritage.

       Culture, art and tradition is part of everyone's life and the education of the people through these helps to build a better future. As a building addressed to the community, the cultural center of Bamiyan becomes an icon that reflects emotional civic life styles, identity, and describes humanity. In order to create a living, animated space for residents and visitors we proposed a cultural and recreational landscaping. For creating a new meeting place and providing socialization spaces, landscaping plays an essential role.

       So we decided to divide the site in two areas: on the top side to build the cultural center, and bellow we provided integrated viewing platforms planning (and an outside scene for outdoor concerts) -, in order to get a better view toward the Budha Cliff (The viewing platforms are lawn extension with seating areas). There is also an outdoor exhibition area for the workshop( in order to encourage the community participation for decorating the cultural center park, we proposed placing exposure platforms for sculpture and other art objects, made by young artisans in the workshop classes.

       We decided to divide the site in two areas: on the top side to build the cultural center, and bellow we provided integrated viewing platforms planning and in order to get a better view toward the Budha Cliff (the viewing platforms are lawn extension with seating areas). There is also an outdoor exhibition area for the workshop( in order to encourage the community participation for decorating the cultural center park, we proposed placing exposure platforms for sculpture and other art objects, made by young artisans in the workshop classes). In order to create a true green oasis, were planted trees around the site. (a buffer protected zone)

       The proposed construction has one story, in order to integrate into the landscape, with a horizontal force line. The Fluid connection between the interior-exterior is created through the inner courtyards (enlarge the space and the inner spaces appear ,,to open’’). These flexible, open spaces, the dialogue between the landscape and the buildind itsef, creates an exchange center, a landmark where the people can gather, socialize and learn.

       The vital substance of the construction of all time is to learn from nature, and this represent a traditional thinking in history .  

        It is important unlocking the potential of the area, the use of local resources to give authenticity and to create a dialogue with the surroundings; therefore we integrated the Bamiyan Valley view into the building design, using the niche element (the exhibition space façade has a special treatment, creating a link, an dialogue with Buda Cliff )

       The cultural center answer to the area needs, being simple and compact and the design based on courtyards helps the natural light to be filter inside. To avoid overheating in summer, on the east and south side there are less windows and are used the skylights ( zenith light); the role of parasolars is taken by the musharabi.

       The adopted solution to construct an one story building  is economical and efficient because  it  does not require extra cost to build a new floor (eliminate the cost to build ramps, stairs and an extra floor); the building support energetic itself because of the photovoltaic panels on the roof. The waste resulting from demolition of the existing buildings on the site will be recycled and will be used in building's stairs, roads and landscaping.

       Because the design is adapted to the historical area, local arisans can execute the majority elements of the building:  niches, arches,  musharabi, thus sparing additional cost. The construction color also helps the integration due to the pigment similar the enviroment. This project realization is based on the idea to express the community cultural identity and authentic regional architecture, creating a continuity between past and present, a transition between old and new, preserving the identity and elements that define it.

       The main idea of the construction into a historical context is the integration and adequacy of the new construction into a historical site, in order to restore coherence, unity and affinity. The transition, old -new architecture, is accomplished by interpreting the defining elements in a modern manner ,, borrowing’’ elements and proportions, all in order to create a step forward, a new legacy for future generations.

“The Bamiyan Cultural Centre Design Competition”; Bamiyan, Afghanistan